Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - Iginla vs. Nieuwendyk: Who was the better player?

redforever · 10-24-2013, 09:52 PM

I see a lot of comparison with Monahan and Nieuwendyk...in that they have that inate sense of positioning.

Nieuwendyk took one heck of a bruising for positioning himself in front of the net...so much so that Bearcat Murray built him sort of a flak jacket that he wore to protect his back from all the slashes he got in front of the net.

I forget if it was during the Flames first run to the Cup or their second run to the Cup where Nieuwendyk took a vicious slash to the mouth, resulting in a cut tongue and the loss of several teeth. I think he did miss one or two games but he came back with one of those full facial guards, ready to contribute.

I find it very hard to compare Nieuwendyk and Iginla. They played in different eras and they played different positions. While I don't consider Nieuwendyk a power forward like Iginla, he still brought many intangibles to a talent laden team. His face off prowess was almost untouchable and he could always be counted to show up both during the regular season as well as during the playoffs.

And the patented play he and MacInnis had was a beauty to behold.

All I know is I was not happy at all when Nieuwendyk was traded and he still remains one of my all time favorite Flames. So was Iginla. I really don't think I can choose between the two of them.

10-24-2013, 09:52 PM	#125
redforever Franchise Player Join Date: Feb 2006 Exp:	I see a lot of comparison with Monahan and Nieuwendyk...in that they have that inate sense of positioning. Nieuwendyk took one heck of a bruising for positioning himself in front of the net...so much so that Bearcat Murray built him sort of a flak jacket that he wore to protect his back from all the slashes he got in front of the net. I forget if it was during the Flames first run to the Cup or their second run to the Cup where Nieuwendyk took a vicious slash to the mouth, resulting in a cut tongue and the loss of several teeth. I think he did miss one or two games but he came back with one of those full facial guards, ready to contribute. I find it very hard to compare Nieuwendyk and Iginla. They played in different eras and they played different positions. While I don't consider Nieuwendyk a power forward like Iginla, he still brought many intangibles to a talent laden team. His face off prowess was almost untouchable and he could always be counted to show up both during the regular season as well as during the playoffs. And the patented play he and MacInnis had was a beauty to behold. All I know is I was not happy at all when Nieuwendyk was traded and he still remains one of my all time favorite Flames. So was Iginla. I really don't think I can choose between the two of them.