Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay Random
Actually, Fleury and Ramage, whom I specifically mentioned, both stepped up big time when Suter was injured in the playoffs. They split his PP time, and Ramage moved up to the #1 D pairing until Suter was able to return. So yes, they did actually win because their 4th line and 3rd pairing were as good as they were.
If you're not even in the top third of #1 centres at a given time, how does that make you elite at your position? That's where Gilmour and Nieuwendyk were then.
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This is a weird argument. Again I’ll ask, how many elite centers have there been in NHL history by your count? Rob Ramage was awesome but he didn’t win the Cup for the Flames. The playoffs were a coming out party for Gilmour whose play met every definition of elite I can think of. Probably the best forward in the NHL through that stretch. Nieuwendyk hadn’t fully matured yet his 50 goals in each year was elite production and he was not as lost defensively as you suggest. Take a look at the goals that team allowed. Elite defensively.
Your assertion Flames have never had an elite center is flat wrong. Suggesting Nilsson was only one who came close makes me think your analysis is woefully one dimensional.