05/03/24
September 12, 2003
New York Rangers star Pavel Bure fails his physical.: Bad knees may keep him off the ice this year. Is retirement next? If he doesn't play the Rangers get $8 million....
I am not on CST. It was regular 'out of bed and should be working time' where I am. if he retires it would be pretty lousy. He used to be pretty good but I guess if you can't go then you can't go.
posted by gspm at 09:28 AM on September 12, 2003
The speculation has already started. Curtis Joseph and Jaromir Jagr have been pencilled in (by the pundits) as taking Pavel's spot on the payroll. The '99 trade looked like desperation from Van City's perspective, but Jovanovski for Bure (this latest knee trouble notwithstanding) was a fair, even trade. Flaws: Doesn't always commit to playing defense. I hope he comes back. In spite of him not being able to pick out his own goalie out of a police line-up (as someone said), he's electrifying, and he always put up the points. He's only played 700 games in twelve seasons; he's missed 110 games. That would have given him 500 goals instead of his 437. He's in Mario Lemieux's class, if they had only been healthy, etc.
posted by Philfromhavelock at 11:09 AM on September 12, 2003
We've been hearing about Jagr to New York for months now. I don't think it's gonna happen. At least I hope it doesn't happen.
posted by Samsonov14 at 12:14 PM on September 12, 2003
I hope it does. And I hope they still suck. That would be great.
posted by Bernreuther at 02:51 PM on September 12, 2003
It's time to ask the obvious question: Does he get into the HOF? Pros: electrifying speed game breaking skills 437 goals in 700 games Five 50+ goal seasons Calder Trophy winner Two-time Richard Trophy winner over a point-per-game career total Cons: only 700 games only two 100+ point seasons never put together 5 consecutive quality seasons never won a Stanley Cup didn't break "milestone" marks of 500 goals or 1000 points In the end, I think he's got a 50% chance of making the hall. He is more deserving than some people in there (Goulet), but I can see where he'll forever be one of the "if only" players everyone talks about, like Eric Lindros.
posted by grum@work at 03:31 PM on September 12, 2003
Robert Goulet played in the NHL?
posted by lilnemo at 03:39 PM on September 12, 2003
Naw - he's in. If they left stiffs like Federko in, the Russian Rocket gets in no problem - second only to Mogilny in goals by former Commies. And his goals-per-game average is like 0.66 - which is up there all-time. (Again a stat, i'm trying to remember as oppose to looking up - so be nice). Incidently, Lindros is like 5th on that list for active players. Plus, hockey loves it's Orr-like 'done before their prime' stories. Succumbing to injury is like, honorable and shit.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 03:47 PM on September 12, 2003
I agree. He almost took the Ranger's Cup for Vancouver. I can still hear the posts ringing. He's been a little bitch at times, but he's was always a thrill when on his game.
posted by garfield at 04:05 PM on September 12, 2003
He's a little jerkass, but the guy was amazing on the ice. He's in for sure.
posted by Samsonov14 at 05:16 PM on September 12, 2003
The HOF has some interesting choices for Russians (or former Soviets) coming up soon: Larionov (an easy choice given his international play BEFORE joining NHL) Fetisov (probably a gimme) Bure (probably) Mogilny (less likely than Bure unless he maintains his level with Toronto, but still probably in) Federov (consistant but not as flashy, but has more awards/hardware than any of the others) I just listed these guys since they are from the era when you either had to defect (the last 3) from USSR or were so old they let you go (the first 2). They paved the way for the rest of the "Soviet invasion" of the next 10 years.
posted by grum@work at 07:26 PM on September 12, 2003
Interesting. Is he HHOF calibre? Bure's stock goes up based on last year's class, Federko, Langway and Gillies. But 2001, Gartner, Fetisov, Hawerchuk, Kurri. Aiee! That's elite company. One thousand career points seems to be the minimum. The only players inducted in the past fifteen years to not have a thousand points were Steve Shutt, Billy Barber, Boby Gainey, defensemen and Clarke Gillies (and players like Woody Dumart). (Not to say 1K is a ticket in. Vincent Damphousse?) They asked the same questions about Lindros when the concussions were bad. No one's talking that now. I'd vote Almo for the Hall; his interview manner plus his hockey skill. The things you learn from the Hockey Hall site: Harry "Apple Cheeks" Lumley.
posted by Philfromhavelock at 12:15 AM on September 13, 2003
Hey, yeah - most of the rumblings I've heard are that he's done. His stride on ice is just not going to be able to handle the knee. GSPM - Tell me it wasn't 4:19AM where you were when you posted this.