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Top Performers
1. Jaromir Jagr, Penguins
2. Chris Pronger, Blues
3. Pavel Bure, Panthers
4. Scott Stevens, Devils
5. Mike Modano, Stars
OTHER UPS AND DOWNS
• Peter King on the NFL
• Phil Taylor on the NBA
• Tom Verducci on Baseball
• Michael Farber on the NHL
• Ivan Maisel on College Football
• Seth Davis on College Basketball
• Alan Shipnuck on Golf
• Jon Wertheim on Tennis
• Grant Wahl on Soccer
• Richard Hoffer on Boxing
• Tim Layden on Track & Field
• Brian Cazeneuve on Olympic Sports
• Kelli Anderson on Women's Sports
• Mark Bechtel on Motor Sports
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NOMINEE |
THE SKINNY |
| Overrated |
Mats Sundin, Toronto Maple Leafs |
The center's widely considered one of the NHL's 10 best players during the regular season, which is true as far as it goes. But since his days in Quebec, that's only as far as it goes. Sundin has faded in and out like a 5,000-watt radio station during the playoffs. Honorable mention: the Phoenix Coyotes' fast starts. The Winnipeg/Phoenix franchise hasn't won a playoff series since 1987, a helpful reminder that torrid autumns mean little when measured against lousy springs. |
| Underrated |
Mike York, New York Rangers |
The sophomore center was overshadowed by New Jersey's Scott Gomez last year, but York plays both ends of the ice and, after scoring 26 goals as a rookie, could blossom into a 35-goal man. Among the relatively unheralded young players in the league, he'd be the one general managers would most want to grab in a trade. Honorable mention: Mike Eastwood, the St. Louis Blues' extraordinary penalty-killer. |
| Annoying |
Bad ice |
The quality of ice -- which, outside of Edmonton and precious few other rinks, is barely good enough for your Coca-Cola by the end of any period -- is a constant frustration. The general skill level of players has improved considerably since the so-called Golden Age of the 1950s but deteriorating ice often grinds the game to a halt. The NHL, already on the case, must redouble its efforts, not only to improve the spectacle but to ensure player safety. |
| Breakthrough |
Radek Bonk, Ottawa Senators |
For years Bonk looked as if he'd be a bust of near-mythic, Alexandre Daigle proportions, but the gifted center dedicated himself to the game and in 1999-2000 almost doubled his previous best-point total. With the fabulous Marian Hossa and the grinding Magnus Arvedson, Bonk plays on one of the NHL's most dynamic lines. Honorable mention: Owen Nolan, San Jose Sharks. |
| Uplifting |
Trent McCleary, Montreal Canadiens amateur scout |
The Canadiens' fourth-line winger was forced to retire at the start of the year but still barely contains his excitement when talking about prospects in the Western Hockey League. It's a miracle McCleary can talk at all. Last season he took a shot off his throat, one that almost cost him his life and later forced him to re-learn to speak. During his ordeal McCleary, who every day celebrated having the mere opportunity to play in the NHL, never lost his infectious enthusiasm. |
| MVP |
Jaromir Jagr, Pittsburgh Penguins |
Jagr is the one player worth paying $50 to see every night, a winger who plays the game at a higher plateau than the mortals who surround him. Also, in his later years, Jagr has become a solid -- if not quite traditional -- captain who is sure enough of himself to call a players-only meeting and suggest a new offensive system to rookie coach Ivan Hlinka, one Hlinka wisely embraced. Honorable mention: Chris Pronger, St. Louis Blues. |
| Storyline to follow in 2001 |
Crackdown on violence? |
If the NHL has the fortitude to stick to its crackdown on slashing, blows to the head and diving, it will be the first time the league hasn't cried wolf about rules enforcement. Two months into the season some senior referees were already turning a blind eye to some of the fouls that new director of officiating, Andy van Hellemond, had targeted. The acid test will come in the playoffs. |
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