Scotty Hockey Three Stars Of 2007-08

This year I decided that the three stars awarded by the Professional Hockey Writers after each Ranger game were grossly inadequate. The PHW all-too-often made their choices based upon statistics rather than actual performance. So, I took it upon myself to award the Scotty Hockey Three Stars based on toughness and impact. Well, the time has come to tally up all those stars.

As per the typical model, I gave three points to each player when named as the First Star, two points for Second Star and just one for Third. As I regularly awarded co-stars, each of those players were given the points; if they NHL can give three points for some games and two for others, I can be free with my points. As I had no issue being sarcastic, duh, I also gave negative tallies for those smart-alecky stars.

There were three games that I did not make picks due to, well, I can't remember -- all were losses in the first 10 games so I will pretend that they didn't happen. That means that I had 89 games worth of reports to tally up and thus, my excuse for it taking so many weeks after the boys were eliminated to get to this. After doing the math, my brain hurts. I mean, after doing the math, here are the results:

*Opposing players earned 183 points, led by - who else but - Evgeni Malkin. Malkin put up 14 actual points against the Rangers this season in 13 games. He earned 10 'star' points - a tally that would certainly be higher because one of the three games that I missed was against the Pens and he scored the lone goal of the game. As I mentioned, my stars aren't based on statistics so I won't automatically give him first star (the PHW made him second star for that game behind Marc-Andre Fleury, who made 36 saves and if I recall, Hank had a great game too so who knows?). Like I said, I will pretend it didn't happen.

*Three opposing coaches got points - Ted Nolan (10), Claude Julien (6) and Wayne Gretzky (3).

*Tom Renney took just two points.

*That was because the coach was one of four Rangers to get negative/sarcastic points: Renney, Jagr, Straka and Rozy. Actually, Rozy was the only Blueshirt to end up in the red at -3. All four hurt the team severely at various times over the season. Renney made tactical mistakes as well as poor lineup choices. Jagr didn't start leading by example until the playoffs, and his moodiness early on while he tried to get used to his buddy Nylander not being around led to a slow start that cost the team a better playoff position and force them to burn a ton of energy down the stretch just to get into the playoffs. Straka is a good soldier but for someone who gets as much ice time as he does - especially on the power play - 14 goals (including just two in January, two in February, and two in March) is just not enough. As for Rozy, he was shoved into the No. 1 defenseman slot and didn't play like it. His defensive play slipped from last season, leading to an even plus/minus and for all of the talk of his offensive skills, he had just two (actual) points in the entire month of March (13 games) and just one goal in his last 36 games (including playoffs).

*Just two Rangers who played in 10 or more games earned no stars, purely because I couldn't bring myself to even give them negative ones: Marek Malik and Christian Backman (surprise, surprise).

*Even without the dynamic duo, the Blueshirts put together 363 points. That includes vagaries like "penalty killers," "the kids," "defense other than Rozy" and "the iron behind Hank."

*One retired player earned a star: Brian Leetch.

And without further ado, the Scotty Hockey Three Stars of 2008-08:

Brandon Dubinsky/Chris Drury: 37 points - The two Americans were great in their first seasons as Rangers. Dubinsky was a star in 22 games, Drury in just 15. While Dubi is growing into into his role as a leader with just two first stars, Captain Clutch came up big to grab first in eight games. Hopefully their sophomore seasons in red, white and blue will be even better.

Sean Avery: 42 points - Despite missing 11 games due to injury, Avery still managed to come in second. I named him a star 18 times and nine of them were as number one, the most of any player. But that is of no great shock as his importance to the team is well acknowledged. Now we just have to hope that Sather realizes it as well and makes a solid-enough offer to him to ensure another command performance.

Henrik Lundqvist: 57 points - If there is anyone more important than Sean, then it would be Hank. He was a star 29 times thanks to his brilliance and the ineptness of the team's defense. Further proving how valuable goaltending was on this team, his backup Stephen Valiquette was a star in seven of the 13 games he played in.

While the 2008-09 season is sure to feature a few fresh faces, many of the primary characters are under contract and will be back. The moments this year that made these players stars showed just how great the team can be so the thought of Stanley making a return to Broadway is not so far fetched.

One hopes ...

 "Scotty Hockey's Three Stars of the 2007-08 NHL Season"

The 2007-08 NHL season was a remarkable one, filled with memorable moments, outstanding individual performances, and thrilling team rivalries. As we look back on this exciting season, we'll explore the three stars of the year, highlighting their contributions, achievements, and impact on the league. These players left an indelible mark on the sport of ice hockey during this unforgettable season.

FAQ 1: Who were the three stars of the 2007-08 NHL season according to Scotty Hockey?

Scotty Hockey, a well-known hockey analyst and enthusiast, identified three standout players from the 2007-08 NHL season. They were:

Alexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals): Ovechkin's electrifying play earned him the title of the league's most valuable player, capturing both the Hart Trophy and the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy.

Nicklas Lidström (Detroit Red Wings): Lidström's exceptional leadership and defensive prowess helped lead the Detroit Red Wings to the Stanley Cup, earning him the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoffs' most valuable player.

Evgeni Malkin (Pittsburgh Penguins): Malkin's remarkable scoring ability and performance in the playoffs played a crucial role in the Pittsburgh Penguins' journey to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Alexander Ovechkin: The Great 8's Spectacular Season

Alexander Ovechkin, often referred to as "The Great 8," took the NHL by storm during the 2007-08 season. His incredible offensive skills, unparalleled work ethic, and boundless energy made him a force to be reckoned with. Ovechkin led the league in goals with a staggering 65, capturing the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy.

But it wasn't just his goal-scoring ability that set Ovechkin apart. His passion for the game, highlighted by his celebratory antics after scoring goals, endeared him to fans and ignited excitement wherever he played. Ovechkin's performances earned him the Hart Trophy as the league's most valuable player, and he remains one of the most iconic figures in the history of the sport.

Nicklas Lidström: The Quiet Excellence of a Legend

Nicklas Lidström, the legendary defenseman and captain of the Detroit Red Wings, personified excellence on the ice. His leadership, intelligence, and defensive prowess were instrumental in the Red Wings' successful 2007-08 season. Lidström's ability to control the game from the blue line earned him the Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman.

One of the defining moments of Lidström's career came when he hoisted the Stanley Cup as the Red Wings' captain. He was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoffs' most valuable player, cementing his legacy as one of the all-time greats in the NHL. Lidström's quiet demeanor off the ice contrasted with his dominant presence on it, earning him the respect and admiration of teammates and opponents alike.

Evgeni Malkin: Rising to the Occasion

Evgeni Malkin, the talented center for the Pittsburgh Penguins, showcased his extraordinary skill and determination during the 2007-08 season. His 106-point regular-season performance was a testament to his scoring ability and playmaking skills. However, it was in the playoffs that Malkin truly shone.

Malkin's outstanding playoff run, which included 22 goals and 36 points, was instrumental in the Penguins' journey to the Stanley Cup Finals. While they fell short in the Finals, Malkin's performance did not go unnoticed. He was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy, becoming the first Russian-born player to win the award. Malkin's emergence as a superstar marked a new era in Penguins hockey and solidified his place among the league's elite.

FAQ 2: What were the key moments and highlights of the 2007-08 NHL season?

The 2007-08 NHL season was filled with memorable moments and highlights, including:

Winter Classic: The inaugural Winter Classic, held on New Year's Day 2008, featured the Buffalo Sabres facing off against the Pittsburgh Penguins in an outdoor game at Ralph Wilson Stadium. This event became a beloved annual tradition in the NHL.

Red Wings' Stanley Cup Victory: The Detroit Red Wings captured the Stanley Cup by defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins in a thrilling six-game series. Henrik Zetterberg's Conn Smythe-worthy performance and Chris Osgood's steady goaltending were pivotal in the Red Wings' championship run.

Ovechkin's 65-Goal Season: Alexander Ovechkin's remarkable 65-goal season was a standout moment. His scoring exploits, combined with his exuberant celebrations, made him a fan favorite.

Malkin's Playoff Dominance: Evgeni Malkin's playoff heroics, including a five-point performance in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals, showcased his ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments.

: A Season to Remember

The 2007-08 NHL season was a thrilling and unforgettable period in the history of the league. Alexander Ovechkin, Nicklas Lidström, and Evgeni Malkin were the shining stars who defined this season with their outstanding performances and contributions to their respective teams. Their achievements and the memorable moments of that season continue to be celebrated by hockey fans worldwide, reminding us of the magic and excitement that the NHL brings to the world of sports.