EHM: The New Great Debate

[DeToxRox]

Since the last World U-20 Tournament, people (namely American's) have been very vocal in their love of Phil Kessell, and rightfully so. Kessell has it all, and played like a seasoned vet even though the American team played horribly. Soon the debate waged on, who is better.. Sidney Crosby or Phil Kessell?

It's America vs Canada yet again, and now I'll find out.

Using my EHM Hurricanes game, I am going to start comparing the two players. Crosby will reach the NHL first, with Kessell a year behind him. I presently am in January of my game, so we have a bit of a ways to go to see who wins the Crosby lottery, but next year, I think we'll have our own Kessell lottery.

The great debate starts pronto.

[DeToxRox]

Sidney Crosby
6'0", 191 LBS
Hometown: Cole Harbour, NS, CA
Age: 17
Position: Center
Shoots: Left Handed

2004 SEASON

Team: Rimouski (QMJHL)

STATS (Through January 10, 2005)

Games Played: 37
Goals: 39
Assists: 52
Points: 91
+/-: + 70
Avg. Rating: 8.43

2005-06 Outlook

#1 Overall Pick

Minnesota Wild, New York Rangers, Atlanta Thrashers are presently the three worst teams in the NHL.

[DeToxRox]

Phil Kessel
6'0", 183 LBS
Hometown: Madison, WI, USA
Age: 17
Position: Center/Right Winger
Shoots: Right Handed

2004 SEASON

Team: US National Development Team

STATS (Through January 10, 2005)

Games Played: 31
Goals: 49
Assists: 20
Points: 69
+/-: + 58
Avg. Rating: 8.32

2005-06 Outlook

Signed Letter of Intent with the Minnesota Golden Gophers

[illinifan999]

This sounds cool, I'll be reading.

[DeToxRox]

Even though we're up to January 10th, I am gonna go back in time to the World U-20 Championships and do some updated.

[DeToxRox]

12.27.04

USA vs Belarus

USA 6 Belarus 0

Phil Kessel sat out the first game of the tournament nursing a day to day injury from a game with the US National Development Team. His absence from the lineup was barely noticable as the Americans rolled.

[DeToxRox]

Canada vs Sweden

Canada 5 Sweden 0

Sidney Crosby showed his ability to be an all around player, logging the most time of any centers (23:13), yet not contributing any points. He was still +1 and recieved a 9 rating. Crosby was 13 of 26 on faces for an even 50% rate, and had 6 shots on net.

[DeToxRox]

12.28.04

USA vs Russia

USA 5 vs Russia 3

Kessel's first game was a success as he notched a goal, and finished with an 8 rating. He was +1 for the night, and logged the second most ice time out of any RW'ers, as he is slowly being brought along in the US lineup.

12.28.04

Finland vs Canada

Finland 1 vs Canada 2

Crosby didn't have his best game in any regard. He was only rated a 7 for the night with an even +/-. He did log the most ice time of any Canadian forward yet again with over 18 minutes. Yet the numbers don't matter because the Canadians escaped with a hard fought 2-1 victory.

[DeToxRox]

12.30.04

USA vs Czech Republic

USA 6 vs Czech Republic 3

Kessel was huge for the US, notching 2 goals and an assist and going +2 in a First Star effort vs the Czech. He also saw his minutes go from 16 to 19, showing his health is in tip top condition.

Canada vs Slovakia

Canada 6 vs Slovakia 2

Crosby had his own big game, with a goal and an assist for Canada. He was a plus 3, and logged over 23 minutes of ice time. His performance earned him the Third Star as Canada approved to 3-0 as well.

[DeToxRox]

1.1.05

Germany vs Canada

Germany 4 vs Canada 3

In a game all of Canada would love to forget, the Canadians lost a heart breaker to the Germans, and in doing so, giving up a bye in the tournament. Crosby notched a goal, and but he was even for the night. He earned an 8 rating none the less.

1.2.05

Switzerland vs USA

Switzerland 3 vs USA 3

Kessel was knocked out of this game early, and it cost the Americans. Reaggrivating his bruised thigh, Kessel left after scoring a goal, and being +1. He earned an 8 rating for his play in his short time in the game, but the lack of Kessel killed the Americans.

[DeToxRox]

PLAYOFF

Canada vs Russia

Canada 4 vs Russia 1

Crosby played 27 minutes, but didn't reach the score sheet. He only got a 7 rating, as he struggled a bit, but still the game was in hand from the on set, so he wasn't too needed.

[DeToxRox]

SEMIS

USA vs Finland

USA 1 vs Finland 2

Kessel logged 22 minutes of ice time, but didn't reach the score sheet and finished with his own 7 rating. The first loss of the tournament was the most costly for America, as it costs them a shot at the Gold.

Canada vs Germnay

Canada 6 vs Germany 1

Canada got its revenge and more in the rematch. Crosby was third star with his 2 assist performance, logging over 25 minutes of ice time and being a +3. With the win Canada advanced to the gold medal game to take on the Fins, while America will take on Germany for the Bronze.

[DeToxRox]

BRONZE MEDAL GAME

USA vs Germany

USA 4 vs Germany 1

Kessel is held off the stat sheet but has a game worthy of an 8 rating, while also being + 1. The US rebound for the Bronze though they were one horrible game from us getting Kessel vs Crosby for the Gold.

GOLD MEDAL GAME

Canada vs Finland

Canada 6 vs Finland 2

The Canadians put their two best games together when they needed it most, as they steamroll the Fins this time 6-2. Crosby has 2 assists but manages a -1 rating. Still, he again logged the most ice time of any Canadian forward, at over 26 minutes while playing LW.

[DeToxRox]

WORLD JUNIOR SCORING LEADERS

1. Rotislav Olsez (CZE)
5 G, 5 A, 10 PT, +4

2. Dion Phaneuf (CAN)
1 G, 9 A, 10 PT, +3

3. Tomas Kudelka (CZE)
1 G, 8 A, 9 PT, +4

4. Michael Frolik (CZE)
5 G, 3 A, 8 PT, +4

5. Roman Cervenka (CZE)
4 G, 3 A, 7 PT, +3

6. Corey Perry (CAN)
4 G, 3 A, 7 PT, +2

7. Sidney Crosby (CAN)
2 G, 5 A, 7 PT, +5

8. Evgeny Malkin (RUS)
2 G, 5 A, 7 PT, +2

9. Tomas Pospisil (CZE)
1 G, 6 A, 7 PT, +4

10. Martin Wittwer (SUI)
6 G, 0 A, 6 PT, +3

19. Phil Kessel (USA)
3 G, 2 A, 5 PT, +5

[mckerney]

w00t Phil Kessel.

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by mckerney

w00t Phil Kessel.

Indeed. I am sure when I get to next year and sim, he'll totally obliterate the NCAA.

[DeToxRox]

EHM Note: As I am simming, the Minnesota Wild just ended a 32 game streak without winning. They are now 7-29-9.

[DeToxRox]

Sidney Crosby
6'0", 191 lbs
Hometown: Cole Harbour, NS, CA
Age: 17
Position: Center
Shoots: Left Handed

2004 SEASON

Team: Rimouski (QMJHL)

STATS (Through February 1, 2005)

Games Played: 45
Goals: 52
Assists: 64
Points: 116
+/-: + 94
Avg. Rating: 8.58

2005-06 Outlook

#1 Overall Pick

HIGHLIGHTS OF SIM

In the final week, he had 3 games with a 10 rating and was a + 17 in those four games.

[DeToxRox]

Phil Kessel
6'0", 183 LBS
Hometown: Madison, WI, USA
Age: 17
Position: Center/Right Winger
Shoots: Right Handed

2004 SEASON

Team: US National Development Team

STATS (Through Feburary 1, 2005)

Games Played: 38
Goals: 59
Assists: 25
Points: 84
+/-: + 64
Avg. Rating: 8.34

2005-06 Outlook

Signed Letter of Intent with the Minnesota Golden Gophers

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS

Kessel had 9 goals in 8 games during the month.

[DeToxRox]

I simmed to Mid-April so I can quickly get to the draft. So coming up are the final #'s for Crosby and Kessel, and reports on the two from my scouts.

[DeToxRox]

Update. I went ahead and just finished the year. We're just past the draft so who gets Crosby, the Q playoffs and Memorial Cup will all be coming.

[DeToxRox]

Sidney Crosby
6'0", 191 LBS
Hometown: Cole Harbour, NS, CA
Age: 17
Position: Center
Shoots: Left Handed

2004 SEASON

Team: Rimouski (QMJHL)

REGULAR SEASON STATS

Games Played: 37
Goals: 81
Assists: 86
Points: 167
+/-: + 133
Avg. Rating: 8.74

PLAYOFF STATS

Games Played: 15
Goals: 32
Assists: 22
Points: 54
+/-: + 33
Avg. Rating: 9.47

2005-06 Outlook

#1 Overall Pick

To which team is the quesiton?

[DeToxRox]

Phil Kessel
6'0", 183 LBS
Hometown: Madison, WI, USA
Age: 17
Position: Center/Right Winger
Shoots: Right Handed

2004 SEASON

Team: US National Development Team

STATS

Games Played: 55
Goals: 82
Assists: 40
Points: 122
+/-: + 40
Avg. Rating: 8.38

2005-06 Outlook

Signed Letter of Intent with the Minnesota Golden Gophers

[Scholes]

Let's hope the Wild can get Crosby, then with Kessel at the Gophers, hockey in Minnesota will be dino-tight!

[DeToxRox]

2005-05 MEMORIAL CUP

Rimouski Oceanic - QMJHL Champions
London Knights - OHL Champions
Vancouver Giants - WHL Champions
Peterborough Petes - Wildcard

GAME ONE

Rimouski vs Vancouver

Rimouski 2 vs Vancouver 1

Crosby scores a goal for Rimouski in the 2-1 win over the WHL Champs. Crosby finishes + 1 with an 8 rating.

GAME TWO

Rimouski vs London

Rimouski 2 vs London 2

In a battle of perhaps the top two players in the tournament (Robbie Schremp and Sidney Crosby) as well as the two top teams, they skated to a 2-2 tie. Crosby was awful going - 1 and only accumlating a 6 rating.

GAME THREE

Rimouski vs Peterborough

Rimouski 4 vs Peterborough 2

Crosby redeemed himself with a 2 assist game. He was + 1 with an 8 rating in a W that clinched Rimouski with the top record in the Round Robin portion of the Memorial Cup, and a bye into the finals.

ROUND ROBIN STANDINGS

Rimouski: 2-0-1 = 5 points (Bye)
London: 1-0-2 = 4 points
Vancouver: 1-1-1 = 3 points
Peterborough: 0-3-0 = 0 points (Eliminated)

PLAYOFF

Vancouver vs London

The O dominated the WHL as London triumphed 6-1, setting up the anticipated rematch between Crosby and Schremp in the Memorial Cup finals.

FINALS

Rimouski (QMJHL) vs London (OHL)

Rimouski 2 vs London 5

Crosby had an assist and was - 1 with an 8 rating in the loss to London. Schremp went scoreless but as a whole London was too much for the Oceanic. Danny Syrvet, the Knights Captain was named games MVP.

[DeToxRox]

QMJHL YEAR END AWARDS

These are the accolades he won ..

CHL All Star Team
QMJHL All Star Team
QMJHL Offensive Player of the Year
QMJHL Guy Lafleur Award
QMJHL Michel Briere Award
QMJHL Jean Beliveau Award

Pretty much a clean sweep.

[DeToxRox]

2004-05 NHL DRAFT LOTTERY

.. And the 2004-05 NHL Draft Lottery Winners are ...

THE COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS!!

[DeToxRox]

I'll post a top 6 (since I had the 6th pick) but if you guys wanna know who went where or who picked who, just let me know and I'll get you whatever you need.

2004-05 NHL DRAFT

1. Columbus Blue Jackets - C, Sidney Crosby (Rimouski, QMJHL) [ISS Ranking: #1]
2. Minnesota Wild - C/RW, Benoit Poulit (Sudbury, OHL) [ISS Ranking: #3]
3. Atlanta Thrashers - RW, Bobby Ryan (Owen Sound, OHL) [ISS Ranking: #4]
4. New York Islanders - C/RW, Gilbert Brule (Kootenay, WHL) [ISS Ranking :#5]
5. Edmonton Oilers - C, Ilya Zubov, (Russia) [ISS Rankng: #6]
6. Carolina Hurricanes - C, Alex Bourett, (Lewiston, QMJHL) [ISS Ranking: #2]

[DeToxRox]

Some notes while I sim..

The Jackets have the sickest young line in the NHL in Nash/Crosby/Zherdev.

Zubov is perhaps the most dynamic player in the draft with a 20 already in Creativity and will be a guy I think will do some damage.

Bourett helps my team out tremendously. A future lineup of Staal/Bourett/Ladd is quite intriguing.

My second third round pick was Brian Lee, the HS Defensemen from Wisconsin who played in this years U-20 tournament. I am excitied to see how he developes.

[Travis]

GOOOOOOO OILERS!

Sorry, had to be done. Be interesting to see what they can do if Zubov becomes a true 1st line center. Nice to see the #2 rated guy fall to you in the 1st round.

Good luck, I'll definitely be reading.

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by Travis

GOOOOOOO OILERS!

Sorry, had to be done. Be interesting to see what they can do if Zubov becomes a true 1st line center. Nice to see the #2 rated guy fall to you in the 1st round.

Good luck, I'll definitely be reading.

Ha thanks, Trav.

I'll keep you posted on how Zubov does. Offensivley he seems to be like a Pavel Datsyuk, but we'll have to wait and see about his all around game.

[DeToxRox]

[DeToxRox]

Update coming .. I have Crosbys screenies, but nowhere to upload them to. Once either of my sources (cough cough Jeeber and Ice hack hack) are available, I'll get them up

[DeToxRox]

Stupid photobucket resizes the images. I'll have to fix the Crosby screens unless someone can help with a better way of uploadage.

[DeToxRox]

F it. I'll resize the images later. Let me go ahead with some of happenings and then post them.

[DeToxRox]

The NHL Released their season preview today.

The top 5 read like a whos who of previous studly teams..

1. Colorado
2. Toronto
3. Detroit
4. New Jersey
5. Ottawa

Meanwhile, the Columbus Blue Jackets fall to a lowly 26th.

Regardless, their pre-season Team MVP is named as.. Sidney Crosby!

Ahead of Rick Nash .. That's impressive.

Their key new addition? Marc-Andre Fleury who was aquired in a deal for Danny Fritsche, a prospect and a 2nd round pick.

With a core group that includes Nash, Crosby, Zherdev and now Fleury, the Jackets are really setting themselves up nicely for the future.

[DeToxRox]

The ISS announced their 2005-06 Preliminary NHL Draft Rankings today..

1. RW, Michael Frolik (Kladno, CZE)
2. C/RW, Phil Kessel (University of Minnesota, NCAA)
3. C, Bryan Little (Saginaw, OHL)

[DeToxRox]

10/04/05 - Chicago Black Hawks

Crosby makes his NHL debut with a splash, scoring 2 goals and an assist. He was + 1, had a perfect 10 rating and was named the games first star. Not only that but Columbus won 6-1. Not a bad debut for the kid, eh?

[DeToxRox]

Sidney Crosby: October Review

Games Played: 12
Goals: 6
Assists: 5
Points: 11
+/-: -1
Rating: 7.75

Highlights: His first game was his best, though vs the Avalanche he went toe to toe with Joe Sakic, logging 33 minutes of ice time. He was a - 1 but he held Sakic to a pointless night himself.

Crosby leads all rookies in scoring with his 11 points through October.

[DeToxRox]

Phil Kessel: October Review

Games Played: 9
Goals: 4
Assists: 2
Points: 6
+/-: - 2
Avg. Rating: 7.11

Kessel has struggled for the Golden Gophers, though everyone expects him to turn it around in November.

[DeToxRox]

Just another note: If you guys wanna see any specifics on teams, players, etc. Lemme know and I'll get the info for you.

[DeToxRox]

Sidney Crosby: November Review

Games Played: 14
Goals: 3
Assists: 5
Points: 8
+/-: - 2

Highlights: A nice 2 goal performance vs the Blues tops Crosbys month of November.

Sidney Crosby: Stats Through 12-1

Games Played: 26
Goals: 9
Assists: 10
Points: 19
+/-: - 5
Avg. Rating: 7.43

[DeToxRox]

Phil Kessel: November Review

Games Played: 9
Goals: 2
Assists: 0
Points: 2
+/-: - 3

Phil Kessel: Stats Through 12/1

Games Played: 17
Goals: 6
Assists: 2
Points: 8
+/-: -5
Avg. Rating: 6.45

Kessel has really struggled for the Gophers. I wonder how his mid-season draft ranking will suffer?

[DeToxRox]

2005-06 World Junior U-20 Championships
Played in Canada

GROUP A

Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland
Russia
Germany

GROUP B

U.S.A
Canada
Sweden
Switzerland
Kazakstan

[DeToxRox]

12.27.05

U.S.A vs Canada

U.S.A 3 vs Canada 6

Kessel has 2 of the 3 American goals, and is even for the night with an 8 rating. #3 ISS Ranked Prospect Bryan Little has a goal and 3 assists for the victorious Canadian squad.

Other scores

Kazaksthan 3 vs Sweden 3
Czech Republic 3 vs Russia 3 (Frolik, ISS #1 Prospect with 2 assists)
Germany 2 vs Finland 1

[DeToxRox]

[DeToxRox]

[DeToxRox]

[DeToxRox]

Thanks to General Mike for file hostage. I'll get back to the WJC.

[DeToxRox]

12.28.05

Finland 4 vs Czech Republic 1
Denmark 4 vs Germany 3
Canada 4 vs Sweden 3
Switzerland 4 vs Kazaksthan 2