GDT #20: 3/3/13 > Blues @ Stars > 2:00 PM > NHLN/FSMW/KMOX

[Shanahan19]

Alfie is not in his prime and Spezza is out. Along with an all-star young defenseman (who may never return to form) and their starting goalie. The Blues cry about a missed call days after it occurs. Ottawa punches its way through.

Alfie is a very good captain. The very definition of a leader in a class like Sundin, Yzerman, Stevens.

Backes isn't a captain.

[Oaklandblue]

Alfie is a very good captain. The very definition of a leader in a class like Sundin, Yzerman, Stevens.

Totally agree. Why I feel we can't compare the two teams because we flat out don't have someone like that that will take the lead and help contribute and carry the team.

The last two elites we had were from last year couldn't be looked at to score goals. Just something netminders almost never do.

Backes isn't a captain.

What's funny is, considering he's popular in the locker room, I think the team would listen to Chris Stewart if he wore the C over Backes.

Now that in itself is scary.

[DaDitka]

Backes isn't a captain.

I really - really like David, but you're dead on and I knew it the minute he said he prefers to lead by example.

Both Backes and the captain before him Brewer were labeled 'quite leaders'. We were always told "they're not rah - rah guys, they chose to lead with their play on the ice, but when they do talk ....people listed".....or the old "they have the pulse of the locker room".......BS!

We need a vocal leader that will let these 'kids' know this isn't acceptable and help them realize they aren't going to blame the coach again. Someone has to get this group off their collective azz. And not just with 'fear', you need someone who will command their respect and motivate them through loyalty and responsibility instead of fear.

This is the same team that dominated last year (even considering the injuries)......but they aren't playing with the same passion.

[theohall]

Alfie is a very good captain. The very definition of a leader in a class like Sundin, Yzerman, Stevens.

Totally agree. Why I feel we can't compare the two teams because we flat out don't have someone like that that will take the lead and help contribute and carry the team.

The last two elites we had were from last year couldn't be looked at to score goals. Just something netminders almost never do.

Backes isn't a captain.

What's funny is, considering he's popular in the locker room, I think the team would listen to Chris Stewart if he wore the C over Backes.

Now that in itself is scary.

If the team is listening to Chris Stewart, no wonder there isn't any passion or heart on the ice, considering Stewart is the least defensively responsible forward on the team and never gets held to account for it - i.e. never gets put on the 4th line with reduced ice time for playing like a rookie.

[Shanahan19]

Backes isn't a captain.

I really - really like David, but you're dead on and I knew it the minute he said he prefers to lead by example.

Both Backes and the captain before him Brewer were labeled 'quite leaders'. We were always told "they're not rah - rah guys, they chose to lead with their play on the ice, but when they do talk ....people listed".....or the old "they have the pulse of the locker room".......BS!

We need a vocal leader that will let these 'kids' know this isn't acceptable and help them realize they aren't going to blame the coach again. Someone has to get this group off their collective azz. And not just with 'fear', you need someone who will command their respect and motivate them through loyalty and responsibility instead of fear.

This is the same team that dominated last year (even considering the injuries)......but they aren't playing with the same passion.

Leading by example is def part of the job but those moments when the undoubted leader steps up and get his team to wake up, dig deeper, etc is what defines the captain. Yzerman was a quiet man, but he routinely stood in the Wings locker room and told them like it is. And that's how they won so much.

Growing up we had captains on our teams. Not all the time was it the best player but he could command the room and get guys to man up. We know it when we see it and many in Saint Louis are not seeing it right now. A 55 gallon drum of potential is being wasted right now.

I know Saint Louis hates it, but we have to look to Chicago, Detroit, New Jersey, etc to see how elite teams build, scout, lead, play, market, etc.