By Beaker

Staff writer Adam Kimelman wrote quite the astounding opening line on NHL.com recently. There’s nothing wrong with the article. In fact, I took it to bed with me. Still, the beginning of it I could do without.

It’s one thing for blogs to get riled up in nonsensical hyperbole or to attach itself to over rated statistics. But for NHL.com to repeat the ridiculous claim is ravishingly unbecoming:

“The greatest captain in the modern era of the NHL, Mark Messier has been somewhat removed from the game since he played his final game in the spring of 2004.”

Greatest captain in the modern era? Which “modern era”is he referring to? I suppose 1990 onwards, because I could have sworn the captain and essence of the Edmonton Oilers dynasty in the 1980s was Wayne Gretzky. How did he (and he’s not alone) arrive at such a conclusion?

One of the most overdone discussion in sports is the leadership thing. It’s almost impossible to quantify or measure leadership let alone hand over the “greatest mantra” to any one player.

Who was a “greater” leader, Steve Yzerman or Messier?

This question should make you quiver in its absolute absurdity.

Anyway, I covered this already.