Great article and yet another testiment to talent breeds talent. But we do have a total of 27 rinks, however crazy it must sound.
For what it is I think Bjorkstrand (Olivander) deserves to be an allstar. People always look at points, but there is one other stat were Bjorkstrand is elite. Through the past four seasons only five forwards have finished in the top25 in takeaways in all of them in 5on5. McDavid, Matthews, Draisaitl, Backlund and Bjorkstrand. Bjorkstrand the only player to do so on more than one team and with the highest +- in takeaways vs giveaways. *I missed both Garland (Arizona/Canucks) and O’Reilly (Leafs/Preds) each having a season in the top25 with two different teams.
Update: * The stats are as following in t/g Draisaitl 220/242, Matthews 218/147, McDavid 189/171, Bjorkstrand 173/91, Backlund 165/129. Of course it’s about team style, own playstyle, role, staying healthy and TOI. Bjorkstrand does carry the puck, but not as much as McDavid, but he also plays with lower risc. Nylander is second in the +- being 3 short of Bjorkstrands total of 82.
rirhun
Canucks fan here. I have a lot of respect for Bjorkstrand. Had his vacation plans canceled, went to the All Stars game, had his name butchered, and then got picked last in the draft. And he handled of all this with so much grace. Seems like a genuinely great guy. I’m now a fan of his!
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Great article and yet another testiment to talent breeds talent. But we do have a total of 27 rinks, however crazy it must sound.
For what it is I think Bjorkstrand (Olivander) deserves to be an allstar. People always look at points, but there is one other stat were Bjorkstrand is elite. Through the past four seasons only five forwards have finished in the top25 in takeaways in all of them in 5on5. McDavid, Matthews, Draisaitl, Backlund and Bjorkstrand. Bjorkstrand the only player to do so on more than one team and with the highest +- in takeaways vs giveaways. *I missed both Garland (Arizona/Canucks) and O’Reilly (Leafs/Preds) each having a season in the top25 with two different teams.
Update:
*
The stats are as following in t/g Draisaitl 220/242, Matthews 218/147, McDavid 189/171, Bjorkstrand 173/91, Backlund 165/129. Of course it’s about team style, own playstyle, role, staying healthy and TOI. Bjorkstrand does carry the puck, but not as much as McDavid, but he also plays with lower risc.
Nylander is second in the +- being 3 short of Bjorkstrands total of 82.
Canucks fan here. I have a lot of respect for Bjorkstrand. Had his vacation plans canceled, went to the All Stars game, had his name butchered, and then got picked last in the draft. And he handled of all this with so much grace. Seems like a genuinely great guy. I’m now a fan of his!
Bjorkstrand for Lady Byng.