Still sticking up for big Nik, why do I still have to?
Well for five years now, I’ve been sticking up for Nik Antropov to my friends and family, and to people on this site (I’ve been an HTR member since 2003). Even after the way he played during the run at the playoffs at the end of the 2005-06 season, with Aubin in goal, Antropov putting up 15 points in the final 10 games, still people questioned his ability. After last years stellar season defensively and solid offensive year, more people were on board yet still there remained many doubters. And after this years tremendous start, still there are many people I have to argue with, who refuse to admit Nik is a talented, potentially great player.Biggest myth:
Nik Antropov is slow.
He’s not quick, but the man can skate. Entering the season healthy for the first time since his rookie season (in which he suffered a terrible leg injury) he comes into a season completely healty. And we have seen some quickness and breakout speed we’ve never seen from the big man before.
Nik is soft.
He’s third in the league in penalty minutes, granted he takes some lazy penalties, but when Nik is taking PM’s, he’s in the game and that’s a good thing for leaf fans, ’cause when this guy’s in the game he’s dangerous.
He has size, but lacks the skill
Dumbest myth of all, mostly written by lame Toronto media liar Steve Simmons, of the Toronto Sun. Steve has been bad mouthing Antropov for years and has a hard time admitting he was wrong about his guy all along.
Yes, you all know I love Nik Antropov, as I’ve been finishing many of my posts over the past few years with: “I heart 80″ and many of you have given me a hard time. On the other hand many of you have agreed with the things I have to say because there is no denying this man’s skill level. Even one YouTube posters comments stated: “Although Sundin is the better player, Antropov is the better playmaker.”
Here are some quotes and comments from various peope about Nik Antropov: 2001, Pierre Hedin’s father to Pat Quinn: “Never trade Antropov, no matter what the cost” 1998, Entry draft article: “….had the Leafs not picked Antropov, the Red Wings and Black Hawks were willing to take a chance on the big man.” Damion Cox article, Toronto Sun 2006: “While with the Hurricanes Maurice once urged GM Jim Rutherford to trade for Nik Antropov.” Joe Nieuwendyk on his first week in Leaf training camp: “…… I couldn’t believe the skill level of Tomas Kaberle and Nik Antropov.” According to a Toronto Sun article published during the offseason the of the 2006-07 season: Paul Maurice had individual interviews with each player, among the questions asked was which player would you most like to have on your line, the overwhealming favourite among the leaf players was Nik Antropov. Paul Maurice after Saturday’s loss to Pittsburgh when asked what he liked about the game: “I liked our forecheck, intensity, and I liked Antropov” Nick Kypreos, last night on the hockey panel, talking about Antropov: “He’s the closest thing the Leafs have to an untouchable”
2004 playoffs, Ken Hitch*****: “I thought for the 2nd straight game, Nik Antropov was the Leafs best player, and I had Desjardins matched up agains that line.”
Antropov going into Wednesday nights games was:
3rd in the league in goals, 1st in the league in plus-minus, 3rd in the league in even strength scoring, 6th in the league in scoring, 3rd in the league in penalty minutes. He’s rated #2 most valuable player on Yahoo fantasy.
On top of this, he’s the leafs best penalty killer, and makes outstanding, highlight reel diving plays to clear the puck, block a shot, or start a breakout play. He has undoubtably surpassed everyone’s expectations so far this year defensively and offensively and although the season is young, there’s no reason to believe Nik Antropov is a “bust” any longer.
Any arguements??? Bring it.