Farewell Nazzy

After spending 12 NHL seasons with the Vancouver Canucks, our beloved captain has left the team to join the New York Rangers.  On Thursday, July 3, 2008, he agreed to terms with the Rangers worth US$8-million over 2 years.

First of all, Nazzy didn’t really have a choice to stay as Canucks management didn’t even make him an offer.  The coach, Alain Vingneault, and Nazzy didn’t really see eye to eye either.  The AV system didn’t fit well with him.

But hey, it wasn’t all bad.  Nazzy played some pretty exciting hockey for fans here in Vancouver.  Let’s go back in time and take a look at some highlights from #19:

• Markus Naslund was born on July 30, 1973 in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden
• Drafted in the first round by Pittsburgh Penguins in 1991
• Acquired by Canucks on March 20, 1996 in exchange for Alek Stojanov (who?)
• Was frequently a healthy scratch during the Keenan era, prompting to ask to be traded
• Appointed team captain by GM Brian Burke on September 15, 2000, replacing Mark Messier (ugh!)
• West Coast Express line of 2001-2004 dominated the NHL; 90, 104, 84 point seasons
• Steve Moore incident of March 8, 2004 marked the downfall of Nazzy both physcially and mentally

The Markus Naslund, Todd Bertuzzi, and Brendan Morrison line was one of the most enjoyable to watch playing in the NHL.  “They were considered by many, including hockey great Wayne Gretzky, to be the best offensive combination of players in the world.”  I remember the line was so dominant that they almost guaranteed at least a goal a game.

I distinctively remember Nazzy’s killer wrist shot to the top corner.  His form and the way he releases the puck was just phenomenal.  Every time he came down the wing, you knew he was going to do some serious damage to the opposing team.  I really missed this in the recent years.  His skill level was also top notch.  The ability to dance around players and put the puck in the net was unbelievable.  Too bad he couldn’t apply this talent to the shootouts, which he has a horrible record in.  It appeared as if he wasn’t even trying in the shootouts last season.  I remember one where he literally was coming in at walking speed to eventually fail to win the game for the team.

Bert and his big body was a nightmare for goalies when he parked in front of the net.  His style during these years reminds me of the methods of Tomas Holmstrom of the Detroit Red Wings, Stanley Cup Champs!  His gigantic size (and weight) allowed him to destroy other players into the boards and on to the ice.  This doesn’t mean he lacked skills though.  Bert had amazing puck handling skills.  I remember his crafty dekes, dipsy doodles, spin-o-ramas, etc.  It’s really sad to see that his level of play has declined so severely recently.

Ahh, the Iron Man, Brendan Morrison.  He wasn’t so much of a goal scorer during those years, but a brilliant play maker.  His Iron Man streak ended last season due to injuries.  Morrison’s play declined drastically after the West Coast Express days.  Currently, it is expected that he will not return to the Canucks next season.

I don’t know if Nazzy played the way he did in recent seasons in order to leave the team.  The effort wasn’t there at all, and everybody knows it as it was dreadfully obvious.  I also did not appreciate his comments about teammates after he signed with the Rangers.  He had the guts to basically put the blame on the abilities of his teammates and AV’s system.  It was pretty cocky of him.

Part of me is really going to miss Nazzy and his style of play for the Canucks.  No matter what, Markus Naslund is still an all-star and plays like one.  I wished he could have won a Cup with the Canucks and also retire here as well.  My other part, wants nothing but for Naslund to get the f*ck out of Vancouver.  Thanks, but thanks for nothing you know.  No hard feelings, eh?

Honestly though, I wish you the best of luck with the New York Rangers.  Find that spark again and light that shit up in NYC.  Thank you and goodbye Nazzy.