The one you can always rely on to score that winning goal, clear the puck out just in the nick of time, and be there when your team needs him the most. What would the NHL be like if every player were identical? The guy spilling his beer on you as he dozes off is the only thing that would keep you awake. Enter; the difference makers of the NHL.
As of the 2008-2009 NHL season there are 30 teams. Despite the standing of the team, whether it be first or last, each team has its very own unique difference maker. When these players put out their full ability on the ice they shine undoubtedly. Sure there are players who have been there for years, there are captains, and assistant captains. But nobody can get the job done quite like a difference maker. They are the heart and soul of teams that break through even at the teams lowest point.
Alexander Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby, and Tim Thomas just to name a few obvious stars. If you haven’t heard of Alexander Ovechkin ,of the Washington Capitals, by now and you call yourself a “fan” then I suggest you go back to living under your rock. With a total of 319 games played, 217 goals, and 194 assists Ovechkin is easily a star player that produces night after night. But what makes Ovechkin a difference maker is not his points total, his 6-2 216 pound figure, or the fact that he calls himself “big Russian machine” it’s the way he projects his want, and need to win. To show his team he deserves his spot in the NHL. The attitude of doing anything to win, at any cost. That is what makes a unique player, a Difference maker.
Next onto my personal favorite player in all of hockey Mr. Timothy James Thomas. Tim Thomas’s story is something of a fairytale ending. Playing in leagues all over until about two years ago when his dream of playing in the NHL finally came true. Timothy Thomas born in Flint Michigan, an all American boy. He is now 35 years old and kicking butt in the NHL. With a .932 save percentage he leads the league, and a 2.11 goals against average he is also number one in the league. Every night that Thomas gets the start he gears up and gives it his all. He leaves his net when the third period horn sounds with his heart still in the crease. The quality that makes Thomas a difference maker is that he never gives up, giving his best through it all. He stops the first shot, and quicker than you could blink he gobbles up that puck and secures the rebound safely in his pads. His head on a swivel looking through traffic in front of the net he finds the puck, time after time. He strives to be better, then he strives to be better than his personal best. Tim Thomas; a Difference maker indeed.
Oh boy, Sidney Crosby or as some say “Sid the kid”, of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Please make a note that Sidney “cry baby” Crosby is not a favorite player of mine. A first round draft pick in 2005, at the time he was only 18 years old. He may not lead the league in goals, assists, or wins, but its his passion that makes him a star. In his rookie season in the NHL Crosby racked up 39 goals and 63 assists for a total of 103 points. Crosby then went on to win rookie of the year. Now in the 2008-2009 season Sidney has 30 goals and 69 assists for a total of 99 points. Being one of the youngest players in the NHL is not an easy thing, so you got to give it to him for being the player he is. But besides being one of the youngest Crosby is one of the most passionate also. If you’ve ever watched him play a game you can see it on his face, he wants to win more than anything else in the world. When his skates hit the ice he is roaring to go, ready to put all he’s got into the game. His willingness to play and be a provider for his team, his willingness to get the job done no matter what he has to do, is what makes Sidney Crosby a true difference maker.
Next time you sit down or attend an NHL hockey game keep your eyes open for those Difference makers. Before you know it you’ll be able to point out each and every unique one in the league. Because believe it or not, they’re not that hard to spot. Just look for the player that catches your eye with his need to win, the one who never gives up, or the one who has an unbelievable passion for the game. Then you will know what it takes to win, what it takes to make a difference.
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