LCS Hockey - The People's Champion

The People's Champion
by Jim Iovino, Ace Reporter

A year ago, LCS Hockey named Jaromir Jagr not only the best right wing in the game, but the best overall player in the NHL, as well. Jagr backed up the high ranking during the 1997-98 season by scoring 102 points in 77 games during the 1997-98 season and capturing his second Art Ross Trophy of his career.

So where is Jagr ranked this year? He has fallen to the second spot among right wings and has also been ousted as the best player in the game.

Let us introduce you to the new top player in the NHL. Valued LCS Hockey readers, meet Teemu. Teemu, meet our valued LCS Hockey readers.

Teemu Selanne, the fun-loving, milk-drinking Finn, captured the LCS Hockey Intercontinental Title by knocking out Jagr with The People's Elbow this past season. Even though Jagr led the league in scoring, it was Selanne who entranced us with his solid overall play and his ability to take a nothing day, and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile.

Selanne charmed the hockey world with his shy, modest ways. Although he spent the entire year on a Ducks team that wasn't Mighty by any means, Selanne chose to grin and bear it. With fellow superstar Paul Kariya out most of the year with injuries, Selanne was on his own. But instead of pouting about a lack of skilled players around him, the Finnish Flash just went out and continued to do what he does best - he scored goals.

Jagr, on the other hand, chose a different route this past season. Sure, he put up lots of points, but the smug Czech didn't win many fans with his constant grumbling about numerous subjects -- from new Pittsburgh head coach Kevin Constantine's defensive system that required Jagr to play as part of a team rather than an individual, to the decision to split up the line of Jagr, Ron Francis and Stu Barnes later in the year.

The constant complaining that Jagr displayed was disappointing not only to Pens management, but to the fans as well. Everyone hoped that with Mario Lemieux hanging up the skates for good, Jagr would finally take command of the team and be a true leader.

But a funny thing happened on the way to Jagr earning consideration for putting a "C" on his jersey. On the scoresheet, Jagr was just as dominating as the last time Lemieux took a year off. Back in the 1994-95 season, Jagr tied for the league lead in scoring with 70 points in 48 games. Jagr led the league in scoring again this season, but while he was still a dominating player he showed little in the way of teamwork.

He was unwilling to fit into Constantine's new defensive scheme, and he actually sounded like a whiney little kid about it. Had it not been for Ron Francis, who was able to play moderator and bring the two sides to an agreement, Jagr probably would have demanded a trade. Francis has been key to Jagr's development as a player over the years, but now that he signed on with the Carolina Hurricanes, Jagr is on his own. This could mean trouble for Jagr and the Penguin organization, which already has a lot of problems on its hands.

Selanne could have chose the road Jagr took this past season. He could have complained about a lack of help on offense. The Little Sisters of the Poor could have scored more than the Ducks offense this past season. After Selanne, who scored 52 goals and 86 points in 73 games, the next highest scorer was Steve Rucchin who had 53 points in 72 games. From there, the production decreased even further. Travis Green scored 42 points, Scott Young tallied 33 and after Kariya's 30 points in 22 games, Matt Cullen posted 27. For the record, anytime your team's sixth-leading scorer has a whopping 27 points, you suck.

Teemu could have told manangement, in the words of those wacky wrestling guys in Degeneration X, to "suck it", but he didn't. He could have complained about the lack of protection his teammates were giving, but he didn't. He could have very easily complained about his contract situation, as well. But he didn't. Selanne was all class this season. And basically, that's the difference. Selanne made the best of what he had to work with. Jagr wanted to complain about it.

Next season should be interesting for both players. Watch Selanne and Kariya work their magic together for a full schedule and see how many points each of them rack up. It should be exciting to witness their speed and creativity for more than 20 games. If all goes well, 60 goals and 120 points is not out of the question for Selanne. With Kariya on one wing and either Rucchin or Josef Marha at center, the Pond should be kickin' this season.

But let's not forget about Jagr in Pittsburgh. Expect a less-than-stellar performance from him this season. With Francis gone, Jagr has no one to pass to him. Stu Barnes is still there, but expecting the same kind of performance that he put together last season is ludicrous. Alexei Morozov could step up and give Jagr a helping hand, but without Francis, Jagr might never be the same.

And considering the amount of complaining he has done in the past in Pittsburgh, and his inability to become a true leader, there is a good possibility that Jagr could find himself wearing colors other than black and gold by the end of the year.