It's also been awhile since there's been any new Rob Blake news around these parts...again, also popular during the regular season.
With Rob's recent retirement, he's been in the news a little this summer. Yet, let's face it, within a certain subset of Kings fans he's always top of mind...for some reason or another.
Rob was kind enough to first stop by MayorsManor back in January for an in-depth interview, covering topics like being drafted by the Kings, going to the Finals in '93, the trade, resigning the captaincy, coming back to LA and several other items.
Today we look at the highs and lows of his career - in his words - and play a little word association with the 20 year veteran. See what he has to say about Zhitnik, Sandstrom, Robitaille, Carson, McSorley and many more of the guys he laced 'em up with.
Blake played in over 1,200 regular season NHL games...finishing with 240 goals, placing him 10th among defenseman on the all-time list. He was a six time All Star, won a Stanley Cup in 2001 and the Norris Trophy in 1998.
While playing for Team Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics he became only the 11th player in history to gain entrance to the uber-exclusive "Triple Crown Club" - reserved for owners of the three most prestigious titles in hockey: the Stanley Cup, a Gold Medal at the World Championships and an Olympic Gold Medal.
Thus, there's a lot to choose from when selecting the key highlights of Blake's accomplishments on the ice. So, how about he does it for us...
Rob, what would you say were the three highs and lows of your career?
For my highs...
1 - Playing my first game in the NHL, that was definitely a high point for me.
2 - Winning the Stanley Cup.
3 - Being named captain of a team at 40 years old. That's something I didnt think was going to happen again.
I dont really have any lows. There are days that are tough and there's times that are tough. But, that's what it's all about. I couldn't ask for anything more. I've wanted to be an NHL player from day one and to have that opportunity has been pretty amazing.
How about some word association - mainly with some of the guys you played with in Los Angeles, but we'll hit a few Sharks too...
Tony Granato - warrior
Tomas Sandstrom - a little crazy
Alex Zhitnik - fun to be around
Marty McSorley - definitely crazy
Darryl Sydor - worrier, he worries about everything
Charlie Huddy - professional, he was a consummate professional
Jimmy Carson - goal scorer
Kelly Hrudey - competitor...very, very competitive
Luc Robitaille - great goal scorer...the greatest goal scorer for left wings...he could score from anywhere, anytime
Wayne Gretzky - the greatest player to ever play the game
Jeremy Roenick - always something interesting everyday from JR, from the media to the players, it was always something interesting from JR...great teammate, an unbelievable teammate
Dan Boyle - one man breakout...he does it all by himself, he's unbelievable...I dont know how he does it
Joe Thornton - best vision in the game
There you have it...more candid thoughts from the only Kings player to ever win the Norris Trophy (yes people, for now...).
Although Blake's career on the ice is over, where he goes from here is still undecided. Coaching, management, broadcasting are all options. And, of course, eventually he'll be making a trip to Toronto for enshrinement into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Until then, the debate rages on...should Kings fans love or hate #4?
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES
Rob Blake - the interview
Reliving '93 - When Mullets Were Cool
Roy, Melrose and Blake on the '93 Finals
20 Questions with #20 Luc Robitaille
Interview with Andy Murray
Hockey's Most Exclusive Club - live from the induction ceremonies
.
I could have sworn that I saw Bowlby hose down the Mayor with a Gatorade bottle one time. I guess you two have patched things up? :)
ReplyDeleteKind of surprising winning the Norris doesn't outrank being named Captain as a "high." I respect Blakey just a little more because of that...just a little.
ReplyDeleteWould have loved for him to elaborated on the player references a bit.
ReplyDeleteI've heard stories about Jamie Storr and Marty McSorley...would love to have heard what Sydor was so effing worried about.