This post was meant for Wednesday, but I decided it wasn’t time, due to the tragic events that occurred. But here it is today. The top 5 best players in Bulldogs history.
5. Jason Ward- I’m a big fan of Ward’s as I am friends with family of his. He was not only a great Bulldog, he was a huge fan favorite. Montreal’s 1st round pick in 1997, Ward works hard every shift and knows how to take care of his own end. He was a leader during his time with the Bulldogs, and everyone, I mean everyone loved him. He wouldn’t mind playing a physical game if it meant getting more playing time and helping out his team. While he never made much of an impact during his time in the NHL, he was always a forward that could help your team contend, and make the fans cheer in the process.
4. Cedrick Desjardins- Next to Carey Price’s incredible 2007 Calder Cup playoffs, Desjardins had the best run with the Hamilton Bulldogs out of any goaltender to ever play for the club. He has good butterfly technique and is athletic and acrobatic, but also lets the puck hit him and does a solid job neutralizing it. Cedrick is mobile in the net, with quick, efficient movements side-to-side. He has never lost in the NHL, with 2 wins in 2 games, and he only let in 2 goals. In the AHL with Hamilton and Norfolk, he has 64 wins and 32 losses, with a total of 11 shutouts in 5 years. With Dwayne Roloson in his 40’s, Desjardins looks like the top canadiate to be the starter for the Tampa Bay Lightning for years to come.
3. Yann Danis- Danis was arguably the best goaltender the team has ever had. Danis holds the record for the most wins by a goaltender in Bulldogs history (81), and has been stellar in the NHL. Currently a prospect in the Oilers organization, Danis can be used as a solid backup who can win games with whatever team he is on. He did a good job backing up Martin Brodeur in 2009-2010, and was a good replacement for Rick Dipeitro in the 2008-2009 season, for the weak New York Islanders. He never racked up big win totals in the AHL, but was always there when you needed him and can fill in for injuries. He plays a steady, mature game between the pipes and usually lets the puck hit him and is rarely out of position. He will never be a starter in the NHL, but is always a cheap backup.
David Desharnais, Thanks to Dobberhockey.com
2. David Desharnais- Desharnais is a “David” in a Goliath position (do do chhh). At 5’7, 177 pounds, he is in no way a big player by anyone’s standards. With Tomas Plekanec, Scott Gomez and Lars Eller, playing on the top 3 lines will be a difficult task. Desharnais is a talented offensive forward who excelled with the Hamilton Bulldogs. At 24 years old, he is nearing his prime, so it is about time for him to make a difference in the NHL. The only problem is, he isn’t a physical player by any means, and lacks strength, which causes problems when battling for pucks against bigger NHL opponents. He is a fast skater who can place pucks in the net, so if Gomez continues to fail, he can be a good replacement on the second line. He currently holds the single season record for most points by a Bulldogs player (78).
1. Corey Locke- Not only is Locke one of the greatest Bulldogs of all time, he’s one of the greatest AHLer’s of all time. Locke played four seasons with the Bulldogs, getting over 40 Points every single season. Ever year he is a contender for top scorer in the league, as 70+ points out of him is the norm. Locke has produced everywhere below the NHL with tremendous ability. His assist total has been outstanding the last 2 years, totaling 65 assists both years in the New York Rangers. He owns tremendous hand/eye coordination and offensive savvy that can only be matched by a small select few. Nobody knows why he struggles in the NHL. With his talent, he could have been a huge scoring threat. Montreal hasn’t made made many good deals in the past, but trading Locke for Shawn Belle was one of the worst under the radar deals they ever made.
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