More similar than Sakic in 2002? The Czech Republic didn’t medal, and Jagr went scoreless in the Bronze Medal Game in 2015.
Karlsson could have won as the tournament’s leading scorer in 2014, just as Selanne could have won in 1998 and 2006 as the tournament’s leading scorer. There’s only been five tournament MVPs in the era - and three of those were on teams that went 2-1 in the playoff round. That Selanne won in a near identical situation as the only other skater to win MVP - that is being the best player in the playoff round while being outscored overall - indicates that while sentiment may play a role, so does precedent.
And this ignores the most important part: it doesn’t matter if Selanne is or is not MVP. It’s an easy short-hand way of referencing the fact that Selanne was the best international performer of his era, with excellent performances at 27, 35, and 43. Whether they announce his name or Hasek’s or Niittymaki’s or Karlsson’s, he’s not having a one-off great Olympic; it was a trend for him just as it was a trend for Jari Kurri to perform excellent in the pressure situations he was afforded: the NHL playoffs.
At least up until 30.
The comparison with Sakic isn't very good.
just as Selanne could have won in 1998 and 2006 as the tournament’s leading scorer.
Even if we disregard Hasek in 98 he’s not winning tournament MVP when he’s getting out-dueled by Bure in the semi-final like that, and there’s only one point between them. Wont happen, hence why Bure was voted best forward of the tourny. And again, didn’t outscore his linemate (Koivu).
It’s an easy short-hand way of referencing the fact that Selanne was the best international performer of his era, with excellent performances at 27, 35, and 43.
1998 was a great win, 2004 was a tie. I was certain Finland could beat Sweden in 2006 so it was shocking when it didn't happen.That 06 Swedish team had around 8 Hall of Famers on it. Selanne was the only one on Finland. Sure Finland had a couple of good players through his career but its nothing like Sweden or Canada. Finland really had no business going so deep in many of those tournaments.
That 06 Swedish team had around 8 Hall of Famers on it. Selanne was the only one on Finland. Sure Finland had a couple of good players through his career but its nothing like Sweden or Canada. Finland really had no business going so deep in many of those tournaments.
One of the best, sure, but I'm not sure I would place him as the best international performer of his era. There's a few other players who can contend for that title. Mats Sundin, for example, the Finns used to pull their hair in frustration because he always managed to beast it out against them. Saku Koivu is another one with an excellent international resume. I'm not sure he was necessarily better in international tourneys than Selänne, but I think I can make a reasonable case he was more valuable, because of Finland's measly center depth. And then you have P. Forsberg, who is a double triple-gold club member. Hasek also used to show up when he had the chance (.948 SV% in 2002 is quite good).
2 goals in the Bronze game against a listless American team in Sochi is nice, but Selänne lacks an international big game moment where he really put his team over the top. 06 final against SWE could have been that moment, but he didn't do it. As a Swede I'll have to say that Finland played the best hockey of that tournament, but the end result didn't surprise me. That tourney win will always be a bit tainted for hardcore Swedish fans because of the deliberate loss against Slovakia to avoid Canada though. The most embarrassing thing was that our coach basically spelled it out in public that he was scared of Canada.
[mod] If you want to diminish Selänne for injuries, then I assume you don't have Orr or Lemieux in the top four. If you do, then stfu and appreciate 3 best pre and 3 best after injury seasons that rare players have shown. Fill up with "mediocre" seasons and you have a storied career that rivals that of some alltime greats.