End of an Era?

Round 2 of the 2008 NHL Playoffs have been completed and only 4 teams stand. The Detroit Red Wings and Dallas Stars representing the West. The Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers representing the East.

Round 2 may have marked the end of the careers of 4 remarkable players in the NHL in the last decade or so. One of whom is and will be my favourite player of all-time.

The 4 players come from only 2 teams: Colorado Avalanche and New York Rangers.

From the Avalanche, my favourite player, "Burnaby" Joe Sakic who is at the ripe age of 38. Many, including myself, are hoping that he'll be sticking around for another 2-3 years so he can play in the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, his home province. That would be sweet.

Peter Forsberg, an integral part of the Avalanche teams that won 2 Stanley Cups. Fierce style of player, but a playmakers touch. He's kinda like a toned down version of Alexander Ovechkin, but injury riddled. Hopefully, his body will tell him that he can still play.

From the New York Rangers, Jaromir Jagr. This was actually a surprise to me, but after some thought, I guess he is an old player. The only thing I don't really like about Jagr is that, he plays when he wants to play. If he was to give his all, 100% of the time, I'm sure he could have been a better player and posted up a lot more points. He's only 1 point away from 1600 in his career. There's been speculation that he'll play in Europe to close out his hockey career.

Lastly, Brendan Shanahan. He has played on a lot of winners. Big, competitive, goal scorer. Has a huge heart for the game and played a big role in lifting the lock out.

If these 4 were to retire this season, I'd assume that they'd be complete shoo-ins for the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013. What a class!