November 26, 2014; San Jose, CA, USA; Calgary Flames defenseman Kris Russell (4) shoots the puck during the first period against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. The Flames defeated the Sharks 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The NHL All-Star Fan Vote is underway. The TRAGIC flaw with the “fan vote” is that fans are allowed to vote up to 10 times per day until January 1st. Why is that a tragic flaw? Because it allows phenomenon’s like Zemgus Girgensons to occur!
Girgensons is the only current Latvian NHLer and as of this writing is the TOP vote getter in the NHL. More than Sidney Crosby, more than PK Subban, more than Mark Giordano, more than everybody. Girgensons has 7 goals and 6 assists so far this season placing him 127th in the NHL scoring race. This has now become more than just his homeland trying to get their boy into the All-Star game, it’s becoming a social media campaign a la “Vote For Rory” back in 2006-07.
So that got me thinking…who could the Calgary Flames package up nice and pretty to begin a “stuff the ballot box” campaign to ensure their trip to a “well deserved” All-Star game.
Here’s the logic behind the four players I selected:
- Sven Baertschi – – obviously not the only Swiss player in the NHL, Sven has become a fan magnet. I use the word magnet because it’s seems most folks have an opinion about the youngster whether it be positive or negative. Lately the feeling I get about Baertschi is that being straddled with 4th line minutes, the talented winger is not truly getting a fair shake. What better way to send some love to Baertschi than to start an All Star push for him?
- Kris Russell – – The assistant captain for our Flames is 2nd in the league in blocked shots. He is currently behind Deryk Engelland in All Star voting. Russell becomes a forgotten man behind Mark Giordano, TJ Brodie and Dennis Wideman. Russell could use some love to ensure he gets the respect he deserves.
- Brian McGrattan – – When was the last time a “locker room guy” got voted in the All Star game? McGrattan’s name is associated with many Calgary charities. McGrattan’s a spokesman for battling addiction. Would love to see a fist-first player in the All-Star game, wouldn’t you?
- Johnny Gaudreau – – Stuffing the All-Star ballot box for Johnny Hockey would serve the greater purpose of introducing him to NHL fans across the nation. The more people that see Gaudreau play, the easier the discussion about the Calder Trophy is to start up.
Which Calgary Flames longshot would select to stuff the ballot box for?