The first details for NHL 15 dropped earlier today, including a great teaser video and the announcement of a new commentary team. What's still unknown, though, is which athlete will grace the game's cover.
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There's an official bracket open now and you can vote for eight different players in four matchups. The following is my (entirely serious) breakdown of who you should vote for--I'll try to remain reasonable despite what is a decidedly pro-American perspective.
Phil Kessel vs. P.K. Subban
I know what you're thinking, Canada--the American will pick the player who represents Team USA. While this would normally be utterly true (there is absolutely no chance I don't implore you to vote for TJ Oshie), I'm actually going to advocate for Subban.
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Last year's Norris winner is a tremendous player, and gets extra points for being divisive among league fans. Love or hate his style, he is a major talking point who happens to be extremely effective and talented, and would be a great selection for this year's cover.
Patrice Bergeron vs. Erik Karlsson
This is probably one of the more difficult matchups, as both players are among the best in their positions. Karlsson is the best offensive defenseman in the game, putting up scoring numbers better than many forwards, and Bergeron is one of the top two-way players in the game (nominated this year for the Selke trophy).
The Swede is a tempting pick for his skill and entertaining personality, but given the lack of relevance of the Ottawa Senators this season, I have to give the nod to Bergeron. The Bruins were in the finals last year and are a cup favorite once again, and the Canadian center is an integral part of both the Boston club and his Olympic gold-winning team.
Logan Couture vs. Drew Doughty
This is easy: vote for Doughty. Yes, Couture is a very good, still-young goalscorer with a hip name that sounds like it wouldn't be out of place as a fashion label, but Doughty simply deserves it more.
Doughty is actually a year younger than the forward, whose Sharks crashed out against Doughty's Kings in seven games after a strong series lead. Couture is good, but does a Shark really deserve to make the cover at all? The defenseman was crucial for the Kings when they won the cup as he is again this season, and has grown into a great player. Sorry Logan--Doughty wins this battle of talented Canadians.
Matt Duchene vs. T.J. Oshie
This would be a tough one for neutrals, but nobody is truly unbiased as long as you were born in some country somewhere. Though Team USA had a disappointing Olympic run, T.J. Oshie put his already-promising career on the map with his performance in the shootout against Russia. If you haven't seen it, watch right now--he gets selected multiple times and just keeps scoring.
Duchene is a great young player who is certainly likeable and plays on an exciting, youthful Colorado team, but ultimately did not have as big of a year as Oshie. The Blues forward had a very good year in the league and though he posted slightly lower numbers than Duchene, Oshie was legitimately the talk of the nation during the Olympics.
