Mike Fisher Appreciation Thread

[wprager]

Just read about Mike Fisher's trip to El Salvador to see first-hand the poverty, shoot an ad for World Vision (watch the A-Channel starting July 20) and spend two days working with the poor.

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/sports/Mike+Fisher+sees+poverty+first+hand/1795333/story.html

In this day and age of athletes abusing all kinds of drugs, holding out for more money, getting arrested for drug dealing (reportedly for child-support of at least 9 kids born to 9 different mothers), retired athletes being shot by their *20-year-old* girlfriend and so on, here's a guy that's kept his head in the right place.

Mike, I may complain about wanting you on the wing, but I salute you.

[shabbs]

Fish is 100% class all the way. It is refreshing to see there are good guys still out there.

[beerandsens]

I'll never forget his blocked-shot-turned-breakaway goal against Philly in the playoffs. Let's hope we get that version of Fisher this season, he's a beauty!

[wprager]

Here's one of my favorite pictures of Mike:

[Bass Destruction]

Damn! El Salvador is a really dangerous country too!! The most dangerous Spanish gangs in LA started off down there, they are called MS13. It's also the country where my mom is from. She has a cousin that was kidnapped, twice. Not one of the first places I would choose to go.

[SensFan71]

Just read about Mike Fisher's trip to El Salvador to see first-hand the poverty, shoot an ad for World Vision (watch the A-Channel starting July 20) and spend two days working with the poor.

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/sports/Mike+Fisher+sees+poverty+first+hand/1795333/story.html

In this day and age of athletes abusing all kinds of drugs, holding out for more money, getting arrested for drug dealing (reportedly for child-support of at least 9 kids born to 9 different mothers), retired athletes being shot by their *20-year-old* girlfriend and so on, here's a guy that's kept his head in the right place.

Mike, I may complain about wanting you on the wing, but I salute you.

ah little Elgin, what a little treasure he was while he was with us, thank you Mike for having a big heart and bringing Elgin's story to us.

[wprager]

Here's a pic of Mike in El Salvador:

[hemlock]

Here's a pic of Mike in El Salvador:

He probably has trouble scoring more than 20 goals against that family too!

Bahaha just kidding Mike! It's nice to see a celebrity doing some real charity work instead of just stroking a cheque.

[Sens19]

Sometimes the good things are overshadowed by all the other hype. Fisher is a great guy and has brought nothing but class and character to our team.

Btw Zoolander I love your Die Heatley sig :^^^^:

[hemlock]

Sometimes the good things are overshadowed by all the other hype. Fisher is a great guy and has brought nothing but class and character to our team.

Btw Zoolander I love your Die Heatley sig :^^^^:

Hah Thanks.

Your point about Fisher is valid. He's just a tad overpaid. If he made $2 million less, I'd say he's one of the NHL's best value contracts.

[SpezDispenser]

Not only is this guy a class individual all the way, I see good things for a guy that works that hard at what he does.

I think we'll see a good year from him - and we all know he cares about the less fortunate.

[SeawaySensFan]

Not only is this guy a class individual all the way, I see good things for a guy that works that hard at what he does.

I think we'll see a good year from him - and we all know he cares about the less fortunate.

"Good in the community" got Redden 6.5 million bucks. By my estimation, Fisher got stiffed.

[Acrobat]

If you look at pure on-ice production/performance, then he is certainly overpaid. However, I'd be surprised if this was the whole story.

You have to accept that some of the salary was for off-ice persona and image. He is one of the fan favourites, and for the female fans, there is certainly the "eye-candy" aspect also. I know that in my wife's case, he certainly helped her become more of a Senators fan.

He also represents a known "undoubtably clean" player, alongside of Alfie. Given the recent events and rumors, his presence as a leader may be necessary for the fans as much as the team itself.

I'd suspect that he'll be here for a long time, and the Senators will only be better for it.

[Sens19]

Sometimes the good things are overshadowed by all the other hype. Fisher is a great guy and has brought nothing but class and character to our team.

Btw Zoolander I love your Die Heatley sig :^^^^:

Hah Thanks.

Your point about Fisher is valid. He's just a tad overpaid. If he made $2 million less, I'd say he's one of the NHL's best value contracts.

I agree that based on his on ice production he may be overpaid but he's the type of players that I'll never feel bad/pissed off for overpaying. The image he brings to the team alone is worth an extra $1 million. :n:

[Hockeyhero22000]

This is an article about fishers hockey camp

http://senators.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=457815

[SensFan71]

he brings Carrie Underwood to games as well occassionally, that is worth the extra 2 mil that some people think he is overpaid by.

[wprager]

he brings Carrie Underwood to games as well occassionally, that is worth the extra 2 mil that some people think he is overpaid by.

Also see Comrie's $4M contract.

[Guest]

Just read about Mike Fisher's trip to El Salvador to see first-hand the poverty, shoot an ad for World Vision (watch the A-Channel starting July 20) and spend two days working with the poor.

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/sports/Mike+Fisher+sees+poverty+first+hand/1795333/story.html

In this day and age of athletes abusing all kinds of drugs, holding out for more money, getting arrested for drug dealing (reportedly for child-support of at least 9 kids born to 9 different mothers), retired athletes being shot by their *20-year-old* girlfriend and so on, here's a guy that's kept his head in the right place.

Mike, I may complain about wanting you on the wing, but I salute you.

ah little Elgin, what a little treasure he was while he was with us, thank you Mike for having a big heart and bringing Elgin's story to us.

Who is Elgin? And what is his story?

[wprager]

http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=9f4cdd28-4c01-4b80-87c1-042c6d614fe4&k=20956

Three-year-old succumbed to cancer two hours after his favourite team won

Three-year-old Elgin-Alexander Fraser died Saturday night, within hours of watching the Ottawa Senators reach the Stanley Cup finals. The little boy spent his last hours at home, nestled between family and friends on a mattress on the floor in front of the television, doing what he loved — watching the Senators play hockey.

[rooneypoo]

Diddle that's a sad story. Poor lil' guy.

[shabbs]

Very sad indeed... I remember it very well. I remember thinking that hopefully, the memory of Elgin would create the magic and inspiration the boys needed to win it all for him. But it was not to be.

[wprager]

Very sad indeed... I remember it very well. I remember thinking that hopefully, the memory of Elgin would create the magic and inspiration the boys needed to win it all for him. But it was not to be.

Same as when Roger died.

[Guest]

Very sad! I take it the Senators knew Elgin and they knew about his condition (my guess is cancer).

Worst disease ever! Makes me so mad.

[hemlock]

Very sad! I take it the Senators knew Elgin and they knew about his condition (my guess is cancer).

Worst disease ever! Makes me so mad.

Yeah they did. Several of the guys visited him at home. Phillips and Fisher I remember going the extra mile for sure. I live in Calgary (and did at the time) and I remember it being quite a big story. Quite touching and fitting that Elgin hung on to see the boys make the SCF.

[Guest]

Very sad! I take it the Senators knew Elgin and they knew about his condition (my guess is cancer).

Worst disease ever! Makes me so mad.

Yeah they did. Several of the guys visited him at home. Phillips and Fisher I remember going the extra mile for sure. I live in Calgary (and did at the time) and I remember it being quite a big story. Quite touching and fitting that Elgin hung on to see the boys make the SCF.

I can barely type this message because I am fu**ing crying. Seriously, I am.

I just read these stories on little Elgin and our boys. This is why I love this team.

http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/sports/story.html?id=96d7257a-062a-450d-b67a-9344a27212f4

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070521/elgin_fraser_070521/20070521?hub=TopStories

http://candlelighters.net/elginsplace.php

Mike Fisher is my favorite hockey player in the world!

Still crying by the way!

I find it a little more than ironic that the "Sens Mile" is on Elgin Street as well.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elgin_Street_(Ottawa)

I am such a pansy.

Thanks Zoolander for making me research this touching story.

[wprager]

Mike Fisher at the dunk tank for World Vision.

[shabbs]

Nice shot there! First attempt.

[wprager]

Nice shot there! First attempt.

First two shots both dunks. He had 17 more to go

[Cap'n Clutch]

I know it's only ten games but Fisher still deserves some props for stepping up and performing like a first line center. He's on pace for 82 points and ~33 goals. That would be by far his most productive season and WELL worth his price tag.

Good on you Fisher. Keep it up.

[Cap'n Clutch]

BTW, Fisher also has 2 of the 6 game winners for the Sens so far and his plus minus is tied for second on the team at plus 4 to Phillips' plus 5.

[wprager]

Can you imagine if Kovalev was actually trying? Fish would have at least a couple more assists and maybe another goal, then.

Imagine if Fisher replaced Cheechoo on the "top" line. I'm salivating just thinking about it, and perhaps against teams that don't have a great shut-down pair we could try exactly that. Michalek on one wing, Fish on the other. They'd blow right by the fore-checkers, back-checkers and defense. It'll be up to the goalie and the zamboni drivers. Spezza would just have to push the puck to one of them then stand in the corner and giggle while his assist totals pile up.

[SensFan71]

Can you imagine if Kovalev was actually trying? Fish would have at least a couple more assists and maybe another goal, then.

Imagine if Fisher replaced Cheechoo on the "top" line. I'm salivating just thinking about it, and perhaps against teams that don't have a great shut-down pair we could try exactly that. Michalek on one wing, Fish on the other. They'd blow right by the fore-checkers, back-checkers and defense. It'll be up to the goalie and the zamboni drivers. Spezza would just have to push the puck to one of them then stand in the corner and giggle while his assist totals pile up.

not that goofy giggle again I hope, he keeps doing that, the media will stop talking to him

[Cap'n Clutch]

Can you imagine if Kovalev was actually trying? Fish would have at least a couple more assists and maybe another goal, then.

Imagine if Fisher replaced Cheechoo on the "top" line. I'm salivating just thinking about it, and perhaps against teams that don't have a great shut-down pair we could try exactly that. Michalek on one wing, Fish on the other. They'd blow right by the fore-checkers, back-checkers and defense. It'll be up to the goalie and the zamboni drivers. Spezza would just have to push the puck to one of them then stand in the corner and giggle while his assist totals pile up.

If it ain't broke don't fix it is what I say. He's at a point a game pace as our number 1/1a Center with Alfie and Kovie. Why push him to the Wing with new line mates? I like the sounds of it they way you've presented it but, it just doesn't make sense to do it now.

Hey Fisher: We love what you've been doing on the line with Alfie and Kovie so much that we're going to put you on the Wing with Michalek and Spezza.

It just doesn't sound right to me.

[hemlock]

Can you imagine if Kovalev was actually trying? Fish would have at least a couple more assists and maybe another goal, then.

Imagine if Fisher replaced Cheechoo on the "top" line. I'm salivating just thinking about it, and perhaps against teams that don't have a great shut-down pair we could try exactly that. Michalek on one wing, Fish on the other. They'd blow right by the fore-checkers, back-checkers and defense. It'll be up to the goalie and the zamboni drivers. Spezza would just have to push the puck to one of them then stand in the corner and giggle while his assist totals pile up.

If it ain't broke don't fix it is what I say. He's at a point a game pace as our number 1/1a Center with Alfie and Kovie. Why push him to the Wing with new line mates? I like the sounds of it they way you've presented it but, it just doesn't make sense to do it now.

Hey Fisher: We love what you've been doing on the line with Alfie and Kovie so much that we're going to put you on the Wing with Michalek and Spezza.

It just doesn't sound right to me.

I agree. Go with what's working until it stops. There will be times when we'll need to tinker with the lines, but why start now.

I do think we need to get Cheechoo going, but I liked what I saw from him last night. Great board work and a nice work ethic. His time will come, but until he can start scoring he may be stuck on that 4th line. He, Donovan and Ruutu were impressive last night though.

[SeawaySensFan]

If it ain't broke don't fix it is what I say. He's at a point a game pace as our number 1/1a Center with Alfie and Kovie. Why push him to the Wing with new line mates? I like the sounds of it they way you've presented it but, it just doesn't make sense to do it now.

Hey Fisher: We love what you've been doing on the line with Alfie and Kovie so much that we're going to put you on the Wing with Michalek and Spezza.

It just doesn't sound right to me.

It should sound right because that's the "Senator" thing to do. If someone is playing really well put that guy with players who need to "get going"...

[Guest]

I thought Kovalev played well last night. If people are expecting the guy to go out there, back check with authority, get dirty in the corners, ummm, keep waiting. He's a game breaker that scores at unsuspecting times, he is what he is.

[SensFan71]

I thought Kovalev played well last night. If people are expecting the guy to go out there, back check with authority, get dirty in the corners, ummm, keep waiting. He's a game breaker that scores at unsuspecting times, he is what he is.

he does that periodically, and well, if he chips in the odd big goal for us, say the playoffs, people's tune will change rather quickly, not many players, if any, possess the natural skill/scoring sense AK27 has.

[Guest]

Exactly, like that goal against MTL, he was inisable that game until he got the puck for, ohhh, 2 seconds and burried The Habs. Montreal never recovered from that.

That's what he does.

[SpezDispenser]

I liked Kovalev last night for the same reason I've liked him most of the year. He creates space for Fisher and Alfredsson. You can tell that teams are intimidated by him and his penchant to make dazzling plays, so they watch him hard and in the meantime Fisher and Alfie get a little more space. But, they still have to watch Alfie hard because he's one of the game's best, so that definitely gives Fisher some wiggle room - and when they realize they need to check Fisher, it's usually too late and he's made the pass to Alfie.

Kovalev is a big, big part of that sequence - which has happened a lot already this year. The same way teams are double teaming Michalek and Spezza and they realize that they need to send out their top D line against Fisher's and can't do it. It's all part of the jigsaw puzzle that makes up a successful team IMO.

And because this is a Mike Fisher thread, I'm tremendously impressed with his tenacity and his drive to play well while centering Alfie and Kovalev. Nothing was gonna be handed to him on a platter I don't think, he had to work right from the start of the year to maintain his spot there - and he's been amazing. From PKing to PP to 5 on 5. We're seeing the maturation from a frustrated 2nd liner who should have been a 3rd liner to a big, strong, injury free (knock on wood) legitimate 2nd line center. Good for him!

[wprager]

Mike was named NHL's 3rd star for last week:
http://senators.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=507176&cmpid=rss-brodie

He's also 17th in TSN's power ranking:
http://www.tsn.ca/fantasy_news/feature/?ID=10467