Monthly Archives: September 2021

H2H 141: Shane Doan vs. Ryan Smyth – Who was Better?

Every sports team’s fan base has its share of franchise favorites – though these may not necessarily be the best players in the team’s history (they can be), they have usually been around with the team through thick and thin and are both leaders and class acts.  For the Arizona Coyotes and the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL, perhaps the most popular players in (recent) franchise history are Shane Doan and Ryan Smyth, respectively – outstanding hockey players in their own right, they each led their respective teams through rather bleak periods with class and dignity, thus forever earning a place in the hearts of the fans; given their relatively parallel careers, it is only natural to compare the pair and ask:

Who was better – Shane Doan or Ryan Smyth?

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Countdown 110: Top 10 Preps-to-Pros Players in NBA History

Who are the top preps-to-pros players in NBA history?  Here is our top 10 countdown:

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H2H 140: James Harrison vs. Joey Porter – Who was Better?

Beginning with the days of the “Steel Curtain” in the 1970s, the Pittsburgh Steelers have always been characterized by a ferocious defense; in particular, from the likes of Greg Lloyd and Kevin Greene to Jason Gildon to T.J. Watt today, a hallmark of their defensive scheme has consistently been elite pass-rushing outside linebackers.  Notably, in the 2000s, the Steelers defense was anchored by successive brash pass-rushers, first with Joey Porter and then followed by James Harrison.  Both among the top five career sack leaders in team history, each was an intimidating (and perhaps at times, dirty) player who will go down in team lore as a legend, but the question is:

Who was better – James Harrison or Joey Porter?

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Countdown 109: Top 10 MLB Players of the 1920s

Who are the top MLB players of the 1920s?  Here is our top 10 countdown:

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H2H 139: Roy Oswalt vs. Jake Peavy – Who was Better?

The NL saw a plethora of elite starting pitchers during the 2000s – in addition to the overpowering dominance of Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling in the early 2000s to Tim Lincecum’s back-to-back Cy Youngs at the end of the decade, other star pitchers included the likes of Roy Halladay, Brandon Webb, Chris Carpenter, Johan Santana, etc.  Notably, two young aces that came up at the beginning of the decade were Roy Oswalt and Jake Peavy – with nearly parallel careers, the duo were consistently among the top pitchers in the league year in and year out throughout the decade, thus bringing about an interesting comparison:

Who was better – Roy Oswalt or Jake Peavy?

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Countdown 108: Top 10 Right Wingers in NHL History

Who are the top right wingers in NHL history?  Here is our top 10 countdown:

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H2H 138: Steven Jackson vs. Marshawn Lynch – Who was Better?

The prototype power running back is an all-around offensive weapon who can carry a team’s offense with his ability to pound the football while also having the ability to catch passes out of the backfield.  Over the past 20 years, two of the best power running backs to come around in the NFL have been Steven Jackson and Marshawn Lynch – in their respective primes, each was a true workhorse back known for his punishing running style and consistently producing 1,000-yard seasons year in and year out.  With both players having hung up their cleats in recent years, it is perhaps a natural comparison to ask:

Who was better – Steven Jackson or Marshawn Lynch?

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