Blonde Ambition

Which player do you secretly cheer for on the inside, even when he's playing against your team?

This really pains me. Marian Hossa. He's the only player that I hope plays well, even against the Senators.

Please don't think it's just an ex-Senators thing. I cared about Havlat and Lalime when they were with the Senators, but in their new incarnations as Blackhawks, I am indifferent, even to Havlat's wily charms. On some level, I think we hope that every player does "well" -- you know, doesn't get hurt, plays at least in a dignified fashion. (Yes, I was embarrassed for Stoll last night as he fell on the Edmonton Oilers power-play.) But with Hossa, I just want him to hold the puck on a string and dominate physically like he does when he's at his best. I want to see him streaming down the wing, I want to see him backchecking furiously, I want to see him frustrating defensemen. I care about Hossa, even now, because I feel his career with the Senators is unfinished. Unlike Lalime or Havlat, he didn't choose to leave nor was his departure incredibly needed. I feel like his career would only be complete if he finished it with the Senators ... that's why I cheer for him inside, because he still holds a bit of the Senators within him.

I still hate losing to him as he wears a different uniform, though. I'm also slightly resentful towards Thrashers fans.

Also, as crappy as Redden has been lately, he's the only player I would cheer for on the outside, even against the Senators.