NHL/LNH : no choker.

Before the latest NHL playoffs, some analysts doubted Marion Hossa’s ability to deliver the goods when it really mattered.

His performance during the series went a significant way to reassure them.

If some needed further reinsurance, Marion Hossa’s decision to join the Detroit Red Wings under a one-year 7,45 million USD deal, rather than the Edmonton Oilers under a, rumoured, 9-year 80 million USD contract, in order to have a better shot at the Stanley Cup, settles the matter once and for all : he is no choker.

It takes guts -plus a lousy agent ?- to walk away from 80 million US dollars -at least, I guess : it has never happened to me- for an elusive Cup victory, even if Hossa may hope for an even bigger jackpot one year from now : injuries come easy, a bad year too -either for him or the NHL as a whole-, and 80 millions in the hand are arguably better than 150 in the bush.

Even if he is no choker, expect him to play next season with lilies.

(PM)