Mike Green: greater than Shea Weber

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Over the last few months, I've had the opportunity to read and participate at Japers' Rink, watch the Washington Capitals on Versus or NHL Network, and read all about the best defenseman in the NHL. As much as we love Nashville's own Shea Weber, I've come to a conclusion.

There's no matching Mike Green, in this life or the next.

Yes, you probably think I have a pipe full of some frowned upon substance in my hand at this very moment. Bear with me, though, as I present the case for 'GreenLife52':

Skating

Green glides along the ice like a gazelle. You'd be hard pressed to find a better skater on the back end than Mike, except maybe Brian Campbell (but we all know what happened to him). Someone in the way? No problem, throw an elbow. Its Green's ability to get himself out of harm's way via his speed and maneuverability that consistently leaves my jaw dropped. Shea Weber, on the other hand, seems slow and unable to assume the proper position. 

Impact

Alex Ovechkin? Nicklas Backstrom? Alexander Semin?  Pfft. Overrated, all. Green is the true MVP of the Caps; with the entire offense and power play running through his stick. He leads the league in points by a defenseman, and bounces pucks off Ovechkin's stick into the net. Where would the Caps be without Green? Who knows, because their next best D-man is...Tom Poti. Weber can't even score 20 goals, and isn't even the best defenseman on his own team - Ryan Suter has MORE ASSISTS, and Cody Franson has a better +/-. Ri-freakin-diculous! 

Perception

Erase from your mind the Olympics. We know Steve Yzerman, as a former Red Wing, has mental lapses. Weber was picked for team Canada, but in all honesty, didn't contribute much at all. Green anchors the top power play in the NHL, and here's guessing that Canada's man advantage conversion rate would've been near 100% had Green been included. Green's omission is widely considered the biggest snub of 2010. 

Have you seen Shea Weber mentioned in any Norris Trophy conversations? I think not. Green has already been nominated once and got the shaft for the taller Zdeno Chara, and is as close as you can get to a lock for this year's award. 

Intangibles

I'll fire these last salvos at you bullet style, just like Mike Green's accurate slapper (seriously, will Weber ever learn to hit the net? Jeez.):

• Mike Green is more accessible to his fans by being on Twitter. Weber seems reclusive, opting only to pummel people in the face when they get close. 
• He also has a website. 
• Green has respect for the commodity that is nylon. You won't ever see him ripping holes through nets like they didn't cost a cent. 
• Mikey isn't as strong as Weber, and has never given anyone a year long concussion. He obviously holds his fellow man in high esteem, with just one NHL fighting major in his career. 
• He has better taste in music than Shea (honestly, what does he listen to?):

Signoff

So there you have it, folks. I hope that any and all who read this have come to the same conclusion: when it comes to NHL defensemen, Mike Green is at the head of his class.

[Author's Note: I lost a bet, which you can read about in the comments. Mike Green's a good player, but he's no Shea Weber]