Who deserves it?

ESPN.com's John Buccigross writes about the four players that he'd like to see drink from the greatest trophy in professional sports. His number one choice may raise some eyebrows in Philadelphia: 1. Rod Brind'Amour I interviewed Hurricanes coach Peter Laviolette last week and mentioned this list of guys I'd like to see win a Stanley Cup. He said Brind'Amour has to be No. 1 of all the players yet to win. Brind'Amour was the ninth player chosen in the 1988 draft by the St. Louis Blues. He played a year of college hockey at Michigan State (CCHA Rookie of the Year), scoring 27 goals in 42 games before joining the Blues in the playoffs. Yes, Brind'Amour's first NHL action was in a Stanley Cup playoff game. He scored two goals in five playoff games at age 18. He is one of those dedicated, hardworking players who drinks protein shakes like John Daly drinks Miller Lites. He can bench-press a '96 Mazda. Those kinds of players are so important to a team because it inspires other players to push themselves and not let down the guy who sets the example. Brind'Amour does not yet have a Hall of Fame résumé -- one All-Star Game, two Cup finals. In 1997, his Flyers were swept by the Red Wings. In 2002, his Hurricanes lost in five to the Red Wings.