Quote:
Originally Posted by 868904
How often have you seen wide open nets in the NHL like you see in some of those WHL highlights? Not very often because the goalies and defensemen are the best in the world. You may get the top of the net but in those situations, you'll need a skilled shooter.
I've seen Stempniak and Comeau bury enough shots into goalie's chests to recognize that there is a difference between a skilled shooter (Rattie) and average shooter.
Stempniak and Comeau are probably better all around players than Rattie, but Rattie has elite finishing skills. It would be nice to have that kind of talent to complement Sven in the future is all i'm saying.
Reinhart and Ferland don't have those types of skills, better all around guys though. Gaudreau and Granlund do have those types of skills, but the Flames need more for the present and future.
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The goalies are a lot better in the NHL. Rattie would be hitting a lot of logo's in the NHL too simply because goalies are quicker and in better position. Ryan Howse had a similar quality shot in the WHL (his best asset), and look how much he's struggling to score. Rattie a better player than Howse no doubt (faster and smarter), but still, Howse scored 80% as many goals on a much worse team with worse linemates using a similar kind of shot and look how much he's struggled in the AHL this year. He'd probably have matched Rattie's totals if it wasn't for his yearly shoulder injuries. I just don't think you can fully judge a players finishing skills until they play in the AHL level or World Juniors at least. If he can translate his natural scoring touch to the NHL, he'll be a great player though.