Quote:
Originally Posted by MisterJoji
Just noticed Breen's +/-, is this a byproduct of being on a good team or has his defense improved? Admittedly, I don't get to watch a lot of Heat games, but we could always use a big, strong defensive Dman. Assuming Brodie is already pencilled in with the big club, do you think Breen would be the 1st injury call-up (provided there is a season)?
|
He's benefitting from several factors including playing with McCarthy (instead of Connelly or Wilson, who weren't all that defensively responsible).
But most of all, he's far more improved this season. Easily the most improved player on the team. The biggest difference I've noticed is his aggressiveness. He actually goes for big hits when it makes sense. He'll protect his goalie by doing more than just pushing the guy away - he'll actually punch 'em in the face if they hack at his goalie. He even sticks up for his players by fighting, which is something he never used to do in the previous two years.
His biggest obstacle in getting to the NHL, at this point, is his back-to-front transition skating. His transition is a pretty slow and I think it'd be exploited in the NHL by even a player with average speed.