Quote:
Originally Posted by Joker
Backlund could probably have 5 more goals this year if he would bare-down on plays, but instead is thrown aside, thus negating his scoring chance. This type of play can also lead to turnover, and if you are a center, those turnovers are often in defensive situations. I love that he fought last game, even though it didnt turn out well for him, and even though he shouldnt be fighting, i hope that its a sign that he realizes he needs to play a bigger game.
I was going to go on about each player, but i think i can paraphrase. I said they have too many players PLAYING LIKE 5 foot 5 Nancys. The team wouldnt have needed to go out and get Mcgratten if the overall "team toughness" wasnt such a glaring issue. I dont understand, if you followed this team over the last couple seasons, how you could think they come to the rink and compete every night? The kids coming up and winning by out-working opponents shows just how sad the previous groups compete level was.
I'm not saying you dont need some skill to win, because you cant win without scoring. Im saying that the best way to succeed in this sport, is to have a team like the Kings.
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I won't even bother responding to the "playing like nancy's" comments as we just obviously disagree and I don't ever see myself agreeing with the point you are trying to make. The bold comment is pretty silly tho. Sure he might have a few more goals if he had 20 pounds more muscle on him and was all the stronger for it, but that's not who he is nor will it ever be who he is. Shoulda, woulda, coulda and "ifs" are about the most pointless discussions you can have when it comes to hockey. Backlund will never be the player that plays with a strong physical edge, he plays his game and he has been more than effective this season, talking about what he might be like if he was a different type of player is pointless.
Given the type of player he is and his size he handles the physical aspects very well, sure improvement is always nice and will happen as he matures but he's never going to be the player that stands toe to toe with the largest Dmen in the league, nor is he likely to win a board battle with the likes of Getzlaf. To expect otherwise and criticize him for not playing that type of game is silly.
If Backlund was able to play the way you are suggesting he might be an 80 point player. I don't think anyone here expects that out of him. I've been more than thrilled at his aprox 50 point pace hes set so far this season.
Either way this has been offtopic long enough, no sense further derailing it.