Quote:
Originally Posted by Flash Walken
Giordano isn't a top pairing defender and Bouwmeester is a top pairing defender on just about every single team in the league.
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I think it's possible for Bouwmeester to return to his pre-Brent Sutter form, but I'm not sure he can. The good thing is that Hitchcock's system encourages aggressive pinching from his defenders which is right up Bouwmeester's ally. Still, while Bouwmeester has been used as a top pairing guy and would likely be used as a top pairing guy on most teams, I think Bouwmeester's flaws were exposed when he was in Calgary. Bouwmeester simply isn't a star defenseman capable of anchoring a defensive pairing. He's more of a complimentary guy on a contender.
Quote:
Originally Posted by trackercowe
Except for being a top pairing dman on St. Louis, one of the better teams in the league with a defensively responsible coach at the helm. I'd argue St. Louis has the best top four in the league (Pietrangelo, Bouwmeester, Shattenkirk, Jackman). Then on top of that they have two more very good defenders in Polak and Leopold. There isn't one slouch in that core, and they could have the best defensive core in the league.
If St. Louis of all teams believes in Bouwmeester, and that he has ability to play on their top pairing then why would anyone question them? I wouldn't put that much stock in what he did in Calgary honestly, nothing has worked here the last few years, it's really hard to have a real idea on how well many members of the Flames will fair on other teams.
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A lot of fans around the NHL have been and are still high on the Blues, but the reality is that the Blues have been underachievers. Hitchcock's system is great and I have no doubt that the Blues wouldn't miss a beat if they replaced Bouwmeester with a "lesser defenseman". I honestly don't know why we shouldn't question this signing. Doug Armstrong, Hitchcock, and the Blues have been given a lot of respect the past couple of years but what has the team really done? Two seasons ago they were one of the best teams in the regular season and advanced to the 2nd round only to be swept by the Kings. This season, they needed a good run to ensure a playoff spot and lost in the first round to the Kings. Signing Bouwmeester to this contract doesn't mean it's a good decision as far as winning is concerned. Let's wait and see.