Quote:
Originally Posted by djsFlames
You can't even argue this point. Gio to most has been one of those hardworking Joe types over the years, but whether people can admit it or not he's taken his game to another level this season, while not only proving to be a top pairing defender but possibly in the top 10-15 in the league.
Everybody can say Doughty looked like a stud for team Canada in the Olympics generating offense when the team was struggling. Giordano actually has better numbers than him this year with 20 less games played.
Most impressive is that he's a plus player on THIS team while facing top opposition. Very few defenders in this league in his position with those minutes would be.
He's undoubtedly put himself in "elite" territory among defensemen. Have to wonder if Norris consideration is in order.
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So passionately agree. I didn't dislike or bash Bouwmeester when he was here, bet he was a minus player on "better" teams, and the excuse (that I agreed with) was that he was playing against top competition.
I would say that the Gio today is better than phanuef in prime, Bouwmeester at any point in his career, Regehr (only because of offense) and any defenseman the flames have had since MacInnes and Suter. I would say he is better than Letang ever was, and Letang has had Norris hype.
He is a very very good 2nd level defenseman, behind only the likes of Weber, keith, doughty, charra and Suter. But only just.