Quote:
Originally Posted by FlameZilla
I don't agree with waner's point.
He may not be the most heralded player on the roster but Smid is the only defender we have capable of clearing the crease & winning battles in front of the net. What he adds in size and physicality is worth a lot more to the Calgary Flames than a lot of people are giving him credit for. The AHL defenders mentioned are too easily out-muscled in precarious positions. As great as the rest of our smallish, mobile D are at clever plays, positioning and zone transition, none of them provide the dimension that Smid & Engelland do.
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But if that "skill" doesn't translate to tangible benefits (less goals against), then I don't know if it's useful. If your always hemmed in your zone because your not a good defenseman, the other skills don't compensate