Quote:
Originally Posted by GioforPM
I think Colborne has a decent, but not amazing, defensive game. Mind you, it's been on the wing (so much easier).
I had Backlund pegged as a great defensive player, but it didn't really show as much as I hoped this year. His size hurts him a bit on that front.
Centres never forecheck along the boards? Joe Thornton and Ryan Getzlaf say hi.
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Hence why I put 'generally' in front of those words...
The Centreman's job is to be the first forward back so you don't typically see them behind the attacking net. Behind the net is where Colborne get's to effortlessly possess and dish out the puck. Colborne isn't quick enough to be at both ends of the ice at all times like a TJ Brodie, which is likely why you see him holding back offensively when he's playing centre.
Backlund is probably the best transitional player on the Flames. He does all the little things right to get possession back and lead the rush. It's easy to mix him up with a defenseman sometimes with the way he hounds the puck on the back-check.