Quote:
Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle
I know I'm going to get my head ripped off for saying this, and I also hope I'm wrong, but I think Brodie's flaws defensively were very much masked by his offensive razzle dazzle under Hartley, or at least to us fans.
When I say that, it's not that I think his defensive flaws are worse now, it's that he's not getting as much opportunity in this system to do something amazing on offence that makes us forget or forgive some of the mistakes he makes.
Don't get me wrong, this is not me saying Brodie is no good. I still think he's a legit Top 4 D Man and one of the best value contracts going. But I do think us Fans potentially had him labeled as one of the best in the league (thus the Norris comment I'm responding too) and to be honest I'm not sure he's that elite or that he ever has been.
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I've always thought he was a bit weak defensively - if he doesn't get enough time he loses battles in the corner, especially ones that get really physical. Once he gets the puck he's good at getting it out, generally. But there were games in the last two years where he was eaten alive by a good physical forecheck. I remember one game in Buffalo a couple years ago where he was simply manhandled (and not by some monster either).