Quote:
Originally Posted by Strange Brew
I don't really remember Valimaki getting his butt whipped. What I remember most vividly is the second pairing getting absolutely dominated and Brodie/Gio playing OK but Brodie with some huge mistakes that really cost the team.
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I like you. And I normally agree with most of what you say (except I still don't know why you like Houston
I have blocked a lot of people this year for being needlessly relentless about several players, but most people on these boards are fair and mindful, and I really do appreciate those people. Being involved with Calgary Puck has been such a fun experience for me, and I am fairly sad that I might be 'BigBrodieFan' on a different message board soon.
That being said, TJ has given 8 years to the Flames and he has a done a lot of good. His most valuable asset has been his speed, regardless if anyone wants to admit it or not. It's what gives him the most value. Valimaki is a great kid and he's going to be a great player for the Flames, as is Andersson, Kyl, etc, etc. However, you are going to notice a definite lack of speed from your blue line with Brodie gone.
Next year, you'll just have a couple of more whipping boys- and one or two of them will be slow defensemen. Maybe they wouldn't be slow to some teams, but you've been spoiled by a very fast blue line. It's especially going to look slower without Mike Smith to help the D avoid getting hit, and having puck battles in the boards.