Quote:
Originally Posted by TheScorpion
Those sure look like personal statements to me.
Anyway if it takes "blind spots" to think Trevor Lewis and Erik Gudbranson aren't particularly effective defensive players when they post consistently below-average results against weak competition, then I guess I have cataracts for days.
I love defensive players who can hold their weight in the offensive zone and also contribute tangibly in their own end. They're playing easier minutes — that shouldn't be too much to ask. Derek Ryan could manage that. If the Flames had signed Johan Larsson or Zach Aston-Reese, perfect. But guys like Richardson, Lewis, Gudbranson ... the numbers just don't work in their favour.
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All good man, nothing personal at all.
I've always been a little annoyed with the masses for the dislike of the bottom 1/4 of the roster. Have seen it on this site for 20 years.
Salary caps and player development result in some plugs at the bottom of the roster. You hope your team picks the right plugs with the right skill sets and intangibles to keep the upper roster moving without giving up games on their own.
I'm not blind.
I see pucks die on Lewis' stick, Pitlick was a mess last year, but Gudbranson become a huge presence for the team physically, was huge on the PK, and was solid in sheltered minutes in a third pairing role.
Zadorov was solid sheltered, and provided a physical element, plus he could move up the roster with injuries.
Those are valuable NHL players as it turned out.
I just find the push to replace all the unflashy hockey players on a roster tiresome. It's certainly not just you, nor are you the worst offender.