Quote:
Originally Posted by Naitix
Considering the pressure Phillips was under in that game - I think he did incredibly well. Imagine finally getting a chance with your hometown team after grinding for 4.5 years in the minors, with the coach that prefers bigger players. If you mess up, that might be your only chance and you would have to leave your favorite team growing up and play somewhere else. Then also make it a game on Hockey night in Canada and you also have huge amount of fans wanting you to succeed.
I think even if you put Johnny in those shoes, he would not be dangling and wheeling right away. I was just concerned if Phillips can keep up at NHL level due to his size, and after that game, it leaned more towards the 'Yes'.
Phillips did not show most of the offensive talent that makes him special, I would expect more of it next couple of games.
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It should not matter about the context. An NHLer needs to be the best player they can be every shift. Johnny was never in those shoes because he was the best player he could be in every situation, he went from college to driving the play and never looked back. Phillips will never be that good, which is fine, but he still needs to bring it consistently no matter the pressure.