Quote:
Originally Posted by Lanny_McDonald
The same issues with Phillips still exist. Not noticeable 5-on-5. Only effective when there is more time and space. So the Caps will have to use him on the PP or in OT. They make the decision on whether he is worth taking a roster spot for maybe four minutes of ice time during regulation games and maybe a couple shifts in OT versus a player that can play and contribute in an expanded role. No one has ever argued he doesn't have skill. He's a slick player. The argument has always been can he play at the NHL level where the players are bigger and quicker and there is little time and space? Nothing has changed in that regard. If he makes it with the Caps it will be because they have decided they will make a role for him not many other teams have on their rosters - a PP/OT specialist. Good luck to him and the Caps if they go this route.
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Has he not been noticeable at 5v5 or has the puck just not gone in?
In this pre-season with Washington he's 60% xGF and has been on the ice for 22 shots for, 14 shots against. 2 GF and 3 GA but that's more due to a .786 save percentage with him on the ice so far.
Even in his 12 regular season minutes in Calgary last season he was 55.8% xGF and didn't look out place in that limited time.
I still don't think it's been proven he can't be effective at 5v5 in the NHL - there is not nearly enough of a sample size to know one way or another yet.