Man I hope Smith turns into an NHLer. He sure seems to embrace and actually love playing a physical role. After that monster open ice hit he looked like a kid waiting to open his presents at Christmas when he was waiting for the Oiler to get up.
He can skate pretty good for kid who's 6'7" and just turned 19. 2-3 years to fill out and improve yet, by that time he should be 230+. A guy that size who can skate and loves the physical play would be an absolute menace on the 3rd or 4th line.
McGrattan has also stuck his tongue out previously, though I believe not at his opponent.
From what I can recall, McGrattan's standard response after a fight is a pat on the head or shoulder of an opponent. Other than the few true weasels in the league, guys who are willing to drop the gloves to answer a challenge or protect a teammate deserve some respect, IMO.
The Oilers have always had a bunch of big, poor players throughout the years. MacIntyre, Eager, Strudwick, Gazdic, etc. As an Edmonton fan I'm certainly no stranger to that.
Edmonton fans also get all excited about big prospects that aren't drafted for skill and then project ability onto them.
These guys are a dime a dozen at the NHL level. They receive much more attention then they deserve as prospects IMO.
This post epitomizes the size prejudice that seems to exist with so many fans - that all big players are talentless goons.
Smith is nothing like the goons you mentioned above (other than being big), he has talent and speed and is a legitimate prospect.
Huska's kind enough to call the horrible officiating "penalty trouble". Apparently a lot of players didn't get the ice time they could have if it had stayed 5 on 5 so I would expect a similar roster to Saturday night's (minus Gaudreau I guess) vs Vancouver tomorrow.
__________________
Until the Flames make the Western Finals again, this signature shall remain frozen.
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Gaskal For This Useful Post:
Ben Eager also scored 40 points at the same age as Smith but in less games.
Stortini had 37.
Mcgrattan was nearly a point per game.
Smith's production is definitely goon level. Higher level prospects that go on to have NHL careers almost always post well over a ppg.
You forgot to mention that in his second year he also had the same number of points (and a bigger rise in production from year one to year two) than Lucic. But that would ruin your fun wouldn't it...
The Following User Says Thank You to TheCommodoreAfro For This Useful Post:
It will certainly be interesting to see how Smith looks in this tournament in 2 years.
Has any Flames prospect ever played in three of these tournaments? I expect that Smith will likely play next summer, and then in 2016 will make his first appearance for the Flames at training camp.
__________________
Dealing with Everything from Dead Sea Scrolls to Red C Trolls
Quote:
Originally Posted by woob
"...harem warfare? like all your wives dressup and go paintballing?"
