Rafa Diaz - From the press box, now our #5?

[combustiblefuel]

Originally Posted by Hemi-Cuda

Diaz was probably the weakest player on the roster at the start of the season, but damn if he hasn't improved by huge leaps. In October and November whenever he was on the ice and had the puck, it was like a live grenade waiting to go off. But now he makes the smart play more often than not and really seems to be learning from the defensive leaders on the team. Wonder if we might have gotten another late bloomer ala Russell (one can hope)

Another victim of the Hartley-effect.

[crapshoot]

I like how Diaz is growing into the #5 spot. He's earning it, no doubt. He may have a ways to go still, but our third pairing is looking a whole lot better than early in the season.

[Jay Random]

I like the idea of putting Engelland on the fourth line. You can always drop him back to D during the game in case of penalty or injury trouble, and then double-shift one of the other wingers.

I've always been a big believer in having one guy on the roster who can swing between forward and defence if necessary. Frankly, that's the only asset Engelland has that could make him worth the money he is getting. A fighter, no matter how fearsome, is not worth $2.9m a year.

[crapshoot]

Originally Posted by Jay Random

I like the idea of putting Engelland on the fourth line. You can always drop him back to D during the game in case of penalty or injury trouble, and then double-shift one of the other wingers.

I've always been a big believer in having one guy on the roster who can swing between forward and defence if necessary. Frankly, that's the only asset Engelland has that could make him worth the money he is getting. A fighter, no matter how fearsome, is not worth $2.9m a year.

That's good in theory, but Engelland would instantly be the worst forward, and I don't know how you could justify that.

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by crapshoot

That's good in theory, but Engelland would instantly be the worst forward, and I don't know how you could justify that.

You justify it because it's less damaging than having him be the worst defenceman.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by CalgaryFan1988

In a 5-2 game he scored a goal and finished even.

Wasn't his goal a PPG? That means he was a 0 in 5vs5, plus scored a goal on special teams.

He was incredibly weak on the first goal against.

This game was a prime example of why he has trouble being a regular, good for stretches of the game and bad in others.

If he played a "mistake-free" game, he would be a 2nd pairing guy soaking up 20 minutes a game. Come on, curb the expectations. He definitely played the kind of game you want out of your #5.. messy, but with enough positives to not be a liability. Better depth wouldn't hurt, of course. Especially if Wotherspoon took Engelland's spot allowing Diaz to be the secondary puck handler on his pairing. That would also push Diaz down to #6 as Wotherspoon has an obvious size advantage.

[CalgaryFan1988]

^^ we'll have to agree to disagree. I prefer his game over Engelland right now, I'll give you that.

[crapshoot]

Originally Posted by Jay Random

You justify it because it's less damaging than having him be the worst defenceman.

"Hey Bollig, Engelland is too horrible to play defense, so he's just gonna be handed your 4th line forward spot, ok? Ok."