Sportsnet ranks top 20 defensemen by the numbers

[MarkGio]

Originally Posted by Huntingwhale

I'm removing my homer glasses and am going to say that I'm not sure I agree with Gio's ranking. Gio is good, no doubt. But best overall defensive defencemen in the NHL, therefore the world? IMO Doughty and maybe a couple others are ahead of him in that regard.

As happy as I am to see his ranked #2, there's no way he's ahead of guys like Keith, Doughty or even possibly Brodie. Especially given that the main knock on Keith in the article was him being 33. Gio is almost 33....

Doughty is the reigning Norris winner and this is said about him



If that is why his ranking got him knocked down, you could easily say the same about Gio. Especially with how he played in the first 1/4 of last season.

This is pretty fair. But Gio's bias against him is usually his age. Most Flames fans would rather take Ekblad, therefore a guy like Ekblad must be the better player. After Lidstrom retired, the best defenseman are usually the young guys.

Gio's always been overlooked because of this but forces himself into the conversation with his play. He truly is a great defenseman.

[Erick Estrada]

It will be interesting to see if Flames defensemen see a bit of a dip in offensive numbers this season. I think the transition game will still be a point of emphasis as that plays to the team's strengths but I imagine defensemen will have to be a bit more prudent in picking their spots when to join the rush.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

It will be interesting to see if Flames defensemen see a bit of a dip in offensive numbers this season. I think the transition game will still be a point of emphasis as that plays to the team's strengths but I imagine defensemen will have to be a bit more prudent in picking their spots when to join the rush.

I expect there may be a small dip, but based on what we have seen in the preseason already all three including Hamilton should again eclipse the 35-point mark.

[Huntingwhale]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

I don't disagree at all, but in the end I remain pretty happy about the Flames having two defensemen that are both in the conversation of being top-ten in the world.

That's a win.

That's true. Whether I agree with the rankings or not, at the end of the day I'm just happy to have 2 D on our team that make most top 20 lists.

[Strange Brew]

Very happy to see those two Flames get recognition, which is sometimes lacking. That said, Giordano is not the best defensive defenseman in the league IMO. But I do like their rationales for the players and not something the writer just pulled out of his butt.

[Vinny01]

It was beyond ridiculous that Muzzin and Bouwmeester made team Canada at the WCH over Gio. Glad to see he and Brodie get their props

[Bourque's Twin]

I wish the Flames held onto Stralman. I remember he had an amazing camp and did well in the preseason but Sutter decided to let him go.

Lots has happened between now and then but a top 4 of Brodie, Giordano, Hamilton and Stralman would be lethal.