[GT] Phillips makes his debut. CGY/VAN

[TheScorpion]

The advice I have supposedly ignored essentially boils down to "don't get excited about Phillips because he's very unlikely to make it."

But... it's really hard for me to watch him and not see an NHL player. I don't think it's spin. If there was an NHL player on that Heat team, he's it.

[868904]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

The advice I have supposedly ignored essentially boils down to "don't get excited about Phillips because he's very unlikely to make it."

But... it's really hard for me to watch him and not see an NHL player. I don't think it's spin. If there was an NHL player on that Heat team, he's it.

I see an NHL player too, I like his pace and his skills. I just think he needs to be protected. I think he'd excel on one of Sutter's Kings teams, where his lack of size and strength is compensated for by his teammates.

I'm not sure he can co-exist on a team with Gaudreau, Mangiapane, Dube and Ryan.

"Big heart, tries hard", that's about the greatest praise you can get from a Sutter.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by 868904

I see an NHL player too, I like his pace and his skills. I just think he needs to be protected. I think he'd excel on one of Sutter's Kings teams, where his lack of size and strength is compensated for by his teammates.

I'm not sure he can co-exist on a team with Gaudreau, Mangiapane, Dube and Ryan.

"Big heart, tries hard", that's about the greatest praise you can get from a Sutter.

Mangiapane might be short but he wins more puck battles than our biggest players.

I agree Gaudreau and Phillips shouldn't be playing on a line together, at least at 5v5. But Gaudreau also had a lot of early success with Hudler who was short, weak, and slow. Hockey IQ and skill trumps a lot of things. Phillips is also very fast.

Dube and Phillips have actually shown a fair amount of chemistry in the past as linemates at lower levels. Their lack of size is just an on-paper concern. Dube's defensive game not developing might be a bigger concern than a lack of size.

It's not just about size. Phillips in the lineup makes the Flames a faster, more skilled team. If any team needs to get faster in the NHL, it's the one with Lucic, Monahan, and Tkachuk. We also have a severe need for skilled right shot forwards.

As for Ryan, he's a UFA and may not be back anyways. While I like him, he's hardly a core piece.

[DeluxeMoustache]

Hudler was weak and slow? Huh

[CGY12]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

The advice I have supposedly ignored essentially boils down to "don't get excited about Phillips because he's very unlikely to make it."

But... it's really hard for me to watch him and not see an NHL player. I don't think it's spin. If there was an NHL player on that Heat team, he's it.

I haven't watched him at all but to be an NHL player I think its less about size and more about motor and IQ. So don't agree with the crowd saying he is too small. The softest forward on our team might be Monahan and he may be the biggest.

[Lanny_McDonald]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

The advice I have supposedly ignored essentially boils down to "don't get excited about Phillips because he's very unlikely to make it."

But... it's really hard for me to watch him and not see an NHL player. I don't think it's spin. If there was an NHL player on that Heat team, he's it.

Here's the exact advice you got.

Good on you. You deserve the success because you've worked hard. As someone that aspired to be a writer and had a few chances along the way, a little advice. Reminder, you're a journalist, not a fan. If you really want to be more than David Staples keep that in mind. Duhatschek was/is great because he can practice detachment from being a fan of the team and being a journalist, taking in all facts and perspectives and then writing a balanced column. He was always a Flames fan, but made sure that never crept into his writing. If you can do that you will have a great future a head of you. So remember that as you approach your conversations about the Heat and their team. Keep in mind just how tough the jump is to the NHL and how hard it is for players to shield their weaknesses in a league where weaknesses are the difference between winning and losing. Remember that the needs of the NHL squad and the NHL game are first and foremost a consideration when evaluating a player and their talent. A guy may be a sniper in the AHL but may be slow afoot, which is going to make his chance of success quite small. Always approach all subjects by circling them and viewing them from all sides before you write or comment. You're not representing the message board, you're representing yourself and your judgement, which is only as good as your last article.

Good luck Scorp, you deserve your moment in the spot light! We're all cheering for you!

In short, be a detached professional who observes, understands, and reports on the game, and don't be a fanboy. The comments were intentionally general and not directed at any one player, because it applies to every player that is trying to make the jump to the NHL. The fact that you think it was all about Matthew Phillips is very telling and clearly places you in the later group of "journalists." I think you're better than that Scorp, but you always have had your favorites (David Jones, Derek Ryan, and now Matthew Phillips). Hopefully this is just something you just have to grow out of as you do the job. Or maybe you carve out your space as the Calgary version of David Staples. Hey, he's employed, has a loyal readership, and keeps a roof over his head, so maybe that isn't so bad?