Well to the fans defense, under this team and system he didn't look like a NHL d man on many nights. I think that having Reeves has allowed him to focus on his game a bit more and not have to be the protector, intimidator, game-changing hit kind of player.
He had half the penalty minutes this season as his second lowest season.
Lets also not forget he had 2 assists and no goals (16gp) coming into this game.
When Gio got hurt with 25 or so games to go in NJ, his ice time increased dramatically on the stretch run and playoffs that year, and he got statistically better in every category. Basically stepped up big time, showing his character and ability without question when the Flames needed him the most. But it was called a fluke by the stats warriors and the narrative of him being a beer leaguer was back the next season. That was 3 seasons ago.
Role change or not away from enforcer, becoming the trusted penalty killing defenseman in the Stanley Cup final is not the mark of a beer league calibre defencemen.
Bottom line, the guy is about as solid a guy as there is, works his butt off as most pros do, but still gets lazily attached labels by excel sheet warriors.
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Entertaining game to watch! Vegas is crazy fast, and the Caps hit hard and hit to hurt. Good match up, and I expect the Caps to bounce back next game. OV a bit quiet tonight.
Hate what? Their poor work ethic? Their gifted first overall generational player? Their long bloodlust filled rivalry history with Calgary? That you didn't pick Vegas with their 500-1 odds?
Haters love hating. The poster loves hating enough to have it as part of it's username so hate from them should be expected.
Some people look for the good in things, the things to be commended. Other people look for things to hate or complain about it. Never more obvious than on forums like these.
Everytime Vegas has looked even the least but vulnerable in a game this playoffs, win or lose, they've bounced back with a dominant and or shut down performance.
Ot win vs Kings was first so so game and followed up with a big win. Jets fans were planning the parade route after game 1. I expect Vegas to come out and play a bit tighter defensively and pressure will be on Washington to match the lower lines,which they cant do, nor has or can any team Vegas has played.
Those bottom 2 lines have more energy and skill the ln the opponents, and if the other team shortens the bench, Vegas doesn't have to, and then the top 2 lines on Vegas get more rest and then more time against a more tired three line opponent.
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I'm going to go out on a limb right now and say if Vegas wins one cup, they'll win another within three years. They don't even have one of their draft picks on the roster yet, do they?
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Not the result I was hoping for but GREAT game, two fun teams to watch. If only I could just put aside my anger at the Knights instant success. They do deserve to win. They always find a way. Hate to say it is looking like knights in 6.
Let's hope all these bandwagon fans stick with them when times aren't so good. And please drop the 'golden' from the name, reminds me of the 'mighty' ducks. LV Knights sounds way better. Still cheering for Ovie and Holtby though.
I love what Vegas does before each game. Lil Jon doing a show outside the arena. The awesome cheesy theatre before the game. The Get ready to Rumble guy announcing each starting player. Gladys Knight singing at the first intermission.
Canadian teams and all other teams need to learn some lessons from Vegas. Make it a show. Make it fun.
Also that Wilson hit was late but no way suspendable.
I think OV has a big game 2. Caps tie the series up.
It will be a damn shame if this is the team to beat Ovi for his first cup. A damn shame. Call me jealous. Call me a hater. Call me sour grapes. I do not care. Ovi deserves this cup and I’ll be flat out pissed if some corny expansion team beats him.
I'm going to go out on a limb right now and say if Vegas wins one cup, they'll win another within three years. They don't even have one of their draft picks on the roster yet, do they?
I’m the opposite. I think they pick in the top 3 of the draft sometime in the next 3-4 drafts. They have a lot of dead money, and a lot of guys who are going to see huge raises.
Once the NHL awarded LV with a franchise, it was only a matter of time that Engelland would sign there...
Just seems to me that LV's system suits Engelland much better.
Way better gap control along the boards.
Transitions to the o-zone can occur anywhere. Min of two players can go up the ice and start a rush. No requirement for the forwards to be lined up in any way.
No d-zone cross passes.
No holding onto the puck in the d-zone.
Seems to work for him well.
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Just going through the comments on the pregame festivities. Some of you are dislike theatrics.
Didn't watch it live, but that looked fun, amusing, energetic, and entertaining. They go all out, which gets the crowd engaged. It's great to see when everyone else does the same ole, bland routine.
Just going through the comments on the pregame festivities. Some of you are dislike theatrics.
Didn't watch it live, but that looked fun, amusing, energetic, and entertaining. They go all out, which gets the crowd engaged. It's great to see when everyone else does the same ole, bland routine.
Yea, it works wonders in getting the crowd energy up from the start. I used to love the Sens home openers for the same reason, although I think they're done with it now.
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