- Dec 20, 2018
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He definitely played like that in the first four games (well everyone got crushed in the Caps game) but he got injured in Sabres game.If you’re saying he’s played every single game since the start of the season, like he did yesterday, then I’ll just end it here.
That was the game that led to this quote: I didn't get hurt. It was just pain. So just wanted to go out there and finish the game.”.
And then Captain Grimace had his worst game of the season against Calgary while still dealing with the pain. He was ok to iffy for next two home games, not bad though, and was likely still banged up.
Nico played as least as good as this in the Kings and Sharks game though. (Edit: not very good in the Ducks game but 5 minutes of his 16 minutes were on that shit power play.)
Mercer has been great. He wasn’t playing big minutes at the start of the season but he’s only had a couple bad games (really just the Caps game stands out). He stepped up big in the games at home after Nico was injured, that was when he started playing more and had several memorably strong performances in a row. Mercer didn’t do that much on the road trip, I feel like Nico played better out there. Mercer had a great game against Florida too though.
It’s not a contest between the two. Considering how the other players were admiring Nico’s toughness after the Sabres game it’s just odd to me not having the other players’s respect. And I don’t see a lack of effort, individual bad games actually don’t necessarily come from a lack of effort or a moral failing. They just happen.
Mercer’s offense has been critical but he’s contributing offensively, Nico is playing a much tougher two-way role. Mercer hasn’t been bad defensively at all which is actually impressive for a player coming out of juniors, they typically get caved in. I’m thrilled with Mercer. And both hoping and assuming that Nico’s finishing will improve.
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