LeafingTheWay
Registered User
- May 31, 2014
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Hjalmarsson played the most even-strength minutes of any Chicago defenseman, and played the second most ES minutes on a per-game basis (behind Keith). He's also a defensive stalwart, while Phaneuf is not (to put it kindly). Of course, Phaneuf produces very well offensively (both 5on5 and on the PP), while Hjalmarsson does not.
I agree with the premise (that Phaneuf should play less and be utilized in a way that emphasizes his strengths), but I don't agree with the comparison, or the idea that Phaneuf should be on the second PP unit. He shouldn't be the puck carrier on the first (or second) unit, but he should be on the first unit.
Hjarmlsson played the 2nd most 5v5 minutes PER game, and that behind D.Keith and also played a QoC lower than that of Keith and Seabrooks' QoC. Agreed Phaneuf isn't a defensive stalwart, while Hjarmlsson is. But, Phaneuf should be used against lower QoC than that of a 1st pairing would face.
For how Phaneuf should be used, that's just my opinion combined with stats. I would much rather prefer Rielly be the puck-manning guy on the 1st PP (He does have the best pts/60 on the PP averaging the last 2 years). In combination, I think having Gardiner on there to complement the PP pairing is better. Both Phaneuf and Rielly are strictly offensively minded as of now, and having a two-way guy with relatively good PP points/60 numbers with one of them makes sense. Plus, Gardiner & Rielly numbers at EV are more impressive than Rielly-Phaneuf have posted at EV.
1st PP should be: JVR - Kadri - Lupul with Rielly-Gardiner . But pure stats-wise, Phaneuf would be the better choice instead of Gardiner. I just don't prefer having two Offensive D-men manning the PP.