I do.
Smith always takes dumb penalties.
You do make a very valid point.
Except for that time he fought like 3 or 4 games ago
Personally I'd keep Smith in over Neil all things being equal, but Neil hasn't been a liability out there at all this year.
Much ado about nothing really, which forward is going to eat up 6 or 7 minutes tonight
That ONE time, 3-4 games ago, yes.
i do agree whether our 12th or our 13th best forward sits, doesn't make much of a difference.
Easy:
Because they want Lazar at centre where he is best, and Smith can't play wing.
Also, Smith lacks intensity and should ALWAYS sit before Neil, who gives 100% every time he hits the ice.
Also, Neil is better at NHL hockey than Smith.
Also, Neil doesn't look to fight players after the whistle, he makes players on the other team settle down lest they have to pay the price. The idea is to intimidate without having to fight, which Neil does extremely well.
Oh, i missed lazar was playing center tonight, my bad. makes sense.
Smith does lack intensity. I agree.
I disagree with neil is better at hockey than smith. Not that close imo.(shooting,passing,skating,stickhandling, etc)
That is true, neil is better at intimidating....however i think intimidation is much more effective with a bone crushing hit or a beat down...neither of which neil has done recently. There was a time where Neil was regarded as one of the leagues best hitter. He would lay down the boom which would cause players to hear footsteps and make rushed passes and fumble pucks. It would also help keep people in line knowing at any second he could catch your star player with his head down. Almost like you didn't want to piss offf/wake up neil because someone on your team would pay the price. He doesn't do anything like that anymore.
This is the last big hit i remember neil laying unless someone can post a more recent huge hit?
That was 3 and a half years ago!
