To begin, his ability to sidestep checks in his own zone, quickly swerve in a manner that keeps opposing forwards guessing with regularity, and maintain control of the puck, or at least place it somewhere where he or another Islander can come into possession of it, is almost off the charts - in a positive manner. I've seen very few Dmen with this ability. He also regularly takes a check, thus offering himself up, in order to move pucks. He's got great athleticism and balance on his skates. Compare his waterbug jumps with those of a constantly falling tree like Carkner. Huge difference.
In general, he simply plays a thinking man's game, sometimes overthinking things, but we should be impressed with the iron lung manner in which goes about things and logs ice time. Some of the best Dmen this league has ever seen weren't out there trying to check everything that moves, but rather lived off of reading and reacting. This is something he actively tries to do. He plays like he knows his limits, but expects more of himself. This is to be commended.
I'd hate to think where we'd be back there if he wasn't doing this with aplomb.
Now, I'm only watching the games on Gamecenter, i.e. I'm not there live. Maybe I'd think differently if I had that live vantage point, but some of the comments and observations in this thread simply show that many of us have precious little experience playing this game at even a halfway competitive level. It's not a Playstation game out there. I've gotta think that those who have played a good bit at a competitive level who have Andy in much higher regards.
Totally respect your opinion Chap and see lots of terrific & detailed posts from you, specifically with our prospects, so thanks for that.
However, still can't agree with you here. (and for your knowledge, I've played the game). I've watched 8 of the 12 games live.
You referenced an ability to "sidestep checks in his own zone" and place the puck to maintain possession and I can't say that is an incorrect assessment, however, this season it has not been a consistent part of his game. (Others blame fatigue from over usage). In past seasons I would refer to Andrew MacDonald as "poised" or "in control" but this season has been a train wreck in that regard.
We should see more bright spots from someone playing so many minutes. If I had any compliments for him, it would be his stick play and ability to jam up passing and shooting lanes (again not consistent this season)
I can think of just a couple things he
does not do well:
- Overall defensive coverage
- Communication w/ D partner and picking up his man skating into his zone
- Locking up man in front of the crease, protecting the net.
- One on one defense, driving man towards the boards
- Consistent clearing and break out passes
- Physicality in any capacity
- Offensive awareness, pinches and reads.
- Positioning, taking angles
- Skating ability, agility and acceleration
- Shots to the net, 13 shots in 12 games (averaging 26+ mins per game and getting PP time)
Am I missing anything? (sorry for the rant but I refuse to excuse Amac for performing so poorly)