Purity*
Registered User
- Jan 29, 2010
- 8,446
- 1
well that's the point I am trying to make.
Like - does Dion go all the way back to the double Dion-ing Calgary, "I was nominated for a Norris" days? Probably not, because I think he's too old, and he doesn't want to play that game any more. To me he wants to be more of the "point" getter defenseman but I don't think his game is that strong either.
And I do not see in what world how Babcock can make a player be that good. He can give a system that can play more to Dion's strengths. but we're just going to assume all of his weaknesses (which are many) just poofs away ? that he and Babcock will wear footsie pjs and talk over hot chocolate how now to implode his game under pressure?
[again: HIS personal game. under pressure.]
well that was my original point. I don't know why that had to be flung back into "well you're the only one who mentioned hall of famer" like I was just supposed to go "oh, okay, yeah. they were all old. let's ignore the fact that they are ALSO hall of famers who never really missed a step" hence why I said Gio etc would have been better , and dropped the whole hall of fame thing, . I didn't see the age disclaimer.
exactly.
I am sorry. yes. the team is bad. and not talented enough and all of that. but it's not like Dion was a rose in a bed of thorns here. when the going gets tough, Dion looks really bad. (that St Louis game two years ago was the crux of it). sure does he get a cookie for really being all "pro" last season during the final stretch, sure?
but - i am sorry. he's been captain of a team that melts down under pressure (constantly) and he along with it. A lot of stuff happened last year, that I personally feel shouldn't have happened, should have been squashed. I don't think personally being a captain fits him and he's in the one market that you can't strip it and leave him here because it would be a constant talk point, and I don't think he'll ever wear it here like a glove. I think it will always be like a too small (or too big) shoe for him.
get better. go to a place where it fits him and he's not to go to guy. He's always going to be the go to guy here.
Addressing your 1st point. The Phaneuf in Calgary was freaking awesome which is why I was excited about trading for him the 1st place. You can tell that he played with way more desire and heart. When he was traded to the Leafs, his fire dwindled. I actually didn't mind his play at his 6.5M pricetag up until his decline.
Babcock's system relies on constant puck-pressure and maintaining the attack. I am really skeptical if Dion can actually play this system . In Detroit's most recent glory days, the D-core of Lidstrom/Rafalski/Kronwall was absolutely masterful at that style. Dion, however, I am just not sure if he has it in him.
As for the Leafs recent trainwrecks, you definitely can't put all the blame on Dion, but as captain, how much did he really help the cause? We already know his history of crumbling under pressure, so it brings back the question, is this really a guy you want on the team?