NOTENOUGHJTCGOALS
Registered User
- Feb 28, 2006
- 13,542
- 5,771
I would argue the reason why Graves/Makar has worked has a heck of a lot more to do with Makar figuring out what he’s capable of. Z worked with Barrie in the past, and I think he could work with Makar too, but neither were at their best individually to start the year.Problem is they've tried other guys up there alongside Makar and they were far worse. Warts and all, Graves is, for now, the best LHD the Avs have beyond Girard. Cole is still struggling to get back into game shape after surgery and Z just...isn't good enough for that role. I'd argue at least from a skating perspective, Graves is far better than EJ as well.
Long term, the Avs obviously would like Timmins and Byram to slide into the top four and bump EJ and Graves/Cole to the bottom pairing. Short term...I don't know. Right now, Graves is the best option. If by chance Rosen is a viable option, great!
I would argue the reason why Graves/Makar has worked has a heck of a lot more to do with Makar figuring out what he’s capable of. Z worked with Barrie in the past, and I think he could work with Makar too, but neither were at their best individually to start the year.
I don’t think Graves is a better skater than EJ either. All those penalties from Graves of late have been because he’s caught chasing.
I would argue the reason why Graves/Makar has worked has a heck of a lot more to do with Makar figuring out what he’s capable of. Z worked with Barrie in the past, and I think he could work with Makar too, but neither were at their best individually to start the year.
I don’t think Graves is a better skater than EJ either. All those penalties from Graves of late have been because he’s caught chasing.
Honestly, he looks like an AHL defensemen.
Naw, some folks on HFB just think all six dmen should be flawless and if they aren't, they are AHL caliber players.Based on what I've heard/read, he's actually better suited for the NHL than the AHL.
There is a big difference in the way that Barrie and Makar play the game. Barrie is better with the puck, uses that to his advantage, and skates and attacks creatively based on that. He simply needs a partner who will defer towards him, pushes him to play that way, or fully has his back when things go awry. When Z is on his game, he can be a safe partner to play with and he can defer well to a partner when he's not trying to do too much.... and he's great on the rush, which when things break down with Barrie, it is frequently a rush sort of situation. Makar plays a much more cerebral sort of game where he needs a predictable partner who stays structured, but can consistently be counted on when the situation and structure allows it... while being good enough with the puck to be able to be counted on to make the right, or at least safe, play consistently.
TLDR... Makar relies more on his partner to be predictable and an option. He plays more 5 man hockey. While Barrie is an off script player that just needs a safety net when it backfires.
Naw, some folks on HFB just think all six dmen should be flawless and if they aren't, they are AHL caliber players.
More and more, he reminds me of Nick Holden. Big frame, but not very physical, good skater but questionable defensive reads put him behind the play a lot, pinches in for the occasional goal but not a big point producer. Overall, a fine bottom pair D who is exposed with top 4 ice time and matchups.
More and more, he reminds me of Nick Holden. Big frame, but not very physical, good skater but questionable defensive reads put him behind the play a lot, pinches in for the occasional goal but not a big point producer. Overall, a fine bottom pair D who is exposed with top 4 ice time and matchups.
More and more, he reminds me of Nick Holden. Big frame, but not very physical, good skater but questionable defensive reads put him behind the play a lot, pinches in for the occasional goal but not a big point producer. Overall, a fine bottom pair D who is exposed with top 4 ice time and matchups.