Niskanen and Orpik

[Midnight Judges]

Pretty much nothing Pens fans said about Orpik has come true. The guy has been physical, positionally sound, and come up big in big moments. He's a huge part of why the Caps are one of the best teams in the NHL in terms of winning the game after scoring first.

Niskanen has been solid although not as noticeable because Orpik is a punisher. "Not as noticeable" is not always a bad thing for a defenseman. Niskanen's shot has not been as good as advertised but his defensive play has been better than advertised.

 

[HTFN]

Pretty much nothing Pens fans said about Orpik has come true. The guy has been physical, positionally sound, and come up big in big moments. He's a huge part of why the Caps are one of the best teams in the NHL in terms of winning the game after scoring first.

Niskanen has been solid although not as noticeable because Orpik is a punisher. "Not as noticeable" is not always a bad thing for a defenseman. Niskanen's shot has not been as good as advertised but his defensive play has been better than advertised.

Niskanen strikes me more as what we hope Alzner to be, rather than the Green replacement we thought he was. Funny to me because when he was in Dallas his physicality stood out, and then vanished in Pittsburgh, and we came back around to getting the Dallas version.

 

[Atlas]

I'm happy with both. Expensive yes but they have contributed mightily to this team. We'd be in trouble without those guys.

 

[BobRouse]

Both seem to be no-nonsense type guys who tell it how it is and aren't afraid to speak up. Thats how they come across to me at least.

You can never have enough of those kinds. We really didn't have that on D either in addition to the vet physical presence both provide.

 

[BobRouse]

Have I mentioned how much of a monster I think Orpik is? I don't think we are talking about this guy and what he's meant enough.

We finally have replaced Tinordi. Only took 16 years.

 

[Carlzner]

http://hfboards.mandatory.com/showthread.php?t=1700965&highlight=orpik

Good read.

 

[Blades of Steel]

yeah that's bump worthy just for pens fans to read.

 

[AlexBrovechkin8]

Without reading that thread I'm pretty sure I'm in there as hating the trade. I did hate it when it was announced. Orpik could barely skate last year. I underestimated the injuries and just thought he as done. As I thought more about it, I figured we had to do something on the blue line and that the sum of the parts on defense would be greater the pieces themselves. That part I had right. Orpik and Niskanen have been fantastic.

 

[Blades of Steel]

It just goes to show you how players can be rejuvenated with a change of atmosphere.

 

[Brian23]

It just goes to show you how players can be rejuvenated with a change of atmosphere.

I'm curious if this is a second wind or just an adrenaline rush for him though...

I'd say he needs to play for at least 3 good years to make his contract tolerable.

 

[capitalsrock]

http://hfboards.mandatory.com/showthread.php?t=1700965&highlight=orpik

Good read.

I'd give him that contract again without a doubt

 

[txpd]

http://hfboards.mandatory.com/showthread.php?t=1700965&highlight=orpik

Good read.

that's so hilarious. particularly the laughing and finger pointing pens fans

 

[txpd]

I'm curious if this is a second wind or just an adrenaline rush for him though...

I'd say he needs to play for at least 3 good years to make his contract tolerable.

If the Caps win the cup this year, he can retire on the job starting next year if he wants to

 

[AlexBrovechkin8]

If the Caps win the cup this year, he can retire on the job starting next year if he wants to

In the military, we call that the ROAD program. Retired On Active Duty.