TK 421
Barbashev eats babies pass it on
- Sep 12, 2007
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John Scott is more physical than both of them but that doesn't make him a better defenseman. Physicality is one tool a good player will possess. Bortuzzo certainly has it. Cole had it too, Bortuzzo has more of it. Cole is a better transition player and has much better offensive instincts. Cole could also get pucks on net. Handedness isn't a factor when asking who the better player is either. I don't mean to single you out but I've seen people giving Bortuzzo stars of the game whereas he's really been an average defensemen. Is he really any better than Cole? Or do people like him because he's somebody other than Ian Cole? This same thing happened with Butler the first few games he played this season.
I think it's just that it's a breath of fresh air to have a physical defender like Bortuzzo despite his shortcomings. New toy syndrome combined with an element that was lacking(hitting, aggressive play and fighting.) Many have wanted a bigger Jackman for years now so I imagine that plays a part as well.