I understand to some that a specialist is better than an all-around player but I disagree. In terms of winning hockey games, the all-around player is better than a specialist.
Post-Game Talk: PDSF - Game #2 - Kings @ Sharks - 7:00pm II
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I understand to some that a specialist is better than an all-around player but I disagree. In terms of winning hockey games, the all-around player is better than a specialist.
Gene Parmesan
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CanadienShark
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I value them pretty much equally, with perhaps a slight edge to Thornton. There's a reason he draws players like flies, but I don't think many people realize just how close they are despite the fact that many seem to think Thornton is much better. Marleau brings a much more well rounded skillset, and is more versatile, but Thornton is a huge gamebreaker and is nearly impossible to stop when he's on. If Marleau weren't such an outstanding skater, I'd give a clear edge to Thornton though.
CanadienShark
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Evincar
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At this point in their careers Marleau is the better player, but Marleau has never been one of the best players in the league like Joe has. He's really never reached that level of play.
Its no coincidence that Marleau started putting up career numbers as soon as Joe was traded here and took over as the #1 Center.
CanadienShark
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Add "phenomenal skater" to Marleau, change it to elite defensively.
You've got Thornton pretty bang on though - I'd add amazing puck possession, and uses his body quite well.
hohosaregood
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It's almost like those datsyuk vs Crosby polls from a while back. It's really not worth arguing about. Thornton and marleau are two of the best of their era. Also two greatest forwards for the Sharks ever
Gene Parmesan
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Marleau is very similar to Hossa. Both are elite complimentary players who do everything well but fly under the radar.
i know there is not much to complain about but do we really need to revert to the marleau vs. thornton debate?
Agreed. It's pretty pointless to debate since Thornton is clearly the far superior player.
TomasHertlsRooster
Don’t say eye test when you mean points
Thornton isn't a good goal scorer, he had 11 goals this year
We're comparing them right now, not from 5 years ago
We're comparing them right now, not from 5 years ago
Gene Parmesan
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He had ten straight years of 20+, he could have got that if he shot the puck.
Da ****?
Thornton can't take over games?
How many multi-goal playoff games does he have? How many multi-goal regular season games for that matter? Game winning goals (the one against the Kings a few years back is the only one I can remember)? He is simply not that player, which is what is at the heart of much of the criticism he gets. And although I am a big fan of his, I tend to agree. I think he is selfish in a sense for not trying to score more goals but rather staying in his comfort zone as a passer, which diminishes his value as a player.
CanadienShark
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Goalscoring ≠ taking over games/being a gamebreaker, I hope you know that. He's a dominant player when he's on - physically and with a ton of skill. He can score goals and he's got a nice shot when he chooses to use it.
Leidi J
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OrrNumber4
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Would you take Sergei Fedorov, Brian Trottier, Steve Yzerman, or Peter Forsberg (all, by the way, much more "well-rounded", as well as talented, players than Marleau) over Wayne Gretzky?
Besides, Thornton is not a specialist in the way that an Andreychuk is.
Marleau is the ultimate complementary player. But Thornton is a franchise player. Thornton has been the best player on his team for how many years in this league? Marleu has held that title maybe once...
Timo Time
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I think rather than figuring out who is more elite, we should be grateful we have those two elite players on our team.
TomasHertlsRooster
Don’t say eye test when you mean points
But he didn't do it. To call him a good goal scorer is simply inaccurate at this point. I love him, but it isn't the truth.
Evincar
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Thats always been his problem and he's stubborn in that way. Its why he's so predictable come playoff time.
Juxtaposer
Outro: Divina Comedia
Gene Parmesan
Dedicated to babies who came feet first
Gene Parmesan
Dedicated to babies who came feet first
Yet he still scores when he wants. You said he wasn't a good goal scorer when his career has shown him to be a competent goal scorer as well as the greatest playmaker of his generation.
drunksage
lol light beer
Team plays poorly, argue about who is the worst.
Team plays well, argue about who is the best.
