PlamsUnlimited
Big Church Bells
I think preseason has minimal weight but that's it. Like a few years ago we looked like ass from preseason to the end of the first month of the season. But other than that it isn't too indicative
We need to think about one season and one season only. This season. Whichever defenseman gives us the better chance of winning the Cup this season should be the one who stays.
I think preseason has minimal weight but that's it. Like a few years ago we looked like ass from preseason to the end of the first month of the season. But other than that it isn't too indicative
Diaz is not going to push us into the Stanley cup finals, both can play serviceable as the #6 dman but Mci can possibly continue to get better and he a big part of the team for the next decade. Diaz..well you know what you are getting and he's not going to improve anymore. And the team is lacking a very physical defensemen and has more than enough offensive defensemen. If we need one that bad we can always call up Bodie.
It's for rookies to find out what it's like to play against NHL quality players and NHL quality teams.
For the guys who have been around the block and back 100 times this is their version of the walk you do on the treadmill for a minute before you start your jog.
Dude, we were so ass, everyone was that one year for the pre and 1st month, but that's why I said it's minimal because we ironed it out!
Who is asking you to blindly hype him or justify the pick? Can you name even one person here who's doing that? It was a bad pick. But we can't change it, so you move on and look at what's there now. And the guy's made nice strides and could be a solid player going forward.
Personally, if I'm looking at any one thing that's impressed me, it's his demeanor right now. Where he was picked, and the time it took to develop, puts an awful lot of weight on a young kid. Right now, he looks like he's settled down, is just playing his game and he's showing some poise, which is good to see because he's still only 23.
As far as Diaz's ability to put up points, he's 29, has scored 8 total goals in his career, and averages 10 assists per season. Let's not confuse him with Ray Bourque
I think AV isn't a huge fan of McIlrath (though he loves Girardi and Klein who are definitely not puck moving D and all that) but at the same time I think he's talking down a bit as a motivational thing. If you say "yeah he was great! loved it, played so well" it's conceivable you take away some motivation for the player. Someone like McIlrath can't think "alright, coach basically just said I'm in, I can take it easy now". He's gotta keep pushing and playing like every day is his last regardless of what his coach says.
just watched the game dvr, Stalberg's looked notably better each game. Very excited to see him with Dom Moore/Lindberg
Agreed, he seems to grow into the system nicely unlike Etem who i think came here thinking he was a lock. Too much posing with puppies and not enough focus on what was at hand
He's been in constant communication with the coaches asking them what he needs to do to make this team and whatever his role is he will do it.
He has a life outside of hockey, as do all the players. His just happens to be on Instagram.
Not a big deal
Him and his puppy would both be in CT in a perfect world. Now, instead of him getting better while playing top minutes he will (or should) be wearing a suot and sitting in the press box
We need to think about one season and one season only. This season. Whichever defenseman gives us the better chance of winning the Cup this season should be the one who stays.
I disagree. Can't afford to think and act that way for a third consecutive season. The team with the best roster and plan isn't a sure thing to win the cup. Look at last year - planned well, had nice depth all over, lost 3 dmen and Zucc by the ecf. There's a lot of luck involved in winning the cup. To me, going for broke the last two years isn't a luxury we can afford again this year. We have a new gm, we have young talent pushing, we have parts of our core that are aging and slipping in play quality... we can't go all in again without any care for the future at all. It's too much. Gotta strike a balance between being poised to win a cup and slowly adding in cheap youth.
By the simple fact that you're responding to this post from three pages back is evidence enough of you trying to justify it. And your basis, three preseason games. Additionally, your attempt to make me look so far out of touch with that ridiculous comparison to Ray Borque. I don't know if you realize it, but it is Diaz and Mcllrath competing for the same spot. The the comparison between one another is appropriate.
Again, I find myself in the unenviable position of disparaging Dylan when that was never my intention. It was more of a self defending argument directed at those who levied attacks against my opinion.
That's fair and I'd agree with you if Henrik Lundqvist wasn't turning 34. We need to put the best possible team on the ice in front of him every year.
I'd also agree with you if McIlrath was anything close to a sure thing, but he's fighting for the 7th.
I'd also agree with you if we weren't cup contenders for 2016.
But we are, when you have a realistic chance to win it all you put your best foot forward and put the best 23 guys on the ice.
We're not going to be able to put anything decent in front of him in 2-3 years time if we keep going for broke every year like this. Well also be creating a situation where our next goalie, even if they end up being someone very talented, is going to have crap in front of them for a long time, including key development years.
He's a rookie so he's not going to be a sure thing period. I'm not saying move Klein for him today, but they should keep McI and play him when possible, and if he shows he can handle 6D duties well they should shop Klein in time. That's walking the line between today and tomorrow.
And tell TB, CHI, ANA etc that they're contenders and don't need to build for the future because I don't think they got that memo.
Building for the future comes 2nd.
Yes, we have to continue to scout well, bring in young players, and make a general attempt to get younger. But all of that comes 2nd for us. That's the situation we are fortunate enough to be in.
When making decisions on the 2016 roster, the decision should come down to this question. Which player gives us the best chance to win the Stanley Cup in 2016? Whatever the answer to that question is should be the guy who makes the team.
Eh I disagree but I've made my points. We don't have to have the same opinion.