Thresher said:
on a slight tangent for this topic, X-Sharkie has brilliant hockey sense, dedication & determination
if he doesn't hit the NHL on the ice - I certainly hope he makes it the behind the scenes, pulling the strings ~ (for the Sharks, that is)
Thanks for such nice comments. WILDGM was the most sky high on him. The thing about Bernier is that I knew in his prime he would be a fantastic player, because watching him in the Q and at international competition he scored pro like goals, and made pro plays. He showed me a style of play that would translate well to the NHL. He still can lift you out of your seat with a goal like he did against St.Louis but he will also do all the little things it takes to be a premiere player in the NHL and score consistantly in all styles of play. Bernier can finesse it or he can power it. He's versitale and a dangerous offensive threat in all situations.
I believe that when Bernier is a seasoned vet around 26-28 years old he'll be one of the elite power forwards in the NHL. He has quick hands that allow him to make some sweet moves and score in close with the best of them. His shot is quickly released and he knows where to put it, he is great at finding rebounds, great at scoring when alone with the goalie, and doesn't give a goaltender a chance to set with his release, although he doesn't have the power to score alot from the outside. His puck protection and ability to stay on his feet seperates him from the others, he is near impossible to move or stop because of his lower and upper body strength, plus his base is extremely stable. He is also a superb playmaker, he puts enough touch or power behind a pass and has the ability to see the ice in ways that most don't. That aspect of his game is really coming on as he already made several beuty plays in San Jose this season.
His skating improved ten fold since his draft year, it's a non issue at this point and with his dedication in the summer it will probally turn out to be a strength of his when it's all said and done.
Bernier is also very smart, he has great anticipation and a feal for the game, especially the offensive side of things. He knows where to be and where loose pucks go, something that will show more and more as his game grows (like Cheechoo) He also just has those rare and undeniable pure offensive instincts that you can't coach.
The most exciting thing? Is that he hasn't even tapped into all that potential he has and I can see him scoring anywhere from 70-90 pointsin the NHL some day and should be an all star for the Sharks.