News Article: The Penguins hits leader is who?!

[Rodgerwilco]

Now, I'm not a huge fan of Tim Benz, but This Article about the Penguins leader in hits is pretty interesting, and not really someone that most guys would have expected... What's even more interesting is the players named that he tops in hits!

Click to read more...

 

[UnrealMachine]

 

[Shady Machine]

JBomb wrote that article and I’m actually not surprised it’s Jake. He initiates contact a lot on the forecheck vs some other players that go with stick in first.

 

[Rodgerwilco]

JBomb wrote that article and I’m actually not surprised it’s Jake. He initiates contact a lot on the forecheck vs some other players that go with stick in first.

Ah, was reading a Tim Benz article right before that and got them mixed up. Truth be told, I'm not huge on Bombulie either...

I've noticed that Jake has ramped up his physical game this season, especially earlier in the year when he was slotted into that 3C spot. I'm glad to see that he's starting to round out his game a bit now and is a bit more than just an scoring player now. If he can bulk up a bit without losing speed he could really be a lightning rod.

 

[Gurglesons]

Hit totals is probably the most biased stat in the game.

 

[66-30-33]

Nobody expects the little people.

 

[Rodgerwilco]

Hit totals is probably the most biased stat in the game.

Yeah, I agree, incredibly subjective.

 

[Jacob]

I’d have guessed like Letang or Maatta. But Guentzel isn’t too surprising, he’s gritty and gets in on the forecheck.

 

[Tom Hanks]

Isn’t it Reaves still?

 

[Rodgerwilco]

Isn’t it Reaves still?

Guentzel hasn't passed him in hits, but Reaves isn't on the roster anymore, so he doesn't count.

 

[RizzleMcRib]

After hearing the hit totals during the Panther's game, I am not even sure what constitutes a hit anymore.

 

[Jacob]

After hearing the hit totals during the Panther's game, I am not even sure what constitutes a hit anymore.

Florida has always been sketchy with hits. They made Robert Svehla into Scott Stevens.

 

[66-30-33]

Florida has always been sketchy with hits. They made Robert Svehla into Scott Stevens.

Shots on goal too.

 

[lordstanley91]

I was at that Panthers game and I looked at the scoreboard at the end of the 1st and hits were 12-0 panthers. I just shook my head it was the most biased hit clock I’d ever seen. It’s not a stat that can be taken at face value.

 

[Rodgerwilco]

I was at that Panthers game and I looked at the scoreboard at the end of the 1st and hits were 12-0 panthers. I just shook my head it was the most biased hit clock I’d ever seen. It’s not a stat that can be taken at face value.

Oh, I agree, but I think in Guentzel's case it is pretty indicative of his increased physical play.

 

[AverageJoeFan]

Guentzel hits are like gnats. Annoying, but predictable.

In other news, in an off topic interview done by Dan Potash a couple of weeks ago, he asked the players who they would let take a free swing at them, and resoundingly they picked Jake.

 

[Rodgerwilco]

Guentzel hits are like gnats. Annoying, but predictable.

In other news, in an off topic interview done by Dan Potash a couple of weeks ago, he asked the players who they would let take a free swing at them, and resoundingly they picked Jake.

I can't say I'm too surprised. I'd say it would have to be either him or Sheary. lol

 

[lordstanley91]

Oh, I agree, but I think in Guentzel's case it is pretty indicative of his increased physical play.

Yea he’s good on the forecheck and that boosts the hit numbers even if they aren’t huge.

 

[Dey so soff*]

IMO, it isn’t the AMOUNT of hits a team or a certain player has, it’s the effectiveness and the timing of them...

For example, a Sheary hit isn’t as effective as a Tom Wilson hit...

 

[PensandCaps]

Before I opened the thread, I guessed Guentzel. Really not surprising at all. He's always finishing checks.

 

[PensandCaps]

Guentzel hits are like gnats. Annoying, but predictable.

In other news, in an off topic interview done by Dan Potash a couple of weeks ago, he asked the players who they would let take a free swing at them, and resoundingly they picked Jake.

I'd choose Letang. He would miss and hit himself.

 

[canadianguy77]

Hit totals is probably the most biased stat in the game.

Giveaways are right up there too. When Kunitz was playing over his last 2 years here, I would sometimes just isolate on him. Let's just say it wasn't unusual for him to have 5 in a period, and yet he wouldn't be credited with any for the entire game.

 

[Tom Hanks]

IMO, it isn’t the AMOUNT of hits a team or a certain player has, it’s the effectiveness and the timing of them...

For example, a Sheary hit isn’t as effective as a Tom Wilson hit...

It is if he gets the puck back more (I have no idea if he does or not though).

 

[Ryder71]

I'm pretty concerned about the physical component to the team or lack thereof. Without Cole, no Kunitz and no ZAR currently we're really in a bind IMO. You need guys like that who can bang bodies and be physical either on the forecheck or in the defensive zone ala Cole. We're a pretty meek team from top to bottom and losing that many hard nosed players may prove problematic when it matters most.

 

[Dey so soff*]

It is if he gets the puck back more (I have no idea if he does or not though).

True, but I think there is a difference between winning a puck battle, separating the man from the puck, and laying a big, game changing hit.

I’m thrilled that Jake is taking the body more, don’t get me wrong...