LeafShark
Registered User
- Feb 2, 2010
- 1,724
- 294
Fact: When we play against top teams, Phaneuf needs to be used heavily.
Fact: When Phaneuf is used heavily, his performance diminishes quite substantially
Fact: The acquisition of Ryan O'Byrne does absolutely nothing to remedy this situation
Fact: O'Byrne is a rental, but he is a RHD, which is a lesser need.
Unless O'Byrne can better is play, and be able to play on a line with Liles, this is a depth move (obviously). It's essentially insurance, but it doesn't make us a better team. Effectively we are the same team.
I would have loved someone to play with Phaneuf, and the prices weren't that high on trade deadline day. Either Nonis was cheap (such a move would likely cost a high pick and a decent prospect minimum), or nothing was really offered.
Perhaps I am skewed by my opinion that a #2/3 defender would make our hopes at the cup A LOT better, and that with this piece, we are essentially ready to contend. I'm probably in the minority in this opinion, but I will not waiver from it. I think people put way too much stock in "playoff experience". A game is a game is a game. It's not like the rules are changed, you're just facing stronger opponents.
The spot beside Phaneuf will remain our glaring weakness as we enter the playoffs. This weakness will cost us dearly in the playoffs. Hopefully the picks and prospects are worth it.
I laugh at the people dismissing ANY chance we have at the cup this year. Lesser teams have made it to the cup finals.
Fact: When Phaneuf is used heavily, his performance diminishes quite substantially
Fact: The acquisition of Ryan O'Byrne does absolutely nothing to remedy this situation
Fact: O'Byrne is a rental, but he is a RHD, which is a lesser need.
Unless O'Byrne can better is play, and be able to play on a line with Liles, this is a depth move (obviously). It's essentially insurance, but it doesn't make us a better team. Effectively we are the same team.
I would have loved someone to play with Phaneuf, and the prices weren't that high on trade deadline day. Either Nonis was cheap (such a move would likely cost a high pick and a decent prospect minimum), or nothing was really offered.
Perhaps I am skewed by my opinion that a #2/3 defender would make our hopes at the cup A LOT better, and that with this piece, we are essentially ready to contend. I'm probably in the minority in this opinion, but I will not waiver from it. I think people put way too much stock in "playoff experience". A game is a game is a game. It's not like the rules are changed, you're just facing stronger opponents.
The spot beside Phaneuf will remain our glaring weakness as we enter the playoffs. This weakness will cost us dearly in the playoffs. Hopefully the picks and prospects are worth it.
I laugh at the people dismissing ANY chance we have at the cup this year. Lesser teams have made it to the cup finals.