I can't remember the last time I could choose between 5+ players for stars of the game.
Abby sucked, as usual. God, Pavel hasn't had a real winger since 09...
Even Abby was ok.
Definately Eaves>Miller. Wouldn't bother me if we let Miller go. Also Cleary.
Abby was OK for a grinder on a grind line.
At the end of the day, that's where he should be played. Third or fourth line. But recently I've seen him as the "go get the puck and get it Datsyuk" role and while he's at it, lay some hits. He destabilising the opposition and taking some of the attention away from Z and D. I obviously don't want him to play there permanently, but Datsyuk seems to like him on his line since he brings the grit and forechecking ability that he can thrive on.
On Datsyuk's goal yesterday, Abby went to the corners and fought for the puck and he's done it well lately. He should be given credit for that. He's not a skilled, playmaker or goalscorer, just a hard-working linemate. I'd prefer having a Nyquist, Tatar, etc. on the top line, but we have a bit of depth to work with lately and it's been successful.
Abdelkader obviously hasn't shown consistent offensive abilities, but he's been creating a lot of space for Datsyuk and Z recently. He's created havoc at the front of the net and gotten under the opposing players skin.
I agree that in a perfect world he isn't on the top line, but for the time being he's been effective in his role.
At the end of the day, that's where he should be played. Third or fourth line. But recently I've seen him as the "go get the puck and get it Datsyuk" role and while he's at it, lay some hits. He destabilising the opposition and taking some of the attention away from Z and D. I obviously don't want him to play there permanently, but Datsyuk seems to like him on his line since he brings the grit and forechecking ability that he can thrive on.
On Datsyuk's goal yesterday, Abby went to the corners and fought for the puck and he's done it well lately. He should be given credit for that. He's not a skilled, playmaker or goalscorer, just a hard-working linemate. I'd prefer having a Nyquist, Tatar, etc. on the top line, but we have a bit of depth to work with lately and it's been successful.
He's ********* in his role.
You think he's an effective first liner?
I didn't say he was an effective first liner, I said lately he's been effective in his role. Which is to create space with his hits and go to the net. Truth be told, if Datsyuk buries even 1/3rd of his chances he's had lately, we probably would've won a few more games.
I'm not blaming him for any losses, he's still be great - but he's had so many glorious chances that haven't even hit the net.
Players don't decide which lines they play on. Abby is a very good 4th line player (as is Tootoo), and having him on the first line with Dats/Z is annoying.
However, given that his role on that line seems to be 1) create space 2) make some hits 3) be aggressive on the forecheck and 4) plop his ass in front of the net and bother the opposing goalie - he's been doing those things fairly well.
This is a Babcock coaching decision/Holland roster decision we should be criticizing, not the player.
Agreed.
but when fans start saying he's doing a good job in his role, they need to be brought back to reality
Right.
Deflect the criticism of your boy Babcock's idiotic lines -- on to Datsyuk..
The one guy who has produced for this team all year long.
Right.
Deflect the criticism of your boy Babcock's idiotic lines -- on to Datsyuk..
The one guy who has produced for this team all year long.
I'm not blaming him for any losses, he's still be great - but he's had so many glorious chances that haven't even hit the net.