Good write up David. I hope the core veterans learned something from Joe. I hope they learned a team friendly 1 or 2 year contract will make the whole team better and give them a better chance to see their name on the most famous of all sports trophies. I hope that the new streaming package includes Razor and Josh and that it enables us to all watch the Stars all season long.
Those sG stats really stand out to me, since most of the season much of what we heard was just about his defense being questionable. What we didn't hear was a lot of the other positives that he was contributing, but some of that probably comes with him having extra large expectations.
The obvious question is how long his body will hold up with his style of play, but for me the secondary question is something you pointed to in the Seguin summary, his passenger status. The PP1 was crazy talented, and Johnston still is potentially underrated. I'm anything but worried about this for next year, but the warning lights are flashing yellow for the next contract. With the payday Stamkos got, if I'm Nill, I leave the credit card at home and take cash. One of 3 things happen here, he stays, he goes for the money, or he continues to look like Mo and goes to play near home.
The point many overlook when looking at Benn’s longevity, was clear pointed out in your comparison to Lucic. Power forwards who succeed in the NHL, as a rule their careers as such do not last over the age of 30. It exactly like the same rule for running backs in the NFL. The wear and tear on their bodies takes too great a toll. And, Benn has always played above his weight class, similar to Domi’s dad, taking on bigger heavier opponents (how big is McNab? God what a wonderful hit!!!!).
At 34 I’d bet that his performance ranks top 5 or better vs other pure power forwards (of which, sorry Terasenko isn’t).
We’re lucky to have him, in his own way he’s one of the greatest at his position in the history of the league… imo.
Last point, Face offs, (deeper subject) but puck possession kinda important… not his fault what our d did with it :))).
Tarasenko not a power forward? I disagree. Not a power forward in the classical sense, but like some of his Russian brethren ala Radulov and Kovalchuk -- dynamite checker, physical, and, at least in his prime, not a dude you could defend via intimidation.
I certainly hope not, but it's always possible. In fact, you could make the argument that it's prudent. How's a captain supposed to lead the team if everyone following him has no idea if he's even gonna be here the season after? I haven't heard anything though from those 'in the know.'
Good write up David. I hope the core veterans learned something from Joe. I hope they learned a team friendly 1 or 2 year contract will make the whole team better and give them a better chance to see their name on the most famous of all sports trophies. I hope that the new streaming package includes Razor and Josh and that it enables us to all watch the Stars all season long.
Man this streaming package should be fascinating. Could either be really awesome, or really perfunctory. No downside, but I hope they develop it.
Those sG stats really stand out to me, since most of the season much of what we heard was just about his defense being questionable. What we didn't hear was a lot of the other positives that he was contributing, but some of that probably comes with him having extra large expectations.
The obvious question is how long his body will hold up with his style of play, but for me the secondary question is something you pointed to in the Seguin summary, his passenger status. The PP1 was crazy talented, and Johnston still is potentially underrated. I'm anything but worried about this for next year, but the warning lights are flashing yellow for the next contract. With the payday Stamkos got, if I'm Nill, I leave the credit card at home and take cash. One of 3 things happen here, he stays, he goes for the money, or he continues to look like Mo and goes to play near home.
Allow myself to quote...myself
Take a bow sir, it is deserved
Heh.
The point many overlook when looking at Benn’s longevity, was clear pointed out in your comparison to Lucic. Power forwards who succeed in the NHL, as a rule their careers as such do not last over the age of 30. It exactly like the same rule for running backs in the NFL. The wear and tear on their bodies takes too great a toll. And, Benn has always played above his weight class, similar to Domi’s dad, taking on bigger heavier opponents (how big is McNab? God what a wonderful hit!!!!).
At 34 I’d bet that his performance ranks top 5 or better vs other pure power forwards (of which, sorry Terasenko isn’t).
We’re lucky to have him, in his own way he’s one of the greatest at his position in the history of the league… imo.
Last point, Face offs, (deeper subject) but puck possession kinda important… not his fault what our d did with it :))).
Tarasenko not a power forward? I disagree. Not a power forward in the classical sense, but like some of his Russian brethren ala Radulov and Kovalchuk -- dynamite checker, physical, and, at least in his prime, not a dude you could defend via intimidation.
Good stuff. Are you planning to have that "next contract" discussion this summer? Do you think they extend before the season?
I certainly hope not, but it's always possible. In fact, you could make the argument that it's prudent. How's a captain supposed to lead the team if everyone following him has no idea if he's even gonna be here the season after? I haven't heard anything though from those 'in the know.'