Love the write-up. If you're digging into Stars D depth, what distinguishes Miller from Will Butcher, currently slated for Cedar Park, or even Joel Hanley (who's recent numbers are at least, if not better, than Millers)? Seems to me like there are 4 guys playing for one slot during training camp. Miller might have the inside track, but he has to be on a pretty short leash. Dallas just has too many other guys who could step into that role without missing a beat.
The big difference between Miller and Butcher (hey, I should write about him!) is skating. Skating, skating, skating. Butcher's skating is awful. Miller's skating is effortless. He doesn't have Heiskanen's east-west agility, but he's got good edges and a fantastic top gear. A little like Johns actually. I think that makes a difference to coaches and why he'll have the inside track beyond being a right shot. What sets him over Hanley is that he can actually produce. Hanley SHOULD be an NHL regular. But he's at the point in his career where nobody will ever look at him that way. It'll be impossible for Miller not to break through given Dallas' lack of good depth, but if there's one thing that could keep out of cozy spot it's injuries. It's a common denominator throughout his career.
It will in the long term. DeBoer's forecheck - which is legitimately good even by modern standards - will take the pressure off the defense so we won't notice it as much from game to game. It'll be against the elite teams, and in the playoffs where it'll be exposed.
Excellent write up David. He's definitely a wild card for this defense. I liked him a lot in VGK until his injury and the trade to Buffalo, which is a badlands for just about everyone. It will be interesting to see how he is deployed by DeBeor.
He has a cannon of a shot, so they be tempted to put him on the power play?
Funny you mentioned Stralman, I screamed until I was purple for Nill to go after him when he was leaving TB. Oh well, bygones.
Thanks Olde Punk! I wouldn't hate it if Miller was on PP2 but I'd like to think that's where Harley goes. The problem with Miller's offense is that he has zero vision. Great shot; zero passing ability. Whereas Harley has enough playmaking to justify being used on the PP. Totally agreed on Stralman. Hell he's STILL decent even at half speed.
Love the write-up. If you're digging into Stars D depth, what distinguishes Miller from Will Butcher, currently slated for Cedar Park, or even Joel Hanley (who's recent numbers are at least, if not better, than Millers)? Seems to me like there are 4 guys playing for one slot during training camp. Miller might have the inside track, but he has to be on a pretty short leash. Dallas just has too many other guys who could step into that role without missing a beat.
The big difference between Miller and Butcher (hey, I should write about him!) is skating. Skating, skating, skating. Butcher's skating is awful. Miller's skating is effortless. He doesn't have Heiskanen's east-west agility, but he's got good edges and a fantastic top gear. A little like Johns actually. I think that makes a difference to coaches and why he'll have the inside track beyond being a right shot. What sets him over Hanley is that he can actually produce. Hanley SHOULD be an NHL regular. But he's at the point in his career where nobody will ever look at him that way. It'll be impossible for Miller not to break through given Dallas' lack of good depth, but if there's one thing that could keep out of cozy spot it's injuries. It's a common denominator throughout his career.
Do you think the Stars’ Defense ( as constructed & with limited depth ) will be the Achilles Heel that sinks this team ?
It will in the long term. DeBoer's forecheck - which is legitimately good even by modern standards - will take the pressure off the defense so we won't notice it as much from game to game. It'll be against the elite teams, and in the playoffs where it'll be exposed.
Excellent write up David. He's definitely a wild card for this defense. I liked him a lot in VGK until his injury and the trade to Buffalo, which is a badlands for just about everyone. It will be interesting to see how he is deployed by DeBeor.
He has a cannon of a shot, so they be tempted to put him on the power play?
Funny you mentioned Stralman, I screamed until I was purple for Nill to go after him when he was leaving TB. Oh well, bygones.
Thanks Olde Punk! I wouldn't hate it if Miller was on PP2 but I'd like to think that's where Harley goes. The problem with Miller's offense is that he has zero vision. Great shot; zero passing ability. Whereas Harley has enough playmaking to justify being used on the PP. Totally agreed on Stralman. Hell he's STILL decent even at half speed.