Quote:
Originally Posted by dookie88
And that would exactly do what?
Someone else said it already, athletes use set phrases to answer the routine questions. Gagne has been here long enough, he doesn't have to prove that the cares.
Checker, PKer, offensive mind, underrated passer.
Nobody will say it's ok, that he isn't scoring. But Gagne is still important, because he isn't a one-way player. I'd rather have him not scoring then Briere. (Shouldn't be an excuse)
The major problem is, that nobody scores lately.
How long exactly do you watch hockey? If it's more then a week, you should know that scorers are streaky. Every single one goes hot and cold, the thing is, you can't really force it. If you are on a drought, you just have to keep working and hope one goes in. If that happens, it's usually from cold to hot right away.
Overreacting much?
You don't know if he shrugs it off like it's nothing. You just heard what he said to the media.
I think you just found a new scapegoat. Nobody is producing, I wonder why you pick out Gagne.
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I pick out Gagne for several reasons. First, he's the longest tenured Flyer within the organization. Second, he's got one of the bigger contracts on the team.
My third reason is that I've been a fan of this team for over 30 years and there are probably only two other Flyers players that have been drafted that probably have more pure skill than Gagne - Forsberg and Renberg (before he tore up his stomach and abdomen). I'm not talking about heart, leadership, determination, those kinds of intangibles, but in terms of pure skill, Gagne is probably the third best talent this franchise has ever drafted.
30 years I've seen players come and go through this organization. 30 years I've seen players get drafted, traded and signed as free agents to play here. 30 years I've seen top skill players come through here, but I've never seen one blessed with the skill set that Gagne has. Absolutely beautiful skater, great hand eye co-ordination, superb stick handling (honestly, the guy could stick handle in a telephone booth), excellent vision, soft hands. Yet, when it comes gut check time or when things get tough, he's no where to be found or he's making excuses for his play. And that's why I point out Gagne. If he just an ounce of drive, then that talent he has isn't all for not. And that's the problem. I look at Gagne and I don't see the drive or determination that a guy like Giroux or JVR or Richards or Carter has (people can say what they want about Carter, but he's been an absolute warrior for Laviolette). Gagne has just been, around.
Gagne is an absolute phenomenal talent. This is a guy who should be a consistent 40 goal scorer with his skill set. But instead, he's a guy who will show flashes of brilliance with his play, and then will fade back into being just "one of the guys." All what I've ever wanted (and you can check through my posting history) is for Gagne to be one of the best Flyers to ever put on the skates and embrace being one of the best. It also would have meant taking on a leadership role and being a bit more of a selfish player. And that's problem with Gagne - because he's so unselfish and willing to be just one of the guys, that talent is negated. This current time is an example of when being too unselfish works against the team.
I've said in this thread that every team needs a guy who is willing to strap the team on their back and carry them when the chips are down. Gagne COULD have been that guy. That's probably why I'm hardest on him the most. With his skill set, there's no doubt in my mind he could have been one of those guys to carry his club and be forever cemented with the word greatness.
Sorry that my response is long winded, but you asked. I gave my answer.