Quote:
Originally Posted by jfb392
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I'm too young to remember how often Zhitnik hit or when he chose to, but I feel like even daring to compare Gragnani to Zhitnik in any way is an insult to Alexei.
Even in his last season in the NHL, Zhitnik had 67 hits in 65 games.
Gragnani is on pace for five hits if he plays in all of the remaining 65 games.
Five hits in 81 games; just let that sink in..
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Zhitnik was as good at open ice checks as any defender not named Kronwall in the modern era. He certainly has his flaws (defensive zone coverage after a rush) but to compare him to Grags is laughable. In Zhitnik we had a defender who was not only gifted on the PP, but also one who would finish every check that came his way. MAG doesen't have the frame to be compared to 44, let alone the courage.