Hi there. Born in raised in "Leafs Nations" and have been a Maple Leafs fan ever since I can remember breathing. Moved out west, (this is my second stint) and honestly call the Nashville Predators my second fave team in the NHL. Not only do I come in peace but I support the Preds --I'm currently on a stint out west living in Vancouver and just absolutely love it when the Preds beat those Canucks. Looking forward to THAT game next week.
What are Preds fans thoughts on Joel Ward? Pros and Cons? Please & Thank You!
and ps- I haven't found a Joel Ward iPred avator ...
He's okay. I like him but don't get some of the hype. He's a great defensive forward, but is still lacking in a few areas. A few tweaks here and there and my opinion will change drastically.
Pros
Great forechecker and is often #1 on the team in terms of takeaways
Not afraid to use the body
Big guy. Only 6'1 but built solid
Can take a beating in front of the net
Hardworking
Seems pretty good handling the puck down low
Genius on the PK.
He's the type of guy you'd like to have out there in the last minute when the opposing team has 6 attackers.
Our team is 9-0-0 when he has a point.
Cons
Terrible shooting. He overanalyzes everything and doesn't act quickly enough when it comes time to shoot the puck--often passes when he should shoot. His skating has gotten better but he's had a 'clumsy' period. Frustrating to watch at times when it comes to holding his own offensively. Plays it too safe at times which kinda goes along with the point I made earlier about him overanalyzing everything.
His game would improve if he'd work on his shooting and start taking risks. If he was a 3rd liner I'd have few complaints, but he's on the 2nd line and I expect more of him. Towards the end of the season he'll get hot I'm sure.
Keep in mind that I have a short attention span so perhaps I've missed something or have exaggerated something else. Hopefully a few others will chime in.
He's okay. I like him but don't get some of the hype. He's a great defensive forward, but is still lacking in a few areas. A few tweaks here and there and my opinion will change drastically.
Pros
Great forechecker and is often #1 on the team in terms of takeaways
Not afraid to use the body
Big guy. Only 6'1 but built solid
Can take a beating in front of the net
Hardworking
Seems pretty good handling the puck down low
Genius on the PK.
He's the type of guy you'd like to have out there in the last minute when the opposing team has 6 attackers.
Our team is 9-0-0 when he has a point.
Cons
Terrible shooting. He overanalyzes everything and doesn't act quickly enough when it comes time to shoot the puck--often passes when he should shoot. His skating has gotten better but he's had a 'clumsy' period. Frustrating to watch at times when it comes to holding his own offensively. Plays it too safe at times which kinda goes along with the point I made earlier about him overanalyzing everything.
His game would improve if he'd work on his shooting and start taking risks. If he was a 3rd liner I'd have few complaints, but he's on the 2nd line and I expect more of him. Towards the end of the season he'll get hot I'm sure.
Keep in mind that I have a short attention span so perhaps I've missed something or have exaggerated something else. Hopefully a few others will chime in.
I agree for the most part, but you didn't mention one his greatest strengths - his soft hands. He is a pretty good dangler and can make slick plays in tight because of those quick hands.
IMO, he is the best players in the ENTIRE NHL along the boards... He seriously can go up against 2 opposing guys along the boards and win the puck EVERY-TIME.
Hardest worker on the team night in and night out, and possibly the hardest worker I've ever seen on the Predators. if he had a *little* bit more skill, he'd be a star.
I agree for the most part, but you didn't mention one his greatest strengths - his soft hands. He is a pretty good dangler and can make slick plays in tight because of those quick hands.
@3:34
Those are my two favorite Joel Ward goals! Beautiful. Wish he could pull these off more often. The second goal is an example of his potential when he takes risks.
Hi there. Born in raised in "Leafs Nations" and have been a Maple Leafs fan ever since I can remember breathing. Moved out west, (this is my second stint) and honestly call the Nashville Predators my second fave team in the NHL. Not only do I come in peace but I support the Preds --I'm currently on a stint out west living in Vancouver and just absolutely love it when the Preds beat those Canucks. Looking forward to THAT game next week.
What are Preds fans thoughts on Joel Ward? Pros and Cons? Please & Thank You!
and ps- I haven't found a Joel Ward iPred avator ...
There was one but when I went back and checked, it was removed. Don't know why. I like 'Harlem Shuffle' for Wardo.
ETA: Glad to see Wardo get back on the scoreboard.
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