IIHF World ChampionshipDiscuss International Tournaments like the WJC, Olympics, and World Cup, as they take place, or discuss past tournaments. performances.
Canadian lines (Who do you want to play with Crosby?)
Am I the only one shocked with Bergeron on the first line?
I'm not surprised. I mean not much of a difference as this is not your typical line structure.... I was surprised Bergeron made the team, thats still a head scratcher, but if he maintains his chemistry with Crosby and we win, I don't care
That 4th line could do some serious damage. That's crazy depth... Iginla and Toews? I could also see Iginla moving up and down at times throughout the tournament if needed, but I think that line could score some timely goals considering its placement.
You throw anyone of those players on Sid's wing and they'll form chemistry in a split second.
But Bergeron is also dominant in the circle and one of the league's top penalty killers. That will be useful, no?
I'm telling you, give him a chance. Actually watch him play a game instead of googling his name for statistics. Bergeron could easily have another 15+ assists alone if he played with linemates who could finish. It's a shame Claude Julien has yet to realize that he's Boston's best player right now.
Again, most people here only look at statistics when judging a player. I am so thankful that the Team Canada officials went against the popular method and actually watched these players in action before naming Team Canada.
A lot of you will be pleasantly surprised when you see Bergeron in action with NHL caliber linemates - I don't consider one of the slowest skaters in the league (Recchi) and a player who cannot finish (Paille) quality linemates for a player with his playmaking abilities.
I think it's time people start trusting Bruins fans opinions regarding Bergeron. Whenever they see him being talked down at all, Bruins fans are there to come to his defence. Which they should be doing, they see him play every game and watch him closely. He's such an underrated player.
I too had my doubts until I saw the recent Canucks vs Bruins games. Patrice Bergeron kind of reminds me of the Sedins in a couple ways. Underrated overall, and very much so under-appreciated in the little things that win hockey games. Things like going into a corner and coming out of it with the puck. Bergeron always comes out of the corner with the puck. He protects it down low along the wall as good as anyone. That will fit the style of Nash and Crosby to a tee.
Not to mention faceoffs. Yes he is almost 60% overall, but I bet that number is closer to 70% on the right-hand side. Maybe a Bruins fan can confrim this assumption, but I have to assume Bergeron (like everyone else taking draws) is at least 10% better on his backhand than his forehand.
What use is being dominant in the circle if he's playing wing?
Defensive draws.
I actually wouldn't be surprised to see Bergeron take the draws on that line sometimes. That doesn't mean he'd be playing the center position - he would just take the draws and play the wing.
I think it's time people start trusting Bruins fans opinions regarding Bergeron. Whenever they see him being talked down at all, Bruins fans are there to come to his defence. Which they should be doing, they see him play every game and watch him closely. He's such an underrated player.
I too had my doubts until I saw the recent Canucks vs Bruins games. Patrice Bergeron kind of reminds me of the Sedins in a couple ways. Underrated overall, and very much so under-appreciated in the little things that win hockey games. Things like going into a corner and coming out of it with the puck. Bergeron always comes out of the corner with the puck. He protects it down low along the wall as good as anyone. That will fit the style of Nash and Crosby to a tee.
Not to mention faceoffs. Yes he is almost 60% overall, but I bet that number is closer to 70% on the right-hand side. Maybe a Bruins fan can confrim this assumption, but I have to assume Bergeron (like everyone else taking draws) is at least 10% better on his backhand than his forehand.
I dunno stats wise, but yes, he is better on his backhand.
Bergeron does A LOT of things that unfortunately do not show up on the stat sheet. There is a reason why he was picked for team Canada, and some people just have to wait and see him play to appreciate him.
In that game alone (against the Canucks), Bergeron should have had two assists easily, but Sturm couldn't finish, including missing the net while he was alone in the slot.
If Crosby and Bergeron pick up where they left off, I expect Pens fans will be counting down the days until Bergeron hits free agency in 2011. Of course, I'm hoping he signs a 10+ year extension and stays a Bruin.
I actually wouldn't be surprised to see Bergeron take the draws on that line sometimes. That doesn't mean he'd be playing the center position - he would just take the draws and play the wing.
I'd be very suprised actually. Crosby's 56.7% VS. Bergeron's 57.4% isn't a huge difference.... especially since Crosby has taken 400 more draws.
Edit: Unless Crosby gets kicked out of the dot that is.
The game tommorow hopefully will bring this team together, on the same page with the coaching staff right away, its a short tourney and we have to get it right.
Note::::Crosby and Bergeron are both phemonal defensve forwards, look forward to them reading off each other in both zones, and we do not need our 3 best players to play on the first line, this is not volleyball or basketball there are 4 lines to hockey.
One is left handed and one is right handed. Centres are much stronger taking draws on their backhand than forehand.
Knowing another dominant center is backing you up on the wing also allows the primary center to "cheat' more, which increases his chance of winning the faceoff. If the primary center cheats too much and gets tossed, the second center can go in a still be a favorite to win.
Anyone thinking they are reaching a bit if they put Sid with Bergeron? It was 5 years ago and they were teenagers. Anyone with Bergeron's skill level would have put up good numbers with Sid and had that "good chemistry". Makes me wish Stamkos was there, Sid passes so much, Stamkos's shot/finishing ability would've been worth putting him on that 1st line.
Wow. He can take the draw and move over to the wing when the play develops, simple as that.
Is that really necessary when Crosby is pretty much just as good at faceoffs?
Whatever... You guys know that I think Bergeron shouldn't have made the team. I'm not the only one. Stamkos or Carter would have been better options IMHO. I'm leaving this at that.
Knowing another dominant center is backing you up on the wing also allows the primary center to "cheat' more, which increases his chance of winning the faceoff. If the primary center cheats too much and gets tossed, the second center can go in a still be a favorite to win.
