That's it. I was going to include "c) his linemates" but scratched that because he's flourished offensively with players that aren't exactly superstars. To presume his skills are diminishing is silly, he's had one "off" season, when you boil it all down. I'm *hoping* for something similar to what we saw in his first season.
That's it. I was going to include "c) his linemates" but scratched that because he's flourished offensively with players that aren't exactly superstars. To presume his skills are diminishing is silly, he's had one "off" season, when you boil it all down. I'm *hoping* for something similar to what we saw in his first season.
I think it's entirely dependent on his linemates, because his linemates will determine, more importantly than anything, his health, and his drive.
When Gaborik carries the puck through the neutral zone and over the blueline, that is an invitation for people to hit him. Gaborik should not be touching the puck until it's time for him to shoot the puck. The less Gaborik touches the puck, the less punishment he will endure.
The better the chances Gaborik is getting, the more driven he will become.
He has flourished without a great passer before, but there's no doubt that it will be easier to do so again with an elite playmaker.
This thread is kind of pointless until we know whether or not we have Richards.
I think it's entirely dependent on his linemates, because his linemates will determine, more importantly than anything, his health, and his drive.
When Gaborik carries the puck through the neutral zone and over the blueline, that is an invitation for people to hit him. Gaborik should not be touching the puck until it's time for him to shoot the puck. The less Gaborik touches the puck, the less punishment he will endure.
The better the chances Gaborik is getting, the more driven he will become.
He has flourished without a great passer before, but there's no doubt that it will be easier to do so again with an elite playmaker.
This thread is kind of pointless until we know whether or not we have Richards.
Agreed...Gaborik needs a center to get him the puck. Someone that can create plays, and let him finish.
Gaborik with Richards...35-40 goals 80pt season
Gaborik with Prospal, or Stepan 20-30 goals 55pt season.
I can't answer this until I know who will be centering his line.
There will be a lot of things that factor into Gaborik's production next season -- the powerplay, and who centers his line are obviously the biggest factors. With Stepan/Prospal/Christensen centering his line, 30G/65P. Richards/Real #1, 40G/85P.
It all depends on 2 things his health and more importantly his effort. If he's going to float around out there and not try then you will get what we saw this past season. If he applies himself more you will get year one.
I personally think we will see the return of the 09 Gaborik. I think he is going to come into next season with the hunger to prove that he is still the same player. The same motivation he came in with in 09, when he wanted to prove that he was as good after his 17 game season the year before.
Are you kidding me about naming a maryanne captain? Why would you even consider him for captaincy when he has zero leadership skills, floats around on the perimeter, refuses to get his hands dirty and when he isn't scoring goals(which is often) he is practically invisible? Players who are considered for the captaincy of a team are born leaders, sacrifice themselves for the good of the team and play hard all the time. Perhaps maryanne can be a captain in his next life.
I personally think we will see the return of the 09 Gaborik. I think he is going to come into next season with the hunger to prove that he is still the same player. The same motivation he came in with in 09, when he wanted to prove that he was as good after his 17 game season the year before.
You better hope and pray that is the maryanne we get this year and not the "invisible man" we had last year. If you watched the stanley cup playoffs this season, you would know what type of players, type of sacrifice and commitment it takes to win a cup. If messier were the gm running the rangers, maryanne is exactly the kind of player that mess would look to trade.
off the team.
Are you kidding me about naming a maryanne captain? Why would you even consider him for captaincy when he has zero leadership skills, floats around on the perimeter, refuses to get his hands dirty and when he isn't scoring goals(which is often) he is practically invisible? Players who are considered for the captaincy of a team are born leaders, sacrifice themselves for the good of the team and play hard all the time. Perhaps maryanne can be a captain in his next life.
You better hope and pray that is the maryanne we get this year and not the "invisible man" we had last year. If you watched the stanley cup playoffs this season, you would know what type of players, type of sacrifice and commitment it takes to win a cup. If messier were the gm running the rangers, maryanne is exactly the kind of player that mess would look to trade.
off the team.
First off, you have no idea what Mess would do. Second he was making hits, taking hits, and doing a lot of good things in 09. 1 bad year doesn't make a player. I think people have to much of a short term memory, in the way that what happened last year was the way hes always been. And personally I don't care if he floats around or doesn't play d, because his job is to score goals. As long as he does that I'm happy. As you can tell from watching this years stanley cup finals, if you can't put the puck in the net, you can't win.
