Backes is on pace to have the fewest PIMs he's ever had in a full season, and they've dropped every year for three years straight prior to this one. He's on pace for half the PIMs he had three years ago. He's a physical, emotional player...he's going to take penalties. It's obvious, though, that he's done quite a bit to improve that part of his game.
Not even sure why this is coming up now. He took a hooking penalty in the middle of a defensive zone scramble in front of the net. Big deal.
So he takes "fewer" penalties now.... but he just had a game where he took 4? He did nothing because he was so worked up and emotional. Not a team leader in my books. There is passion and then there is wrecklessness.
Backes is on pace to have the fewest PIMs he's ever had in a full season, and they've dropped every year for three years straight prior to this one. He's on pace for half the PIMs he had three years ago. He's a physical, emotional player...he's going to take penalties. It's obvious, though, that he's done quite a bit to improve that part of his game.
Not even sure why this is coming up now. He took a hooking penalty in the middle of a defensive zone scramble in front of the net. Big deal.
It's not about the amount of penalties, its the timely (or lack there of) manner of them.
Backes is on pace to have the fewest PIMs he's ever had in a full season, and they've dropped every year for three years straight prior to this one. He's on pace for half the PIMs he had three years ago. He's a physical, emotional player...he's going to take penalties. It's obvious, though, that he's done quite a bit to improve that part of his game.
Not even sure why this is coming up now. He took a hooking penalty in the middle of a defensive zone scramble in front of the net. Big deal.
I agree. Over the years Backes has taken fewer penalties and has focused on not taking so many timely penalties. This year I can maybe think of two time that he took a penalty at a bad time. Let us not forget that some penalties Backes takes actually make him a better leader. If you take a penalty on a quality scoring attempt then good for you. If you stick up for a defenseless teammate then good for you. If you stand up for yourself and perform a necessary penalty...god for you.
Completely NOT on board with these Backes comments. He's a total leader and his penalties are down. He's one of the few guys that carries this team game in game out and looks far better than quite a few Blues tonight.
Though I agree to a point, I feel it's his emotional style of play that makes him the player he is.
I can't fault that either. It is his appeal and also why I think he is a great player. I just get upset when he gets upset and loses his focus. He doesn't always use it as a boon to go superman on skates.. he gets mad and does some bonehead mistakes that he otherwise wouldn't have made.
Though I agree to a point, I feel it's his emotional style of play that makes him the player he is.
No doubt. It's why some people hate Pronger. He's a beast and part of his game is taking dumb penalties.
I don't want people to think I hate Backes or anything. I just got a Backes jersey actually. I love the guy. But like Pronger, part of his intensity means his emotions get the best of him and he takes dumb penalties.
I love Halak but he doesn't win shootouts. I would like to see some new faces shooting too. You gotta have Oshie. But after that I would like to see Arnott and Langs. I think Arnott has had one this season though?
I can't fault that either. It is his appeal and also why I think he is a great player. I just get upset when he gets upset and loses his focus. He doesn't always use it as a boon to go superman on skates.. he gets mad and does some bonehead mistakes that he otherwise wouldn't have made.
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Originally Posted by FilthyNote
No doubt. It's why some people hate Pronger. He's a beast and part of his game is taking dumb penalties.
I don't want people to think I hate Backes or anything. I just got a Backes jersey actually. I love the guy. But like Pronger, part of his intensity means his emotions get the best of him and he takes dumb penalties.
Agreed sometimes it's the trade off for that type of player. I just wish Stewart would play with some of Backes intensity he could be a beast.
The blues have scored 1 goal on 12 shootout attempts. I don't see why every shootout loss gets blamed on Halak.
There is always two sides of every coin and only one side was addressed.
Yes... The blues shooters are not the most gifted. Which is also why would like to see some different shooters.
Halak though has never been strong at shootouts. He is a butterfly goalie and other teams know it. Weak glove side and not the strongest stick using skills. He's an easy target when there is no defenseman to pressure a shooter.
