Absolutely love both players games. Staal has had a rough go of it the last couple years. Both of their styles are fairly similar and maybe Jordan isn't completely suited for it in light of recent injuries.
Backes edges out Staal, but just barely. Staal's sick flow narrows the gap.
Geno and MAF are the team's mvps. But if I had to choose a third, Staal is at the top of my list. He's firmly entrenched himself among the leadership on the team with Sid's absence.
The question was do you think Backes would be a leader on the Penguins? I answered, "sure why wouldn't he?". I did not answer "yes, unlike that selfish ass Staal".
Backes is just a beast. He completely shuts down 1sts lines. He and Oshie are relentless. Too bad Steen is hurt, because that line would be even more insane defensively. All three are 20+ goal scorers too.
you mean MUCH slower MUCH less talented, NOTHING like Lindros? then i'd agree.
I don't think of Lindros when I see David Backes. That said, Backes is pretty fast. He made a skating leap before his first 31 goal season. He doesn't have Lindros' hands. Very glad the two are little alike, as I despised Lindros.
I can see why a Hawks fan would also vent some hate his way having just watched him knock Hawks around like bowling pins last game. I would HATE him if he were a Hawk. He leads a team by example that your own Jamal Mayers said "plays a man's game." He's an incredibly valuable player. PP, PK, scores, hits, leads, smart, strong defensive forward who has shut star after star down this year. Can see why he'd get under an opponent's skin but the worst you can really say about him is he's not a league-wide scoring leader and we're all sort of fine with that.
Backes easily. Yea he has better linemates, because he is on the top line. Which also means he has to go against shut down lines. I think Backes could put up some pretty decent numbers with Geno in front of him.
I think you could make an argument either way but they are both so similar and fulfill similar roles on their respective teams, it's pointless to say one is "easily" better than the other. I would point out that Staal is still 4 years younger and despite playing 21 less games has 3 more goals and 9 less points. He is relied on every bit as much to play physical, shut down opposing top lines, and kill penalties as Backes.
We are talking about how Staal has taken another step this year on the Pens board. Over the last 82 games he has 33 goals, 66 points. He took a major step up to another tier last year after coming back from his foot injury. But he gained another tier entirely this year. Statswise, which can be deceptive, he is on a 40 goal pace, but just watching him he dominates now in ways many on our board thought he never would. Durning the nationaly televised Toronto game last night they could not stop talking about his dominant play. That game, and this year.
It begs the question. He will be a UFA after next year. How much is a 35-40 goal scorer perenial Selke candidate worth?
We are hoping for a discount of maybe $5.5 million per for six years. How much would he be worth if he wanted to test the market for a center starved team like Toronto or Montreal? Or a team that has always placed a premium on defense like the Devils?
