Spooner told Claude he doesn't like to play wing??? Really?? I imagine any natural centerman prefers playing center but is it only me that finds it odd he told CJ that if true??
Not challenging your statement, just hadn't seen this anywhere
It was mentioned during NBC SN's game coverage against Montreal, and I agree with you 100% I have no issue with Spooner saying he prefers to be in the middle and I believe the quote was doesn't feel comfortable on the wing.
Depth down the middle is such a huge key so having a skill player like Spooner saying I want the pressure and responsibility that comes with being a center is fantastic from my perspective.
Also having played as a defenceman for most of my "hockey career" I can honestly say in the few chances I had to do it I hated playing on the wing so even from a personal standpoint I'm with Spooner.
To the point of the team, the idea of Spooner in between Peverley and Bourque is exciting but ODAAT I believe it was you who mentioned the name of RJ Umberger and that is the name I want to see come to the Bruins. Adds the size and strength that Peverley and Bourque need on their line to open space plus has better touch in front then Kelly as well.
I'm not anti-Kelly but I want to see him play on a true checking line, and I'd love to see him with Paille and Campbell at least for a bit, with so many games packed together thats a line that could play 15-17 minutes a night easily and give us a lot of options.
He did. It was in the papers a couple of weeks ago. Essentially prefers to play center and 'isn't comfortable' playing wing.
Was he speaking long term, short term or both? While I certainly think he projects as a center long term, I assume he would jump at the chance to help the team in whatever capacity.
For me at 43 I love seeing the game through your eyes. I think too when I was your age how I would have killed for a Cup.
You guys are the future. There aren't as many sports maniacs now because you guys have such a wide choice for entertainment...nice to see the passion.
Yeah I'm spoiled when it comes to hockey but my first sport is still soccer and my team is currently on a 55 year title drought So I can feel how diehard bruin fans must have felt before 2011.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HortonHearsAWoo
Most things these days can only loosely be described as "entertainment". Even a boring hockey game is more interesting than the crap TV shows they're churning out on every channel.
I wouldn't put sports in the entertainment category either, but for different reasons. If I watch a movie or listen to music, I know I'll have a good time. In sports however there's a great chance I'm gonna be bitterly disappointed, and being disappointed most of the time is even needed because always winning would be boring. In Germany and esp. in my region where soccer is lived and breathed, we have a saying: "you don't go to the stadium to enjoy yourself; you go there to get all worked up about something". That describes it very well
Thx Wally, not shocking for a centerman to feel that way but if he wants to be a Bruin he may have to but my response woulda been
"but I'll play between the pipes if it means playing with the big boys"
Yeah. Certainly not what I expected. On one hand appreciate his honesty. On the other I'm used to young guys saying they'd do anything to get to the show.
It was mentioned during NBC SN's game coverage against Montreal, and I agree with you 100% I have no issue with Spooner saying he prefers to be in the middle and I believe the quote was doesn't feel comfortable on the wing.
Depth down the middle is such a huge key so having a skill player like Spooner saying I want the pressure and responsibility that comes with being a center is fantastic from my perspective.
Also having played as a defenceman for most of my "hockey career" I can honestly say in the few chances I had to do it I hated playing on the wing so even from a personal standpoint I'm with Spooner.
To the point of the team, the idea of Spooner in between Peverley and Bourque is exciting but ODAAT I believe it was you who mentioned the name of RJ Umberger and that is the name I want to see come to the Bruins. Adds the size and strength that Peverley and Bourque need on their line to open space plus has better touch in front then Kelly as well.
I'm not anti-Kelly but I want to see him play on a true checking line, and I'd love to see him with Paille and Campbell at least for a bit, with so many games packed together thats a line that could play 15-17 minutes a night easily and give us a lot of options.
Good stuff duthie, when I first read your post my thought was "kids got a set of crutons telling the coach that" and it was surprising. I hadn't seen the article and I hope it didn't come off like I was challenging your claims as I certainly wasn't.
I'm reading consistent reports/quotes from coaches about Spooner and I have to think, for the B's to entertain a move with him involved, it'd have to be as part of a big acquisition. I just don't see Chia moving a kid like this who is seemingly improving with each passing game/practice??
I've been on two trains a long time
Train A- Clutterbuck
Train B- Umburger who's got "Chia kind of guy" written all over him
Who knows, Chia has this uncanny ability to snag players nobody saw coming
Was he speaking long term, short term or both? While I certainly think he projects as a center long term, I assume he would jump at the chance to help the team in whatever capacity.
It was a couple of weeks ago when they had a few wingers out hurt. It was put to him that there were openings. He replied that he was a center and not comfortable playing wing.
I don't know, maybe he just didn't find the right words. He's a kid after all, and between "I prefer center" and "I'm not comfortable on the wing", there's a fine line. If they wanted him to play third line wing, I'm sure there's no question he would do it. Maybe he just wanted to warn them that the "standard procedure" of easing a young C into the NHL at wing might not work out with him (although Claude surely could figure that out if true). I wouldn't read much into it... and I sure hope no one starts a "heÄ's entitled" agenda or similar nonsense.
It was mentioned during NBC SN's game coverage against Montreal, and I agree with you 100% I have no issue with Spooner saying he prefers to be in the middle and I believe the quote was doesn't feel comfortable on the wing.
Depth down the middle is such a huge key so having a skill player like Spooner saying I want the pressure and responsibility that comes with being a center is fantastic from my perspective.
Also having played as a defenceman for most of my "hockey career" I can honestly say in the few chances I had to do it I hated playing on the wing so even from a personal standpoint I'm with Spooner.
To the point of the team, the idea of Spooner in between Peverley and Bourque is exciting but ODAAT I believe it was you who mentioned the name of RJ Umberger and that is the name I want to see come to the Bruins. Adds the size and strength that Peverley and Bourque need on their line to open space plus has better touch in front then Kelly as well.
I'm not anti-Kelly but I want to see him play on a true checking line, and I'd love to see him with Paille and Campbell at least for a bit, with so many games packed together thats a line that could play 15-17 minutes a night easily and give us a lot of options.
I think Umberger would be an interesting fit on this team, but what is your feeling on his contract. I think he has 4 more years w/ a 4.6 cap hit. Too much? I think it would be pushing it if he is a 3d line player, but maybe not if you see him in the top six.
I don't know, maybe he just didn't find the right words. He's a kid after all, and between "I prefer center" and "I'm not comfortable on the wing", there's a fine line. If they wanted him to play third line wing, I'm sure there's no question he would do it. Maybe he just wanted to warn them that the "standard procedure" of easing a young C into the NHL at wing might not work out with him (although Claude surely could figure that out if true). I wouldn't read much into it... and I sure hope no one starts a "heÄ's entitled" agenda or similar nonsense.
Good point. Really not something to make a big deal of without further context. We'll see how it plays out.
I don't know, maybe he just didn't find the right words. He's a kid after all, and between "I prefer center" and "I'm not comfortable on the wing", there's a fine line. If they wanted him to play third line wing, I'm sure there's no question he would do it. Maybe he just wanted to warn them that the "standard procedure" of easing a young C into the NHL at wing might not work out with him (although Claude surely could figure that out if true). I wouldn't read much into it... and I sure hope no one starts a "heÄ's entitled" agenda or similar nonsense.
I didn't interpret it as him thinking he was entitled. I actually took it as the club needs replacement wingers ASAP and I'm not one. That being I can't help as I'm a center.
Kind of like he wasn't qualified or wasn't at this point of his learning.
Good stuff duthie, when I first read your post my thought was "kids got a set of crutons telling the coach that" and it was surprising. I hadn't seen the article and I hope it didn't come off like I was challenging your claims as I certainly wasn't.
I'm reading consistent reports/quotes from coaches about Spooner and I have to think, for the B's to entertain a move with him involved, it'd have to be as part of a big acquisition. I just don't see Chia moving a kid like this who is seemingly improving with each passing game/practice??
I've been on two trains a long time
Train A- Clutterbuck
Train B- Umburger who's got "Chia kind of guy" written all over him
Who knows, Chia has this uncanny ability to snag players nobody saw coming
This is true, but I don't think Chia thinks about it for two reasons:
a) his 4,6m dollar price tag long term. Too much for a third liner, and I'd take Horton over him.
b) As far as I understand Umberger is a leader on Columbus, and they are already paper thin on offense, so it might take some extra to get him out of there. You shouldnt overpay for a guy you have to make salary room for imo unless it's a star.
I didn't interpret it as him thinking he was entitled. I actually took it as the club needs replacement wingers ASAP and I'm not one. That being I can't help as I'm a center.
Kind of like he wasn't qualified or wasn't at this point of his learning.
If that makes sense.
yeah I'm not saying you or anyone here did it, but there's people who just love to jump on quotes and take them out of context, see Nazem Kadri. Of course Spooner isn't under much scrutiny but some people seem to just love to treat these youngsters unfairly.
yeah I'm not saying you or anyone here did it, but there's people who just love to jump on quotes and take them out of context, see Nazem Kadri. Of course Spooner isn't under much scrutiny but some people seem to just love to treat these youngsters unfairly.
Trust me. No matter what anybody posts here there will be a contrary opinion.
Go ahead start a thread saying 'the sky is blue' and watch what happens.
And we wonder why the quality posters disappear. Shoe jumped all over him first, so lose the agenda and follow along....
And Dom basically gets his info from people that would be on the front lines of any talks or negotiations....I'm talking head scouts and assistant GM's...and a GM or two..I'm sure he won't bother to share that now...thanks!
What's with the thin skin all of a sudden?
I didn't jump all over anybody buddy. Never did I talk down to him. Just having a conversation. If Dom wants to act pompous go ahead. I guess having insider info earned him that.
Yeah I'm spoiled when it comes to hockey but my first sport is still soccer and my team is currently on a 55 year title drought So I can feel how diehard bruin fans must have felt before 2011.
Scoreless draw at home away from the Champions League quarters though. Nice goal by the walking yellow card Jermaine Jones in the first leg, too bad he'll miss the 2nd. Rare to see Americans in the CL.
I didn't jump all over anybody buddy. Never did I talk down to him. Just having a conversation. If Dom wants to act pompous go ahead. I guess having insider info earned him that.
So I can feel how diehard bruin fans must have felt before 2011.
