Keith-Seabrook pairing is definitely living off past reputation. They are noticeably trending downwards the last couple years. Not saying they're bad but they are far from the best IMO.
No, you're completely wrong. They did benefit from an amazing forward corps three years ago no doubt but Keith and Seabrook looked as good as ever last year, before that Keith was in a funk for the season after the cup run but has long since been his old self. Keith has been our best Dman these first six games.
You're kidding me right? You didn't actually mean to say that. You aren't that stupid. I refuse to believe it.
And yes Keith and Seabrook are miles overrated and the Blackhawks offense is the best in the league. Not sure how what I said about your team seemed to hurt your feelings so badly
I've gotten a good chuckle out of Sens fans periodically in this thread throwing out Karlsson jokes.
But seriously, if he had the stamina to play 40 minutes a night like he's playing 25-30 now...I'm not sure how we'd lose. The puck doesn't leave the other teams end when he's on the ice. And if they try, the puck often just gets hawked by Karl in the neutral zone, or stripped by him if they get into ours.
And for those that thought last year was a one up, or that he'd have to sacrifice offense to play defense. Think again, he's better at both ends so far.
Karlsson - Prototypical Defensive Dman is probably right up there and on a lot of nights. And if Karlsson's on...I'd put him up against any two Dmen with confidence because I know damn well they can't break a game open at will even if they put all their might together.
Have you watched Karlsson this season? I'm not saying he's part of the top pairing but ask Montreal/Washington fans if they think he's just a forward. or watch him actually play.
+/- man... Jets fan here so I have bias, but I wouldn't hold it against Buff and Toby that their offence is coming mostly from the PP.
Can't say for sure but I'd guess having Stamkos on the ice helps.
Really, +/- though!
+/- is crap, especially how our offense is clicking, but there is no doubt that our top pairing has been amazing. I don't know how many goals Salo/Hedman have been out there for, but it's very few while going against the opponents top competition. That being said, the Bolts competition this season has largely been mediocre, so it's early. Still, they've been good offensively while being lockdown defensively, so they're performing like an elite top-pairing so far this season. Still, small sample size, early in the season, etc.
