I'd say they're pretty similar. Both have great hands, both think pass first, both above average but not outstanding defensively. They both have a pretty good scoring touch that's good for about 25-30 goals a year...
I'd say they're pretty similar. Both have great hands, both think pass first, both above average but not outstanding defensively. They both have a pretty good scoring touch that's good for about 25-30 goals a year...
Same age, too.
I think it's a decent comparison...
yea they are about the same type of players giroux is a better scorer backstrom is a better playmaker. and both are responsible defsnsively
I'd say they're pretty similar. Both have great hands, both think pass first, both above average but not outstanding defensively. They both have a pretty good scoring touch that's good for about 25-30 goals a year...
Same age, too.
I think it's a decent comparison...
Backstrom is pretty damn outstanding defensively. I submit this video as evidence.
If we're ignoring Backstrom's concussion, I'm choosing him.
Backstrom is pretty damn outstanding defensively. I submit this video as evidence.
If we're ignoring Backstrom's concussion, I'm choosing him.
Yes, a couple blocks are nice, but a youtube video does not make the argument here. Giroux was second in shorthanded points last year, but that alone does not make him outstanding defensively.
I consider both Giroux and Backstrom to be both second tier defensive centers. The top tier includes your guys like Kesler, Toews, M. Richards, Bergeron, M. Koivu, J. Staal, etc. These players I consider to be "outstanding" defensively.
The next tier are very responsible defensively, but could never truly be used in a shutdown role. This tier includes Giroux, Backstrom, Carter, Kopitar, Zajac, etc. These players I consider to be well above average defensively.
Defensive play is very subjective. You cant definitively say Giroux is better than Backstrom definitively or vice versa. They're both comparable, which is all you can say on the matter, imo.
EDIT: Or maybe I just went on a really random rant, and the only issue is how we define the word "outstanding"?
Yes, a couple blocks are nice, but a youtube video does not make the argument here. Giroux was second in shorthanded points last year, but that alone does not make him outstanding defensively.
I consider both Giroux and Backstrom to be both second tier defensive centers. The top tier includes your guys like Kesler, Toews, M. Richards, Bergeron, M. Koivu, J. Staal, etc. These players I consider to be "outstanding" defensively.
The next tier are very responsible defensively, but could never truly be used in a shutdown role. This tier includes Giroux, Backstrom, Carter, Kopitar, Zajac, etc. These players I consider to be well above average defensively.
Defensive play is very subjective. You cant definitively say Giroux is better than Backstrom definitively or vice versa. They're both comparable, which is all you can say on the matter, imo.
EDIT: Or maybe I just went on a really random rant, and the only issue is how we define the word "outstanding"?
I see what you're saying, and about Giroux and Backstrom I agree. Both are good defensive players who would never be asked to play that role because they're so much more effective elsewhere. They both are quick, two-way beasts who leave your jaw dropping after some of their plays. I really can't see how anyone can say anything but "too close" unless they are going to say that Backstrom has done it longer. But both players are fantastic now, and that's what I read the question to be. I think that for 'now and future' it is too close. It's just unfortunate that Backstrom happens to be hurt.
Yes, a couple blocks are nice, but a youtube video does not make the argument here. Giroux was second in shorthanded points last year, but that alone does not make him outstanding defensively.
I consider both Giroux and Backstrom to be both second tier defensive centers. The top tier includes your guys like Kesler, Toews, M. Richards, Bergeron, M. Koivu, J. Staal, etc. These players I consider to be "outstanding" defensively.
The next tier are very responsible defensively, but could never truly be used in a shutdown role. This tier includes Giroux, Backstrom, Carter, Kopitar, Zajac, etc. These players I consider to be well above average defensively.
Defensive play is very subjective. You cant definitively say Giroux is better than Backstrom definitively or vice versa. They're both comparable, which is all you can say on the matter, imo.
EDIT: Or maybe I just went on a really random rant, and the only issue is how we define the word "outstanding"?
I didn't mean that clip to be conclusive, just supporting evidence. And yes, we do differ on our definitions of outstanding. You seem to define it more narrowly than I would. I also agree that it's very tough to compare two similar players defensively. FWIW, I would put Giroux in my "outstanding" category as well, with the difference between the two being too close to call (I'd lean Backstrom, but I'm biased).
Offensively, I think Backstrom is the better player. He has the higher career goals/game and assists /game of the two. Of course, there's a decent chance this will change in the future with the serious concussion Bourque gave him. That elbow keeps Caps fans up at night.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hockey Mind
Giroux, AINEC.
I would take Krejci over Backstrom.
Can't go wrong with either player but I'll go with Backstrom here.
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Exhibit A as to how hockey doesn't matter on ESPN:
Last night an ESPN program was discussing how the Detroit Pistons needed a hero citing the heroes on the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions and no mention of the Detroit Red Wings. All this despite the Red Wings probably being the most succesful team in Detroit right now.
I think it's a decent comparison...
