[QUOTE=MathMan;19030728]. Don't get obsessed with Lucic -- his skill is overrated, and he's not as much of an offensive threat. The dangerous guys are the little guys.
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in 72 games he got 42 points, which on the habs would be good for 4th in scoring, and his 17 goals would be 5th on Montreal.
So if he's not much of an offensive thread, that doesn't speak too well for you guys if he'd be 4th for you...
in 72 games he got 42 points, which on the habs would be good for 4th in scoring, and his 17 goals would be 5th on Montreal.
Montreal lost its highest scorer to injury twice (and maybe three times, I'm not sure if Tanguay was tops when he got injured) during the course of the season on top of other injuries to various high-scoring Habs, so it is rather meaningless to rank healthy Bruins among the battered Habs lineup.
Statistically and stylistically, his comparable on the Montreal team is Guillaume Latendresse -- with Latendresse getting more goals proportionally, and Lucic getting more points. Mind you, Latendresse is an underrated offensive contributor, but it should also put Lucic into perspective.
Lats is maybe a top-six forward on the Habs, but he's not the guy that will make Montreal win. Same applies to Lucic.
I just don't see the point in under-valueing a guy that should basically put in 20-30g in per year and is only 20 years old. He's only going to get better. But if your point is that he isn't one of our offensive stars on the wing, well that's obvious. Kessel/Ryder/Kobasew/Recchi/Wheeler all have better hands...
Last edited by Savynquick*: 04-13-2009 at 02:19 PM.
I just see the point in under-valueing a guy that should basically put in 20-30g in per year and is only 20 years old. He's only going to get better.
The way our own physical "future 20-30g guy" 20-year-old gets bashed around this board, you would think they are, in fact, completely useless.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Savynquick
But if your point is that he isn't one of our offensive stars on the wing, well that's obvious. Kessel/Ryder/Kobasew/Recchi/Wheeler all have better hands...
That is my point. He's absolutely an useful player, but he's being treated by some media and fans as if he was the heart/soul/captain/leader/key player/critical piece/figurehead/impact player/superstar/wrecking ball/main threat on the Bruins, and he's not.
He's a fan favorite, but he's still a second-tier player. He may grow to be more in the future but right now, his immediate impact overhyped.
The way our own physical "future 20-30g guy" 20-year-old gets bashed around this board, you would think they are, in fact, completely useless.
That is my point. He's absolutely an useful player, but he's being treated by some media and fans as if he was the heart/soul/captain/leader/key player/critical piece/figurehead/impact player/superstar/wrecking ball/main threat on the Bruins, and he's not.
He's a fan favorite, but he's still a second-tier player. He may grow to be more in the future but right now, his immediate impact overhyped.
Don't disagree. If your biggest concern is Lucic, then for sure the concern is misplaced.
Don't disagree. If your biggest concern is Lucic, then for sure the concern is misplaced.
That's part of the problem. Lucic is blinding the fans. Lucic makes them think Boston is some physical juggernaut loaded with power forwards, and they're not. They don't see that the forwards they need to stop are Savard, Krejci, Kessel (ie. the little guys).
The Bruins' offense is built on small, skilled forwards, supported by bigger guys. Not unlike the Canadiens, really. That's what I want more people to realize. It's very unwise to view them as this big, bruising group of forwards, because they're not.
(I'm given to understand Blake Wheeler isn't much of a hitter despite his size, either.)
That's part of the problem. Lucic is blinding the fans. Lucic makes them think Boston is some physical juggernaut loaded with power forwards, and they're not. They don't see that the forwards they need to stop are Savard, Krejci, Kessel (ie. the little guys).
The Bruins' offense is built on small, skilled forwards, supported by bigger guys. Not unlike the Canadiens, really. That's what I want more people to realize. It's very unwise to view them as this big, bruising group of forwards, because they're not.
(I'm given to understand Blake Wheeler isn't much of a hitter despite his size, either.)
Ya Wheeler isn't overly physical for someone as big as he is. Bitz is a little more of a big hitter for his size.
The real physical nature of the team is on the blueline. Chara-Ward-Stuart-Hnidy are all just straight nasty. And if Ference is healthy he's not really "soft". Wideman and Hunwick are probably average in grit.
IMO the key to this series is Thomas vs Price. IMO you can throw the rest out the window.
Thomas is equally capable of winning a game by himself as he is of losing it by himself. The fact that he has NEVER won a playoff series has to concern Bruins fans.
Price so far in his NHL career has not shown the capability to be consistently good, which Price will we see? The one that stoned Boston in game 7 last year or the one that took a vacation against Philly?
Whichever one of these 2 has the stronger series, thats the team that will win IMO.
Agree completely.
No matter how many goals we score, there's always the chance that Price will either let in softies OR
if we have trouble scoring
Price will save the day
same goes for Thomas and I think your point is more than plainly obvious cuz there are question marks surrounding these two players.
As for what Bob said, yeah, that's true, but like people have mentioned above, I am FAR more worried about the skill of Kessel, Savard, Kreijci and Recchi* (intangible talents) and the other forwards than the ability of Lucic or Chara to keep hitting us. Ultimately they have to score and if you look at those previous Bruins teams that we beat, they didn't have nearly enough proven fire power (Thornton was a bust or "injured" and the young guys have vastly improved this year).
No odd man rushes...they will convert. No letting them take screened shots, Price will have trouble. Keep forechecking and reduce their scoring chances. That is the key to success. and please Pleky and Akost...WAAAAAKE UPPPPP!
