Trading Risto? Hogwash! Aside from him and Guhle (maybe Scandella), any other current d-man is expendable. The problem with the D this year is we have two rookie coaches who tried to coach them and they were both in over their heads.
Housley is not a bonafide HC and Hajt is not a credible NHL defense coach either. Risto would flourish under a coaching staff that actually knew what they were doing.
Wow Wee Housley is a rookie NHL head coach. He should have had the common sense to hire EXPERIENCED NHL assistants vs. the unproven ones now (ex. Hajt).
I also blame him for the complete destruction of the powerplay from last year. The talent is not much different, so it has to be the scheme. Kind of reminds me how Rex Ryan destroyed a highly effective Bill's defense.
Sam will never have an "edge" to his game...he is highly contact-averse and will not be the type of player who will initiate contact on the forecheck. Add to that his lack of speed and there is no chance he can be anything close to Kane's style of play.
Decent hands yes...somewhat effective camped in front also.....but a minimally effective player in today's game. Trade him while you can get something for him.
There's a reason nobody is actually wearing the "C" on their shoulder....there is nobody on the roster who has the qualities to lead and hold his teammates accountable.
I miss the power play from the previous coaching regime. That was one thing they got right! I don't think this coaching staff has a clue on special teams.
I think you're correct. Vesey checked him into the boards around 4:48 left in the 1st. Not a cheap shot, didn't look that bad really. Bogo's back was to the camera, so don't know if his stick got into his own mid section or not.
Kane was a little snake-bitten last season but IMHO is much more noticeable on the ice and difficult to play against than Okposo. I would rather see him stay than being sent away under-valued in a trade.
Agree....something I like in the highlights is that he uses a WRIST shot. I think too many NHL forwards depend on a slapper which end up being off target or deflected by the opposing defense....in other words missed SOG's and scoring opportunities.