He plays 30 mins a night, is on the ice for 2 goals a game, and the team loses. Yes, he is a Leaf top pairing defenceman.
- Leafland

Please, show the stats that back up this claim. Im curious to see.

Clearly we've been watching two different teams...to say Phaneuf has been struggling is putting it mildly. May have something to do with the fact he's been moved off his familiar side for Mike (frank)ing Kostka, but teams need to look to their captains to set an example, not simply play midde-of-the-pack decent.
- p_zub

he's been our best d-man... and it's not like Liles and Komi have been playing terrible either(honestly, have no idea why Komi isn't getting a regular shift at this point)

I'd say he's been above average, easily. But playing big minutes against the top players, with an AHLer(who has earned a spot... but as a 5/6 guy, IMO)... it's easy to have any mistakes exposed.

The only complaint I've had with him is when he sends the puck to useless areas.

Wouldn't that make him best on the team?
- Canada Cup

He isn't playing like the best. I'm sure he can be, but in no way is he playing like a top pairing guy, other then his huge amount of minutes.

Think he's going to make the hall of fame for most minutes logged? The way you guys cling on to it makes it seem like he might.

error

He isn't playing like the best. I'm sure he can be, but in no way is he playing like a top pairing guy, other then his huge amount of minutes.

Think he's going to make the hall of fame for most minutes logged? The way you guys cling on to it makes it seem like he might.
- Leafland

There are few stats that prove the productivity of a player playing a good defensive game.

So let me get this straight...your only argument that he's our best defenseman is that Carlyle has him playing 27 mins per game? Don't number one defenseman also put up points, score goals, help keep the puck out of our net? He seems to be doing none of those, other than just being on the ice.
- p_zub

Leads the team in minutes.

2nd in hits behind only Komarov.

Leads the team in PP time

2nd in PK time, behind only McClement.

Does he need to hit the net this season? Hell yes.

But when you are the top defenceman in ice time in even strength, PP and PK, why would Carlyle keep using him in all situations if he was playing poorly?

Stop being silly, obviously since we post on a hockey forum we know way more than some bum coach who's only ever won a single cup in his coaching career.
- daeth

And a Norris Trophy.

Until any of us wins the award for being the best defenseman in the world, we are hopelessly unqualified to question Carlyle's faith in Phaneuf.

Yes, I questioned his decision to stick with Kostka, but based on his significantly reduced playing time, Carlyle seems to agree.

The Internet makes people ridiculously arrogant. Some people in the world have actually accomplished poop.

Phaneuf's on for the fewest goals against/60 minutes.
- Feeling Glucky?

Its insane.

We've won two in a row and here we have the same people whining and killing any positives. Sad.

Please, show the stats that back up this claim. Im curious to see.
- systemtool

Only my two blind eyes. I watch him get skated by every night.

Please, show the stats that back up this claim. Im curious to see.
- systemtool

According to behindthenet.ca, the number's actually 2.88 per game. He's tied with Kulemin for the team lead in being on the ice for 10 goals against so far this year. Phaneuf's also been on the ice for only 3 goals so far this year...He's got the second worse +/- on/60 on the team next to Frazer McLaren!!

Edit: I should qualify these stats by saying this in 5on5....

The Islanders needed to reach the cap floor, Im not sure they actually expect him to play.
- systemtool

The amazing thing about the Thomas contract is that the Isles can toll his contract next year, and the following until he dies.

What this means is that, because he is suspended, they just move his contract into next year, with the same cap hit if they so choose. It allows a team like the Isles to basically get all the cap hit benefit without having to pay a dollar out.

And a Norris Trophy.

Until any of us wins the award for being the best defenseman in the world, we are hopelessly unqualified to question Carlyle's faith in Phaneuf.

Yes, I questioned his decision to stick with Kostka, but based on his significantly reduced playing time, Carlyle seems to agree.

The Internet makes people ridiculously arrogant. Some people in the world have actually accomplished poop.
- Leeman4Gilmour

poop, I thought this was a hockey website. I'll go back to talking about the Leafs on redtube I guess.

Looks like another poopshow in here again.

So let me get this straight...your only argument that he's our best defenseman is that Carlyle has him playing 27 mins per game? Don't number one defenseman also put up points, score goals, help keep the puck out of our net? He seems to be doing none of those, other than just being on the ice.
- p_zub

Is there anything that could make you admit that a man with a Norris trophy and a cup ring knows more about coaching than you?

Its insane.

We've won two in a row and here we have the same people whining and killing any positives. Sad.
- systemtool

Looking at the wrong stat, disregard-

He's actually on for the most. But again, big minutes, hardest competition, playing with Kostka

Its insane.

We've won two in a row and here we have the same people whining and killing any positives. Sad.
- systemtool

What about him taking over the locker room stereo, though?

Gawd, no wonder no free agents want to play here. IT WAS A JOKE, PEOPLE!!!

What about him taking over the locker room stereo, though?

Gawd, no wonder no free agents want to play here. IT WAS A JOKE, PEOPLE!!!
- Atomic Wedgie

According to behindthenet.ca, the number's actually 2.88 per game. He's tied with Kulemin for the team lead in being on the ice for 10 goals against so far this year. Phaneuf's also been on the ice for only 3 goals so far this year...He's got the second worse +/- on/60 on the team next to Frazer McLaren!!

Edit: I should qualify these stats by saying this in 5on5....
- p_zub

Interesting that you mention Kulemin, since he's our best defensive forward.

According to behindthenet.ca, the number's actually 2.88 per game. He's tied with Kulemin for the team lead in being on the ice for 10 goals against so far this year. Phaneuf's also been on the ice for only 3 goals so far this year...He's got the second worse +/- on/60 on the team next to Frazer McLaren!!
- p_zub

How can the number be 2.88 a game? The Leafs are averaging just under 3 goals against a game. So Phaneuf has been on the ice every goal scored against this season?

According to behindthenet.ca, the number's actually 2.88 per game. He's tied with Kulemin for the team lead in being on the ice for 10 goals against so far this year. Phaneuf's also been on the ice for only 3 goals so far this year...He's got the second worse +/- on/60 on the team next to Frazer McLaren!!
- p_zub

I find +/- to be mildly informative for forwards, but completely useless when evaluating defencemen.

Its insane.

We've won two in a row and here we have the same people whining and killing any positives. Sad.
- systemtool

Quit being a drama queen

I'm happy as hell the Leafs won last night. I'm only saying Dion needs to play better, and I know he can because I've seen it.

How can the number be 2.88 a game? The Leafs are averaging just under 3 goals against a game. So Phaneuf has been on the ice every goal scored against this season?
- systemtool

2.88/60 minutes, not per game

Only my two blind eyes. I watch him get skated by every night.
- Leafland

Did your blind eyes see him named the 3rd star of the game last night?

Pierre LeBrun ‏@Real_ESPNLeBrun

Just chatted with Brian Burke who says after about a month of traveling engagements, he's going back to the rink. Will scout Marlies tomrw

2.88/60 minutes, not per game
- Feeling Glucky?

Is there a prize when a Leaf poster finally wins an arguement here?