Staying out partying till 4am on game days was more of a problem for Richards than the media.
- Feanor

Agreed - and this may be a veiled insinuation from LA about the same issues. Ya never know.
I will say that our media only made things worse though!

So Chris Pronger over Ray Bourque right?
- PLindbergh31

Definitely.

Staying out partying till 4am on game days was more of a problem for Richards than the media.
- Feanor

Well I personally don't know for a fact what Richards did on game days. And I personally never saw an issue on the ice, that screamed there was a problem.

Agreed - and this may be a veiled insinuation from LA about the same issues. Ya never know.
I will say that our media only made things worse though!
- FlyersGrace

Thats because people in LA aren't bothered by him staying out all night before a game. Thats standard operating procedure for people in LA.

There's a job for Chris Pronger!
- MJL

I miss him so much. His play on the ice was so good but his handling of the media was like watching a master conductor manipulate them. And the funny part was they begged for more!

Bill, I think you meant 1993-1994 for when Wilkie played with the Flyers.
- johndewar

Yes. Fixed typo. Thanks.

So Chris Pronger over Ray Bourque right?
- PLindbergh31

I'll explain the difference here, and why your question doesn't make sense. You have the benefit of hindsight when looking at both of those players. You know how their careers turned out, and what they accomplished. In the premise I proposed, it's looking at draft prospects, and all of that is in the future and unknown. Therefore the question is moot.

But I'll explain my position further, for clarification. I wouldn't quabble over the difference of an inch in height, or a player that is 195, versus 205. But I would however lean more towards a player that is 6'1" 200 lbs, over a player that is 5'10" 170 lbs. If I thought they were equal in talent and as players, I'd choose the bigger player.

Now do you agree or disagree?

Voracek doing some offseason training.

Breakdown of this year's UFA LW class:
http://www.poweranks.com/...s-free-agent-left-wingers

I'll explain the difference here, and why your question doesn't make sense. You have the benefit of hindsight when looking at both of those players. You know how their careers turned out, and what they accomplished. In the premise I proposed, it's looking at draft prospects, and all of that is in the future and unknown. Therefore the question is moot.
- MJL

It''s not moot at all. Both had Hall of Fame careers, one is a small defenseman, the other is a big defenseman. Pretty simple.

You can spend all the time in the gym you want, but it won't give you what Mike Richards has that is far more important. And that is heart, and the will to win. And he is also a leader, and a winner. He's won at every level. Maybe he would benefit from becoming a fitness freak, or by becoming stronger. I truly don't know. But what I do know is that it's hard for me to criticize Richards as a player, with the overall career he has had.
- MJL

Becoming stronger/more fit never hurt an athlete. On the other hand, not working out could, and likely will, impact the quality of a career after 30.

I'm still baffled by the kid at this year's combine who couldn't do 1 pull up. That's pretty sad.

But as you said, it's hard to criticize Richards, and if the Kings wrap up another cup this year, he's got absolutely nothing left to prove, and the competitive fire is likely going to dim a bit.

Hoping for a Rangers win tonight.

Voracek doing some offseason training.


- Streit2ThePoint

It's the pantless freedom that moved him through that obstacle course like a ninja.

Breakdown of this year's UFA LW class:
http://www.poweranks.com/...s-free-agent-left-wingers
- Tomahawk

I wouldn't be opposed to Michalek or Jokinen

I wouldn't be opposed to Michalek or Jokinen
- Streit2ThePoint

I like Penner as well. He could definitely clear some space for his linemates. Might be a good fit on the wing for Brayden Schenn.

It''s not moot at all. Both had Hall of Fame careers, one is a small defenseman, the other is a big defenseman. Pretty simple.
- PLindbergh31

Which one is a small defenseman? Bourque played at nearly 220 lbs!

Which one is a small defenseman? Bourque played at nearly 220 lbs!

- MJL

He was under 6 feet tall.

Becoming stronger/more fit never hurt an athlete. On the other hand, not working out could, and likely will, impact the quality of a career after 30.

I'm still baffled by the kid at this year's combine who couldn't do 1 pull up. That's pretty sad.

But as you said, it's hard to criticize Richards, and if the Kings wrap up another cup this year, he's got absolutely nothing left to prove, and the competitive fire is likely going to dim a bit.

Hoping for a Rangers win tonight.
- wolfhounds

I seriously doubt that Mike Richards doesn't work out.

Breakdown of this year's UFA LW class:
http://www.poweranks.com/...s-free-agent-left-wingers
- Tomahawk

He was under 6 feet tall.
- PLindbergh31

5'11" 220 lbs is not small. And I clarified my position. You still haven't stated if you agree or disagree with my opinion.

He was under 6 feet tall.
- PLindbergh31

and that's why ray never won the hart trophy, damn bias against sub 6 foot defensemen!

dp

I seriously doubt that Mike Richards doesn't work out.
- MJL

He doesn't. I know this for a fact. I'm his friend and workout partner. End of discussion.

He doesn't. I know this for a fact. I'm his friend and workout partner. End of discussion.
- PhillySportsGuy

Cool! You spend time with him on Lake of the Woods?

He was under 6 feet tall.
- PLindbergh31

And probably 160 when they drafted him. Bruins allegedly didn't even want to take him.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: DeAngelo, Quick Hits
- bmeltzer

I know this is hockeybuzz, but Im actually good friends with the Deangelo family. My friend dates Anthony's older sister, and my cousin has actually been training him all summer at Endeavor sports in Pitman, NJ.

This is a GREAT kid. All that off ice nonsense is a non issue. This kid has his head on straight, and has a great family supporting his dream to the fullest.

Also, Ants supposedly a little closer to 175-180lbs already. My cousin is about 5'10-5'11 and he says Ant has at least an inch on him. The few times I've met him, he's looked bigger than any measurements I've seen for him online.

His dad is a HUGE man. I don't think size will be a concern with this kid. Definitely looks like he has a frame to grow into, just needs time.