Who didn't see that coming?
- sammy87

Our blogger

Three things concerning Despres.

First, he has only played 87 NHL games up to this point in his NHL career. It takes most players, especially Dmen, a while to establish themselves at the NHL leve. Just let the kid play through it; He'll learn what he can/can't get away with at the NHL level, but only if he plays.

Second, Despres is currently paired w/ Scuderi. Still getting my feet wet when it comes to advanced NHL stats, but from what i've seeing Despres himself is doing OK in the puck possession dept., but is being dragged down by Scuderi. getting hemmed into your own zone becuse your partner can't clear the puck would lead almost any player to take more penalties than.

Third, apparently, Despres has also drawn two penalties as well. So there is at least that.

http://www.behindthenet.c...9+30+32+33+34+45+46+63+67
- s0rcerer1984

I'm not sure I can ever remember a player more divisive than Despres. There's def two camps on the kid.

I agree with everything you said. It takes time and patience with some players.....especially dmen.

I'm really pulling for him because this team needs bigger players. I don't know if he'll ultimately stick in the NHL, but you have to give him ample opportunity when the games really don't matter.

Our blogger
- dbell646

Who also thought Scuds was "the piece"

Brian Gibbons on waivers....
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Haha shocking!!!


All of the MAF bashers answer me one question, when did MAF have a sudden drop in quality play? Here I will answer it for you the "stick on puck" era, post 09'. Gradually since Bylsma implemented the single worst defensive scheme in the history of the NHL, Flower got worse and worse. When it comes to pure skill, athleticism, and reflexes Flower ranks in the top 3, yeah I said it; top f'n 3. Do you guys honestly think Hank stops the Bruins from crashing down upon him rush after rush after rush after rush, no he doesn't. No goalie ever could have flourished in that flawed idiotic system. Bylsma was a total turd and I said it from day 1, don't get me wrong it had to be done HCMT lost the team, but there is a reason Bylsma doesn't have a job right now; that's because he has no idea how to coach a hockey team. MAF's downfall is 100% to blame on Bylsma and his "stick on puck' net front mentality. Plan on bringing up his mis-handling the puck??? He did that because he had no other choice, he didn't want an army of opposing players crashing down on him and getting repeated free cracks on him with no chance of getting help from his D-men.


Don't be fooled yet Sutter is still a turd.



F Sutter

If the pens go after gibbons amd he gets called up I'm going to be pissed

Haha shocking!!!


All of the MAF bashers answer me one question, when did MAF have a sudden drop in quality play? Here I will answer it for you the "stick on puck" era, post 09'. Gradually since Bylsma implemented the single worst defensive scheme in the history of the NHL, Flower got worse and worse. When it comes to pure skill, athleticism, and reflexes Flower ranks in the top 3, yeah I said it; top f'n 3. Do you guys honestly think Hank stops the Bruins from crashing down upon him rush after rush after rush after rush, no he doesn't. No goalie ever could have flourished in that flawed idiotic system. Bylsma was a total turd and I said it from day 1, don't get me wrong it had to be done HCMT lost the team, but there is a reason Bylsma doesn't have a job right now; that's because he has no idea how to coach a hockey team. MAF's downfall is 100% to blame on Bylsma and his "stick on puck' net front mentality. Plan on bringing up his mis-handling the puck??? He did that because he had no other choice, he didn't want an army of opposing players crashing down on him and getting repeated free cracks on him with no chance of getting help from his D-men.


Don't be fooled yet Sutter is still a turd.



F Sutter
- nbartley9

Vokun didn't struggle as much. I hated Bylsma's system but MAF is just a nervous, high strung, Nellie.

I'm not sure I can ever remember a player more divisive than Despres. There's def two camps on the kid.

I agree with everything you said. It takes time and patience with some players.....especially dmen.

I'm really pulling for him because this team needs bigger players. I don't know if he'll ultimately stick in the NHL, but you have to give him ample opportunity when the games really don't matter.
- madmike71

Every year there is someone. Niskanen prior to last season, Brandon Sutter, Tyler Kennedy, Paul Martin, Eric Tangradi, Ryan Whitney, etc...

I tend to think most people have their mind made up about certain players & regardless wheher the player progresses or regresses, they never alter their assesment of him.

Your point was if MAF was a trade candidate...again who are you going to replace him with? Greiss hasn't stepped on the ice yet.



MAF being traded is not happening.
- Reverend Killtaker

Not to belabor the point but you seem to be missing it. I am aware that Greiss hasn't stepped on the ice. My original statement was, "what IF Greiss takes over the starting job". What if by January MAF is the clear backup? Do you pay him 5 mil to spot start.
Obviously you would have to have some plan for a back up. Scoff all you want but MAF could be outplayed and then what.

I'm not sure I can ever remember a player more divisive than Despres. There's def two camps on the kid.

I agree with everything you said. It takes time and patience with some players.....especially dmen.

I'm really pulling for him because this team needs bigger players. I don't know if he'll ultimately stick in the NHL, but you have to give him ample opportunity when the games really don't matter.
- madmike71

I personally like Despres but for some reason he has a target on his back be it from Bylsma, the refs or even opposing players somebody is always messing with him. Hopefully he gets a legitimate chance to see what kind of player he can be.

Haha shocking!!!


All of the MAF bashers answer me one question, when did MAF have a sudden drop in quality play? Here I will answer it for you the "stick on puck" era, post 09'. Gradually since Bylsma implemented the single worst defensive scheme in the history of the NHL, Flower got worse and worse. When it comes to pure skill, athleticism, and reflexes Flower ranks in the top 3, yeah I said it; top f'n 3. Do you guys honestly think Hank stops the Bruins from crashing down upon him rush after rush after rush after rush, no he doesn't. No goalie ever could have flourished in that flawed idiotic system. Bylsma was a total turd and I said it from day 1, don't get me wrong it had to be done HCMT lost the team, but there is a reason Bylsma doesn't have a job right now; that's because he has no idea how to coach a hockey team. MAF's downfall is 100% to blame on Bylsma and his "stick on puck' net front mentality. Plan on bringing up his mis-handling the puck??? He did that because he had no other choice, he didn't want an army of opposing players crashing down on him and getting repeated free cracks on him with no chance of getting help from his D-men.


Don't be fooled yet Sutter is still a turd.



F Sutter
- nbartley9

In terms of athleticism and quickness he is one of the best in the league. I personally think he relies on that too much and is often out of position or overplays the puck. I will say one thing, nobody is better than him at the shootouts.
He usually makes about 5 highlight saves a year but Id guess the softies he lets in outnumber his highlight saves by a good margin. He is the epitome of "polarizing" which is ironic because in the end he's just middle of the road.