Yes, that is correct. I love his offensive talent, but .....
- JohnScammo

You must be a huge Ovechkin fan.

Not sure I understand your question, but I'll give it a try anyway. I rate players based on their overall game. That means that forwards must be defensively responsible, not just focus on scoring goals. A goal prevented is just as important as a goal scored.
- JohnScammo

I totally understand this line of thinking but I'll challenge it with this...
by that rhetoric, guys like Gretzky or Lemieux wouldn't be considered the greatest player of all time. Perhaps their offensive ability was just so much better than anyone else that it allowed for a massive curve in their defensive play thus giving them a better perception as overall players. That said, I do absolutely believe JT is a top 5 or 6 forward in the league today. Just like Malkin is, who also isn't that great in his own zone. Just like Ovechkin can be, despite being awful in his own zone. This is ultimately why players are singled out as the best 'two way' forward as opposed to best overall. A 1st line forwards primary task is to create offense and score. I can only think of two or three players in the league that do that as well or better than Tavares. Ultimately just as his wingers can be a product of his productivity, he too is a brought down by their inabilities. Okposo had a fine year last season but frankly hasn't maintained that level of play this season. They've yet to place a suitable LW option with them. Give them both a player who keeps the offensive play aggressive and I think both JT and KO will increase their numbers fast. Then the majority of folks will start mentioning JT with Crosby again.

You must be a huge Ovechkin fan.
- Cptmjl

If you like highlight reels, you should love Ovechkin. If you like Stanley Cups, you should prefer someone else.

I totally understand this line of thinking but I'll challenge it with this...
by that rhetoric, guys like Gretzky or Lemieux wouldn't be considered the greatest player of all time. Perhaps their offensive ability was just so much better than anyone else that it allowed for a massive curve in their defensive play thus giving them a better perception as overall players. That said, I do absolutely believe JT is a top 5 or 6 forward in the league today. Just like Malkin is, who also isn't that great in his own zone. Just like Ovechkin can be, despite being awful in his own zone. This is ultimately why players are singled out as the best 'two way' forward as opposed to best overall. A 1st line forwards primary task is to create offense and score. I can only think of two or three players in the league that do that as well or better than Tavares. Ultimately just as his wingers can be a product of his productivity, he too is a brought down by their inabilities. Okposo had a fine year last season but frankly hasn't maintained that level of play this season. They've yet to place a suitable LW option with them. Give them both a player who keeps the offensive play aggressive and I think both JT and KO will increase their numbers fast. Then the majority of folks will start mentioning JT with Crosby again.
- keaner17

I think people are forgetting just how dominate tavares is at times? Hes also not as bad defenisvely as he has been so far this year. Guy is going through a rough patch. Theres no denying it but this is not the level of play we've grown accustomed to some are making it sound like it's status quo. Couldnt be further from the truth.

If you like highlight reels, you should love Ovechkin. If you like Stanley Cups, you should prefer someone else.
- JohnScammo

I agree but I also dont put tavares in that category(the ovechkin one).

Retire you joke...dan you are beyond ridiculous. 91 has been incredible every season hes been in the league, and because hes going thru a slump on a 19-10 team you are going to criminalize him? Seriously you are a joke
- hockeyman92

Dee lover!

Dee lover!
- David_Volek

Hey now. Thats hitting below the belt!

I think people are forgetting just how dominate tavares is at times? Hes also not as bad defenisvely as he has been so far this year. Guy is going through a rough patch. Theres no denying it but this is not the level of play we've grown accustomed to some are making it sound like it's status quo. Couldnt be further from the truth.
- Cptmjl

Just like it's easy for some to proclaim Bailey as a decent defensive player due to his shortcomings offensively, I think it's also easy for some to pick on JT's defensive play when he's not lighting it up offensively. I don't think he's anywhere near the worst backchecker on this team. That said, it's not and never was supposed to be the best part of his game.

I definitely think he's been guilty of trying to do too much over the last 7-9 games but as far as "We all know that Tavares has the ability to make the amazing play but it is his unwillingness to make the simple play that is killing this team" I think that's a drastic overstatement. If anything, I think the entire team has been guilty of this in all three zones. You see Malkin make those types of turnovers all the time as well. The trick is, our defense has been so beat up, those mistakes seem far more significant now.

JT hasn't scored a whole lot lately, so he's pressing. It will come together soon enough, but he's nowhere close to being a major reason why the Isles have stumbled lately.

I totally understand this line of thinking but I'll challenge it with this...
by that rhetoric, guys like Gretzky or Lemieux wouldn't be considered the greatest player of all time. Perhaps their offensive ability was just so much better than anyone else that it allowed for a massive curve in their defensive play thus giving them a better perception as overall players. That said, I do absolutely believe JT is a top 5 or 6 forward in the league today. Just like Malkin is, who also isn't that great in his own zone. Just like Ovechkin can be, despite being awful in his own zone. This is ultimately why players are singled out as the best 'two way' forward as opposed to best overall. A 1st line forwards primary task is to create offense and score. I can only think of two or three players in the league that do that as well or better than Tavares. Ultimately just as his wingers can be a product of his productivity, he too is a brought down by their inabilities. Okposo had a fine year last season but frankly hasn't maintained that level of play this season. They've yet to place a suitable LW option with them. Give them both a player who keeps the offensive play aggressive and I think both JT and KO will increase their numbers fast. Then the majority of folks will start mentioning JT with Crosby again.
- keaner17

This is where we differ. I think Gretzky was over-rated. (Let the hockey gods rain down on me.) I think Messier was better. After the Oilers traded Gretzky, Messier led them to another Cup.........then led the Rags to a Cup as well. I would take Trottier ahead of Gretzky as well. Trottier like Messier had an incredible all around game. It's not coincidence he centered our first line during the glory days.

I want to emphasize that I think JT can be a great player, but when he slumps in scoring, he needs to up the rest of his game........it's what all great players have done.

Does this mean Boychuk, Hamonic and Cizikas are all playing tonight? That, and Strait scratched. Don't pinch me.
If they don't come out flying tonight I'd be shocked

This is where we differ. I think Gretzky was over-rated. (Let the hockey gods reign down on me.) I think Messier was better. After the Oilers traded Gretzky, Messier led them to another Cup.........then led the Rags to a Cup as well. I would take Trottier ahead of Gretzky as well. Trottier like Messier had an incredible all around game. It's not coincidence he centered our first line during the glory days.

I want to emphasize that I think JT can be a great player, but when he slumps in scoring, he needs to up the rest of his game........it's what all great players have done.
- JohnScammo

Mike Bossy wasn't a good defensive player however will always be considered one of the greatest forwards ever. I understand the idea that having someone who can do both is a fantastic thing, but if you're going to rate say a Mike Peca vs. a John Tavares, I don't think it's even close IMO. Give me JT. Great offensive forwards are recognized as the best of their position because they're exceptional at the primary role of said position. It's the teams inability to perform the roles around their talent that becomes an issue.
Trottier is one of my all time favorites, but I'm sorry...I'd take Lemieux in a damn heartbeat over him, or Gretzky in his prime. Great two way players come along quite often...generational offensive talents transcend the game, take over a game, force other teams to change their own game. No one should expect a shutdown dman to become an offensive force and no one should expect a top 10 offensive talent to suddenly become the 1st player in both the offensive and defensive zones. That's what supporting casts are for.

Just like it's easy for some to proclaim Bailey as a decent defensive player due to his shortcomings offensively, I think it's also easy for some to pick on JT's defensive play when he's not lighting it up offensively. I don't think he's anywhere near the worst backchecker on this team. That said, it's not and never was supposed to be the best part of his game.

I definitely think he's been guilty of trying to do too much over the last 7-9 games but as far as "We all know that Tavares has the ability to make the amazing play but it is his unwillingness to make the simple play that is killing this team" I think that's a drastic overstatement. If anything, I think the entire team has been guilty of this in all three zones. You see Malkin make those types of turnovers all the time as well. The trick is, our defense has been so beat up, those mistakes seem far more significant now.

JT hasn't scored a whole lot lately, so he's pressing. It will come together soon enough, but he's nowhere close to being a major reason why the Isles have stumbled lately.
- keaner17

I agree hes not the reason. There are a lot of reasons BUT you expect Tavares to step it up when the team is under performing. Hes the lead by example guy. Hes not doing that presently. Just like Capuano's bad decision making could have cost us a bunch of points we could have used a dominant game from him to get these guys going. A good example is the st louis game when we tied it up then imploded soon afterward.

Now with that said im not blaming him for the loss but I will say if he was playing like his old self we could have won that game and the one in minnesota. Like I said in my previous posts I believe this is a temporary thing and he will work through it and be better for it.

Does this mean Boychuk, Hamonic and Cizikas are all playing tonight? That, and Strait scratched. Don't pinch me.
If they don't come out flying tonight I'd be shocked
- potvin05

None of the players mentioned are playing tonight

None of the players mentioned are playing tonight
- Cptmjl

The blog was good but I had the impression it meant they were playing. I know Boychuk and Hammer had been practicing with the team so I thought it was possible.

Hey, as long as I know Strait ain't playing, I'm fine.

What Does Name "Tavares" Mean


You like to control everyone within your influence, to shape things to your own liking. If positive, you develop high spirituality, as you have a God's protection. You are sensitive, affectionate, imaginative and cooperative, spiritually aware and prone to self-sacrifice. You can keep secrets and are a good diplomat. You may have healing and psychic powers. You are bold, independent, inquisitive and interested in research. You know what you want and why you want it.

http://www.sevenreflectio.../name-numerology/tavares/

What Does Name "Capuano" Mean


You are cheerful and friendly, but are apt to have an emotional life. You like to have several lines of effort going at once. You are a good talker and promoter and seldom worry over anything. At times, you can be impatient, and impulsive. You have the ability to bring an idea to completion. You can express yourself joyously and constructively. You might be psychic, but not know it. You are bold, independent, inquisitive and interested in research. You know what you want and why you want it.

http://www.sevenreflectio.../name-numerology/capuano/

Note, 'several lines of effort going at once.'

Mike Bossy wasn't a good defensive player however will always be considered one of the greatest forwards ever. I understand the idea that having someone who can do both is a fantastic thing, but if you're going to rate say a Mike Peca vs. a John Tavares, I don't think it's even close IMO. Give me JT. Great offensive forwards are recognized as the best of their position because they're exceptional at the primary role of said position. It's the teams inability to perform the roles around their talent that becomes an issue.
Trottier is one of my all time favorites, but I'm sorry...I'd take Lemieux in a damn heartbeat over him, or Gretzky in his prime. Great two way players come along quite often...generational offensive talents transcend the game, take over a game, force other teams to change their own game. No one should expect a shutdown dman to become an offensive force and no one should expect a top 10 offensive talent to suddenly become the 1st player in both the offensive and defensive zones. That's what supporting casts are for.
- keaner17

Bossy's heart was on offense, but Al Arbour used to make ALL the forwards do defensive drills, so Bossy had no choice but to become a decent defensive player.

You may recall from the old days that I was a huge Mike Peca fan. When he led the Sabres to playoff success, he always bested Alexei Yashin who was the better offensive player.

I would probably rate Gordie Howe ahead of any of these guys for his all around game.

We are playing like complete poop. Like, run out of the building, poop. It's amazing we're not losing.

reinhart and donovan look much better without strait

We are playing like complete poop. Like, run out of the building, poop. It's amazing we're not losing.
- potvin05

id give the hawks an early edge but consider they're an elite team and we're missing boychuk and hamonic

well, scoreless after one. i'll take it.

reinhart and donovan look much better without strait
- Isles_since_6

Reinhart did a nice job drawing that penalty. I wish he hadn't chosen Bruno Gervais' number, however. The memories are too painful.

reinhart and donovan look much better without strait
- Isles_since_6

Yep. Shocker. Love how capuano said he needs to see more out of donovan for him to stay in the line up but Strait was allowed to shat all over the ice for five games and get twenty minutes a night.

id give the hawks an early edge but consider they're an elite team and we're missing boychuk and hamonic
- Isles_since_6

They arent skating and are spending too much time watching. Whether chicago is elite or not you still keep skating. Theres no excuse for that.

I sure hope that Thursday was the last we'll ever see of Brian Strait.