Like I said, I can't stand the guy, and I want him gone. That said, yeah I could see him being a regular on that team. I don't think he brings anything unique (except maybe exceptionally bad judgement and timing) to the table. I think almost all teams employee someone very similar to him. I'm not sure that skill set is totally necessary anymore, but it is still in use on most teams.
- ThirdEye

Thornton scored 20 points on that Bruins team. He played in 18 playoff games as well. You think Julien would put up with Rinaldo constantly taking one stupid penalty after another? No chance. Is it not possible to employ a physical energy player who has some skill, as well as a modicum of discipline? I watch a lot of NHL games, and I don't really see any teams that employ a player like Rinaldo.

'With possession' means the team kept the puck on the exit. For example, a tape-to-tape outlet, or somebody skating it out.

'Successful' includes anything that gets them out of the zone, whether the team keeps the puck or not. Examples: high and hard off the glass, dump outs, unsuccessful outlets, (and all the stuff listed under 'w possession') etc.
- Tomahawk

Thanks sir

I think you've been sufficiently victimized here, I'm done with you.
- BulliesPhan87

Yup! I've been schooled on the merits of employing a waste of oxygen. You win!

Thornton scored 20 points on that Bruins team. He played in 18 playoff games as well. You think Julien would put up with Rinaldo constantly taking one stupid penalty after another? No chance. Is it not possible to employ a physical energy player who has some skill, as well as a modicum of discipline? I watch a lot of NHL games, and I don't really see any teams that employ a player like Rinaldo.
- PLindbergh31

Rinaldo will be lucky to top that for his NHL career!

Ok I have some trivia for you all.

Can you name the 3 players to receive Hart Trophy votes for at least two different teams from 2009-10 to 2013-14 aka the 2010s?
- NickTheKid87

Was Hossa one? Brian Campbell maybe (Sabres, Panthers)? Suter? Parise?

Don't give me answers. Just say yes or no

Edit: If a player was traded in season and still received hart trophy votes would that count for two separate teams? Like if St. Louis received a vote last year?

Bonino on a breakaway had plenty of room to build speed, created space with the spin-o-rama, and additional space being left-handed. It was a sweet move and a nice shot. MDZ isn't Lidstrom, but if that's not staying with a player, not many defenders across the NHL are sticking with their man.


- wolfhounds

In the NHL, that is not sticking with your man. He loses stick positioning on the play when he goes for the poke check, and allows a clear shooting lane. It's not an egrogious play, as it was a nice move, but he lost him nonetheless. A save should've been made on the play, as Emery lost his angle, so he is at fault also. it' one play, and you're right, he isn't Lidstrom. Even the best of defenseman aren't going to play mistake free hockey. That's life as a defenseman.

I'm sure Jess would be happy to answer any questions you have about how things are scored.
- Tomahawk

So you have no opinion? Has Jess Schmidt ever posted what criteria she uses on how she assigns a failed or successful clear, and who she charges it to?

I used to like Rinaldo when he was playing reckless. At least he was entertaining and could provide energy and make certain players pay the price for playing the Flyers hard. Hows this soft, dont play with an edge style the Flyers are playing, working out so far???

"Coathanger abortion" is OK per this site's code of conduct? What a pitiful, unpleasant place this has become.

Rinaldo will be lucky to top that for his NHL career!
- BiggE

No sense in trying to convince people Big E. Pointless in discussing it in circles. We know he's a waste of time. If others believe otherwise that's fine.

No sense in trying to convince people Big E. Pointless in discussing it in circles. We know he's a waste of time. If others believe otherwise that's fine.
- PLindbergh31

True

"Coathanger abortion" is OK per this site's code of conduct? What a pitiful, unpleasant place this has become.
- countreeman28

I edited my post so it's less harsh.

Thornton scored 20 points on that Bruins team. He played in 18 playoff games as well. You think Julien would put up with Rinaldo constantly taking one stupid penalty after another? No chance. Is it not possible to employ a physical energy player who has some skill, as well as a modicum of discipline? I watch a lot of NHL games, and I don't really see any teams that employ a player like Rinaldo.
- PLindbergh31

The Bruins 4th line had been good over the last few seasons.

I think teams use players like Rinaldo sometimes. They just don't seem to use them every game.

For me, Rinaldo needed to take that next step and become a good PKer and defensive player in order to nail down an everyday spot. That clearly hasn't happened.

I don't care that he's on the team. Playing Akeson instead of Rinaldo on the third line would make the team better imo. It's not going to make them significantly better.

I've watched the LHV games and Akeson sulked when he was first sent down. Since then, he's routinely the best player on the ice. He even plays on the PK.

I don't know. I just don't get why they won't give him a chance to play a larger role with the big club when he seems to have more to offer than others.

I just think it's frustrating seeing a coach trot out the same players instead of trying something different. Whats the worst that could happen? They get worse than 26th place?

The Bruins 4th line had been good over the last few seasons.

I think teams use players like Rinaldo sometimes. They just don't seem to use them every game.

For me, Rinaldo needed to take that next step and become a good PKer and defensive player in order to nail down an everyday spot. That clearly hasn't happened.

I don't care that he's on the team. Playing Akeson instead of Rinaldo on the third line would make the team better imo. It's not going to make them significantly better.

I've watched the LHV games and Akeson sulked when he was first sent down. Since then, he's routinely the best player on the ice. He even plays on the PK.

I don't know. I just don't get why they won't give him a chance to play a larger role with the big club when he seems to have more to offer than others.

I just think it's frustrating seeing a coach trot out the same players instead of trying something different. Whats the worst that could happen? They get worse than 26th place?
- PhillySportsGuy

I for the life of me don't understand why he was given a contract extension coming off such a miserable season. When you are at best a fringe NHL player, how bout making the player earn his next contract? Rewarding him after a season of regression made zero sense. And he's showed absolutely no sign this year of improving. Is it the end of the world having him on the team? No, is there bigger problems, yes. It just sets a bad precedent signing a player that has no value.

I for the life of me don't understand why he was given a contract extension coming off such a miserable season. When you are at best a fringe NHL player, how bout making the player earn his next contract? Rewarding him after a season of regression made zero sense. And he's showed absolutely no sign this year of improving. Is it the end of the world having him on the team? No, is there bigger problems, yes. It just sets a bad precedent signing a player that has no value.
- PLindbergh31

Its not like there was a big chance of losing him via free agency.

So you have no opinion? Has Jess Schmidt ever posted what criteria she uses on how she assigns a failed or successful clear, and who she charges it to?
- MJL

I'm pretty sure Jess is a dude.

And no, I'm not really feeling being enticed into a knife fight over some hypothetical plays.

The Bruins 4th line had been good over the last few seasons.

I think teams use players like Rinaldo sometimes. They just don't seem to use them every game.

For me, Rinaldo needed to take that next step and become a good PKer and defensive player in order to nail down an everyday spot. That clearly hasn't happened.

I don't care that he's on the team. Playing Akeson instead of Rinaldo on the third line would make the team better imo. It's not going to make them significantly better.

I've watched the LHV games and Akeson sulked when he was first sent down. Since then, he's routinely the best player on the ice. He even plays on the PK.

I don't know. I just don't get why they won't give him a chance to play a larger role with the big club when he seems to have more to offer than others.
I just think it's frustrating seeing a coach trot out the same players instead of trying something different. Whats the worst that could happen? They get worse than 26th place?
- PhillySportsGuy

Patience my friend.... Berube will be gone before next season.

I edited my post so it's less harsh.
- PLindbergh31

Seems some people are a little sensitive, EH?

This is hilarious as needs to be posted again:

I for the life of me don't understand why he was given a contract extension coming off such a miserable season. When you are at best a fringe NHL player, how bout making the player earn his next contract? Rewarding him after a season of regression made zero sense. And he's showed absolutely no sign this year of improving. Is it the end of the world having him on the team? No, is there bigger problems, yes. It just sets a bad precedent signing a player that has no value.
- PLindbergh31

I think they have a soft spot for him because he works hard and wants to get better everyday. He's also a team first guy who will do anything to win.

The contract isn't really a big deal. I'm sure Berube lobbied for it and the team didn't really care because he can be waived without a problem.

One of the reasons I want an outsider to come in and coach is so there is no bias towards certain players.

Its not like there was a big chance of losing him via free agency.

- MBFlyerfan

The Flyers made a non risky short term investment in Rinaldo. They like his physical tools and skating ability. They are trying to develop him into a physical all around player for the 4th line. Regardless of what some want to say, he does have some hockey ability. If he didn't, he would've never made it to the NHL.

Its not like there was a big chance of losing him via free agency.

- MBFlyerfan

You mean you don't think Hextall was beating the heard of GM's that were sure to knock down Zac's door? Sometimes you pay through the nose when you lose a bidding war.

I think they have a soft spot for him because he works hard and wants to get better everyday. He's also a team first guy who will do anything to win.

The contract isn't really a big deal. I'm sure Berube lobbied for it and the team didn't really care because he can be waived without a problem.

One of the reasons I want an outsider to come in and coach is so there is no bias towards certain players.
- PhillySportsGuy

In my opinion Hextall isn't going to extend a player based on a coach lobbying for the player, who he doesn't even know if he will be here long term as head coach.

I think they have a soft spot for him because he works hard and wants to get better everyday. He's also a team first guy who will do anything to win.

The contract isn't really a big deal. I'm sure Berube lobbied for it and the team didn't really care because he can be waived without a problem.

One of the reasons I want an outsider to come in and coach is so there is no bias towards certain players.
- PhillySportsGuy

Not sure what the reasoning was, but I can't find any logic behind it. I don't believe he will be waved, so it's just a sunk cost and a wasted resource.

Bonino on a breakaway had plenty of room to build speed, created space with the spin-o-rama, and additional space being left-handed. It was a sweet move and a nice shot. MDZ isn't Lidstrom, but if that's not staying with a player, not many defenders across the NHL are sticking with their man.


- wolfhounds

Sure, I wish the outcome were different, but really I don't have a problem with MDZ there.