I think what you see is what you get with Rinaldo. He may see some spot duty on the PK, especially if injuries require it, but I don't ever see him being a go to option.

He's not the worst fourth line option when he's playing with his head screwed on right. But he needs to be reined in by the coach (and scratched, if necessary) to stay focused, and Berube seems disinclined to do so. Personally, I'd prefer they plug in a better player in his spot, if possible.
- BulliesPhan87

I don't hate Rinaldo, but I don't see why he's an automatic to start every night. I would much rather carry him as the 13th forward.

I liked him last season because he controlled himself well and he seemed really committed to playing well defensively. He wanted to add energy, but contribute to the team as well.

He wasn't good this past season. Always seemed to be on the wrong end of penalties and ran around out of position a lot.

31 hits is good for 14th in the entire league? Did I understand that right?

Here is where I am at with Rinaldo..

He seems like a good guy. He is probably the best at what he does in the NHL. He is a small, feisty, hard nosed, heavy hitting, insert any pugnacious equivalent here, one dimensional type of player.

Only one small problem.. there are really only a few players like that left in the NHL. **IF** he is able to mold himself in to a Lappy (at the tail of his career) player.. He will make it. He needs a TON of work.

Unfortunately I dont think he ever gets there... and the reason being is that he, himself, is his biggest detractor. No, not because he is incapable of keeping his cool, or shying away from a dirty hit. He has proven to be able to do that.. Not because he is incapable of playing defensive hockey. That can be taught. Not because he doesnt have the athletic ability or hockey presence... I dont think he is capable of transforming into a Thornton, Neil, or Dorsett, because he believes he can be offensively superior to them. He needs to realize that he will NEVER be an everyday 3rd or (god help him if he is this delusional) 2nd line player.

The best thing that can happen to Rinaldo? He realizes that he doesnt have what it takes to be more than a 4th line defensive grinder. The sooner he stops thinking about scoring goals, and starts focusing on how to be an NHL player with his skill set, the better chance he has at being a long term NHLer.

31 hits is good for 14th in the entire league? Did I understand that right?
- Scoob

I think a typo

31 hits is good for 14th in the entire league? Did I understand that right?
- Scoob

Typo.. should read... 231

31 hits is good for 14th in the entire league? Did I understand that right?
- Scoob

You're not taking into account total number of bodies sent into orbit per hit:

You're not taking into account total number of bodies sent into orbit per hit:


- Tomahawk

Dead serious when I say this. He is the best text book hitter in the game. Sometimes he may cross a line, but when you see him throw a hit.. its almost always beautiful.

You're not taking into account total number of bodies sent into orbit per hit:


- Tomahawk

Ah, the BIO/H ratio.

Dead serious when I say this. He is the best text book hitter in the game. Sometimes he may cross a line, but when you see him throw a hit.. its almost always beautiful.
- jak521

He does deliver huge hits. He's like a bowling ball. I just wish he had more self control.

Ah, the BIO/H ratio.
- Scoob

His BIO/H% ranks among the best all time.

1.28 BIO/H

Here is where I am at with Rinaldo..

He seems like a good guy. He is probably the best at what he does in the NHL. He is a small, feisty, hard nosed, heavy hitting, insert any pugnacious equivalent here, one dimensional type of player.

Only one small problem.. there are really only a few players like that left in the NHL. **IF** he is able to mold himself in to a Lappy (at the tail of his career) player.. He will make it. He needs a TON of work.

Unfortunately I dont think he ever gets there... and the reason being is that he, himself, is his biggest detractor. No, not because he is incapable of keeping his cool, or shying away from a dirty hit. He has proven to be able to do that.. Not because he is incapable of playing defensive hockey. That can be taught. Not because he doesnt have the athletic ability or hockey presence... I dont think he is capable of transforming into a Thornton, Neil, or Dorsett, because he believes he can be offensively superior to them. He needs to realize that he will NEVER be an everyday 3rd or (god help him if he is this delusional) 2nd line player.

The best thing that can happen to Rinaldo? He realizes that he doesnt have what it takes to be more than a 4th line defensive grinder. The sooner he stops thinking about scoring goals, and starts focusing on how to be an NHL player with his skill set, the better chance he has at being a long term NHLer.
- jak521

I am a Rinaldo supporter.

Kid's still a puppy running around out there. He's eager to get on the ice and score goals. I agree with you and what you posted here- he needs to learn and understand his role. I think he realizes this, eventually. People forget he's not even 25.

Rinaldo is hugely effective when he plays smart. And honestly, in the last 2 seasons, he's played smartly more often than not.

I think he deserves a 4th line spot on this team.

He does deliver huge hits. He's like a bowling ball. I just wish he had more self control.
- PhillySportsGuy

My favorite hit by a Flyer ALL-TIME is by Denis Gauthier on Marty Straka. Crazy hit, and if I had youtube privileges here at work I'd post it..


Rinaldo's hits on the other hand are all highlight real hits. All of them are of the " OH HOLY poop" variety

Ah, the BIO/H ratio.
- Scoob

My favorite hit by a Flyer ALL-TIME is by Denis Gauthier on Marty Straka. Crazy hit, and if I had youtube privileges here at work I'd post it..


Rinaldo's hits on the other hand are all highlight real hits. All of them are of the " OH HOLY poop" variety
- jak521

Didn't he get suspended like 430 games for that?

EDIT: No, he didn't...what am I confusing this with? Someone (not Downie...the other one) got suspended like 430 games for a hit near the net....

I'm not a Rinaldo fan. His risk outweighs his reward, imho.

I am a Rinaldo supporter.

Kid's still a puppy running around out there. He's eager to get on the ice and score goals. I agree with you and what you posted here- he needs to learn and understand his role. I think he realizes this, eventually. People forget he's not even 25.

Rinaldo is hugely effective when he plays smart. And honestly, in the last 2 seasons, he's played smartly more often than not.

I think he deserves a 4th line spot on this team.
- Giroux_Is_God

I am a big fan of Rinaldo, but his play from two seasons ago is, as of right now anyway, outside of the norm for him. If he was able to duplicate last season this past season I would agree. As of right now, the team should be looking to improve the 4th line. If he ends of the 13th forward, it means the team is better. My honest opinion.

That DOES NOT MEAN I HAVE GIVEN UP ON HIM.

Didn't he get suspended like 430 games for that?
- Giroux_Is_God

Nope. Clean hit. Straka dumped the puck had his head down and got demolished for it. He got suspended for his Macho Man Randy Savage "elbow" impersonation.

My favorite hit by a Flyer ALL-TIME is by Denis Gauthier on Marty Straka. Crazy hit, and if I had youtube privileges here at work I'd post it..
- jak521

(lol OLN... you've come so far NHL)

Nope. Clean hit. Straka dumped the puck had his head down and got demolished for it. He got suspended for his Macho Man Randy Savage "elbow" impersonation.
- jak521

I think I'm thinking of Boulerice

Dead serious when I say this. He is the best text book hitter in the game. Sometimes he may cross a line, but when you see him throw a hit.. its almost always beautiful.
- jak521

He's a great hitter.

My issue is that I don't think hits correlate to anything that helps teams win hockey games.

I'm not a Rinaldo fan. His risk outweighs his reward, imho.
- Scoob

I agree as of now, but serious question. IF he can become a defensively astute 4th liner, would that change your mind?

Is it his aggressive style of play that scares you off, or his defensive shortcomings?

He's a great hitter.

My issue is that I don't think hits correlate to anything that helps teams win hockey games.
- bradleyc4

I am on board to a certain extent. Number of hits are often a negative stat in my mind. However, what if he were able to become defensively sound.. reduce his number of hits, but keep the vigor in which he hits.

Say, he plays a solid defensive role, is still a bowling ball of a hitter, but isnt "chasing the hit"?

I believe that a timely big hit can open a small window, purely off of momentum, for the team.

Here is where I am at with Rinaldo..

He seems like a good guy. He is probably the best at what he does in the NHL. He is a small, feisty, hard nosed, heavy hitting, insert any pugnacious equivalent here, one dimensional type of player.

Only one small problem.. there are really only a few players like that left in the NHL. **IF** he is able to mold himself in to a Lappy (at the tail of his career) player.. He will make it. He needs a TON of work.

Unfortunately I dont think he ever gets there... and the reason being is that he, himself, is his biggest detractor. No, not because he is incapable of keeping his cool, or shying away from a dirty hit. He has proven to be able to do that.. Not because he is incapable of playing defensive hockey. That can be taught. Not because he doesnt have the athletic ability or hockey presence... I dont think he is capable of transforming into a Thornton, Neil, or Dorsett, because he believes he can be offensively superior to them. He needs to realize that he will NEVER be an everyday 3rd or (god help him if he is this delusional) 2nd line player.

.
- jak521

So the question really becomes...."does Rinaldo still have some upside" ? is there more there? some say yes...some no....Im undecided. But for him to be a long term player player he needs to bring more to the table or he wont be long for this league.

He's a great hitter.

My issue is that I don't think hits correlate to anything that helps teams win hockey games.
- bradleyc4

Yeah... Rosehill thumping Colton Orr would create the same "energy" without the same ever-present risk of resulting in time shorthanded... not that I feel that correlates to wins either.

So the question really becomes...."does Rinaldo still have some upside" ? is there more there? some say yes...some no....Im undecided. But for him to be a long term player player he needs to bring more to the table or he wont be long for this league.
- landros 2

Exactly. But being more specific.. his "more to the table" needs to be strictly in a 4th line defensive role IMO.