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.
- Tomahawk

I dont think it correlates to wins either, but it certainly can have a positive effect.

For example. Look at what his beautifully timed hit on Jerome Iginla did?

To me, a lot like the number of shots, its the quality that counts. You can have 50 shots a game.. does that mean you will win?

If the Flyers sign a UFA LW in the off season that leaves little room for Rinaldo on the team. Is Rinaldo a better fourth line option than Akeson?
- FlyersSteve118

As a 4th liner, yes, Rinaldo is better. As a top-9 player, no.

As a 4th liner, yes, Rinaldo is better. As a top-9 player, no.
- jmatchett383

I dont think it correlates to wins either, but it certainly can have a positive effect.

For example. Look at what his beautifully timed hit on Jerome Iginla did?

To me, a lot like the number of shots, its the quality that counts. You can have 50 shots a game.. does that mean you will win?
- jak521

CORSI says yes.

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?
- jak521

It's that he loses his mind sometimes. He can't be trusted, imho. Let him grow up and clean up his act somewhere else.

CORSI says yes.
- jmatchett383

Unfortunately for advanced stats fans (and I tend to be a fan), there is not analytic measurement for quality of a shot. And location of shot doesnt count.

I dont think it correlates to wins either, but it certainly can have a positive effect.

For example. Look at what his beautifully timed hit on Jerome Iginla did?

To me, a lot like the number of shots, its the quality that counts. You can have 50 shots a game.. does that mean you will win?
- jak521

A hit can separate the puck from a player. That's a good thing. But if you can't do anything with it, or give it right back, or are forced to ice the puck -- there was no positive gain. That's where my issue with Rinaldo stems. Yes, he can separate pucks from players, but if there is no positive, tangible result of the play; it's useless.

It's that he loses his mind sometimes. He can't be trusted, imho. Let him grow up and clean up his act somewhere else.
- Scoob

Not disagreeing...

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 think a good shift with hitting can help gain momentum. It gets the crowd into the game.

A hit can separate the puck from a player. That's a good thing. But if you can't do anything with it, or give it right back, or are forced to ice the puck -- there was no positive gain. That's where my issue with Rinaldo stems. Yes, he can separate pucks from players, but if there is no positive, tangible result of the play; it's useless.
- bradleyc4

Oh this

I think a good shift with hitting can help gain momentum. It gets the crowd into the game.
- PhillySportsGuy

I don't agree with the mysticism behind hitting and momentum.

A hit can separate the puck from a player. That's a good thing. But if you can't do anything with it, or give it right back, or are forced to ice the puck -- there was no positive gain. That's where my issue with Rinaldo stems. Yes, he can separate pucks from players, but if there is no positive, tangible result of the play; it's useless.
- bradleyc4

My issue isn't his hitting or his ability with the puck (he has mediocre skills with the puck). It's that he'd rather make a hit than get the puck, and he feels the need to always make the hit, which is the kind of mentality that got him the 4-gamer. He needs to hit to be effective, but he needs to walk the line better (hard to do) and he needs to focus more of actually handling the puck.

if we have to have an enforcer type player I hope Hexy finds a Dave Brown

I don't agree with the mysticism behind hitting and momentum.
- bradleyc4

Carcillo, Talbot, Game 6, up 3-0.

A hit can separate the puck from a player. That's a good thing. But if you can't do anything with it, or give it right back, or are forced to ice the puck -- there was no positive gain. That's where my issue with Rinaldo stems. Yes, he can separate pucks from players, but if there is no positive, tangible result of the play; it's useless.
- bradleyc4

Then it also depends on the type of hit. Most of the BIG hit players don't play the puck after the hit... usually its swooped up by another player..

I would LOVE to see Rinaldo become a stronger board player.. it would help reduce the amount of big hits he throws. I agree with you though. He needs to be able to play with and with out the puck.. not just with the body.

if we have to have an enforcer type player I hope Hexy finds a Dave Brown
- vejim

So you want Jon Scott?

As a 4th liner, yes, Rinaldo is better. As a top-9 player, no.
- jmatchett383

Say the flyers sign a Pouliot/Jokinen/Kulemin type and can't deal away vinny in the off season.

I think a Akeson/Vinny/Laughton fourth line actually be better than Rinaldo/Vinny/Laughton.

But if Vinny is dealt, Rinaldo/Laughton/Hall would make more sense.

I don't agree with the mysticism behind hitting and momentum.
- bradleyc4

I do, 100%

Say the flyers sign a Pouliot/Jokinen/Kulemin type and can't deal away vinny in the off season.

I think a Akeson/Vinny/Laughton fourth line actually be better than Rinaldo/Vinny/Laughton.

But if Vinny is dealt, Rinaldo/Laughton/Hall would make more sense.
- FlyersSteve118

I think if Berube used a 4th line of

Akeson/Vinny/Laughton he should be flogged.

Say the flyers sign a Pouliot/Jokinen/Kulemin type and can't deal away vinny in the off season.

I think a Akeson/Vinny/Laughton fourth line actually be better than Rinaldo/Vinny/Laughton.

But if Vinny is dealt, Rinaldo/Laughton/Hall would make more sense.
- FlyersSteve118

Vinny's situation will have more to do with B Schenn than a UFA winger.

Carcillo, Talbot, Game 6, up 3-0.
- jmatchett383

If hits or fights truly led to more goals, why aren't teams hitting/fighting even more then? I think it's sensationalism.

Oh this
- Tomahawk

How many open ice hits, or big hits for that matter, end up with the player throwing the hit also playing the puck?

Dustin Brown? Mike Richards? Lindros? I cant think of a single player that throws a huge hit and ends up with the puck. The game is way to fast for that.

If hitting is really the only attribute then I find it hard to keep him if we can get a more useful 4th line. A guy like Rousell or Garbut or Komarov hit too but they also bring skill and other functions. Kill penalties, move up and down lineup when needed.

I don't agree with the mysticism behind hitting and momentum.
- bradleyc4

I think it does play a role. I think defenseman make it an objective to know when Rinaldo is on the ice.

I know he doesn't offer much else, but I think a good hit or a few good hits in a row can get everyone going.

Sports isn't played in a vacuum. Energy is contagious.

Without Rinaldo, we are that much less a physical team -- who else takes the body? Raffl, Hartnell, and Simmonds for the forwards, occasionally Couts? -- so if he can stop taking bad penalties, I'm hoping he sticks around and works himself into a solid defensive role player.