So wait...a star NHL player is upset about losing a guy like Zack Smith, but a hockey blogger and D3 college coach says it's not a big deal to lose a guy like him? I'm so confused. I don't know what to believe in any more. It's almost like there's more to hockey than looking at charts and raw data.

P.S. Gritty is a complete and utter mess, and I love it.

So wait...a star NHL player is upset about losing a guy like Zack Smith, but a hockey blogger and D3 college coach says it's not a big deal to lose a guy like him? I'm so confused. I don't know what to believe in any more. It's almost like there's more to hockey than looking at charts and raw data.

P.S. Gritty is a complete and utter mess, and I love it.
- jmatchett383

Its wierd to use Duchene a the person that "proves" there is a problem with the franchise, ( I am sure there is ) but it really seems like where ever he goes, there is problems. All colorado had to do was get rid of him and they went to the playoffs...seems like he may also be a problem.
- joecool2931

Duchene’s quote isn’t the thing that proves there is a problem... it’s this..

but a hockey blogger and D3 college coach says it's not a big deal
- jmatchett383

To his execuse: He had steel blue balls writing it.

Duchene’s quote isn’t the thing that proves there is a problem... it’s this..


- j.boyd919

Well that, plus the rather lackluster returns they got on the traded players, the AGM sexual harassment charges, and an owner who seems determined to run the franchise into the ground.

Looking like an opening night roster tonight, gentlemen. Anyone know if this will be on Centre Ice/Game Centre? Rrrreally wanna watch.

Well that, plus the rather lackluster returns they got on the traded players, the AGM sexual harassment charges, and an owner who seems determined to run the franchise into the ground.
- jmatchett383

Yep. That team is a dumpster fire.

I think our D has a chance to be pretty good. Sure there's a couple of question marks, but most teams have question marks at D. We have better depth for sure. I think Ruhwedel is competent if needed. Now we have Riikola who is making the coaches decisions much tougher. Oleksiak has been getting rave reviews in camp....Marshall said he's been great. I think the key is Letang. If we get him back to 90% of what he was we'll be in real good shape.
- madmike71

Once again it's pre season but his debut was pretty much how he ended the season. 3 bad turnovers. He seems to think it's all physical saying he trained hard all summer but most of his errors stem from bad decisions. Lifting all summer isn't gonna cure that.

Could just be rust but it appears mental more than physical. Hope he proves me wrong.

sweet elbow by bortuzzo on kempny last night.

Once again it's pre season but his debut was pretty much how he ended the season. 3 bad turnovers. He seems to think it's all physical saying he trained hard all summer but most of his errors stem from bad decisions. Lifting all summer isn't gonna cure that.

Could just be rust but it appears mental more than physical. Hope he proves me wrong.
- Thorny87

Kris Letang always has and always will commit turnovers. Its the style he plays. He's a risk taking difference maker. When its all said and done I do believe he's responsible for much more good than bad on the ice.

Once again it's pre season but his debut was pretty much how he ended the season. 3 bad turnovers. He seems to think it's all physical saying he trained hard all summer but most of his errors stem from bad decisions. Lifting all summer isn't gonna cure that.

Could just be rust but it appears mental more than physical. Hope he proves me wrong.
- Thorny87

He did say in an article I read that quoted him directly, that he said his fitness was a real issue that led to him making bad decisions. So if he has put the work in & has a solid base fitness which he didn't have last season, then hopefully as his match fitness gets better so will his decisions as he won't be as fatigued.

I'm really looking forward to seeing how he goes. Also I'm pretty sure he changed his style a little to avoid (or try to), heavy contact that results in injury. So again, having last season under his belt hopefully he has fine tuned that new style!

Kris Letang always has and always will commit turnovers. Its the style he plays. He's a risk taking difference maker. When its all said and done I do believe he's responsible for much more good than bad on the ice.
- MattStrat

The turnovers are much less important than his lapses in coverage defensively, IMO.