People can say Tavares is a dominant two-way player all they want, but just saying something doesn't make it so.

He's a great player along the walls, in the slot... basically below the circles. Perhaps the best in the league in those areas. Isn't that enough? Do we have to play with the truth and say he's dominant all over the ice? I mean, c'mon....
- doublechili

Luckily the games that are played are all recorded so people can watch and see it.

People can say Tavares is a dominant two-way player all they want, but just saying something doesn't make it so.

He's a great player along the walls, in the slot... basically below the circles. Perhaps the best in the league in those areas. Isn't that enough? Do we have to play with the truth and say he's dominant all over the ice? I mean, c'mon....
- doublechili

Hes a good player, works hard every shift. In all areas yes. Love the player and his game. Was my favourite non Leaf before he got here. Love him even more now that I see him every game.

Yes, the games are recorded so we can see them. I saw him for 9 years. He's amazing in specific areas. Not all areas. Not saying "bad" in other areas. Not saying he doesn't work hard. Not saying he's not a great player. Just saying "dominant in all areas of the ice" is stretching the truth. You can say that about Bergeron, Barkov and some others. Saying it about Tavares weakens the meaning of the word "dominant". But if you're into hyperbole more than truth....

how can jack Eichel not be in the top 5???????? Wow

Matthews is such a stud. He is also the most underutilized star in the NHL.

how can jack Eichel not be in the top 5???????? Wow
- warsawkid

Because he's not as good as half a dozen other guys.

Yes, the games are recorded so we can see them. I saw him for 9 years. He's amazing in specific areas. Not all areas. Not saying "bad" in other areas. Not saying he doesn't work hard. Not saying he's not a great player. Just saying "dominant in all areas of the ice" is stretching the truth. You can say that about Bergeron, Barkov and some others. Saying it about Tavares weakens the meaning of the word "dominant". But if you're into hyperbole more than truth....
- doublechili

Just cause you say it, doesn't make it a fact. You disagree. Its fine. You're pretty much arguing semantics now. But if you're into needing others approval to feel important and relevant keep preaching your opinions...

Malkin had a down year and is still better than all of those guys (except for Crosby and maybe Matthews). I would trade Tavares for Malkin in a second.

Matthews is such a stud. He is also the most underutilized star in the NHL.
- RogerRoeper

For the 100th since we got beat out, pretty sure everyone on this site has read this too many times to care anymore.

It’s like crying wolf.

Same amount of 5v5 per game as Sidney Crosby.

🧐

Couturier played 8 seasons and only in the past 2 has he reached over 39 points... the guy just developed into a great center. "Always being one of the league's best defenders" doesn't make him a top 5 center.
-Martyisbetter88

Its a crazy concept but players tend to get better over time. Couturier started in the league when he was 18. Those last 2 seasons you are dismissing is age 25 and 26 which is the start of a forwards prime

Just cause you say it, doesn't make it a fact.
- systemtool

No disagreement there. Something is either objectively a fact or not.

You disagree. Its fine.

Thanks so much.

You're pretty much arguing semantics now.

Not "pretty much". I am arguing semantics. That's the point. I disagree with the statement that Tavares is "dominant in all areas of the ice".

But if you're into needing others approval to feel important and relevant keep preaching your opinions...

Not sure where this comes from. I'm simply disagreeing and stating my opinion.

Malkin the 101st best player in NHL when he is better than more than half of top 100 list.
- SPIDEROCKSTAR

I don't disagree with that. I just mean the nature of these lists are skewed far more towards recent performances. I think Malkin could be in a top 5 list of centers, but I also understand why the people picked ahead of him were. I'm not denying his amazing career at all.

Florida needs to let Barkov rest a bit. Kid is going to burn out.

Malkin had a down year and is still better than all of those guys (except for Crosby and maybe Matthews). I would trade Tavares for Malkin in a second.
- LeafsPain54

I’m glad you’re not Kyle Dubas.

John Tavares "dominant two way play ? The same John Tavares who was a big fat -5 in the playoffs ? Scorer - yes. Two way play ? Not even close.

John Tavares "dominant two way play ? The same John Tavares who was a big fat -5 in the playoffs ? Scorer - yes. Two way play ? Not even close.
- Iago

He was playing against the best line in hockey though 💯 of the time

I’m glad you’re not Kyle Dubas.
- mjones242

You wouldn't? I love Tavares but he's never broken 90 pts in a season. 90 points is a mediocre year for Malkin. That dude is elite.

John Tavares "dominant two way play ? The same John Tavares who was a big fat -5 in the playoffs ? Scorer - yes. Two way play ? Not even close.
- Iago

Aren't 1980's stats cute? That way when Jake Gardiner screws-up, Tavares gets a-