Regarding Bordeleau I don't see that he would have made any difference last night anyway. We weren't bullied last night we were out played and out battled by a team that wanted it more. He could have put on some big checks but Moore did that anyway and at a much lower wage. Even if Rosehill was dishing it out last night then Bordeleau wouldn't have fought him anyway. Personally I am glad to see the back of him as he did nothing to justify his huge wage and refusing to fight when he was brought in to do that completely undermines the management.
Couldn't disagree more about Bordys effect on a game.
I can't understand people thinking we weren't bullied (and haven't been in a number of games this season - did you go to Guildford?). Lot's of big checks, niggly off the puck stuff and verbals throughout the game from Manchester last night. When this happens and you are out battled physically, isn't that what being bullied is? Not having a go here but I'm interested in understanding what people would consider 'being bullied' in this context?
Yes Bordy didn't fight much (and i'm as much disappointed about that as you) but can't think of many games where we had to put up with much funny business last season. All of our offensive players seemed to have a good few extra feet on the ice. This year we seem under pressure a hell of a lot more on the puck.
If you judge Bordy by number of fights then yes he didn't deliver. If you judge him by his game changing hits, the space he created for our players and the panic he he put on the opposition D men (countless pucks dumped when he started bearing down on them) then his contribution was massive. He sold tickets and put bums on seats. I posted on another thread and someone else has done it on this one, look at our fights last year compared to previous years. Only 17 fights last year speaks volumes. Listen to McGrattens interview back in Canada over the summer where at one point he discusses Bordy. Think he knows what he's on about.
Would I have had him back? Good question. Apparently he was on a lot of money so that's a business case which none of us are privy to the details.
However, if you make the call to not re-sign him, then you either need to replace him with a player of similar capacity or (and this is what looks like is happening) be prepared to have a hard physical slog all season where everyone has to step up. Unfortunately it doesn't look like we're stepping up. Don't buy into this team toughness either.
To me it seems our top guns aren't performing as well as last year. An example of which is Asselin who is nowhere near the level of player we saw last year. There are too many in that category at the moment. However, they're too good to not turn it around so long term I think we'll be alright. Seems like we're having a poor run of form and are in a rut.
But for me I think we got recruitment wrong. I was massively underwhelmed with the signings this summer. Pope though has impressed (Faryna definitely tries) but I don't think we've really upgraded the squad. Crowder seems very hot and cold, glimpses of class like last week against Nottingham but then lots of mediocrity. Reddick, nope not for me. Paris has an injured hip which is affecting him. Moore is a good signing, been impressed with him.
But Ulmer and Mo look passed it. They're really great guys so not a knock on them as individuals, but it looks like time has finally caught up with them.
Actually I wasn't surprised by the result last night. If you take the season as a whole the two best performances were the pre season against Krefield and the CHL against Davos. Great 4 point weekend last weekend yes, but we were lucky (and yes I know, winning when you're not playing well is the sign of a champion). But we were under the cosh for long periods against Nottingham and from the middle of the second period against Sheffield we were easily second best and it took a lucky bounce to win the game (not complaining, will take a win over those orange numpties any way, shape or form, especially in their barn).
I have faith in the team and Lordo (there are way too many good players to panic) but we need to improve and quickly. This season will be much harder than last and as champions every team is gunning for us. I hope the players realise that every game will be like a cup final for the other teams.
Sorry for the rant, lots going through my mind. Lets Go Devils!
he just shows no flare at all anymore. Maybe he's lost his confidence. The team dynamic is just odd - something isn't right!
