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#1
I expect I'll get flamed for this by some over-protective souls responding with cries of "we shouldn't criticise the team" and "the players read this forum", but I think it's a valid question to raise now that the season has finished for the Devils.
I will caveat my view by admitting that I've only seen about 7 or 8 games live this season as it's a 4 hour round trip for me - I did manage the Scottish triple header though, which was incredible. I've also seen another dozen or so games on the webcast, so this view isn't just based on what I've read about games.
Having qualified my opinion so heavily, it might be that my views aren't even that controversial.....guess I'll find out!
I would ideally keep most of the team. However, I think the Tahtinen signing demonstrated the gaps in MYCHAN's game. I understand that he's an agitator, not an enforcer, but so is Adam Keefe really, and he is leagues above Mychan. I think we could replace him with someone better, but in a similar mould.
TAHTINEN - on the fence about this one. Face-off percentage is off the charts, and the ability to win key face offs is huge. He also compliments Haddad and Culligan really well, despite not scoring huge amounts of points. Strange though this might sound, I would keep him if the line stays together but, if either of the others leave, I might consider replacing him.
CLARKSON - I'd probably keep him, and I wouldn't expect him to enforce, but he does need to use his size to better effect. His points tally was good, and he is clearly very skilled and loves the Devils. I could see the argument for replacing him for someone like Salters though, who has a nastier edge and plays a more physical game.
HENDRIKX - At the start of the season, I thought he was great, but I've found myself counting the mistakes he makes in his own zone, and there are quite a few. He plays physical, but doesn't make as many hits as he should because people see them coming. I think there are better stay at home d-men out there that the Devils could consider.
Overall, I'd be delighted if the core of the team returned. I'm sure there will be some tweaks, and those are just my suggestions to improve the team in areas. I've not taken into account rumours of retirements etc. Look forward to hearing people's views.
Tommy
I will caveat my view by admitting that I've only seen about 7 or 8 games live this season as it's a 4 hour round trip for me - I did manage the Scottish triple header though, which was incredible. I've also seen another dozen or so games on the webcast, so this view isn't just based on what I've read about games.
Having qualified my opinion so heavily, it might be that my views aren't even that controversial.....guess I'll find out!
I would ideally keep most of the team. However, I think the Tahtinen signing demonstrated the gaps in MYCHAN's game. I understand that he's an agitator, not an enforcer, but so is Adam Keefe really, and he is leagues above Mychan. I think we could replace him with someone better, but in a similar mould.
TAHTINEN - on the fence about this one. Face-off percentage is off the charts, and the ability to win key face offs is huge. He also compliments Haddad and Culligan really well, despite not scoring huge amounts of points. Strange though this might sound, I would keep him if the line stays together but, if either of the others leave, I might consider replacing him.
CLARKSON - I'd probably keep him, and I wouldn't expect him to enforce, but he does need to use his size to better effect. His points tally was good, and he is clearly very skilled and loves the Devils. I could see the argument for replacing him for someone like Salters though, who has a nastier edge and plays a more physical game.
HENDRIKX - At the start of the season, I thought he was great, but I've found myself counting the mistakes he makes in his own zone, and there are quite a few. He plays physical, but doesn't make as many hits as he should because people see them coming. I think there are better stay at home d-men out there that the Devils could consider.
Overall, I'd be delighted if the core of the team returned. I'm sure there will be some tweaks, and those are just my suggestions to improve the team in areas. I've not taken into account rumours of retirements etc. Look forward to hearing people's views.
Tommy