Quote:
Originally Posted by ahc4353
"Running" a guy and a clean hit are two completely different things in my book and as far as I can see it was clean.
If they are meaningless why play them?
I think preseason games are there for the simple reason coaches want to see how guys on the cut off "bubble" handle a real game. What if one of the Junior guys puts a hit like that on someone? His stock would rise considerably in the coach's eyes. And don't think for a second a young defensmen trying to earn a spot on a NHL roster wouldn't give his left nut to make a hit like that.
I have always told my boys (both D men) to practice like you want to play. It's part of the game and every guy that pulls that sweater over his head knows it.
Have a great weekend! |
Clearly you are playing at words here.
You can run a guy in the course of the game and have it be clean and part of the game. Running a guy to us on the west coast comes from the phrase ran him over. That is what Phenuf did. He ran him over. The issue I was attempting to address is was that hit needed between two players who both have established spots on a squad? They dont play in the same division or even confrence. They may play once again this season, but likely not. There was no message to be sent for the regular season and the odds of them meeting in the post season are zero. The point of the hit was what? Nothing. It was Phenuf doing what Phenuf does. He injured a player which may have long term effects in a meaningless preseason game.
By meaningless we both know I meant they do not count towards stats and chances at a cup which is the whole purpose why every regualr season game and playoff game is played. They are meaningless to stats and chances at a cup. Stuff like this is why many teams sit out certain players. They dont want or need as you pointed out some jr player trying to render a big hit on a star player to make a roster spot.
As to practice like you play. I agree yo always practice and play hard. That said Al I cant find a reason why Phenuf needed to level the guy in a pre season game. He is not a bubble player. He is known for hunting players with their head down and laying them out.
What purpose did the hit serve to the flames chances of winning a cup?
Maybe you will argue that the hit will set the tone for the whole season. I am not buying that and that was not in Phenufs head when he made the hit. He saw a guy to level. He probablly saw him with his head down earlier in the game and figured if he would run him if he got the chance. Watching the replay he lined that dude up and destroyed him. It could have ended a lot worse for oposo. I am glad it appears it didnt. I hope he has no lingering effects that impact his season as a result.
I know you like the hit. I guess we can agree to disagree. maybe in 12 years I will hold the same view on this. Currently I dont.