Pokecheque wrote:
Do the Isles really have a dynamic puckmover on the blue line? I know Boychuk, Leddy, and De Haan are all very capable offensively but I wonder if they need some more speed on the back end.
If it weren't for Leddy's speed he'd be well below average. His speed is probably top 10 in the NHL. On a big market, playoff team, he'd get Norris attention.
De Haan has been a fucking turnover machine through three games. I turned off the game vs Columbus due to him giving it away twice, resulting in goals against. Game vs the Blues was the same. Perfect non-outlet pass right onto Terasenko's stick. Last guy you want to give it to in your own end. Boychuk is a jack of all trades D-man. Very good shot, but he's not that good of a passer. Pulock's shot makes him scared, and he uses it to create space. He fakes a shot and all defenders tense up, then he makes pass while he's got the time. He's not an amazing passer in his own right, but when he uses that fake slapper, it works wonders to create time. Boychuk should take note, instead of still trying to shoot through people's shins like a peewee.
Devon Toews is in the AHL for now, but I wouldn't be surprised if he makes one of the current D expendable very soon. He's shown great things. He's fast, has great vision, creativity, and good first passes. That's one of the things the Isles D hasn't had- good first passes. Too often their outlet attempts are in someone's skates or miss them entirely.