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Praise For Rafalski
by Paul on 05/27/08 at 08:55 AM ET
Comments (3)
from the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs blog at CBC,
The Red Wings are doing to the Penguins exactly what they’ve done to everybody else all year long: quick breakouts with flawless outlet passing from the peerless Nick Lidstrom and the steal of the century, Brian Rafalski. Then, games of keep-away between Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk, often times ending up with the puck in the net.
Nothing is bigger proof that Lou Lamoriello has lost a few marbles in New Jersey than his foolish decision to let Rafalski skate as a free agent last summer. Rafalski is one of the few players in the league who could be mentioned in the same breath with Lidstrom as a puck-moving defenseman, and while he might not have Lidstrom’s all-around defensive skill, he makes it even easier for Lidstrom to play in his own end – which he already made look easy without Rafalski around.
more SCF bits…
Filed in: NHL Teams, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins | KK Hockey | Permalink
Comments
Two things about Rafalski have impressed (and surprised) me. One, for a rather small guy, he’s not afraid to take a hit in order to move the puck cleanly. Two, he’s got a bit of a temper and, like Pavel, he doesn’t seem to be afraid to mix it up with guys who are bigger than he is. He’ll be a great parnter for Nick Jr. when St. Nick hangs up the skates.
Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids on 05/27/08 at 11:17 AM ET
I know Rafalski was offered the same money to stay, but was there some friction between him and Lamoriello that pushed him toward leaving even more than going home? I’ve heard there was friction with Gomez, I think.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 05/27/08 at 12:28 PM ET
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Too bad Lou can’t force players to sign contracts. Rafalski was offered the same amount to stay in NJ, he chose to return home. How does that make Lou crazy? For finding him in the first place?
Posted by Hockey1919 from Montreal on 05/27/08 at 08:55 AM ET