Mike Chen's Hockey Blog
Next entry: Another Way To Look At The Standings
Previous entry: Who Hurts More: Dallas or Vancouver?
Gaborik, Legwand On Franchise Hot Seats
by Mike Chen on 11/24/08 at 05:02 PM ET
Comments (4)
From Mike Chen (hey, that’s me!) at Versus.com:
Marian Gaborik and David Legwand don’t have too much in common. Gaborik is a speedy scorer from the Czech Republic while Legwand is a U.S.-born center. Gaborik’s contractual future is uncertain while Legwand signed a long-term extension last season. Gaborik scores highlight-reel goals for the Minnesota Wild (when healthy) while Legwand is a fixture on both the penalty kill and the power play for the Nashville Predators.
What do they have in common? Both were the first draft picks in their respective franchises’ history and both are entering the prime of their careers. And both are currently the subject of much fan frustration and discussion.
Read more about Gaborik and Legwand as a preview of this week’s Minnesota/Washington (tonight) and St. Louis/Nashville (tomorrow night) games on Versus.
Filed in: NHL | Mike Chen's Hockey Blog | Permalink
Tags: David+Legwand, Marian+Gaborik,
Comments
That’s two minutes for getting the wrong country. Ouch. Jes Golbez is probably driving down from BC to give me a good smack.
Posted by Mike Chen on 11/24/08 at 06:02 PM ET
Even this far into his career, you still hear Nashville fans kvetching over Legwand not being a Lecavalier-like scorer. Having a 50-60 point guy that’s good defensively and can perform on the PP and PK is very valuable, however, especially to a lower salary team like the Predators. What he needs to really prosper is a legit 3rd line behind him, that can help create better matchups for him.
As I’ve said before, he seems like a player whose legs are ahead of his hands. His tremendous skating ability puts him in offensive situations that he just can’t finish, and that frustrates people. What they need to realize, however, is that most players wouldn’t have gotten that chance to begin with.
Posted by Forechecker from Nolensville, TN on 11/24/08 at 10:04 PM ET
As I’ve said before, he seems like a player whose legs are ahead of his hands. His tremendous skating ability puts him in offensive situations that he just can’t finish, and that frustrates people. What they need to realize, however, is that most players wouldn’t have gotten that chance to begin with.
To me, that sounds a lot like Mike Grier. Great speed, great grit, mediocre hands. Still, can’t complain about a dude that hustles like that.
Posted by Mike Chen on 11/24/08 at 10:14 PM ET
Add a Comment
Please limit embedded image or media size to 575 pixels wide.
Add your own avatar by joining Kukla's Korner, or logging in and uploading one in your member control panel.
Captchas bug you? Join KK or log in and you won't have to bother.
Most Recent Blog Posts
Putting Rules On The “Intent” Rule
Hockey Songs Vs. Cricket Songs
Off Topic: Writing About Writing
Triple-Dipping On Ticket Prices
Should The Sharks Re-Sign Patrick Marleau?
About Mike Chen’s Hockey Blog
Mike Chen prides himself in being the only hockey writer integrating puck discussion with both Morrissey quotes and Star Wars references. Since 2004, he’s blogged about all things hockey and currently contributes to FoxSports.com, the Battle of California, and RotoRob.
Questions? Comments? Hate mail? Contact Mike here.
Mike Writes For
Hockey Blogroll & Links
Mike Recommends
Buy all Sports Tickets including all NHL Hockey Tickets like Detroit Red Wings tickets, Anaheim Ducks Tickets, Nashville Predators Tickets, Buffalo Sabres Tickets, and Carolina Hurricanes Tickets.
Gabork is from Slovakia not CZ !!
Posted by Slovakia on 11/24/08 at 05:39 PM ET