Steve Avery is moderately funny

[BoSox21]

At the time Dallas signed him I remember my buddy, a Rangers fan, being pissed that the Rangers didn't keep him...I also recall saying it was the best thing that could have happened to the Rangers, and worst thing for Dallas...seems to be playing out that way since no one wants him on the team.

 

The Rangers had a vastly better record last season when Avery was in the lineup than when he was out. I can't really understand why but I think it's a largely irrelevant statistic since the Stars went completely into the tank this season after reaching the Western Conference finals.

 

Honestly, I just don't think Brett Hull is a very good general manager and I'll bet the organization is having second thoughts on firing Doug Armstrong. Hull let some good, solid role players go in the off-season like Miettenen and Hagman. Plus they lost Norstrom to retirement and the effects are showing.

[rician blast]

Yes, clearly their are more problems in Dallas than just Avery. To make the conference finals last year then come out misfiring like they are this year is pretty shocking.

 

Role players, asusming they play their roles right, are key to hockey teams. Look at the B's turnaround. It's not like they've added a ton of high-priced talent. They've got guys who have bought into the system and are playing with grit and determination.

 

Watching the Stars in a few games this year, the level of commitment of their players is weak.

[Dojji]

That's a mischaracterization of the Bruins, Rican. What they brought, fourth-liners like Yelle excepted, in are guys with offensive and defensive upside and the right attitude to get by as grinders until they make the jump. Kobasew, Ferrence, Wideman, all good examples of this.

 

Frankly I wish Chia would get out of the habit of going to FA at all. FA signings as a way to get key players doesn't seem to turn the trick as well as developing your own. Other than Blake Wheeler, we haven't really had a hit at FA since Chara and Savard.

[rician blast]

That's a mischaracterization of the Bruins, Rican. What they brought, fourth-liners like Yelle excepted, in are guys with offensive and defensive upside and the right attitude to get by as grinders until they make the jump. Kobasew, Ferrence, Wideman, all good examples of this.

 

I don't see how our views are that different here. I'm saying that the improvement this year over last year is not in the B's riunning out and getting big name players, i.e. a Hossa, but in getting guys with character who buy into the team approach. Those you mentioned are all good two way players who have character.

[Dojji]

Alright, I see it. I just wanted to make sure that we made a distinction between this and the kind of "grinder" we see sometimes around the league who makes Glen Metropolit look like Phil Kessel on the ice but "brings the right attitude."

 

BTW: Metro or Yelle?

[rician blast]

BTW: Metro or Yelle?

 

Wow, good question. I liked Metro when he was here, ton of energy, does the little things right. I also like Yelle's savvy, intelligence, leadership and experience.

 

When they acquired Yelle I was psyched...then I went to his stat sheet and it surprised me that he hadn't had more offensive success. He's got only 88 career goals in in approx 12 seasons...not stellar.

 

Tough call.