Worst Defenseman: Sekera?

by Dred Scott on Dec 1, 2009 7:45 AM EST

Been noticing for awhile, but tonight was what pushed me over the edge -- Andrej Sekera simply watches the puck and really only exerts only effort when it's a sure thing that he'd get the puck. Not only does he look like he's afraid to get hit all the time, he often looks to be suffering from ADD by the way he will stand flatfooted as the play develops in front of him. It's one thing to protect the area in front of the net --but you have to get a bit physical to do that. He let's anybody just skate by him and seems to have no energy or will to get anything done.

There's a lot of candidates however. Chris Butler blew it against Philly a few games back playing like a dope at the blue line...Steve Montador never looks too sharp and his fight tonight kind of soured me on him. But Sekera gets my vote. Thoughts?

This is a fanpost written by a member of the community, it doesn't necessarily express the views or opinions of Die by the Blade

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Overall i’m pretty happy with the play from all of the defensemen this year. Tallinder and Lydman have been performing much better, now that they aren’t paired together. Sekera is a bit streaky, but I can’t complain too much about his play. Butler has been very solid since his initial call-up. Rivet and Montador add a lot of toughness to our defensive corps, which is something we lacked before picking them up. Finally, Myers is outstanding for a rookie. He makes rookie mistakes here and there, but at the end of the day I’m glad Ruff puts so much faith in him, because he shows flashes of excellence in his transitional game.

Paetsch is not as impressive, which is why he sits most games. Weber gives the team some extra insurance and will probably make the team in a year or two. I honestly don’t know how anyone can complain too much about our defense. Our offensive consistency and reliability is the more pressing problem. A few good games help to reassure me, but that losing stretch was all on the offense’s shoulders.

by lassathrax on Dec 1, 2009 11:57 AM EST reply actions

My thoughts? We have a good defense.

by jj24 on Dec 1, 2009 12:23 PM EST reply actions

I have to disagree with you about Sekera. We need to remember – he’s still in his early NHL development having only played about a hundred and twenty games so far.

Brian Campbell played in 167 NHL games before the lockout. At that time, he was nearly considered a bust (I remember many people hating on him at that time). It was not until after the lockout when the league “changed” did he begin to “blossom.” Campbell also had much more time in the AHL. My point here is that offensive defensemen need time to develop. The game needs to “slow” down for them. Tyler Myers is an exception to the rule (so far).

Give Reggie a little more time. I don’t think there is a team in the league that wouldn’t like to have him in their organization.

As for Butler, the same thing applies. He has even less games than Sekera under his belt. Expecting him not to go through so growing pains is asking for a lot in my opinion.

I also think Montador has been a pleasant surprise so far. If anything, he’s been fairly steady, which is perfect for a third pairing defensemen. As far as the fight goes from last night, he didn’t do so well. But that’s not important. What is important is that he was willing, and that’s a trait that makes him somewhat valuable to his team.

by krytime on Dec 1, 2009 1:37 PM EST reply actions 3 recs

Couldn’t put it better myself. Seems like you’re being too hard on the defense Dred Scott.

"We want to win immediately. To say you're building is an incomplete sentence. ... You're building for a future coach and general manager."
-Marv Levy

by TEMSON on Dec 1, 2009 3:51 PM EST up reply actions

Agree 100%

Sekera and Butler, like Myers, will have rough games. They are young. Just because Butler played well beyond expectations in his first year, doesn’t mean we should expect perfection from him. This whole defensive core is helping Miller look like a Vezina winner to this point in the season.
And as far as the Montador fight goes, he slipped early on and had his arm pinned. The other guys just plain beat him but it’s not like he got whooped on. He’s willing to take on anyone, anytime, anywhere. Isn’t that what we really want?

B-B-B-Byrd Byrd Byrd, Byrd is the Wyrd!"

by willgarr15 on Dec 1, 2009 4:09 PM EST up reply actions

I’m not saying he doesn’t have the potential to be good —I’m saying he plays dumb and without enthusiasm.

by Dred Scott on Dec 1, 2009 4:07 PM EST reply actions

Well it seems like we all disagree.

"We want to win immediately. To say you're building is an incomplete sentence. ... You're building for a future coach and general manager."
-Marv Levy

by TEMSON on Dec 2, 2009 8:55 AM EST up reply actions

Your way off. Sekera had a couple bad games and Montador has a lot of heart.

by Melquist on Dec 3, 2009 3:12 PM EST reply actions

you’re

by Dred Scott on Dec 4, 2009 11:21 AM EST reply actions

Strong word(s) from the guy who screwed up “let’s” in the fanpost.

I signed up for Second Life about a year ago. Back then my life was so great that I literally wanted a second one. In my Second Life I was also a paper salesman and I was also named Dwight. Absolutely everything was the same. Except I could fly. - Dwight Schrute

by kaisertown on Dec 4, 2009 8:25 PM EST up reply actions

Ha! Nice catch kaiser!!

by krytime on Dec 6, 2009 9:10 AM EST up reply actions

Yea it’s not official here, so let’s leave the spell-checking to a minimum here big guy

B-B-B-Byrd Byrd Byrd, Byrd is the Wyrd!"

by willgarr15 on Dec 6, 2009 4:08 PM EST up reply actions

I felt the same way until he scored that late goal… shouldn’t be justification to change my mind but he’s still young i guess. Maybe use him on the PP and limit his time during 5 on 5.

Yes he totally knows how to make bone headed plays that make him look like he belongs in Pee-wee still.

by Jobot on Dec 17, 2009 8:15 AM EST reply actions