2008-2009 Report Cards: The Final Grades

So I can hardly criticize (and won’t). But I would like to offer my two cents on a few guys, for what it’s worth…

I expected more out of Goose. I’d bump him down a little. I also would have liked to have seen a little more of Kaleta. He already plays bigger than he is, but I need more from him physically/defensively to hold a roster spot. A few more goals wouldn’t hurt either. I think he has some marginal untapped offensive talent. Again, in my book, he gets bumped down a little.

Roy disappointed me a lot. Sure, he put up some numbers, and usually played against the opposing teams best lines. But he didn’t “lead” enough for me. I don’t care how small he is, he needs to play with more grit…and he does have that in him. I’ve heard some people say he’s too much of a “pretty” boy; he needs an angry side, sort of like what Youngblood needed…

Timmy’s injuries are maddening. They could drive you to drink, heavily. When healthy, he may be one of the most skilled players I’ve ever seen. His stick work is amazing. But the question for this kid will always remain the same – can he stay healthy?

I think Jaro was one of the most spot on grades.

Did Ellis even have enough of a body of work to grade out? I think people put too much weight on that three/four game stretch where he “kit it up.” Nice player; decent fourth line guy, and honest. But “B?” Naw, not in my book.

MacArthur disapointed me as well. How he got to 17 goals is beyond me. It must have been during the games I didn’t see. What I did see, was a guy not willing to pay the price. Hockey is littered with guys his size, speed, and skill level. To make it, you have to distinguish yourself; he did not.

To those who think I’m a negative bloke so far, let me offer up my first upgrade – Rivet. I think he needs a bump up here. I know he missed a good chunk of games, but when he played, he played a lot. And like it or not, he was/is the teams’ only true veteran presence. His selection as a C was no-brainer to me. I heard he was a little frustrated with some of the guys on the team, and their efforts. Sadly, I think he fought a lonely battle here. We need a few more guys with this man’s way of thinking.

Stafford was a disappointment to me as well. I don’t think I’m the only one. I just wonder – how did he get a “B?”

Teppo. Ugh. He was awful last year, and it hurts me to say so. I know him, and he thinks I’m funny. Might be time for a jacket and tie my man…

Paille. Another ugh. I had so many high hopes for this kid. Wasn’t he known as “Captain Canada” in the juniors, or words to that affect? Anyways, I heard he was one of the guys who got under Rivet’s skin a lot (along with Roy). So much potential, but it seems like he just doesn’t get it sometimes. And to me, that’s wierd for a guy known for his ability to “get it.”

Pominville. Good Lord, I wish I could stop with the “ughs,” but I can’t. Might be my most disappointing player yet. I’ve never been high on the guy. I thought early on he profited from playing with guys who make other guys better. I do like his ability to play D in a pinch, and I respect that. Maybe I’m hard on him because of his large contract. Whatever it is, he is a key to any improvement this season. He must play better, and much more consistent, and of course, both ways.

I think Sekera needed to be graded a little higher. Granted, he didn’t have good stats, but I still saw many glimpses of future stardom. People forget – this kid is still relatively young. I’m kind of surprised no one has pouched him through RFA. It took Soupy (what a bust in Chicago) several years to get to regular NHL play. I think many forget he was almost labled a bust as a young Sabre. This was Sekera’s first year as a full time D men. He’ll get better.

Lydman I think got bad grades for being paired up with Hank. He had a solid year, relatively speaking.

Hecht and Tallinder. Both terrible years. One I will forgive, the other I won’t. Hecht gets a mulligan if you ask me. Dude’s been solid over the years, save for last year. I’m done with Hank. Much like Campbell, he was almost considered a bust early in his career. Fortunately for him, he was on the roster (and did play well) when the team made their confference final run. Like Pominville, I thought he was a guy who benfitted from others around him – ie, he wasn’t the difference maker.

Max – should have gotten an F. Please don’t make me expand on this thought anymore. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – the only people who think he was a good hockey player are the ones who bought his jersey (teenage girls) and those who don’t know hockey. Surely one of the worst contracts DR ever did.

Sorry for the ramble fellas. The fingers just wouldn’t stop….