EHM The Blue Line

It turns out Ed Jovovnovski who has been battling ingures the last month or so is going to have to have surgery and the time frame of his recorvery will definitely have him missing the Turnin Olympics. There is talk he may be gone for the season.

The link above is also about what is going to do on their blueline with Jovo out and Scott Neidermayer leaning toward having surgery before the Olympic break as well.

Phaneuf should be named to the roster instead, I think.

Dont see why this is such a big loss even with Nieds out. Speciel Ed sure brings offense, but defensivly he isnt that good and with Pronger plus too a lesser degree Blake you have solid point men for the pp. I havent seen Canucks more then a few times this season granted, but their fans havent been too many happy abous jovos play in generel, so hardly a devastating blow to Canada. Especially considering the kinda of players their opposition lacks ie Elias, Kipper and Naslund/Forsberg might be out too.

Edit: Seems like McCabe is back from injury, so there is perfect offensive D replacement for Jovo.

Forsberg wrote:Dont see why this is such a big loss even with Nieds out. Speciel Ed sure brings offense, but defensivly he isnt that good and with Pronger plus too a lesser degree Blake you have solid point men for the pp.

Don't forget about Richards and Sakic; they can be good pointmen as well.

Basicly team Canada is soo deep, there is no reason to be worried . Not sure I would use Sakic on the point though, sure he has one of the best wristers in the world, but Pronger/Blake has heavier shots better suited for that imo.

They are rediculously deep, there is no question but any time you lose two guys of the latelnt of Neidermayer and Jovonovski you're taking a big step down if not only in experience/leadership if you replace them with Phaneuf and McCabe, or Boyle and McCabe whatever. People vastly underestimate how rediculously good Jovo is on defense as he's been given that 'offensive defenseman' tag. He's got much more of a Blake/Pronger skillset than a Gonchar (well, before this season at least) one. He like Pronger is big, strong and very good on offense. It's a big loss.

Jovo has had a tough year and the frustration has been the nature of these types of injuries, you just never know day to day, serious groin or abdominal strains/sports hernias are as predictable as severe concussions. Nasty business. I have seen about 70% of Vancouver's games this year and haven't heard anyone say a thing about the fans or the team being down on his play so I'm not sure where you are getting that except to add to your own point

Personally I would take him over Pronger if given the decision because in games I've seen Pronger in his mobility is becoming more of an issue now that he can't simply muscle people around. Jovonovski's mobility which is more akin to Rob Blake's gives him the edge in my book.

Forsberg wrote:Basicly team Canada is soo deep, there is no reason to be worried . Not sure I would use Sakic on the point though, sure he has one of the best wristers in the world, but Pronger/Blake has heavier shots better suited for that imo.

Playing the point isn't all about taking huge slapshots...

Systemfel wrote: Playing the point isn't all about taking huge slapshots...

Aye, spreading the play and trying to start offensive plays (isn't it also called playing as the quarter back?) are a big part of playing the point.

You are both right, but Pronger just owns hehe. Not all coaches like 4 forwards on the pp either, you can be in alot of trouble on a 2 vs 1 with a forward on defense. But ofc Sakic is one of the best forwards defensivly in the nhl, so guess that isnt too much of an concern .

Ministel lot of the posters on Hockeys future are unhappy or at least expect more from him. Like I said havent seen him enough to judge properly (this year), but dont think he is as important to Canada as you seem to do.

Edit : Pronger started slow with the oilers, but have seen him play 5-6 times since december and he has been outstanding imo.

Jesus guys, please stop mentioning McCabes name in the same sentance as Team Canada. Unless its something like 'McCabe is nowhere near good enough to play on Team Canada.'

I live in Toronto, I watch every Leaf game on tv. MCCABE IS HORRIBLE UNLESS HES GETTING PRETTY PASSES FED TO HIM ON THE POWERPLAY. Sorry about the capitals, just wanted everyone too see that.


/end rant.

E5150_ca wrote:Jesus guys, please stop mentioning McCabes name in the same sentance as Team Canada. Unless its something like 'McCabe is nowhere near good enough to play on Team Canada.'

I live in Toronto, I watch every Leaf game on tv. MCCABE IS HORRIBLE UNLESS HES GETTING PRETTY PASSES FED TO HIM ON THE POWERPLAY. Sorry about the capitals, just wanted everyone too see that.


/end rant.

But that makes it so much more entertaining for us neutral fans .

I have to say the only McCabe I remember no matter how much talk there has been of him and his stats recently is the McCabe that was a continual one man conga line to the penalty box and generator of many gift passes to the opposition. What he added with turnovers in his own end was only surpassed by his near complete inability to keep the puck from hopping over his stick and crossing the blue line on offense. The guy was an absolute trainwreck when here in Chicago. He is directly responsable for subjecting me to hundreds of games watching Alex "The Walking Wound" Karpovtsev score on his own goalie and play elite Matador's defense. FOR THAT HE WILL NEVER EVER BE FORGIVEN! So sir, I see you your all-capitals Team Canada McCabe rant and raise you two additional ranting emoticons

As for Pronger, yeah he's picked up his play since a real rough start and I won't deny the guy's talent level but I think the faster game has made him seem much more mortal and less of a dynamic force. From the games even recently I've seen him in I can't remember him doing anything remarkable which is not the Pronger I'm used to seeing who always made an impact; guy used to absolutely destroy the Hawks. He's no Darien Hatcher but he has slowed and has mobility issues which are more aparent with the speed of the game and rules affecting d-men this year. Just my opinion/observation however

вперёд россия

Translated: "Go Russia!" (Archi)