Your probably right on both counts.
Teams have to be built around the best assets you have. I think Boston is a fading force. Chara is not the player he was a few years ago. But, with Chara on the back end and Bergeron and Krejci playing 1A and 1B, the Bruins in their prime played a 200' disciplined game that saw four lines grind the other team down night after night.
But since coming into the league Bergeron has had a career high 73 points back near the beginning of his NHL career. Kreiki point high was 69 during this season. I don't know if Turris and Legwand (or Zibanejad) will match the Boston totals over the next few years. But playing with Karlsson they will come close. If Ottawa reduces GA by 30 from last year's total they will be solid playoff contenders. If they can do a reduction of 50 (target set by Murray and MacClean) they will push for a spot with home playoff advantage.
If either Legwand or Zibenajad are able to provide a similar defensive support that Turris does, especially when Karlsson is on the ice, it will be an exciting season.
- spatso
Poor and unfair comparisons.
Legwand will not be producing big points here in Ottawa. He didn't in Nashville for over 10 years and won't here.
Bergeron was a great offensive player when he came into the league and he turned into a 200 foot beast. None of our centres have the offensive touch he posses, which he can do on a whim. Kopitar, Datsyuk, Towes, etc are the same breed. Guys who started out as great offensive players but turned their game to a defensive minded style, but can still pull out their pure offensiveness on a whim.
Turris and Zibby are different. Both started their careers as good 200 foot players. It's always been a part of their game. They both can score, but not a naturally as Bergerons, Krejics, Kopitars, etc. This is where people fail to see the difference. While the styles of play are similar, the pure hockey skills are not at the same level. This should not be seen as bashing Zibby and Turris, but more recognizing how good Bergeron and those other players actually are.
To me it's unfair to compare these two young players to the most valuable centres in the NHL. Can they get to that level? I sure hope so. But let's be honest, those players are not a frequent thing in the NHL.
Go RED BLACKS!!! (worst name ever)
