Sam Hitchcock: Tampa Bay's Defense Catalyzes Comeback

Point and Coburn may be on opposite ends of their careers, but both are playing for a new contract. In Point's case, he wants to cash in and make a ton of money over the next 7 or 8 years. For Coburn, he wants another 1yr or 2yr contract to stick around at his best chance of ever winning a Cup. So, both of them are playing some of the best hockey of their careers. Coburn looks five years younger compared to the last couple of seasons.

I have learned to live with Girardi in a limited role. He does some things very well. If we limit him to that, he fits neatly into the overall system. I'll just be glad when Hedman is back to help carry out his trash if Cooper insists on giving him top-4 minutes. At times, when his lack of foot speed isn't being exploited, he actually looks decent.

Koekkoek has looked good. I still don't get why Coop won't switch him in/out with Girardi and further limit Girardi's minutes (when Hedman is healthy).

Sergachev makes me nervous in both good and bad ways. You can see the potential there. This kid can be really dangerous if he ever gets dialed in. But, he is a turnover machine much of the time. It's a good thing we can staple a veteran to him to help cover his mistakes.

Yeah, Sergachev is a young O-centered D-man... and typically of them, especially the highly skilled variety, they are a bit of an adventure, at times.

He'll simmer down over the next few years. Or should, rather.

Either way, I'll take his skillset and drive over most other options.


Also, Girardi is Girardi... he's our goat. I'll still take him over Hainsey.

Yeah, Sergachev is a young O-centered D-man... and typically of them, especially the highly skilled variety, they are a bit of an adventure, at times.

He'll simmer down over the next few years. Or should, rather.

Either way, I'll take his skillset and drive over most other options.


Also, Girardi is Girardi... he's our goat. I'll still take him over Hainsey.
- OzBolts

It will be interesting to see where Sergachev's development is in 4 or 5 more seasons. By then, he will be in his prime, will have bulked up some muscle on that lanky frame, and will have more experience in high pressure situations. I am optimistic. I think the kid will do just fine and barring a meltdown, he will be a staple in our top-4.

Sam Hitchcock: Tampa Bay's Defense Catalyzes Comeback
- Sam Hitchcock

EXTREMELY jealous of your top 3 D. Hed/Serg/McD. Collectively makeing 13.47M this year, and 15.52M next year is a bargain for guys who will dominate big minutes. Even if you have to let Girardi/Stralman/Coburn all go, your D core will be one of the best going forward. I am sure you guys can find a team willing to absorb Callahan for a 3rd rd pick or decent prospect. But in all honesty, if push comes to shove, and that isn't enough, stammers is expendible. I don't even consider him a top 5 player on this team, and he could likely fetch a top 5 pick in the upcoming draft.

It will be interesting to see where Sergachev's development is in 4 or 5 more seasons. By then, he will be in his prime, will have bulked up some muscle on that lanky frame, and will have more experience in high pressure situations. I am optimistic. I think the kid will do just fine and barring a meltdown, he will be a staple in our top-4.
- GalacticStone

Totally agreed.

Really interested to see what the d-corps will look like next year (yeah, way to early to be BSing about this... but still)

Hedman-?
McDonagh-Sergachev
? - ?

Hoping to see Cernak and Foote make the jump.

Point and Coburn may be on opposite ends of their careers, but both are playing for a new contract. In Point's case, he wants to cash in and make a ton of money over the next 7 or 8 years. For Coburn, he wants another 1yr or 2yr contract to stick around at his best chance of ever winning a Cup. So, both of them are playing some of the best hockey of their careers. Coburn looks five years younger compared to the last couple of seasons.

I have learned to live with Girardi in a limited role. He does some things very well. If we limit him to that, he fits neatly into the overall system. I'll just be glad when Hedman is back to help carry out his trash if Cooper insists on giving him top-4 minutes. At times, when his lack of foot speed isn't being exploited, he actually looks decent.

Koekkoek has looked good. I still don't get why Coop won't switch him in/out with Girardi and further limit Girardi's minutes (when Hedman is healthy).

Sergachev makes me nervous in both good and bad ways. You can see the potential there. This kid can be really dangerous if he ever gets dialed in. But, he is a turnover machine much of the time. It's a good thing we can staple a veteran to him to help cover his mistakes.
- GalacticStone

Look at you complimenting Girardi! I bet you secretly have a Girardi jersey in your closet!