I feel like I have spent most of this season watching hockey but not really seeing or connecting. I am going through the motions but am not really present, so to speak. I have been more critical of some players than warranted because I don’t remember or recall what they have done outside of the last game or two. If corrected on my baseless opinion, I appreciate it. I’d rather be corrected then spouting incorrect information. I also try to take note of what I was given and watch for it in the next game. I am the first to admit that I was highly critical of Jovo back in the day. Was it warranted? Maybe, maybe not. In my opinion it was. Others liked him. To each their own. I try not to tell others that their opinion of a player is wrong; we all see different things for different reasons. There has been one thing that I’ve noticed this season that has really gotten on my nerves. The all-out Yandle hating. I am not saying that criticism isn’t warranted, it is. I am directly speaking to people that blame Yandle for everything and every loss. The last I checked hockey was still a team sport and requires the efforts of every single player.
I have never been a Yandle fan so to speak but have never hated him as a player either. I like to think I see both his good and bad. I feel I am pretty middle of the road but the small group of Coyotes fans that hate him have lead me to defend him over and over again. It’s getting tiring. This is also the same group who are afraid any time Smith leaves the crease yet encourages him to shoot (even though it would most likely end in an icing). I should also include the fans that yell “SHOOT” while still in the neutral zone or during a power play with no open shooting lanes. I am tired of hearing this at every home game and reading about it on Facebook after every loss.
I feel people lose sight of the fact that Yandle has always made these mistakes. These mistakes are quite common in offensive minded defense men. But why the sudden vitriol this season? I don’t remember hearing much in seasons past, especially not at games. Is it because we were more dominate last season? Is it because when Yandle first started out Jovo was here to showcase his mistakes instead? Or we had some really bad dmen for awhile there? Is it because of Yandle’s most recent contract? His play really hasn’t changed that much over the years. He has gotten a few years older and received the “A” but his on ice game hasn’t changed. He has the A.. he must show some kind of leadership or charisma. If you observe him in practice, he works hard and has a good time. After wins he does fun high fives with the guy. Maybe he is our morale booster. Maybe he is good in the locker room. We don’t see everything the coaches do but sometimes think we know better.
Did we lose one (of three in a row) to the Ducks? Sure. Was it Yandle’s fault? Not really. Yes, he had a turnover, which lead to a goal, but need I remind you the Coyotes were already down 1-0 at that point and had pulled the goalie. Where were the forwards that night? They managed 8 goals in the last two. Did we blow our wad in the first two games of the series? The entire team has also looked like crap in the 1st period, improved slightly in the 2nd and played all out in the 3rd for the last half dozen or so games. One cannot win games like that. There needs to be a full 60 minutes. I am having Gretzky era flash backs of dump and chase on a power play and not showing up until the 3rd. I don’t want to go back there but this team is reminding me of that dark time.
The shortened season has not helped fans expectations. I will admit I was mad the first month or so of the season but then I realized there was no training camp. There was no pre-season. Struggles should have ensued. Not everyone can be the Chicago Blackhawks and come out of the gate wining every game (until the Colorado loss). The Coyotes have struggled, as have many other teams. We can only hope that we put up enough of a fight to win enough games to guarantee a playoffs spot. If we had a full season, maybe things would be different. But we don’t and they aren’t. I would rather see the Coyotes play every game with heart, passion and a drive to win then make the playoffs but just slogging along. The best games have been when the Coyotes come out swinging, play a full 60 minutes and don’t let up when winning. We need this at every single game.
I asked on Facebook and Twitter: Who do you think is the best current NHL defense man?
I received quite a few votes for Suter (he’d be my pick), Chara and Karlsson. A lot of Coyotes fans said OEL. Letang, Franson and Timmonen were mentioned. What do you think makes these players stand out? They are typically defensively responsible but also able to read plays and know when to jump in offensively. Yandle is more offensively focused. Take a look at this article; Yandle is second in the league for defensemen in carrying the puck over the zone. Did you know that? I didn’t but once I learned about it, I started to notice it more. While our other guys (forwards, mind you) dump and chase, Yandle carries the puck in consistently. He also has 76 shots on goal so far. He shoots the puck. A lot. You know, what all those people yell at them to do… he does.
I tried to ask about the worst but that didn’t go over well. The worst seems to be a much harder question to answer then best. I got immediate responses, and lots of them, to the best. I had to ask the worst twice before I received a response and then I only received on real response (and two jokes, which were expected and funny). It makes me wonder why are we so quick to judge Yandle but when asked who is the worse, no one can answer? I did not get an on pouring of Yandle hate when I asked this question yet everyone on Facebook and at games want to trade him, for anything (or nothing in some cases). Is Yandle really that bad? Maybe some of his critics should get out on the ice and try to do what he does 82 nights (plus practices) a season. I haven’t played any sort of hockey since high school and I know I couldn’t do what he does.
I love when my tweets lead to great hockey discussions. Too often there is fighting and stupid comments being tossed around. I enjoy talking hockey, hearing different points of view and presenting mine (all in an adult manor). It reminds me that not all fans are dumb or ill informed. Healthy discussions and new points of view are refreshing. It was just what I needed.
Maybe if I blogged more I’d feel as refreshed about hockey as I did the other day. It is far too easy to hear the haters than it is the rational fans. I do enjoy writing and feel I know enough about hockey to have an informed opinion. I also like hearing others opinions because sometimes it leads me to look more closely at someone and see the good they bring.
Your thoughts: Who do you think is the best, or worst, defenseman on the league? Will you take a moment to look more closely at what an individual player contributes rather than what they mess up?
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