Comments on: Flyers beat Caps 4-1, Grubauer Plays His First NHL Game

By: maveric101

maveric101 — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 19:06:00 +0000

You’re also comparing season stats. Everyone’s acknowledged that Holtby didn’t do well at the start. If you discount those games, he’s been great.

By: JenniferH

JenniferH — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 23:12:00 +0000

The thing is it doesn’t come across as respectful (and not just “pissing on my hero parade”) because you don’t ever come out and comment when he has a great night — which he’s had SEVERAL of recently. You only comment on Holtby when he has a bad night, or even when he doesn’t, to say that he doesn’t deserve praise. This despite when everyone else is praising him. I can admit that he has not lived up to the expectation of the playoffs, but there are a lot of extenuating circumstances, and the fact that in 7 of his last 8 games, he kicked ass, is notable — but not by you.

The fact that I recognize your name as someone who essentially comes in just to bash Holtby is telling. As soon as I hit the comments for this thread, knowing it was a poor Holtby showing, I knew you would be ready to comment on it. Yet, you’re never here for when he does good. That doesn’t comes across as someone who wants to see great goaltending. That comes across as someone who has some resentment against one specific goalie because I don’t see you doing it for Neuvy… just Holtby. And while I like Neuvy, comparing their games this season side by side, Holtby’s risen to that potential quite a lot recently, Neuvy hasn’t as much.

By: 28IS(still)GREAT

28IS(still)GREAT — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:16:00 +0000

Fair enough – and I appreciate the response. Though the SA number between the two is only 29 (where Holtby has faced only 29 more shots against than Rask), which I why I put it forward.
And while I also appreciate the “quality” of those shots isn’t measured in those raw numbers, I think – at a minimum – they support taking a deep breath before heaping praise on Holtby (or blaming Neuvy for our team’s goaltending situation) – whichever the case may be. (BTW – that last part isn’t directed at you Peter)

By: Peter Hassett

Peter Hassett — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:06:00 +0000

You shouldn’t use GAA to rank goalies. GAA is a function of both Sv% (which a goalie can control) and shots against (which a goalie cannot). GAA is basically a team stat.

By: 28IS(still)GREAT

28IS(still)GREAT — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:04:00 +0000

“AMAZING” and “fantastic” are generous words to be used for a goalie who’s currently ranked 42 (out of 50) in GAA and 36 (out of 50) in SV%.
By way of comparasion, Tuukka Rask who has the same games played number (13) is ranked 5 and 6, respectively. What words would you use to describe him? Or is he just not as pretty?
And before you call me a hater again, all I’m arguing for is some perspective here.

By: 28IS(still)GREAT

28IS(still)GREAT — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:40:00 +0000

I’m a “Holtby-hater” – I’m more of a strong Holtby-skeptic who thinks the current fan and media-flamed love-affair with him is both premature and not supported by enough evidence (yet). Holtby keeps getting the benefit of the doubt, and I find that annoying because my eyes and (increasingly) the stats are raising red flags. Sorry if that means pissing on your hero parade a little.

Do I hope I’m wrong? Absolutely. But at least on this side of the fence I’m willing to admit that. Not so much from all the fans who think he’s the biggest and best pair of mutt’s nuts since…I don’t know… Varly? Theo? Vokoun?
Look, the point is our goaltending is very much one of several weak links. But all season long all I’ve heard and read about is how the goaltending problem we’ve faced for years has been (or is close to) being solved. I respectfully disagree (for now).

By: KareeLyn

KareeLyn — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:45:00 +0000

Paging Nick Backstrom… Poor thing is having a little bit of a rough go of it this season, apart from the Carolina game.

By: isthiskosher

isthiskosher — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 14:33:00 +0000

Please find a GIF of Ribeiro handling the puck while having his stick pass hands behind his back.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 12:44:00 +0000

“Some nights you’re not even sure Troy Brouwer will show up to the rink: 0 shots, 1 blocked shot.” – Perfect.

By: vahockeymom

vahockeymom — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 11:19:00 +0000

This is exactly why I read RMNB. Even after a train wreck like last night’s game, I am laughing out loud. Maxbag Tallbut, a Han Solo reference, an awesome Milbury reference, and best of all, this one: Some nights you’re not even sure Troy Brouwer will show up to the rink: 0 shots, 1 blocked shot. HA! Somewhere, Sasha is smiling.