In Defense of Donald Brashear
by DC Ranger on Jul 10, 2009 3:58 PM EDT
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PrintThere has been a lot of venom spewed towards Donald Brashear over the last week or so. Much of it is totally warranted because he is the prototypical NHL thug. A lot of people don't want these kinds of goons in the game at all. The way I see it, though, is that these guys are here to stay, at least for the short term. And, like it or not, they do serve a purpose, namely, intimidation and protection. I think what we all see in Brashear is not his purpose; we all see that vicious hit on Betts (that and the Marty head-whack, which karma-wise probably balances out). But here's the question: after that hit, what happened? Paul Mara made a lame-ass attempt at retribution and they both got penalties. Did you see Colton Orr knocking Mike Green's lights out? No. Why? Because if he had, he knew Brashear would be on his ass.
This all leads up to why I like the Brashear signing (though perhaps not the amount of money): every team needs a goon, but if you're going to have one, get the biggest baddest guy on the block. In the NHL right now, that guy is not Colton Orr or anybody else. It's Donald Brashear. Sather got him locked up (in a strangely savvy move) before they signed Marion "I get injured all the time cause everybody cheap shots me and I'm kind of wuss" Gaborik. So if a team wants to mess with him, they'll have to deal with Brashear and the monster known as Brian Boyle (at 6-7 and 250).
Also, if you actually look at his PIMs closely, you'll notice something remarkable: Brashear takes fewer PIMs than pretty much any enforcer in the league. Early in his career, he was taking loads of PIMS but now he seems to do more damage to other teams with less damage to his own team because his reputation is solid. Orr on the other hand has to build up his "tough-guy" reputation by accumulating PIMs all over the place (thus his 3rd ranking in PIMs v. Brashear's 39th last season). No matter how much of his potential Orr reaches, he's still putting up 5 points a year whereas Brashear in his prime was putting up 15-20. Long story short, Orr was not the answer because he was providing the needed protection.
I realized that by posting this people are going to slam me, but I thought it needed to mentioned that there are some very redeeming aspects to this signing.
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Boyle can’t fight very well, his size will hopefully get him to the net for some goals
by PuckCentral.net on Jul 10, 2009 4:01 PM EDT reply actions
As much as I’d like to believe Boyle will be a monster, he has simply not been described as such.
LOL, I remember someone on TSN said the Rangers might as well have signed Susan Boyle, the Britain’s Got Talent singer. That killed – picturing her in the gear and helmet and everything. Anyways…
"Malik now." "6 foot 6, 238, not a noted goal scorer but he's gonna give it a shot here." "Malik has not scored this year. In on Kolzig, faked it....SCORES"
Defining Roles
I’m not a Brashear fan and would have liked to see Sather ink Orr to a new deal. I don’t think Orr would need to be in the lineup each game, but I felt – and still feel – he could fit in Tortorella system.
In any event, I do have a question about our use of specific terms when defining a player’s role. Do you see a “goon” and an “enforcer” as interchangeable? To me, an enforcer is there to provide physical intimidation, while also making contributions in other areas of the game. In other words, he is not a one-dimensional player. A goon, though, excels at one or two areas – fighting and taking penalties (often needless ones at that). You seem to draw this distinction for Brian Boyle, but not for Brashear. How much do we need Brashear if Boyle proves able to provide the intimidation factor? Or vice-versa.
by Reginald Perrin on Jul 10, 2009 4:30 PM EDT reply actions
I think your distinction is spot on. I also think that an enforcer is only effective with a goon also in the lineup. Brian Boyle in my opinion is an enforcer. At BC and in the AHL, he was putting up really strong numbers in terms of points while also racking up solid PIMs. Last season in the AHL he played 70 games, notched 62 points and had 87 PIMs. Really good offensive numbers while still adding a tough, enforcer quality to the team. Brashear is never going to put those numbers up and is there for both physical retribution and intimidation. We don’t Brian Boyle regularly dishing out punches because he’ll (hopefully) be a valuable component of the team in other areas. Brashear has unique skill set that will allow the offense to get a little more leeway from opposing teams.
Age past his prime
A few years ago this would have been ok,but he’s 37 now and well on the downside of his tough guy hay day(sp?). I don’t think we should confuse our teams soft,or non-response to brashears cheap shot,as it being all brashears intimidation and tough guy factor.He’s not the same brashear he was,last year he got his butt handed to him a few times,I predict this will happen even more this year.I believe this signing was an embarassing mistake that we’re all gonna see play out before us.The other signings I like alot.
Im not going to bash you, but at work today when I was reviewing this years Philadelphia Flyers preview, they are a big bad tough team, and playing in the Atlantic conference we need a big bad dude to protect our softer guys…..For example Philadelphia has Cote, Carcillo, Asham, Pronger, Ian Laperierre. Combined last year, they almost had 800 minutes in penalties. We need someone who can single handedly take care of these big bad bullies. Brashear is a perfect fit compared to Orr. If he can keep up with the undoubtedly fast tempo of the Caps he can keep up with Torts desired fast tempo team. Brashear can handle the rubber as well….10x better then Orr could. Dont get me wrong, I am not an Orr hater at all. He is one of the most loyal guys in the game. But Brashear is what the Rangers needed.
Let me know what you think guys.
by Sportingnewskid on Jul 14, 2009 3:48 PM EDT reply actions
No Sense
First off Orr never backed down from anyone,including Brashear.Saying Brashear is a
more skilled player is like saying Kurri was a better fighter than Gretzky.Orr loved being
a Ranger, and is on the upside of his career.You think Brashear came here because he
wanted to be a Ranger?It is a check 2 him,and I doubt he’ll be welcomed in the locker
room.
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