Cleary Now = Maltby from 8-10 years ago?

[BuckeyeWingsfan80 209]

I was thinking about it last night, and it seems that Cleary is near every loose puck, is always in the middle of seemingly every scrum and is generally making a nuisance of himself while scoring some goals.

When I was thinking that through, it really kinda fell into place that he was playing like another player, on the Wings, who did the same things to teams like St. Louis and Colorado.

Agree? Disagree? Anyone?

[Wings_Dynasty 267]

I agree. Although Malt's has wisened with age and takes less bad calls and gets more penalties called in his favor. But Cleary also does that well. The only thing Malts has that Dano lacks is SUPERB PK ability, although Dan is no slouch.

No one is better in the NHL without a stick than Kirk Maltby. You can quote me on that.

[daniel1 32]

I was thinking about it last night, and it seems that Cleary is near every loose puck, is always in the middle of seemingly every scrum and is generally making a nuisance of himself while scoring some goals.

When I was thinking that through, it really kinda fell into place that he was playing like another player, on the Wings, who did the same things to teams like St. Louis and Colorado.

Agree? Disagree? Anyone?

I agree completely with you. Cleary has more offensive upside than Malts ever did though. As much as I love Malty and what he's done for the organization I wouldn't be surprised if this is his last year here. I would love to sign Adam Mair (UFA, Buffalo) for the Grind line with Draper and Cleary next year. I think Mair is just coming into his own and will command a hefty raise (1-1.5m/yr) that Buffalo won't be able to afford given all their UFA's this year. Mair bangs with the best of them, drops his mitts quite often and is deffensively responsible too. He would fit with Cleary and Draper real well. Cleary was our best forward in the Calgary seriesa and I'm looking for him to continue that into the second round.

[Echolalia 2,961]

No one is better in the NHL without a stick than Kirk Maltby.

[dteowner 20]

Don't know about that. Malts has forgotten more about agitating than Cleary knows. PK edge goes to Malts. Physical edge goes to Cleary. Offense goes to Cleary. I like both players quite a bit, but I'm not sure they are filling the same role.

[Cicada 4]

No one is better in the NHL without a stick than Kirk Maltby. You can quote me on that.

soo right,...

i still remember that 2002 PK where he blocked 3 shots in a row on the same powerplay, with no stick

Edited April 23, 2007 by Cicada

[johnnyoski 0]

There are comparisons between the two but I don't think Cleary gets under the skin of the opponent like Maltby could in his prime.

I also think Cleary would be more willing to drop his gloves if challenged....something Maltby would never do. Not ripping Malts for that, it was just another thing that would piss off the opposition.

[BuckeyeWingsfan80 209]

Looking at this thread over 2 full years later, it's amazing the growth of Cleary as a player.

He's on the first line of the Detroit REd Wings most nights. amazing.

[Finnish Wing 110]

double post...

Edited June 14, 2009 by Finnish Wing

[Finnish Wing 110]

soo right,...

i still remember that 2002 PK where he blocked 3 shots in a row on the same powerplay, with no stick

[NGKEIB 32]

I just experienced a huge wave of nostalgia. I love Maltby... It's so great to see him instinctively diving to block shots with his face, and hitting other players. I thought he had a great post-season, and for the role he played in 97, 98 and 02 I will never ever push for him to be traded or not resigned. As far as I'm concerned, he's got a spot (albeit a possibly very diminished one) as long as he wants one. We're loyal to our players, and it's why people come to us. Had we dumped Malts and co., no Hossa.

Cleary has grown so much. I wouldn't necessarily compare him with Maltby. Cleary was a junior stud who had to reinvent himself, and works really hard and produces points. Maltby has never been a big scorer, but in his day was one of the better physical players in the league and a huge pest. It says a lot that he is one of the players that Avery hates the most.

[NGKEIB 32]

And, I've never understood why people don't like the fact that Maltby doesn't fight. They clearly don't realise that the best way to annoy some knuckle-dragging Neanderthal is to run your mouth off for a long period of time, and then weasel out of a fight. Love doing it myself

[Snazzy 0]

We officially have a winner ladies and gentleman. This thread starter has officially won the complete dumbass thread award. Nice work!

Now please step away from the computer!