titanium2 867 Report post Posted January 28, 2009 He's had his ups and down but the Big Rig will be on the third pairing next season. I've only seen him play a couple of times and I wonder: Is Ericsson better as a defensive defenseman or a two-way defenseman? I know he has the talent to be a two-way defenseman, but maybe he's better as a stay-at-home guy just like Brad Stuart. Or is he better as the guy who rushes the puck? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GROwl 5 Report post Posted January 29, 2009 Up until this season, I would have definitely answered two-way defenseman. Being a former forward, he has excellent puck moving skills and a very hard shot. He's well suited to Detroit's puck possesion style. This year, he has struggled offensively (and to some extent, defensively). Maybe due to injury. Maybe due to motivation. Not quite sure. He has the talent, speed and size to be a great defenseman. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ruarc' 2 Report post Posted January 29, 2009 (edited) It's my impression that Jonathan is a very capable two-way defenseman. I don't see him as being of the "Brian Rafalski" mold, he's not going to rush the puck up the ice all that much. He will however, make a clean outlet pass and is more than competent in the offensive zone. His struggles this year, in my opinion, are being exagerated. Thirteen points in thirty-five games is anything but disappointing. Hell, if he were on pace to play 70 games this year we'd be talking 26 points total, 8 points shy of his career high last year in one more game played. As mentioned he's suffered several injuries already this year, no doubt of the lingering variety. If anything, his play is a testament to the refinement of his game, something one would expect from a forward turned defenseman only several years ago. Edited January 29, 2009 by ruarc' Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
titanium2 867 Report post Posted January 29, 2009 I remember when Z was having those chronic back injuries his dietitian told him to get rid of the skoal or tobacco he used daily. After that his back injuries decreased. Ericsson uses it too ( http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/2008/03/jo...iled_by_bi.html ). I wonder if that's contributing to his injuries. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GROwl 5 Report post Posted January 29, 2009 I remember when Z was having those chronic back injuries his dietitian told him to get rid of the skoal or tobacco he used daily. After that his back injuries decreased. Ericsson uses it too ( http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/2008/03/jo...iled_by_bi.html ). I wonder if that's contributing to his injuries. Z's probably not a good reference to use for Jonathan right now if the goal is to get Jonathan to dispose of the skoal, since Z's back is what took him out Tuesday. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
