38 replies to this topic

[Rivalred]

Discuss...

[DatsyukianDeke13]

Seeing how currently only one of those players is playing for the Wings, I'm going to go with Fil

[NGKEIB]

They are both better in their own ways. Filppula is a better skater, a good solid two-way forward, and has even shown that he can surprise people with hits (e.g. MacArthur, Ovechkin) - all in all, a more complete player.

However, in terms of pure offensive prowess and lifestyle, you have to give it to Jiri.

[Drake_Marcus]

Still trolling, eh?

Or did you think you were posting on LGW circa 2007?

[Carman]

Flippula by a mile.

Plays with much more intensity, more physical, better defensively, and most importantly isn't a horrible person.

Hudler spit in the face of the best franchise in sports, he is dead to me.

I hope he comes back so we can trade him for a good North American that won't leave the NHL for money.

Edited by Carman, 18 March 2010 - 01:17 PM.

[egroen]

A player with the offensive tools of Hudler is a much rarer commodity than a player with the all-around skillset that Filppula has shown. It's not a huge edge, but I think it is a decisive adge.

[mmamolo]

They are both good players in their own right and in all fairness you can't compare them. Not to the same extent, but it's like saying who's better, Gretzky or Orr?

[Rivalred]

Still trolling, eh?

Or did you think you were posting on LGW circa 2007?

Or rather seen it discussed in a thread where it belongs instead of a good thread being dragged off topic.

[mindfly]

Filppula better skater, better defensively, better fit for NHL..
Hudler more skills and better shot, better passer.

Hmm equally good but speed is so important for NHL'ers these days...

[lilja4mvp]

if you could combine the two, you'd finally have a legit top-6 forward.

[Drake_Marcus]

Or rather seen it discussed in a thread where it belongs instead of a good thread being dragged off topic.

Riiight... so you're not just stirring the pot looking for lolcows? Would you mind making a weekly "Howard or Osgood?" thread too? That way other threads aren't dragged OT. Why not do the same for "Crosbitch or Ovechkin"? That's another common OT generating topic.

[Rivalred]

Filppula better skater, better defensively, better fit for NHL..
Hudler more skills and better shot, better passer.

Hmm equally good but speed is so important for NHL'ers these days...

A discussion about Hudler came up sometime back with another member and I did mention that he was crucial for setting us goals (assists) and that is what we needed. So do you think the Wings would benefit by having Hudler back and him playing with Filppula? Would they compliment each other?

[AIK'91]

A player with the offensive tools of Hudler is a much rarer commodity than a player with the all-around skillset that Filppula has shown. It's not a huge edge, but I think it is a decisive adge.

You've been spoiled by watching the Wings over the years. Of course, skilled two-way forwards don't seem like a rare commodity when our team has been built around them for years now.

Obviously, Filppula doesn't match up to Hudler's pure offensive skills. But, I'm sure most teams around the league would prefer a player solid at both ends of the ice over an offensive-minded PP specialist who's a liability defensively. Those are the types of players that help you win hockey games.

[Uncle Danny]

You've been spoiled by watching the Wings over the years. Of course, skilled two-way forwards don't seem like a rare commodity when our team has been built around them for years now.

Obviously, Filppula doesn't match up to Hudler's pure offensive skills. But, I'm sure most teams around the league would prefer a player solid at both ends of the ice over an offensive-minded PP specialist who's a liability defensively. Those are the types of players that help you win hockey games.

Serious question here, I'm not looking to stir any pot... but...

Where did this notion that Hudler is a defensive liability come from? Sure, he's no Flip on D, but "liability" denotes that he is a negative sum defensively, which I never saw. Obviously, our favorite hobbit would never be a PK force or be relied upon to shutdown the opposition's top line 5x5. But he was always responsible defensively, within his skillset and talent, no? When I think "defensive liability," I picture cherry picking forwards who consistently leave their linemates out to dry, or who commonly make dangerous and ill advised passes that turn the puck over. Hudler never matched that description in my eyes.

As I said, honest question -- am I missing something here?

Back on topic, I'd take Flip on my team before Hudler. He's not horrible offensively, plays well in the clutch, and is far more versatile. He'll never match Hudler's offensive IQ, but honestly, not many players will. If Huddles had another three inches and 15-20 lbs of muscle on his frame, he'd be a force. Any team would do well with either one of them on their roster.

That said, I'd much rather have a beer with Hudler. He seems like he'd be a fun fellow to be around.

[titanium2]

That said, I'd much rather have a beer with Hudler. He seems like he'd be a fun fellow to be around.

Maybe at first if you like hookers. Personally, I think he's an idiot for cheating on Simona. I know a lot of guys are guilty of similar actions but they're still idiots.

[Z and D for the C]

Their offensive production is equal (though huddles has a better shot/scores more goals), Filppula better everything else.

Edited by Z and D for the C, 18 March 2010 - 03:18 PM.

[Rivalred]

Another thing I will add is that with the current play of some of the Wings, not shooting when having the puck when their back is to the goal or going to the back hand as much when they can. I discussed this with another member a few times. That was ONE positive on Hudler

Video of Hudler in the 08 SCF against the Pens. The end result may of been different if Hudler adjusted his position and faced the goalie.

Edited by Rivalred, 18 March 2010 - 03:19 PM.

[AIK'91]

Serious question here, I'm not looking to stir any pot... but...

Where did this notion that Hudler is a defensive liability come from? Sure, he's no Flip on D, but "liability" denotes that he is a negative sum defensively, which I never saw. Obviously, our favorite hobbit would never be a PK force or be relied upon to shutdown the opposition's top line 5x5. But he was always responsible defensively, within his skillset and talent, no? When I think "defensive liability," I picture cherry picking forwards who consistently leave their linemates out to dry, or who commonly make dangerous and ill advised passes that turn the puck over. Hudler never matched that description in my eyes.

As I said, honest question -- am I missing something here?

Yeah, you're right, I probably overstated it a little bit. I really meant, kind of like you said, he can't be counted on defensively in 5 on 5 situations against the other team's top players. Nevertheless, I still think his defensive zone coverage could use some work. He often gave his man too much open space and sometimes had trouble getting the puck out of the zone under pressure.

Back on topic, I'd take Flip on my team before Hudler. He's not horrible offensively, plays well in the clutch, and is far more versatile. He'll never match Hudler's offensive IQ, but honestly, not many players will. If Huddles had another three inches and 15-20 lbs of muscle on his frame, he'd be a force. Any team would do well with either one of them on their roster.

This is pretty much exactly how I feel.

[egroen]

You've been spoiled by watching the Wings over the years. Of course, skilled two-way forwards don't seem like a rare commodity when our team has been built around them for years now.

Obviously, Filppula doesn't match up to Hudler's pure offensive skills. But, I'm sure most teams around the league would prefer a player solid at both ends of the ice over an offensive-minded PP specialist who's a liability defensively. Those are the types of players that help you win hockey games.

I'll agree with that - to a point.
Without looking, I think Hudler was well within the Top 90 last year for a forward (ie. a first liner with third-line minutes) - and would have been a top 2 or 3 scorer on many teams.
So his offense is hardly common.

But you're right, the Red Wings are chock-full with solid defensive forwards, both on the team now and in the pipeline - but they do not have too many offensive wizzes like Hudler. In fact, I'm almost thankful Hudler is not all that strong defensively (or a hulking bruiser), because he would cost too much for the Wings to hold onto. There are enough one-way defensive forwards in the system - I'd like to see more one-way offensive guys.

Edited by egroen, 18 March 2010 - 03:25 PM.

[titanium2]

Their offensive production is equal (though huddles has a better shot/scores more goals), Filppula better everything else.

You even think Filppula is a better passer than Hudler?