62 replies to this topic

[Nightfall]

Those things would ultimately lead to more goals. Franzen isn't going to fight ever, nor should he. There are other ways to be physical, including using your size to forecheck hard and wear on an opponents defense. Franzen doesn't drive the net enough to complement his great shot.

The point is if Franzen did more of the things most people here feel he is capable of on a consistent basis, there is potential for him to become a more well-rounded player. He scored 29 goals, but he also plays with Pavel Datsyuk. That helps cover up even more for Franzen's lackadaisical efforts most nights.

People here are kissing Lucic and Simmond's asses, saying they drive to the net, fight, and are better. Yet, their stats are the same as is their payroll cap hit.

So your answer is, if Franzen drove to the net and fought but scored the same amount of goals, you would be ok with it because he could possible score more if he did? He could also possibly be out with injury more often too.

Sorry, but I just don't subscribe to that method of thinking. Do I think that Franzen could use that size more to his advantage? Yes. I believe he could be a better player, but at the same time, I think that many of the people here have unrealistic expectations of "power forwards". I know that if Lucic and Simmonds were playing here, the LGW forum members would be calling for them to score more, even though they drive to the net, fight, and so on. Hell, no player is off limits to the LGW trolls. Even Lidstrom was a whipping boy recently until he retired to some people. There really is no pleasing this crowd.

[Carman]

So with that line of thinking, Babcock is considered a LGW troll?

I agree it's difficult to please everyone especially on an internet forum, but when your own coach is asking for a more consistent effort then you know it's not just irrational fans.

[haroldsnepsts]

People here are kissing Lucic and Simmond's asses, saying they drive to the net, fight, and are better. Yet, their stats are the same as is their payroll cap hit.

So your answer is, if Franzen drove to the net and fought but scored the same amount of goals, you would be ok with it because he could possible score more if he did? He could also possibly be out with injury more often too.

Sorry, but I just don't subscribe to that method of thinking. Do I think that Franzen could use that size more to his advantage? Yes. I believe he could be a better player, but at the same time, I think that many of the people here have unrealistic expectations of "power forwards". I know that if Lucic and Simmonds were playing here, the LGW forum members would be calling for them to score more, even though they drive to the net, fight, and so on. Hell, no player is off limits to the LGW trolls. Even Lidstrom was a whipping boy recently until he retired to some people. There really is no pleasing this crowd.

Though you didn't quote me I assume you think I'm the one "kissing Simmonds and Lucic's butt" since I'm the one who threw their names out there. Honestly they're just the first two true power forwards who came to mind that had similar production and cost to Franzen.

To be clear, Franzen is not a power forward. I don't think anyone really expects him to suddenly turn into one. I was pointing out some examples of actual power forwards.

I don't know how many different ways people can say it but their main problem with Franzen is his lack of consistent effort. That group includes his coach, not just "LGW trolls." No one is talking about his talent or the goals he does score. It's his clear talent that makes it frustrating.

And lets' not get overly dramatic here. When exactly was Lidstrom a whipping boy? A few negative posts about him does not make him a whipping boy.