kipwinger

The f*** is wrong with you Brunner?...

 

 

Well they did say the Red Wings would be getting a Swiss sniper didn't they?  Talk about accuracy. 

 

Do you think Ian White is worse than Brendan Smith right now?

 

I know they're testing him because he "supposedly" has a great future (I know White doesnt'), but I doubt Smith gives us a better chance to win now.  

 

We can't have a sabotage artist playing on our team.  We're not the 1977 Canadians to be able to overcome all his mistakes.

 

Huh?

 

He was a train wreck tonight.  

Well I think Smith is undoubtedly tougher in front of the net, and he's a decent penalty killer.  But White would surely not turn the puck over as much, and hasn't been known to take penalties the way Smith does.  So I guess I don't really know who I'd rather have out there, but lord knows I'm hoping Dekeyser makes it back sooner rather than later. 

Smith looking pretty good in the last 2 games

What Smith are you talking about?  Surely not the one who had two interference calls against him and a load of turnovers.  If Dekeyser were healthy tomorrow Brendan Smith would be in the press box until someone got hurt or training camp started. 

I don't think it's unreasonable to think he could put on about 10 more pounds in the offseason with professional training and fitness coaches.  Bulk this kid up to 195 and you'll see every area of his game improve.  I'm looking for him to be a big deal going forward. 

Good post.

We all overlook the FACT that Smith is playing against WORLD CLASS players right now. He's being tested against the BEST players in hockey. Of course he is going to make a lot of mistakes now. But in 2 to 3 years, Smith will be taking an "A" on his sweater when one of our Euros is out. Bank on it. He loves playing for the Wings. He wears it right on his sleeve.

I agree to an extent, but you can't you "being a rookie" as an excuse for everything.  Not every rookie defenseman struggles like this.  And Smith was supposed to be better than most rookie defensemen.  Furthermore, while he's playing against tougher competition in the playoffs, that doesn't explain why he's been so poor all during the regular season.  He doesn't need traded, but the fact is he's got a lot of learning to do before he can be considered a reliable NHL defenseman.  And that's the same whether you're talking about the offensive or defensive side of his game.