Is Peverley the anti-Wheeler? You decide
In an interview with a pool reporter this afternoon, newly acquired Bruins forward Rich Peverley described his game.“I like to use my speed. I think that’s my No. 1 asset, is my speed and my quickness. I do like to shoot the puck a lot and make plays offensively. I’ve been really working on my faceoffs these past few years. I learned a lot in Nashville from a lot of guys when I was there. That’s a thing I take a lot of pride in.”
Now this blog has never advocated the ripping of Blake Wheeler that my commenters and so many fans have exhibited over the years. But a forward who likes to shoot the puck? Wow. This will be a far cry from having a forward that looks to pass first and more often than not falls down, loses the puck at the attacking blue line or skates offsides.
And keep in mind that as a guy who played some center this season and averages a decent chunk of ice time, Wheeler was one of the worst faceoff men in the NHL.
So in at least two departments that Peverley is willing to describe, he is an upgrade over the departed Blake Wheeler.
Glad to see Wheeler go. Couldn’t stand watching him take any more penalties in the offensive zone. When is that kid going to learn not to put his stick in other players mid-section. Also wont miss the offsides and give aways.
Peverly should be interesting to watch. He isn’t going to have as much freedom in Boston as he did in Atl. Hopefully he doesn’t turn back into the player he was in Nashville. I’m looking forward to watching him play.
he likely saw a lot of ice time on that awful team, too, so his +/- from his old team is pretty much a wash. these players are coming from minus teams. +/- is my favorite stat on a winning team like the Bruins, but it can be harder to read on a team with a bad goalie or the likes. Stuart going is the only part of the last week’s deals that I don’t like. this is a good team.
Truth, I didn’t even think of that, but you are so right. Peverley is a very underrated player, that’s for sure. I welcome him over Wheeler. As far as his -16, I wouldn’t worry too much. Atlanta isn’t exactly the most defensive-minded team. 192 goals so far? No worries.
Excellent observation Kev
George, yes Wheeler will always make scouts drool. I doubt he’ll ever live up to the hype. He is very solid defensively though, so I expect he’ll have a long career and always be overpaid.
MK
On the offence this guy should be better than Wheeler pretty easily. But I’m a numbers guy, and his -16 bothers me. Has nobody noticed this?
I know plus minus is not an exact science but if you look on the Thrashers he’s the second worst.
Thoughts?
I can’t wait to see that third line. Seguin and Peverley all that speed if Ryder can keep up then we will have four lines with four different styles. Power, Grit, Speed, Toughness. General idea atleast
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MK, I started following this blog because I completely agreed with the final season grades you gave each player at the end of last year. Your comments on Wheeler are exactly what I have been frustrated with all year. Nobody on this team is offside during an odd-man rush more than Wheeler. Is it fair to say that he is a player who has physical attributes that were enough for NHL scouts/GM’s to think he could be molded into something special? (6′-5″ with speed)
Having watched Wheeler play in college and with the Bruins the kid is a soft player that is basically a Pansie in my opinion. I am also glade that the Bruins were able to unload Joe Colborne he is basically a redo of Wheeler as well… As a Bruins fan I am very happy today.
I think its a big upgrade as well – an underrated upgrade as far as the reports I reading. Both Kelly and this guy seem very good fits. Plus, our achillies is the PP. We added TWO players who can adeptly move the puck and thus move the friggin’ box! I’m very optimistic.
the second sentence in the quote has something wrong with it.
I say it’s a big upgrade.Wheeler just wasn’t the player i thought he could be.All that size but he played like he was 5’4″ 165lbs.I’m interested to see who plays where now,with all the centers.I’d like to hear your lineup opinion’s matt.