GDT: 2021-22 season game 19 LA Kings vs Toronto Maple Leafs @7:00pm 11/24/21

[bland]

There is room for a player like Durzi - just not on the Kings right now.

If there was a Willie Mitchell/Rob Scuderi type of dedenseman who could allow him to play to his strength or give him direction, he could thrive.

When I watch games I tend to pick a player per shift and just watch them the whole time to see how they react in every situation, I have seen so many games over 40 years as a fan that what happens isn't nearly as interesting as why it happens. I played defense, and just love watching defenders all night. Something I learned at a young age was to concentrate of the weak side defenseman of the team with possession, no other player on the ice is a better indicator of what is going to happen next. That allows you to concentrate on reactions and proactions, who takes chances, who backs in too early, who gives away attacking space, who limits the attackers options best, stuff like that. I love it, its the way I enjoy hockey.

I have nothing against Durzi, not trying to call any shots, but I have seen him struggle with simple stuff in Ontario countless times, but I don't want him to struggle. What I saw last night was a really low level of defensive understanding, in some cases a total lack of fundamentals. The way he defended that 2 on 1 goal was so poor, just bush league stuff that you never see from even the greenest prospects. The initial positioning was pure shit show. I don't know if he is advanced enough in hockey IQ to even be a part timer

 

[Eagle Fang]

Goal, assist, and some of the most brutal blown coverages I’ve ever witnessed.

Maatta 2.0

Maatta has played over 400 NHL games and won 2 cups. So even as shit as he is, he's managed to carve out a career somehow.

If Durzi's defense is on par with Maatta, but he can actually run the PP and put up 40-50pts per season, he's worth the risk with the proper usage.

One thing I like about Durzi outside of offense and defense is he's feisty. At least in ONT he gets in there to stand up for teammates and doesn't shy away from scrums. I like players who show emotion and show that they give a damn. I think the organization as a whole could use more of that.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Guys break down. See Scuderi 1.0 and Scuderi 2.0.

Bless Maatta, he was a LOT better earlier in his career. Not everyone is going to have a 15 year career. I recall reading the avg. NHL career is 5. This is a guy who has dealt with a lot of injuries AND cancer so while some of us remember how good (well, above-average) he was there's no denying that guy is gone. Good human being and a guy you want to root for--who doesn't love a good rebound/recovery story--but the guy doesn't do enough with or without the puck without being a liability to be an everyday player at this stage.

i'm with @bland in that I love watching d-men and yeah the puck support aspect (that you can't even often see on the screen, have to be live or otherwise) shows you a lot about a guy and I'll agree that Durzi is as bad as anyone I've seen in that aspect. BUT--the MA Bergeron thing may be true. And goodness knows this team needs a PP weapon. We have enough vanilla LHD, at least give a guy a handful of games--it's what we've all been saying all along about giving youth a chance and putting them in a position to succeed. Even if this guy isn't going to stick long term.

 

[kingsfan28]

Guys break down. See Scuderi 1.0 and Scuderi 2.0.

Bless Maatta, he was a LOT better earlier in his career. Not everyone is going to have a 15 year career. I recall reading the avg. NHL career is 5. This is a guy who has dealt with a lot of injuries AND cancer so while some of us remember how good (well, above-average) he was there's no denying that guy is gone. Good human being and a guy you want to root for--who doesn't love a good rebound/recovery story--but the guy doesn't do enough with or without the puck without being a liability to be an everyday player at this stage.

i'm with @bland in that I love watching d-men and yeah the puck support aspect (that you can't even often see on the screen, have to be live or otherwise) shows you a lot about a guy and I'll agree that Durzi is as bad as anyone I've seen in that aspect. BUT--the MA Bergeron thing may be true. And goodness knows this team needs a PP weapon. We have enough vanilla LHD, at least give a guy a handful of games--it's what we've all been saying all along about giving youth a chance and putting them in a position to succeed. Even if this guy isn't going to stick long term.

Very good points. I too want to see him play a few more games against a team that isn't his hometown fav, who drafted him and is loaded with some of the best scoring forward in the league. Let's see how he is when he's not facing that.

 

[kingsfan28]

Man that was beating ...again Brown and Matta should not be playing.

If you're trying to put the loss on Brown last night, good lord man, you weren't watching at all.