Is Benoit Really... Anything?

[ChurchOfMatthews]

He has to play to play himself out

You don't thing Berube has access to archived games? We all wanted Liljgren to shine but he never took that next step to improve his game and possibly even regressed. Maybe he'll do it with the Sharks... maybe he won't.

 

[Dekes For Days]

He's just a one-dimensional 6/7 defenseman, who some pretended was more than he was because they care more about #hitz than actual ability.

 

[rumman]

A bottom pairing defender making 1.35 a year. What exactly are you expecting? I'm wondering what the clown with the C making more money than any hockey player in the world is up to.

Word…….

 

[rumman]

Benny’s fine, he’s on a cheap contract and gives it his all every shift, as limited as his talent is, his heart can’t be questioned , can’t say that about many if his teammates…….

 

[Zybalto]

Has always seemed to be a defensive bottom pairing guy that played well since he joined the team and earned himself a contract:

What's interesting about his 5v5 numbers and usage this season is this:

TOI/game: 12:57
Shot differential: 47.56%
Goal differential: 55.62%
Offensive Zone starts: 10.62%

He really not used that often and when he is, he has the lowest Ozone start % of any dman in the league by a mile. With that kind of deployment, I don't expect much in terms of offensive production but if he can keep that overall goal differential above 50%, he must be doing something right. I now expect this thread to get bumped every time and goal goes in with him on the ice lol.

 

[DitchMarner]

lol... no one is saying Benoit is the issue or a big problem. It's just a discussion about his potential and play so far. You're allowed to have threads about more than four or five players.

 

[Clyde Brewer]

I think I remember him being much more physical last season.

I didn't think it looked good when Reaves came over to help him out in his scrum with Hartman last night.

 

[DarkKnight]

He's fine. He and Timmins have actually been a decent bottom pair. No problem with him as a 6. Seems he took a couple bad penalties early and everyone has turned on him. He has his limitations, but does certain things you need well. Turned into a decent PKer, clears the nets, blocks shots, most importantly wins board battles to end zone time. Direct your ire elsewhere, when Hak comes back, be will be in and out and we're lucky to have tnat depth.

Maybe our ass third line could contribute. Maybe our new C could actually show up and do something when we need it. God forbid Kampf contribute. Bottom six is a black hole., both sides of the ice actually. I don't see how the bottom D pair is the issue, and it's kind of weird how we're praising Timmins and he's been with Benoit all year, doesn't even make sense. That said, he lacks the swagger right now, I'm not saying Benoit has been great by any means, just save your bullets for the real problems, he ain't it.

 

[Ianturnedbull]

Marshall Rifai could end up in this discussion...

Also Benoit & wife just had a newb baby (apparently), so cut him some slack. Dude might be a zombie for a while.

 

[Thornbury]

Marshall Rifai could end up in this discussion...

He would seem to be a step up from Benoit, who I see as a solid #7 on a Cup contender, not a #6.

 

[DarkKnight]

Third on the team in PK ice time, top third in the league atm.

 

[The Shadow]

Let’s got off this whipping boy of a depth player. Hold the top players accountable.

We’ve been doing this for decades and where did it get us ?

 

[arso40]

makes zero sense like I said you have to play to play yourself out

 

[DarkKnight]

We praise Tanev for being a warrior that blocks shots, guess who’s second on the team per 60?

When will Domi score?

 

[Evilhomer]

Marshall Rifai could end up in this discussion...

Also Benoit & wife just had a newb baby (apparently), so cut him some slack. Dude might be a zombie for a while.

I always find this to be the most bizarre excuse. When I had my kids, I wasn't a zombie, and I was older than most hockey players are when they have kids. This is a 20ish something professional athlete. These guys can survive on a few hours sleep per night, especially when that only happens when he is at home and not on the road (where he would presumably sleep just fine).

 

[Roo]

Only in leaf land can posters blame our 5/6 dman for the terrible play of our team. He is fine for his cost and skill set.
Blame our two highest paid players for their abysmal performance. Willy scores a goal and then disappears for the rest of the game. Matthews hasn’t made a difference in a single game this year. Imagine paying him that much money for that pathetic display of poor play.

Put the blame squarely where it belongs

Who is blaming Benoit? I certainly haven’t seen anyone.

 

[OVO16]

He's a solid bottom pairing physical defenseman. Nothing more nothing less. Yes he has his bad games here and there but for the most part he does his job well.

If you're expecting more than that, I dont know what to tell you

 

[Ianturnedbull]

I always find this to be the most bizarre excuse. When I had my kids, I wasn't a zombie, and I was older than most hockey players are when they have kids. This is a 20ish something professional athlete. These guys can survive on a few hours sleep per night, especially when that only happens when he is at home and not on the road (where he would presumably sleep just fine).

You have no idea what people are like.

 

[GoonieFace]

He’s somebody’s child, that’s something.

As a #6 dman, he’s fine. Again, these are not the things holding this team back.

I wonder if moving Susan from Concession stand 6a to ticket taker will turn this ship around.

 

[Evilhomer]

You have no idea what people are like.

I know what having three kids is like. Using it as an excuse for performance is lame.

 

[Ianturnedbull]

I know what having three kids is like. Using it as an excuse for performance is lame.

So your sleep habits and performance post child birth are the expected norm? You've got to be kidding.

 

[Evilhomer]

So your sleep habits and performance post child birth are the expected norm? You've got to be kidding.

I think it's much more likely that Benoit is a 6th defenseman, and sometimes 6th defensemen have big swings in their performance. I don't think having a kid has anything to do with it.

 

[Ianturnedbull]

I think it's much more likely that Benoit is a 6th defenseman, and sometimes 6th defensemen have big swings in their performance. I don't think having a kid has anything to do with it.

Sorry. I don't mean it to be a personal attack. I see your point. My experience of having a new born is not everyone's, but my wife was stressed out of her mind, depressed, anxious, and that's the tip of the iceberg. My son had to go back to Sick Kids Hospital twice, etc. I absolutely was a zombie and could not work well at my job for quite a while. I don't know about Beniot, but due to some people's experiences with new born babies I'm going to cut him some slack.

 

[Evilhomer]

Sorry. I don't mean it to be a personal attack. I see your point. My experience of having a new born is not everyone's, but my wife was stressed out of her mind, depressed, anxious, and that's the tip of the iceberg. My son had to go back to Sick Kids Hospital twice, etc. I absolutely was a zombie and could not work well at my job for quite a while. I don't know about Beniot, but due to some people's experiences with new born babies I'm going to cut him some slack.

For sure, man, I totally understand there are situations where it can create total chaos (especially if your newborn has to spend time in the hospital, which is terrifying for any parent). I definitely didn't mean to offend, so I hope I didn't.

 

[Ianturnedbull]

For sure, man, I totally understand there are situations where it can create total chaos (especially if your newborn has to spend time in the hospital, which is terrifying for any parent). I definitely didn't mean to offend, so I hope I didn't.

All good. Hi 5