Mike Richards among 8 players at the top of the Do-It-All player index

[deeshamrock]

I stumbled across a bad article on Deadspin. (which I realized after reading the Boston entry and their score based on VUKOTA was something that had been hashed on here already, makes little sense)

http://deadspin.com/30-paragraphs-about-30-teams-a-thinking-fans-guide-to-1436173735


However, in that Boston entry was a nice tap on the stick to Bergeron, for the amazing things he can do in so many areas. Then it went on to say he was 2nd only to Ryan Callahan in a and listed only 7 players who scored 8 or more out of 10, including Mike Richards.

Boston Bruins: There is no question that Patrice Bergeron’s game is complete; the marvel is more about how he plays it at an elite level. We created the Do-It-All Index two years ago as an objective way to find the league’s most complete players. We chose 10 categories, and for each player, we awarded one point for every area where they were above the league average—an index like this can be designed to add an objective element to virtually any analysis. Over the past five years, Bergeron has been awarded an average of 8.6 out of 10 on the Do-It-All Index, a close second to Rangers captain Ryan Callahan for the highest total. Only Joe Pavelski, Ryan Kesler, David Backes, Jason Pominville, and Mike Richards have an average of at least 8 out of 10 over the same period. However, none of these complete players produce at a level as high as Bergeron

So when one of the readers inquired that how could Callahan and Richards be better Do It All players than Crosby, Toewes, Datsyuk, etc. and what was the criteria.

The author posted the list and it's not that their better players but play at a higher level in more different areas on a consistent basis. When I read the list, I thought of a couple of things about MR. That in 2008 when he helped lead the Flyers to the ECF as a young player (3rd yr in the league) and they lost, I remember seeing a podcast with Bob McKenzie and Pierre LeBrun and a couple other guys discussing the series (Pens Flyer) and noting that the type of player Richards is, was invaluable to any team that he plays for because he does mostly everything so well, the he 'uses every tool in the hockey bag' and how those who know (coaches, etc) from watching him realize how good he is without the puck.
And post Olympics, Mike Babcock, (a huge Richards fan) called him a 'gold plated Swiss Army knife' that makes the right decision 9 times out of 10 and that's something you can't coach.

It makes you appreciate how many things he does, that often go unnoticed by fans but not by coaches or teammates. Some of them small things that add up over a game, a playoff series, etc. that make a difference.

This is the list of 10 that the scored up to 1 point for each area:


The Do-It-All Index

There are ten equal-weight conditions in the Do-It-All index. To earn a point in each of the categories, a player must qualify in each of the following categories, which can vary slightly from season to season:

1. Above-average even-strength playing time. 2010-11 value: 12.4 minutes/game
2. Top-six even-strength scoring rate. 2010-11 value: 1.7 points/60 minutes
3. Above-average power play ice-time. 2010-11 value: 1.7 minutes/game
4. Above-average penalty killing ice-time. 2010-11 value: 1.7 minutes/game
5. A positive penalty-drawing differential
6. Above-average shot blocking. 2010-11 value: 1.7 blocks/60 minutes
7. Above-average hitting. 2010-11 value: 5.2 hits/60 minutes
8. At least three shootout attempts
9. A positive Relative Quality of Competition
10. Offensive zone starts within one standard deviation of average. 2010-11 value: 57.3%

Click to read more...

 

[jml87]

I love players who might not be as outstanding in an individual skill but they are still great at everything. I'd say when Kopi plays up to his potential, he belongs on this list too.

 

[MsMeow]

I love players who might not be as outstanding in an individual skill but they are still great at everything. I'd say when Kopi plays up to his potential, he belongs on this list too.

Agreed. My favourite players have always been those who play 2 ways and are able to do a lot of things right. Carter has grown into that kind of player over time but Richards always was there.

 

[jml87]

Agreed. My favourite players have always been those who play 2 ways and are able to do a lot of things right. Carter has grown into that kind of player over time but Richards always was there.

Yeah, over the past few years I've really grown to like Carter a lot. He always scored a ton of goals but his effort on the PK and on defense is what has put him up in my top 3. Plus I love when guys put that extra effort in. These guys are naturally gifted but they still work their butts off to become even better. You can simply be a goalscorer like Stamkos and be successful, or you can put that extra effort in and improve in all areas. Guys like that impress me the most.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Richards is the modern day Mike Ricci, a player who can be put in any situation and be relied upon to protect a lead or to create a big play. It baffles me how some people fail to recognize what he brings to the table.

 

[ID]

He is ken of the few players that could score zero points and still be that teams MVP he is something. But with fantasy teams and points being the main thing people look at he won't be recognized until he hits another 70 plus season

 

[Legionnaire]

I love players who might not be as outstanding in an individual skill but they are still great at everything. I'd say when Kopi plays up to his potential, he belongs on this list too.

I really haven't had favorite players other than the guys that do nothing but work hard like Mike Richards.

It's still just crazy to me that whenever I do buy a jersey that player does get traded within a couple of weeks. May have lost Simmonds in the trade but at least he the trade finally helped the Kings win a Stanley Cup. I just need to stick to buying t-shirts I guess. Haha

 

[CharlieGirl]

Nice article Dee -- there's a reason Richards is my favourite current NHL'er and one of my all-time favourite OHL'ers. Players that combine skill, smarts, and hard work just make me happy.

I really haven't had favorite players other than the guys that do nothing but work hard like Mike Richards.

It's still just crazy to me that whenever I do buy a jersey that player does get traded within a couple of weeks. May have lost Simmonds in the trade but at least he the trade finally helped the Kings win a Stanley Cup. I just need to stick to buying t-shirts I guess. Haha

Um, yep. I could trade you jerseys...

 

[Legionnaire]

Nice article Dee -- there's a reason Richards is my favourite current NHL'er and one of my all-time favourite OHL'ers. Players that combine skill, smarts, and hard work just make me happy.



Um, yep. I could trade you jerseys...

It's a replica and has a snag in it so you wouldn't want it. But thanks for thinking of it or offering.

 

[etherialone]

Another great article Dee.
Richards has been a favorite of mine for years. He is simply one of those rare players who define what it takes to be the very best at what you do. He has never simply sat back and relied on his considerable talent but has always been a win at all costs player.

It isn't a coincidence that we won the cup once he became a King.

We are lucky to have him.