Player Discussion: Neal Pionk Part 2
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koyvoo
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- Nov 8, 2014
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Pretty much so, as Morrissey has made way too much defensive mistakes so far. (Not typical for Morrissey)
That goal against by Dallas was due to stupid play by Pionk, but most of the time he has been surprisingly good. For a 3M guy, he seems to be a steal.
Gil Fisher
Registered User
Wasn't really a stupid play, more unfortunate. He was setting up a cut-back to lose the pursuit, caught an edge, and lost balance. He was vulnerable at that point.
What was stupid in my eyes was that he saw that guy coming and he could have made a safe bank pass for his pair, but chose not to. That was before he lost his balance. Risky play in a situation that Dallas had more men up close and no help could be provided if he failed, which he did.
After that incident, he was particularly sharp at handling couple of other similar situations on D-zone. So he got the message and did act accordingly.
I like that he didn't let the play effect his game. Even the very best defenseman will occasionally make a bad play that leads to a goal. The good ones never let it impact their play.
DannyGallivan
Your world frightens and confuses me
DannyGallivan
Your world frightens and confuses me
I thought he looked vulnerable in general during the game, but whatever. He's played much better than how he was advertised coming in. He reminds be of a "good" Toby Enstrom (not the one who was virtually run out of town towards the end of his career).
Despite the criticism against Morrissey, he's still our number one guy (often saddled with confused, overwhelmed players like Kulikov or Pooman. Eventually, the cracks in our defense will be filled by actual NHLers.
scelaton
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- Jul 5, 2012
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That is high praise indeed. People may forget that Toby was a 50-point all-star defenseman in his prime (late-20s).
DannyGallivan
Your world frightens and confuses me
Yeah, I've come around. What I feared took place in the last couple of days, though... Pionk was pushed around physically and he didn't look that good against Dallas in my opinion. There's a ceiling for small, non-physical defensemen and there always will be. Enstrom in his prime was about as good as a little guy can get in the modern NHL. Lidstrom, of course was a great non-physical defenseman, but he didn't get pushed around, though.
I'd like to see Pionk paired with someone who can compliment his skills and back up his weaknesses.
On another note, Chisolm is looking pretty good in the OHL (25 points in 18 games and a recent 15 game points streak).
Crocket
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- Jul 14, 2013
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He's actually quite physical for a smaller D man. He's good at cutting off plays and open ice hits. His skating is excellent, which is key for a defenseman. He's great,and still only 2 seasons into his career.
Crocket
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Jetfaninflorida
Southernmost Jet Fan
It's factual, but just to put that in a bit of context he had 50 points two years and never came close to 50 in any his other years in the league.
DannyGallivan
Your world frightens and confuses me
When Pionk hits someone, he bounces five feet the other way, lol. But at least he stops the other player's forward progress (and perhaps wrinkles the player's jersey in the process).
DannyGallivan
Your world frightens and confuses me
That's like saying a Pomeranian is way stronger than a Chihuahua.
Joe Hallenback
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- Mar 4, 2005
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Pleasantly surprised by his play.
He can be muscled off the puck as shown by the goal on Sunday but that is more of a timing issue then anything
He reminds me bit of a Tyson Barrie
He can be muscled off the puck as shown by the goal on Sunday but that is more of a timing issue then anything
He reminds me bit of a Tyson Barrie
Crocket
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Ya, the Dallas player definitely had a step on him and played the body perfectly. It happens.
scelaton
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Enstrom's years in Atlanta were amazing for an 8th round draft choice who, like Pionk, was felt to be too small to succeed. They were bracketed by an NHL all-rookie selection his first year and an all-star selection his last.
He had a number of good years in Winnipeg as well, but by the time he was in his 30s he was so beaten up he looked like a different player. Those are not the years to judge him by.
If Pionk can avoid serious injury by being as nimble as Enstrom was in his 20s, we'll be very happy with him. I agree, however, that he would ideally be pared with a bigger partner.
I hope he is better defensively than Barrie. It seems that he is, while being less of an offensive defenseman.
I'm hoping he turns into a player like Spurgeon or maybe even Morrissey.
Howard Chuck
Registered User
I'll take brains over size any day. He's been much better than anticipated.
Joe Hallenback
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I will take skating over almost any thing nowadays. If you can't skate you won't be able to play in today's NHL.
sipowicz
The thrill is gone
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Most of us waited for the All-Star Enstrom to emerge during his tenure as a Winnipeg Jet, Enstrom was good but vastly overrated, the downside of his size became noticeable quickly as did the myth that he was a PP specialist.
Pionk trade beginning to look like a trade of equal players never mind that Heinola landed as Jet as consolation!
I just had a chance to read this article by Murat and it is an outstanding piece. Not only does it show how underlying numbers can be misleading taken out of context of what is actually happening on the ice, it also shows Maurice to be far more insightful about the game of hockey than the vast majority of his critics.
