Stuart so far

[polmaniac932]

I like his play for us right now. I'd like to see more shots from him, but his puck movement is above average and he's done a decent job of containing players defensively (maybe not as much last night). Currently, he's 2nd in the league in +/- (something I'm not very big on, but cool nonetheless). How do you guys feel he's fitting into the team?

I for one simply love him back on the team. Some of his speed is gone from before the Thornton era, but it just gives me chills hearing Randy Hahn calling his name and just remembering his flashes of brilliance years ago, especially that one game where he scored 2 goals in the last 20 seconds to tie the game against the Kings.

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[Juxtaposer]

I wouldn't go so far as to say "above average puck movement", but he's been really good. Probably our most consistent defenseman so far. Dunno where we'd be without him so far this season. Hopefully he keeps it up.

However, the team is shooting the lights out when Stuey's on the ice, and Niemi is playing out of his mind when Stuey's on the ice. Regression will happen, and I'm sure people won't be so hot on him then even if his play doesn't change.

 

[magic school bus]

Brad Stuart has been fantastic. I have no idea what some Red Wings fans were talking about. Maybe he's been re-energized coming back to California, because he looks nothing like their descriptions.

My thoughts on Stuart from earlier:

So so glad we added Stuart. He's as physical as Murray, can skate and is underrated offensively.

 

[fRESH88]

he had a BAD night last nigh IMO. He pinched twice on plays no NHL defense should pinch on and almost gave up 2 goals from just his play alone. He also did some other bone head thing i cant remember exactly what it was but it made me rage about it. I think it was a PK and he went chasing the puck and left his man right in front of the net, luckily the past hit someones skate and we were able to get the clear.

but before last nights game hes been ok. Its great to see that we finally have a defense that wont be pushed around in front of our own net. Im waitin to see how we play against the blues before I can put my finger on how this defense really is

 

[hockeyball]

He's been as good as anyone could have hoped, and one of the best defensive signings we've ever had. Hope he keeps it up.

 

[SC2008]

He's been as good as anyone could have hoped, and one of the best defensive signings we've ever had. Hope he keeps it up.

Def our best stay at home Dman since Hannan.

 

[Juxtaposer]

Def our best stay at home Dman since Hannan.

?

 

[OldAsianSharksFan]

He has been the consistent defenseman on the Sharks, even more consistent than Vlasic this year.

One of the best free agent signing in the league this offseason besides Parise.

 

[Alwalys]

He is a huge part of our success so far, simple as that.

 

[ArcataShark]

I've been impressed, he moves the puck very well. Skates and is physical. Agreed that he was a great signing.

 

[SantaClaraShark]

Mr. Burns would say: "Excellent."

 

[McDeez]

He's happy to be back in San Jose and it's definitely showing in his play.. Great offseason addition.

 

[FSS]

Been very happy with Stuart, and with how inconsistent & flat we've been during large portions of games, without his play (And Nemo) we wouldn't be 7-0.

For a 7-0 team, there ares some issues...but Brad Stuart ain't one.

 

[JoeThorntonsRooster]

This team would be 4-3 or 3-4 now if we had Petrecki up or Demers up over Stuart. Guy is awesome.

 

[Negatively Positive]

This team would be 4-3 or 3-4 now if we had Petrecki up or Demers up over Stuart. Guy is awesome.

Are you saying Petrecki and Demers are equal in terms of impact? Demers has played 3 seasons and over 180 games some of it as a top 4 while Petrecki just played his first nhl game. Some even called Demers as a Boyle replacement even though I don't agree with it. Demers can actually make a 10 foot pass and he can skate. Petrecki is at best a bottom pairing guy with a chance of being a complete bust. I agree we'd be screwed without Stuart but that's because we're missing Burns AND Demers. Without Stuart, Demers, and Burns, Murray would be a top 4 d-man and we would have to plug Petrecki in for all 7 games so far which would be a disaster.

 

[JoeThorntonsRooster]

Well, theoretically speaking, minutes-wise, it would be something like Murray taking the spot Stuart currently has, and somebody else having Murray's spot, which would be much, much worse. Stuart is really damn good and has been vital to the success of the team so far. That's my point.

 

[Negatively Positive]

Well, theoretically speaking, minutes-wise, it would be something like Murray taking the spot Stuart currently has, and somebody else having Murray's spot, which would be much, much worse. Stuart is really damn good and has been vital to the success of the team so far. That's my point.

Well if Demers was healthy and no Stuart I would hope to see

Irwin-Boyle
Vlasic-Demers
Murray-Braun

which would be the same pairings as now except Demers instead of Stuart.

Without Stuart or Demers and Petrecki has to fill in

Irwin-Boyle
Murray-Vlasic
Petrecki-Braun

Obviously Stuart has been great but we would be much more screwed with Petrecki in the lineup than with Demers.

 

[Nighthock]

I'm considering putting Stuart on the back of my blank jersey ... so yeah, I love him this far

 

[Alwalys]

I still don't think I'm used to #7 being reliable and effective lol

 

[CaptainShark]

Last game was probably his worst so fare, not that he was terrible or anything.

Overall he has done a fantastic job. Very steady, laying the occasional big hit, he doesn´t shoot a lot, but still has a bomb, he seems to know when to join the rush / be aggressiv (e.g. that rush in Calgary when he went around the D of the Flames and then made a beautiful centering pass to... ??? (don´t remember) or late against the Ducks when Logan tied it while Stuart was crashing the net.

He also has been a big part of the "new" PK... All in all, i am very happy!

Can´t wait fur Burns return...

Boyle - Irwin
Burns - Stuart
Vlasic - Murray / Demers / Braun /

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[JPE123]

I'm a Wings fan and was always a Stuart fan. He is as reliable as they come. He did have a couple of sub par games for us last year in the playoffs but I'd take him on my team any day. He's not flashy on or off the ice but he is solid as they come.

 

[beertelescope]

I've been really happy to have him so far, too. His physicality has been a huge factor.

 

[bullslugg]

Stewie makes our D-corp much more complete. top-4 when healthy, Boyle, Pickles, Burns, Stuart. As strong a group as any other. Bottom Demers, braun, Irwin, Murray = NICE!

 

[Barrie22]

he sucks, every one sucks, fire them all, trade them all. am i capturing the mood in the game day threads right after these past few games? lol

 

[SJeasy]

?

Stuart has been bailing Vlasic out this year. Vlasic's puck skills have regressed if that is possible. And Stuart/Vlasic puts the Sharks in the same position of having their best puck movers all on the right side. When Demers is healthy, a 5on5 pairing of Demers/Vlasic would be nice. Move Stuart to the left and he tops the left side in puck skills although Irwin has been a nice surprise.

A note on Braun, his puck skills seem to have fallen off as well. Take note of the shot clock on the game when Boyle was sick; puck skills count.

Here is the depth I see with a healthy team.

Right side:
Boyle
Burns
Demers/Braun

Left side:
Pickles
Stuart
Irwin/Murray