Some people complain about my anti-Trouba bias but I don't know how anyone who's watching these games can honestly tell me Trouba is the better defenseman than DeAngelo. Trouba is caught flat footed multiple times per game on turnovers where the other teams wingers absolutely blow by him, he is a poor skater. Buchnevich has got back before him THREE times in the last 2 games to break up 2 on 1's, also on that empty net chance that Buch saved. Trouba scares the hell out of me whenever he's on and we have a pulled goalie because I know that he is not beating any player in a footrace ever. He makes many dumb choices especially in shot selection, it seems every single game there are multiple instances where there's a player without a stick or the defending team is exhausted and he shows zero patience and just shoots it at the goalies chest getting the other team a whistle when there are clear passing lanes. DeAngelo & Fox are way better power play QB's than Trouba, they see the ice better, they're more creative, and have a higher offensive hockey IQ; Trouba should be on the 2nd unit. Another thing he does several times per game is when he gets the puck behind our net he'll slow down and skate out with it really lazily or even stop completely and the other teams forecheckers strip him of the puck, or have a close call.
I'd not only argue DeAngelo is the superior player offensively, maybe unpopular opinion but I'd argue DeAngelo is superior to Trouba defensively as well. Trouba is the type of player a very casual fan would think is impressive because he hits hard & has a booming shot, (which are certainly positive attributes) but his game has a lot of warts too. I think we'll regret his contract and I'm hoping we're able to ship him off in a few years when Lundkvist and the kids are ready. Anyway, I think DeAngelo's play has been really promising and I can't wait to see him play in the playoffs. I think he's the type of player & personality who would thrive in playoff hockey.
