Eagle Fang
Less Defending, More Offending
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WJC - Byfield Thoughts
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bland
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- Jul 1, 2004
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Why do you defensive types always assume that criticism of a game in a tournament means someone is throwing the baby out with the bathwater?
This thread is about Byfield's performance in this tournament. He hasn't shown much at all, and it looks worse compared to his teammates, who just led a lamb to slaughter and our guy barely got out a fork. He didn't perform well in the scrimmages and the mere discussion of that saw overreactions. We keep seeing his coach pumping him up, but only give him 11 minutes in a blowout.
He is the 2nd overall pick, he is going to be scrutinized. It comes with the territory. He could turn it up immediately and get his props or he could continue to struggle and get his derision. Its all part of the game, no need to get so concerned about it. People are just posting about what they see now, and no, it hasn't really been all that impressive.
This thread is about Byfield's performance in this tournament. He hasn't shown much at all, and it looks worse compared to his teammates, who just led a lamb to slaughter and our guy barely got out a fork. He didn't perform well in the scrimmages and the mere discussion of that saw overreactions. We keep seeing his coach pumping him up, but only give him 11 minutes in a blowout.
He is the 2nd overall pick, he is going to be scrutinized. It comes with the territory. He could turn it up immediately and get his props or he could continue to struggle and get his derision. Its all part of the game, no need to get so concerned about it. People are just posting about what they see now, and no, it hasn't really been all that impressive.
Ziggy Stardust
Master Debater
King'sPawn
Enjoy the chaos
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Because people who provide context and fault in unrealistic expectations are defensive. Right.
There are fair criticisms, and there are absurd criticisms.
Byfield did not put his foot on the throat like other teammates did. He failed to use space like his teammates. He was more focused on physical engagement which made him comparatively less effective.
Nobody who has criticized Byfield in this thread has provided anything substantive aside from "he doesn't look good."
So unfortunately people who disagree look like they're defensive, because they're disagreeing with nebulous criticism.
Edit: to add, criticism HAS equated Byfield to Andreoff. So, yes, people have already drawn conclusions.
bland
Registered User
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Yeah, but nobody who would say something so stupid deserves the attention they are starving for. But those aren't the only criticims getting responed to, are they?
Eagle Fang
Less Defending, More Offending
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It raises an eye brow that versus a depleted German team, he basically was a good checker. It's not that he had only 1 assist, but that he basically was unable to generate any type of offense vs that depleted German team. My concern is that in the 4 games I've seen him play, it's been that way.
So yes you're right in a way. However by NO means am I saying this is what Byfield will be in the future.
Maybe I should just say, Byfield had a strong showing physically. Showed great hustle and compete. He hasn't played a game in months so rust can be expected. His offense will come and I'm not concerned in the least that he couldn't generate anything vs the weakest game he'll play in the this years WJCs. Still has elite offensive skills and just needs time to reach his potential.
King'sPawn
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There aren't any specific criticisms aside from "he doesn't look good."
WhatTheFox has had general observations like "other Kings prospects look better." Which is true, but was also addressed.
Ziggy Stardust
Master Debater
That’s a lot more fair that the initial comments, and the others jumping to conclusions or those making harsh and firm criticisms as if this frames a picture of who he is or will become.
Hell, all of Canada’s forwards looked flat just now in the opening period against a weak Slovakian squad. Rust and taking a bit of action for these kids to get in game shape is expected. Some of these guys haven’t played any competitive, high intensity hockey in 9-10 months.
King'sPawn
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I agree with all this, fwiw. He didn't generate chances with his linemates. But I still think he was okay.
Nobody in that game looked bad for Canada. Some just stood out more.
If you're disappointed he didn't stand out/generate more chances, I get it. But 90% of those goals wouldn't have gone in with competent goaltending (including the one he got a assist on). So if the score was 4-2 vs 16-2, would anyone have said it was a "bad game" by Byfield?
Eagle Fang
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I'm no scout. All I know is, from the games I've seen, he's had trouble not only entering the offensive zone, but setting anything up there as well. He seems to lose the puck a lot, either from getting checked off it or just bumbling it. When cycles start in the offensive zone, he's made some really weird plays that either kill the cycle or cause the puck to go the other way.
King'sPawn
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Looked like he did some nice work below the goal line and made a decent centering pass but the Slovaks collapsed so deep that there was no space for the shooter to get a shot off.
Eagle Fang
Less Defending, More Offending
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You're right and I'm trying to not be one of those people.
My criticisms are only based on what I see, but I'm trying to be as clear as possible that I'm by no means saying THAT is the player he will be. I certainly get that he hasn't played since last season and hence there was very little opportunity to improve or work on his game. For sure there's a lot of potential and I think it's safe to say, no matter what a person's opinion of Byfield is now, we all hope he reaches it.
Eagle Fang
Less Defending, More Offending
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I know you're much more into the scouting aspect of players and I enjoy reading your reports. Maybe you can see if I'm seeing things correctly or just misunderstanding what is happening. I know more than a few times after he's lost or bumbled a puck, the first thing that popped into my head was that his stick is too short... but obviously he's been using a short stick forever with great success.
Chazz Reinhold
Registered User
That is one thing that bugs me about him. I think he’d benefit from using a longer stick.
I wonder if Byfield has tried anything longer since he's even last grown, looks like he's holding a twig out there sometimes.
Great sustained pressure last shift, heads up cycling, using his size to his advantage - haven't seen much of Byfield's line in the defensive zone.
Great sustained pressure last shift, heads up cycling, using his size to his advantage - haven't seen much of Byfield's line in the defensive zone.
This is also Byfield’s second WJC. Yes he is young. He was scratched for the gold medal game the first go around.
With so many elite players, roles may be different for some players than they are used too. Byfield may simply be doing what is asked by his coach.
Byfield had some billing him as the next Malkinish player. A big with wheels and hands. He trained hard with Roberts. I expected him to come in and compete for the first line slot. Plenty of articles out there echoing that sentiment.
He will always be compared to Stutzle.
LA went with Byfield for his prototype Kopi package. To me it’s more of a Lombardi pick. Again, it led to success. I see the reasoning.
Then you’ve got a guy like Stutzle who is flash and pizzazz. Take you out of your seat. A different direction LA could have gone. Same with Zegras/Turcotte. LA still values overall and accountability. Can’t argue with it given past results but I thought that was why DL was fired. Failure to adapt to the new NHL. That said, Turcotte and Byfield are talented prospects im grateful for. Hoping they are shades of Richards and Kopi for sure. No guarantee Zegras or Stutzle can translate either for that matter.
Now, given last year’s tournament and two games this year is way to soon to call anyone’s career projection.
But...
My concern is more a slight shimmer in the Matrix. Just want this dude to dispel this nagging feeling of Keith Primeau worst case scenario-ness creeping in. Want him to make a statement. Here I am bitches moment. It is totally an armchair gm fantasy.
With so many elite players, roles may be different for some players than they are used too. Byfield may simply be doing what is asked by his coach.
Byfield had some billing him as the next Malkinish player. A big with wheels and hands. He trained hard with Roberts. I expected him to come in and compete for the first line slot. Plenty of articles out there echoing that sentiment.
He will always be compared to Stutzle.
LA went with Byfield for his prototype Kopi package. To me it’s more of a Lombardi pick. Again, it led to success. I see the reasoning.
Then you’ve got a guy like Stutzle who is flash and pizzazz. Take you out of your seat. A different direction LA could have gone. Same with Zegras/Turcotte. LA still values overall and accountability. Can’t argue with it given past results but I thought that was why DL was fired. Failure to adapt to the new NHL. That said, Turcotte and Byfield are talented prospects im grateful for. Hoping they are shades of Richards and Kopi for sure. No guarantee Zegras or Stutzle can translate either for that matter.
Now, given last year’s tournament and two games this year is way to soon to call anyone’s career projection.
But...
My concern is more a slight shimmer in the Matrix. Just want this dude to dispel this nagging feeling of Keith Primeau worst case scenario-ness creeping in. Want him to make a statement. Here I am bitches moment. It is totally an armchair gm fantasy.
Last edited:
KingsHockey24
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ScoreZeGoals
Boooorrrrriiiinnnnng
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Eagle Fang
Less Defending, More Offending
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It's too bad he can't go to the AHL. I don't think he'll improve much playing in the OHL and I don't think he's ready for the NHL
ScoreZeGoals
Boooorrrrriiiinnnnng
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He'll be alright. He has hall the tools and the toolbox. Our development staff will get him going.
SFKingshomer
Registered User
And if there is, it may be without contact which is horrible for development.
Eagle Fang
Less Defending, More Offending
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Actually I just saw in the other thread that if the OHL season is cancelled, since he signed his ELC he might be able to play in the AHL.. if I understood that correctly. That'd be great if so.
Tanknation
Registered User
- Feb 24, 2012
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Byfield should not have gone top 5 imo. Dumb pick at 2.
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