Grading The D Corps (Expectation Free)
<img src=http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2009/11/nov2909_luongo3_t.jpg" class="imageFloatLeftFramed">We've had expectations since the moment Ohlund played his last game. Who would sign? Who would grow from last year? A bunch of labels have been put on the top 6 since the moment Schneider signed. Now, let's compare these expectations, to some realistic feedback. Post your own expectation grades and reality grades!
LEGEND: (E) = EXPECTED. ® = REALITY. O = OFFENSIVE PLAY. D = DEFENSIVE PLAY.
Bieksa (E)
O: B-
D: B-
Bieksa ®
O: B
D: B
NOTES: Bieksa has played pretty much as well as last year, with alot of people seeing him as going downhill, he has been consistant in his play (good and bad)
Edler (E)
O: B+
D: B
Edler ®
O: B
D: B+
NOTES: Expected to be the top offensive D-man alongside Ehrhoff before Schneider's arrival, he hasn't quite matched the tempo of Christian offensively, but has played reasonably well defensively.
Salo (E)
O: A-
D: B+
Salo ®
O: C-
D: A-
NOTES: A healthy expectation of Salo was to be up there in the top 3 or 4 of point getting D-men, utilizing the powerplay, he has been lackluster in that area and disappointing. Perhaps trying to prevent injury, he has fallen back into just his solid defensive work. Watch for him to become more active in the push for the playoffs and into the series itself.
Mitchell (E)
O: C
D: A
Mitchell ®
O: C
D: A-
NOTES: Arguably our "shutdown" D-man, Mitchell was never expected to put up points, and has been keeping top lines at bay fairly well. Has been strong so far since looking a bit worn out in the last half of last year's season.
Ehrhoff (E)
O: B+
D: B-
Ehrhoff ®
O: A-
D: C+
NOTES: So far the best acquisition in the off-season, Ehrhoff has matched and exceeded expectations in his offensive game, leading the squad in that category. His defensive play has looked a bit sloppy at times, a decline from his performance with the Sharks.
Schneider (E)
O: A-
D: B-
Schneider ®
O: B-
D: B-
NOTES: The seasoned vet brought in to help the powerplay, and replace Ohlund's experienced leadership. A decline in his production was expectated, but so far has been more than predicted. His defensive play has been as advertised his whole career. He has been looking better lately, look for him to start to step up more.
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