Happy belated 25th birthday, Vanek. I have a special message for you. First, let me make this clear: I don't like you. You're way too streaky... and not in a good way at all. You're the know-it-all kid who sits in the front row, with his hand constantly waving in the air, regardless of whether or not he actually knows the answer. Sometimes he does, and delivers an encyclopedia-worthy lecture. Other times, he apparently has a cerebral seizure and drools out some sort of answer like "foureenw62enty." I'm guessing Lindy feels like the teacher who doesn't know whether to call on you. You make or break the game, and every game, every single point adds up.
We paid you dearly, but alas, so far, our big star has not even come close to filling the enormous shoes of beloved Briere and Drury. *sniff* (May they rest in loudly-booed peace.) But you've has shown that when you're on your game, you OWN! You have the potential to be at the top of the league, and you have been. You hang out right in front of the net, waiting for the perfect pass. This scores an amazing amount of goals... PROVIDED that perfect pass comes. And the rest of the time...? You don't throw yourself into those nitty-gritty crucial battles along the boards, you don't chase after the puck. That's where games are won. Sure, highlight goals are pretty. But if you really want to be the guy to go to, you need to be a well-rounded player.
So focus on something other than receiving the puck. Think about the team here. Maybe pass the puck a little more, so you can rip it wide of the net less often. Remember that the system does not revolve around you, but rather you are a part of it. When your talent is applied to the whole, it becomes so much greater than the sum of its parts. Teams win Stanley Cups, not individual millionaires. Happy b-day, Van.
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But do you have an opinion about Van??!! And, wasn't he the leagues leading scorer for a while? It is a difficult position to sit in front of a goalie that doesn't want you there surrounded by the opposing team trying to not only prevent you from scoring, but perhaps prevent you from breathing.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Brainfreeze Sr.
Very insightful MOM!
ReplyDeleteOf course I have an opinion about Vanek. I thought I made that clear in the third sentence. And yes it's difficult position he plays... but it's his job. He's a hockey player, which isn't the easiest thing to do in the world no matter what position you play. If you compare Vanek to other top scorers in the league (of which he can be considered a part) you'll find that they are quite capable of doing much more than standing and waiting.
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