Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Brashear’s Dreadful Play Not Helping To Quiet “Mistake” Talk




With the New York Rangers going in a different direction in the offseason, management decided to let FW Colton Orr, considered to be the “enforcer” of the team, walk as a unrestricted Free Agent – allowing the Toronto Maple Leafs to sign Orr to a multi-year contract for around $1 million per. The hole created was quickly filled with the acquisition of UFA Donald Brashear, a long-time veteran and seasoned “tough guy.” To say the signing of Brashear was not only received poorly by fans, but, viewed as a mistake by them as well is a slight underestimation.

Brashear draws the ire of Ranger fans not just for his abrasive and, at some times, reckless play over the years as members of the Philadelphia Flyers or Washington Capitals (considered a “goon” by some people) but more so for his blind-side head shot of former Ranger Blair Betts in Game 6 during last season’s Easter Conference Quarterfinals. The hit, which was not penalized, caused Betts to suffer a concussion – missing the rest of the playoffs as the Rangers went on to lose the series in Game 7. Blair Betts was not signed in the offseason and walked as a free agent. Currently, Blair Betts is healthy to play but remains unsigned.

Coach John Tortorella has defended the acquisition of Donald Brashear on numerous occasions early in the season, saying the reason Brashear was chosen instead of re-signing Colton Orr is the coach feels Brashear is an overall better hockey player; having more of an offensive game and is a better skater. Through 9 games so far, it would seem the opposite is true. Brashear has not recorded a point, is a -3 (he was on the ice for 3 goals against San Jose), has taken some deflating penalties, and in his 2 fights has looked like a shell of his former self. At 37, you have to question if Donald Brashear is still capable of being an effective hockey player.

* Post-Script: My biggest problem with Brashear so far has been the fact opposing teams, mainly the Toronto Maple Leafs, have taken runs at Henrik Lundqvist with no response by him or any other player. Part of playing the “enforcer” role on a hockey club is to stick up for teammates and, if needed, send a message that messing with our top players will not be tolerated. Brashear has not come close to fulfilling that obligation and that is an ugly string of words.


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