Every single time I hear the so-called hockey wonks up north talk about the great defensemen in the Western Conference, the list includes Scott Neidermeyer, Chrissy Pronger, Nik Lidstrom and Dion Phaneuf. Sure, Neidermeyer, Pronger and Lidstrom are clearly the best, no argument there. And, maybe, just maybe, I'll concede that this Phaneuf guy plays a good game; he's a good skater that can hit like a mofo and has a wicked shot. But what I'm confused about it why Brent Burns never gets mentioned.
I'd put Burns right up there with Phaneuf as one of the "great young defensemen" in the league. He's big, skates as fast as anyone (except maybe #10), and can shoot the lights out. I know statistics don't tell the whole story, but here are their seasons to date (G-A-PTS-PIM):
Phaneuf 15-38-53-165
Burnsie 14-27-41-52
Granted Phaneuf has more points, but remember who plays for Coach Lemaire and his trap. Burns is close in points, plays in all situations and has been in the penalty box 113 less minutes then Dion.
Defensively I'd give the nod to Burns. He's a better defender and plays smart Lemaire hockey. Sure, he may give up the puck from time to time, but he's got the speed to come back and break up the play. Phaneuf hits a bit harder, though, and that's something I wish I'd see more of from Burns.
I'd put Burns right up there with Phaneuf as one of the "great young defensemen" in the league. He's big, skates as fast as anyone (except maybe #10), and can shoot the lights out. I know statistics don't tell the whole story, but here are their seasons to date (G-A-PTS-PIM):
Phaneuf 15-38-53-165
Burnsie 14-27-41-52
Granted Phaneuf has more points, but remember who plays for Coach Lemaire and his trap. Burns is close in points, plays in all situations and has been in the penalty box 113 less minutes then Dion.
Defensively I'd give the nod to Burns. He's a better defender and plays smart Lemaire hockey. Sure, he may give up the puck from time to time, but he's got the speed to come back and break up the play. Phaneuf hits a bit harder, though, and that's something I wish I'd see more of from Burns.
2 comments:
Good call. I think Burns doesn't get recognized yet because the Canadian media favors the household names as stars. It's really lazy journalism/pundantry. They write or say what they know and don't take the risk of young Mr. Burns. Give it time with the Ducks defense corps to retire already and I will bet you that Burns' name moves up a few pegs.
I caught the game against the Avs on Vs. last Monday. It was a real treat to see the fans in Minnesota really jumping on the energy... the Xcell Energy if you will.
Will we see a virtual rematch of the 1990-91 Stanley Cup finals this season?
Go Wild! I will be pulling for you guys in the West this post-season.
If Phaneuf is in the penalty box more and still manages to get more points than Burns then doesn't that mean he's better? I mean, imagine if Phaneuf stayed out of the box? He's be putting up way more points.
I will agree Burns is a great defensemen but comparing the two - Phaneuf is a way more visible guy on the ice.
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