i dont think it's sad, if you have 4 million a year and u get cut from 1 game.

I wouldn't be so quick to write Ballard off just yet. I've said it before, he's a better dman than what we've seen.

Everyone is impressed with Alberts, and rightfully so. Guess what? He's had time to adjust to the west.

Give Ballard some time, you'll see.
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:facepalm:

Ballard played 3 seasons in Phoenix

bieskshit should be scratch, i dont really care if he is got few assists in the last few games or what..

i want him out ASAP

^ ballard almost murdered floridas goalie
:troll:

Bieksa is tough to scratch
only right handed shot on D

I'm aware of that - but he's been removed 2 years. Give him time, he's had hip surgery and a concussion. We haven't seen the best of him.

LAWL :troll:

remember ballard had late off season surgery and wasn't up to game shape for beginning of season on top of that he had the concussion recently. this is more than likely a game off for rest

Alberts is 13th in the league with hits. He's been pretty solid, though, he did trip over his own feet last game - but he's so much better than last playoffs.

I don't blame him for his poor play on his surgery and concussion. I didn't even feel he was playing that poorly to warrant getting benched. You never mentioned that in your post.

What you did do was try to justify his play using Andrew Alberts as a comparison of him adjusting to the west, considering the fact he played in the West for three seasons only two seasons ago. That was just a poor, face-palm worthy argument.

Im starting to get this feeling that Alberts was just thrown into what would be the worst situation for him personally.

Come to Vancouver, get thrown into a high pressure media frenzy where expectations from everyone was not met. At the same time, he was just thrown into the mix with not much time to prep and adjust to the city and everything else.

Now that he has had the whole summer to prep for this season, I can see all the elements he was suppose to bring last season at the deadline, which was to be physical, a big body and throw lots of hits

Well to be fair, Ballard was on a Gretzky coached Phoenix team that played largely without any systems. It will take some time to adjust to AV's style, and I'm sure he along with everyone will pick up their play in the next couple weeks.

I actually thought Ballard was playing pretty well since coming back. Was blocking a TON of shots from what I saw, especially on the penalty kill, and wasn't making any really bad mistakes.

I can see that it would be a hard decision on who to leave out since Alberts and Rome have both been playing solidly, but benching Ballard doesn't seem to help him get in a groove. Hopefully this is a one game thing only.

We have exceptional depth in defense. Scratching Ballard sends a message to ALL the D-man. You gotta earn your spot to play, ones who have been working hard will get more minutes and there are opportunities for others to earn a spot.

Ballard will get the nod the next time and he'll play better and start improving. As far as I know, his injury should be fine (By now).

I can see where you're coming from and agree I would deserve the old face palm from that perspective. However, I knew he played for Phoenix and whether you agree or not, in my opinion, two years of playing at a different tempo is a long time and it will take some game time to re-adjust. Maybe I should have said re-adjust... my bad.

Interestinggggggggg

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=340505

the oilers are fucked... and it's just the start of the game..

OH COILERS! :facepalm: hahahahaha

Wow Hodgson's now leading the moose in scoring, though he only has 9 points in 13 games. I remember checking earlier in the season and he was way down on the list. Nice to see.

Manny with the "A"

^ Manny will always wear the A on away games. I believe Bieksa is the other A for away games.

how much work do the guys with the A really do? Just wondering - I know when Lu had the C, the A's definitely talked to the refs and stuff... but is it a thing for leading practices... or is it a title that says they're supposed to motivate the team...?

Your avatar is incredible :thumbsup:

FUCK