In Defence of Spezza

asq2 wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:Spezza was drafted to a 1st place team, where were the other guys drafted? Wings, awful, Nordiques, awful, North Stars awful.

The went through the high and the lows with their teams and grew with them, Spezza was thrown into a situation that very few top 5 picks ever get, a top team.

Spezza has had his bad habits since he was 14, and still does. Usually when guys are drafted into the NHL they either have to pay their dues one way or another, either in the AHL for a few years (the lockout doesnt count either) or on a bad team that loses, Spezza has done neither.

Its not his fault and he might be a victim of cicumstance here in Ottawa, but he has never been on a losing team in the NHL and never really had to work hard to improve the team or really earn a spot through hard work, he won it through reputation. Say what you want but thats the truth to it all.

Martin wouldn't let him play. He earned his spot with his performance in the '02-'03 playoffs.

Hardly liek the others. He didnt come into training camp looking to turn heads, he actually complained when he got sent down originally incase no one remembers. He has had a sense of entitlement since he has gotten here.

People always think I trash everything about the guy, but people always think its so black and white. Its either your wrong, or your right, there is no inbetween with people. Do I think Spezza is going to be anything other than a play making center that puts up points, no I dont, you cant say Im wrong because its an opinion. Ive given my reasons for it and I back it up with things that have happend and how he Spezza plays. If people see more potential in the guy than I do fine, I have never said, "you're wrong" not once. If there wasnt a salary cap Spezza wouldnt be a real problem, but you look across the league at the best teams and you tell me how much money is invested in the D. Defense still wins championships and it always will.

Spezza has been handed everything to him on a silver platter since he has gotten here.

Also, those other guys you mentioned have the ability to turn a game around whether you are up or down, like it or not Spezza still has not proven that. Modano, Sakic, Yzerman, didnt matter what the score was, they would be giving 100% and the knock on the Sens and the players here for years has been if things dont go their way, they fold and its still true.

They also had more of an ability to put the puck in the net.

504Heater wrote:http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20081129.ROY29/TPStory/Sports

"I'm not too sure why I've been Public Enemy No. 1 this year," Spezza says, baffled.

"People will judge. I'm not sure what the reason is and how so much of it has changed in the last year or so."

Great article. Sums up what a lot of us have been saying - the media and the fans here in Ottawa are blowing it.

Well if he doesnt get it then there is a problem. He is signed to the biggest contract in team history, he isnt producing, and he is not playing well. Who the hell would not question his play after signing a 7 year deal for almost 50 million dollars?!

The guy is dense and that statement basically shows exactly why he will never get it!

Neely4Life wrote:
Well if he doesnt get it then there is a problem. He is signed to the biggest contract in team history, he isnt producing, and he is not playing well. Who the hell would not question his play after signing a 7 year deal for almost 50 million dollars?!

The guy is dense and that statement basically shows exactly why he will never get it!

Then there's a problem with Alfie and Heatley and Fisher and Phillips and Volchenkov. Hell the whole team. But we have to focus on Spezza - always bashing. Media and fans alike. Over and over. Until finally he gets sick of and asks to be traded like Corvo (and how many others, we don't even know).

Ottawa fans better wake up and smell the coffee pretty soon. We're becoming more and more like Habs or Leafs fans - and I can't stand the idea of that happening.

Neely4Life wrote:Spezza was drafted to a 1st place team, where were the other guys drafted? Wings, awful, Nordiques, awful, North Stars awful.

The went through the high and the lows with their teams and grew with them, Spezza was thrown into a situation that very few top 5 picks ever get, a top team.

Spezza has had his bad habits since he was 14, and still does. Usually when guys are drafted into the NHL they either have to pay their dues one way or another, either in the AHL for a few years (the lockout doesnt count either) or on a bad team that loses, Spezza has done neither.

Its not his fault and he might be a victim of cicumstance here in Ottawa, but he has never been on a losing team in the NHL and never really had to work hard to improve the team or really earn a spot through hard work, he won it through reputation. Say what you want but thats the truth to it all.

Anyone else you know get drafted 2nd overall on reputation? What is this reputation and how do you get it?

504Heater wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:
Well if he doesnt get it then there is a problem. He is signed to the biggest contract in team history, he isnt producing, and he is not playing well. Who the hell would not question his play after signing a 7 year deal for almost 50 million dollars?!

The guy is dense and that statement basically shows exactly why he will never get it!

Then there's a problem with Alfie and Heatley and Fisher and Phillips and Volchenkov. Hell the whole team. But we have to focus on Spezza - always bashing. Media and fans alike. Over and over. Until finally he gets sick of and asks to be traded like Corvo (and how many others, we don't even know).

Ottawa fans better wake up and smell the coffee pretty soon. We're becoming more and more like Habs or Leafs fans - and I can't stand the idea of that happening.

Without the history, either.

504Heater wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:
Well if he doesnt get it then there is a problem. He is signed to the biggest contract in team history, he isnt producing, and he is not playing well. Who the hell would not question his play after signing a 7 year deal for almost 50 million dollars?!

The guy is dense and that statement basically shows exactly why he will never get it!

Then there's a problem with Alfie and Heatley and Fisher and Phillips and Volchenkov. Hell the whole team. But we have to focus on Spezza - always bashing. Media and fans alike. Over and over. Until finally he gets sick of and asks to be traded like Corvo (and how many others, we don't even know).

Ottawa fans better wake up and smell the coffee pretty soon. We're becoming more and more like Habs or Leafs fans - and I can't stand the idea of that happening.

has Volchie been that bad? I honestly hadn't noticed...

504Heater wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:
Well if he doesnt get it then there is a problem. He is signed to the biggest contract in team history, he isnt producing, and he is not playing well. Who the hell would not question his play after signing a 7 year deal for almost 50 million dollars?!

The guy is dense and that statement basically shows exactly why he will never get it!

Then there's a problem with Alfie and Heatley and Fisher and Phillips and Volchenkov. Hell the whole team. But we have to focus on Spezza - always bashing. Media and fans alike. Over and over. Until finally he gets sick of and asks to be traded like Corvo (and how many others, we don't even know).

Ottawa fans better wake up and smell the coffee pretty soon. We're becoming more and more like Habs or Leafs fans - and I can't stand the idea of that happening.

Everyone has seen what Alfi does and can do, Heatley barly has the puck on that line, hardly ever! How much time does Heatley actually get with the puck with Spezza and Alfi on his line? If I had to guess less than 45 seconds a game, maybe 30, tops. Heatley has been reduced to waiting for a pass and trying to get open. Screw the creativity of Heatley, he doesnt get to show it!

Alfi shows game in and game out what he is made of, he hits guys that are bigger and stronger, he doesnt quit, no matter what the score is what time of the season it is, or what the circumstances are.

Becoming like Habs fans, wouldnt want expectations and demanding the best of our players, thats just unforgivable.

I dare anyone to tell me that Alfi doesnt always put 100% effort in and Spezza does. Spezza isnt even on the same planet as Alfi and comparing Spezza to Alfi is almost insulting the guy.

Tukker wrote:

504Heater wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:
Well if he doesnt get it then there is a problem. He is signed to the biggest contract in team history, he isnt producing, and he is not playing well. Who the hell would not question his play after signing a 7 year deal for almost 50 million dollars?!

The guy is dense and that statement basically shows exactly why he will never get it!

Then there's a problem with Alfie and Heatley and Fisher and Phillips and Volchenkov. Hell the whole team. But we have to focus on Spezza - always bashing. Media and fans alike. Over and over. Until finally he gets sick of and asks to be traded like Corvo (and how many others, we don't even know).

Ottawa fans better wake up and smell the coffee pretty soon. We're becoming more and more like Habs or Leafs fans - and I can't stand the idea of that happening.

has Volchie been that bad? I honestly hadn't noticed...

A train has been this teams best all around D all year. Been nothing short of rock solid and worth every cent he is paid, probably should be paid more.

Neely4Life wrote:

Tukker wrote:

504Heater wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:
Well if he doesnt get it then there is a problem. He is signed to the biggest contract in team history, he isnt producing, and he is not playing well. Who the hell would not question his play after signing a 7 year deal for almost 50 million dollars?!

The guy is dense and that statement basically shows exactly why he will never get it!

Then there's a problem with Alfie and Heatley and Fisher and Phillips and Volchenkov. Hell the whole team. But we have to focus on Spezza - always bashing. Media and fans alike. Over and over. Until finally he gets sick of and asks to be traded like Corvo (and how many others, we don't even know).

Ottawa fans better wake up and smell the coffee pretty soon. We're becoming more and more like Habs or Leafs fans - and I can't stand the idea of that happening.

has Volchie been that bad? I honestly hadn't noticed...

A train has been this teams best all around D all year. Been nothing short of rock solid and worth every cent he is paid, probably should be paid more.

being this team's best Dman isnt tough at this point

wprager wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:Spezza was drafted to a 1st place team, where were the other guys drafted? Wings, awful, Nordiques, awful, North Stars awful.

The went through the high and the lows with their teams and grew with them, Spezza was thrown into a situation that very few top 5 picks ever get, a top team.

Spezza has had his bad habits since he was 14, and still does. Usually when guys are drafted into the NHL they either have to pay their dues one way or another, either in the AHL for a few years (the lockout doesnt count either) or on a bad team that loses, Spezza has done neither.

Its not his fault and he might be a victim of cicumstance here in Ottawa, but he has never been on a losing team in the NHL and never really had to work hard to improve the team or really earn a spot through hard work, he won it through reputation. Say what you want but thats the truth to it all.

Anyone else you know get drafted 2nd overall on reputation? What is this reputation and how do you get it?

Is there a point at all to your little question?

Neely4Life wrote:

wprager wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:Spezza was drafted to a 1st place team, where were the other guys drafted? Wings, awful, Nordiques, awful, North Stars awful.

The went through the high and the lows with their teams and grew with them, Spezza was thrown into a situation that very few top 5 picks ever get, a top team.

Spezza has had his bad habits since he was 14, and still does. Usually when guys are drafted into the NHL they either have to pay their dues one way or another, either in the AHL for a few years (the lockout doesnt count either) or on a bad team that loses, Spezza has done neither.

Its not his fault and he might be a victim of cicumstance here in Ottawa, but he has never been on a losing team in the NHL and never really had to work hard to improve the team or really earn a spot through hard work, he won it through reputation. Say what you want but thats the truth to it all.

Anyone else you know get drafted 2nd overall on reputation? What is this reputation and how do you get it?

Is there a point at all to your little question?

is there an answer to that little question?

Tukker wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:

Tukker wrote:

504Heater wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:
Well if he doesnt get it then there is a problem. He is signed to the biggest contract in team history, he isnt producing, and he is not playing well. Who the hell would not question his play after signing a 7 year deal for almost 50 million dollars?!

The guy is dense and that statement basically shows exactly why he will never get it!

Then there's a problem with Alfie and Heatley and Fisher and Phillips and Volchenkov. Hell the whole team. But we have to focus on Spezza - always bashing. Media and fans alike. Over and over. Until finally he gets sick of and asks to be traded like Corvo (and how many others, we don't even know).

Ottawa fans better wake up and smell the coffee pretty soon. We're becoming more and more like Habs or Leafs fans - and I can't stand the idea of that happening.

has Volchie been that bad? I honestly hadn't noticed...

A train has been this teams best all around D all year. Been nothing short of rock solid and worth every cent he is paid, probably should be paid more.

being this team's best Dman isnt tough at this point

Ummm this team has allowed the least amount of goals in the league, so the D itself is actually pretty good and playing within its limitations.

Tukker wrote:

has Volchie been that bad? I honestly hadn't noticed...[/quote]

He'd be a great 2nd pairing guy. Not a number 1 by any means.

Neely4Life wrote:

Tukker wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:

Tukker wrote:

504Heater wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:
Well if he doesnt get it then there is a problem. He is signed to the biggest contract in team history, he isnt producing, and he is not playing well. Who the hell would not question his play after signing a 7 year deal for almost 50 million dollars?!

The guy is dense and that statement basically shows exactly why he will never get it!

Then there's a problem with Alfie and Heatley and Fisher and Phillips and Volchenkov. Hell the whole team. But we have to focus on Spezza - always bashing. Media and fans alike. Over and over. Until finally he gets sick of and asks to be traded like Corvo (and how many others, we don't even know).

Ottawa fans better wake up and smell the coffee pretty soon. We're becoming more and more like Habs or Leafs fans - and I can't stand the idea of that happening.

has Volchie been that bad? I honestly hadn't noticed...

A train has been this teams best all around D all year. Been nothing short of rock solid and worth every cent he is paid, probably should be paid more.

being this team's best Dman isnt tough at this point

Ummm this team has allowed the least amount of goals in the league, so the D itself is actually pretty good and playing within its limitations.

the forwards have been playing better defensively, buying into Hartsy's system

Tukker wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:

wprager wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:Spezza was drafted to a 1st place team, where were the other guys drafted? Wings, awful, Nordiques, awful, North Stars awful.

The went through the high and the lows with their teams and grew with them, Spezza was thrown into a situation that very few top 5 picks ever get, a top team.

Spezza has had his bad habits since he was 14, and still does. Usually when guys are drafted into the NHL they either have to pay their dues one way or another, either in the AHL for a few years (the lockout doesnt count either) or on a bad team that loses, Spezza has done neither.

Its not his fault and he might be a victim of cicumstance here in Ottawa, but he has never been on a losing team in the NHL and never really had to work hard to improve the team or really earn a spot through hard work, he won it through reputation. Say what you want but thats the truth to it all.

Anyone else you know get drafted 2nd overall on reputation? What is this reputation and how do you get it?

Is there a point at all to your little question?

is there an answer to that little question?

He had a reputation in Jr as a selfish player who put up points, not much has chnaged.

Tukker wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:

Tukker wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:

Tukker wrote:

504Heater wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:
Well if he doesnt get it then there is a problem. He is signed to the biggest contract in team history, he isnt producing, and he is not playing well. Who the hell would not question his play after signing a 7 year deal for almost 50 million dollars?!

The guy is dense and that statement basically shows exactly why he will never get it!

Then there's a problem with Alfie and Heatley and Fisher and Phillips and Volchenkov. Hell the whole team. But we have to focus on Spezza - always bashing. Media and fans alike. Over and over. Until finally he gets sick of and asks to be traded like Corvo (and how many others, we don't even know).

Ottawa fans better wake up and smell the coffee pretty soon. We're becoming more and more like Habs or Leafs fans - and I can't stand the idea of that happening.

has Volchie been that bad? I honestly hadn't noticed...

A train has been this teams best all around D all year. Been nothing short of rock solid and worth every cent he is paid, probably should be paid more.

being this team's best Dman isnt tough at this point

Ummm this team has allowed the least amount of goals in the league, so the D itself is actually pretty good and playing within its limitations.

the forwards have been playing better defensively, buying into Hartsy's system

Yup thats it, you nailed it. Just liek you nailed Leclaire being a top 5 goaltender, saying McDonald "sucks" based on nothing, and saying Chara "sucks" based on nothing again.

Neely4Life wrote:
Everyone has seen what Alfi does and can do, Heatley barly has the puck on that line, hardly ever! How much time does Heatley actually get with the puck with Spezza and Alfi on his line? If I had to guess less than 45 seconds a game, maybe 30, tops. Heatley has been reduced to waiting for a pass and trying to get open. Screw the creativity of Heatley, he doesnt get to show it!

Alfi shows game in and game out what he is made of, he hits guys that are bigger and stronger, he doesnt quit, no matter what the score is what time of the season it is, or what the circumstances are.

Becoming like Habs fans, wouldnt want expectations and demanding the best of our players, thats just unforgivable.

I dare anyone to tell me that Alfi doesnt always put 100% effort in and Spezza does. Spezza isnt even on the same planet as Alfi and comparing Spezza to Alfi is almost insulting the guy.

Pfft. Not buying that for a second. We've seen what Alfie can do, so he earns a reprieve from media and fan's negativity? Interesting. We've all seen what Spezza can do, why can't he earn the same reprieve.

Heatley doesn't touch the puck on that line? I've never heard a weaker excuse.

And if you want to be like Habs fans - which is unfortunately the way we're going - then expect not to see any UFAs here ever. Why would anyone bother coming here when they'll the Dung on all the time? What's the point? The pressure makes you better? Sure it does. I'll take Colorado's pressure any day of the week over this crazy black cloud of sadness here in Ottawa.

Remember when Heatley said he needed to get away from Ottawa and the negativity? Then he proceeded to rip it up in the Worlds? He was speaking directly to fans like you.

Neely4Life wrote:

Tukker wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:

Tukker wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:

Tukker wrote:

504Heater wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:
Well if he doesnt get it then there is a problem. He is signed to the biggest contract in team history, he isnt producing, and he is not playing well. Who the hell would not question his play after signing a 7 year deal for almost 50 million dollars?!

The guy is dense and that statement basically shows exactly why he will never get it!

Then there's a problem with Alfie and Heatley and Fisher and Phillips and Volchenkov. Hell the whole team. But we have to focus on Spezza - always bashing. Media and fans alike. Over and over. Until finally he gets sick of and asks to be traded like Corvo (and how many others, we don't even know).

Ottawa fans better wake up and smell the coffee pretty soon. We're becoming more and more like Habs or Leafs fans - and I can't stand the idea of that happening.

has Volchie been that bad? I honestly hadn't noticed...

A train has been this teams best all around D all year. Been nothing short of rock solid and worth every cent he is paid, probably should be paid more.

being this team's best Dman isnt tough at this point

Ummm this team has allowed the least amount of goals in the league, so the D itself is actually pretty good and playing within its limitations.

the forwards have been playing better defensively, buying into Hartsy's system

Yup thats it, you nailed it. Just liek you nailed Leclaire being a top 5 goaltender, saying McDonald "sucks" based on nothing, and saying Chara "sucks" based on nothing again.

1- I will always argue that leclair is a top 5 goalie. 2- I said compared to Spezza McDonald sucks. 3- I dont believe Chara is that special. He's a big guy with a shot, not much more.