In Defence of Spezza

Haha, I love how everyone in defense of SPezza's piss poor play start asking about Alfi and Heatley. Yup, cant defend him lets blame the two international stars and captain.

Neely4Life wrote:

Tukker wrote:anyone else tired of arguing with this guy?

Hey, Im not argueing anything, I give my opinons and they people either say "you're wrong, or you're write" I really wouldnt expect you espcially to actually understand what a debate is.

I'd never say "you're write".

I'm a Spezza fan, but have been critical of him for a long time. I'm starting to get encouraged. Through his recent lack of production and lazy penalties I'm slowly seeing a side of him I thought would never exist. This isn't sarcasm, he's getting better.

He's playing harder on the puck, his reckless turnovers are subsiding, dumping the puck in(!?), and taking shots on goal when there isn't any great alternative option out there. It doesn't mean much if his production doesn't follow suit, but he has managed to get it going each previous season.

Sure, we could trade him to free up some of the money we have locked up at the forward position (Neely's point). The fact that we tied up so much at forward relative to defence is a valid one. We could trade Fisher instead (per Heater) but it's true that we won't get a comparable return nor will we free up as much space.

Many will feel that I am stretching it by saying that Spezza is showing signs of improving as an all around player in spite of a temporary lapse in scoring and discipline (Collar Up's point). It's a highly relative and subjective opionion. But I do think its true, so I don't feel like trading him yet.

Trading away a premier no.1 center scares the daylights out of me. The way I see it, if we trade him and we don't win, we're having this exact conversation in reverse, trying to get rid of our newest scapegoat in favor of a bonafide no. 1 center.

Yes, if you want to lose on a deal you can grab a PPG center from almost any team.

From one of my previous posts...Spezza had 1.21 Pts/G last year, seventh best of ALL players in the league, not just centers. Also tied for 6th in league scoring with Zetterberg and Lecavalier. I was shocked to discover that he was a +26! 12th best in the league. And he played in 76 games...

Neely4Life wrote:Haha, I love how everyone in defense of SPezza's piss poor play start asking about Alfi and Heatley. Yup, cant defend him lets blame the two international stars and captain.

we're defending Spezz Dispenser by comparing him to two teammates. Yes, Spezz isn't playing his best, but neither are half the team. so why Spezz? It seems like a personal Vandetta

504Heater wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:
Fans like me that pay to go to every game eh... Fans like me pay their salaries.

Heatley doesnt touch the puck on that line because if he did the other two wouldnt be playing their games at all. There is 1 puck and 3 players on that line, Alfi and Spezza who both like to control the puck. If you actually dont see that then whats the point. Its not a weak excuse, its a fact!

Doesn't matter if you pay their salaries. The building only holds 20,000 people. There's a finite number of people that can go - and there will always be people around to take your place.

The point was Dany Heatley made one of his few - perhaps his only - point about fans and Ottawa media right before heading to the Worlds and exploding for record numbers of points and MVP honours. Way too negative, no matter what, it affects our game to a degree.

The thinking is, people might listen and get the message.

He was wrong unfortunately.

Yup, he could go play in a place where no one cares, for sure he could.

This team were all Gods when they went to the finals, and now they are something like 20 games under 500 over the last year, making way more, they cant handle it? Take the good with the bad, they get the cash for it. If you're not doing your job at work, do your boses say, well buck up, you will get it eventually.

Neely4Life wrote:
Oh, I seriously doubt that someone is there to take my spot because there are still season tickets left for sale every year, and right now they cant even sell out a Leafs game.

Meh, there will be. The Leaf game was sold out by 500 people, but they didn't do the 20,500 standing room they usually get.

Economic times + people writing the team off will get less tickets sold. But...as usual, Ottawa bounces back up to the top of the attendance chart.

Neely4Life wrote:

504Heater wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:
Fans like me that pay to go to every game eh... Fans like me pay their salaries.

Heatley doesnt touch the puck on that line because if he did the other two wouldnt be playing their games at all. There is 1 puck and 3 players on that line, Alfi and Spezza who both like to control the puck. If you actually dont see that then whats the point. Its not a weak excuse, its a fact!

Doesn't matter if you pay their salaries. The building only holds 20,000 people. There's a finite number of people that can go - and there will always be people around to take your place.

The point was Dany Heatley made one of his few - perhaps his only - point about fans and Ottawa media right before heading to the Worlds and exploding for record numbers of points and MVP honours. Way too negative, no matter what, it affects our game to a degree.

The thinking is, people might listen and get the message.

He was wrong unfortunately.

Yup, he could go play in a place where no one cares, for sure he could.

This team were all Gods when they went to the finals, and now they are something like 20 games under 500 over the last year, making way more, they cant handle it? Take the good with the bad, they get the cash for it. If you're not doing your job at work, do your boses say, well buck up, you will get it eventually.

offer Spezza or Heatley to most any team in the league for a Thornton like deal. I'll bet you dollars to donuts they'll be more than a couple takers

Tukker wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:Haha, I love how everyone in defense of SPezza's piss poor play start asking about Alfi and Heatley. Yup, cant defend him lets blame the two international stars and captain.

we're defending Spezz Dispenser by comparing him to two teammates. Yes, Spezz isn't playing his best, but neither are half the team. so why Spezz? It seems like a personal Vandetta

NO! It has nothing to do with it just being Spezza, Ive said it for about a month now. It has to do with the CAP, the commitment to D this team needs, and what this team needs to look like going forward.

People draw their own conclussions to what I say and think its trashing him, kinda sad really. But I could actually get my little cousin to put together some drawings for you and draw it out since you really dont get anything that Ive said period.

Tukker wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:

504Heater wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:
Fans like me that pay to go to every game eh... Fans like me pay their salaries.

Heatley doesnt touch the puck on that line because if he did the other two wouldnt be playing their games at all. There is 1 puck and 3 players on that line, Alfi and Spezza who both like to control the puck. If you actually dont see that then whats the point. Its not a weak excuse, its a fact!

Doesn't matter if you pay their salaries. The building only holds 20,000 people. There's a finite number of people that can go - and there will always be people around to take your place.

The point was Dany Heatley made one of his few - perhaps his only - point about fans and Ottawa media right before heading to the Worlds and exploding for record numbers of points and MVP honours. Way too negative, no matter what, it affects our game to a degree.

The thinking is, people might listen and get the message.

He was wrong unfortunately.

Yup, he could go play in a place where no one cares, for sure he could.

This team were all Gods when they went to the finals, and now they are something like 20 games under 500 over the last year, making way more, they cant handle it? Take the good with the bad, they get the cash for it. If you're not doing your job at work, do your boses say, well buck up, you will get it eventually.

offer Spezza or Heatley to most any team in the league for a Thornton like deal. I'll bet you dollars to donuts they'll be more than a couple takers

Probably, why wouldnt they? Is there a point there? Would a team take Spezza for 1 other player who can score and a top 4 D man, yeah.

Neely4Life wrote:

Tukker wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:Haha, I love how everyone in defense of SPezza's piss poor play start asking about Alfi and Heatley. Yup, cant defend him lets blame the two international stars and captain.

we're defending Spezz Dispenser by comparing him to two teammates. Yes, Spezz isn't playing his best, but neither are half the team. so why Spezz? It seems like a personal Vandetta

NO! It has nothing to do with it just being Spezza, Ive said it for about a month now. It has to do with the CAP, the commitment to D this team needs, and what this team needs to look like going forward.

People draw their own conclussions to what I say and think its trashing him, kinda sad really. But I could actually get my little cousin to put together some drawings for you and draw it out since you really dont get anything that Ive said period.

But from a CAP perspective, your logic doesn't jive.

Not only is Spezza the youngest player on the line and a top centre (which is important), but he's also cheaper.

Just my opinion, but you deal guys like Fisher, Vermette etc. and get rid of salaries like Gerber's before you even consider dealing a 25 year old established star centreman.

asq2 wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:

Tukker wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:Haha, I love how everyone in defense of SPezza's piss poor play start asking about Alfi and Heatley. Yup, cant defend him lets blame the two international stars and captain.

we're defending Spezz Dispenser by comparing him to two teammates. Yes, Spezz isn't playing his best, but neither are half the team. so why Spezz? It seems like a personal Vandetta

NO! It has nothing to do with it just being Spezza, Ive said it for about a month now. It has to do with the CAP, the commitment to D this team needs, and what this team needs to look like going forward.

People draw their own conclussions to what I say and think its trashing him, kinda sad really. But I could actually get my little cousin to put together some drawings for you and draw it out since you really dont get anything that Ive said period.

But from a CAP perspective, your logic doesn't jive.

Not only is Spezza the youngest player on the line and a top centre (which is important), but he's also cheaper.

Just my opinion, but you deal guys like Fisher, Vermette etc. and get rid of salaries like Gerber's before you even consider dealing a 25 year old established star centreman.

You are planning for the future and that future includes a weak Canadian dollar, a terrible economy that is on the verge of depression in the U.S. The cap could very well take a major hit and be in the 48 -50 million dollar range over the next few years.

Fisher has a NMC and if you can convince him to waive it to, great, do it. He wont waive it to go just anywhere, say Florida. There are so many teams in this league losing money and looking to dump salry its depressing to see.

Saying Spezza is a "star" is also an opinion. He is a good 1st line center, star leaves the assumption he is an elite player.

Neely4Life wrote:

asq2 wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:

Tukker wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:Haha, I love how everyone in defense of SPezza's piss poor play start asking about Alfi and Heatley. Yup, cant defend him lets blame the two international stars and captain.

we're defending Spezz Dispenser by comparing him to two teammates. Yes, Spezz isn't playing his best, but neither are half the team. so why Spezz? It seems like a personal Vandetta

NO! It has nothing to do with it just being Spezza, Ive said it for about a month now. It has to do with the CAP, the commitment to D this team needs, and what this team needs to look like going forward.

People draw their own conclussions to what I say and think its trashing him, kinda sad really. But I could actually get my little cousin to put together some drawings for you and draw it out since you really dont get anything that Ive said period.

But from a CAP perspective, your logic doesn't jive.

Not only is Spezza the youngest player on the line and a top centre (which is important), but he's also cheaper.

Just my opinion, but you deal guys like Fisher, Vermette etc. and get rid of salaries like Gerber's before you even consider dealing a 25 year old established star centreman.

You are planning for the future and that future includes a weak Canadian dollar, a terrible economy that is on the verge of depression in the U.S. The cap could very well take a major hit and be in the 48 -50 million dollar range over the next few years.

Fisher has a NMC and if you can convince him to waive it to, great, do it. He wont waive it to go just anywhere, say Florida. There are so many teams in this league losing money and looking to dump salry its depressing to see.

Saying Spezza is a "star" is also an opinion. He is a good 1st line center, star leaves the assumption he is an elite player.

which is the correct assumption.

Spezza is not elite. Defend him all you want but you are only lying to yourself saying he is elite.

Lecailvier, Zettiberg, Malkin, Crosby, Datsyuk are elite. Spezza is no where near those guys.

Neely4Life wrote:Spezza is not elite. Defend him all you want but you are only lying to yourself saying he is elite.

Lecailvier, Zettiberg, Malkin, Crosby, Datsyuk are elite. Spezza is no where near those guys.

did you every start to think that since 10 or so people are disagreeing with you, maybe you are incorrect, not us? or would that involve some humility?

Spezza isnt as good as those guys, I am talking to bias Sens fans and actually watch other teams and games aside from the ones the Sens are involved in.

I would say 10 either, I would say about 5, Heater, Wrarger, ASQ, you and well, those are the 4 main ones.

Can you not count either? Others might disagree with it but some actually are good to have a convo with that just dont have a yes or no to give.

Neely4Life wrote:Spezza isnt as good as those guys, I am talking to bias Sens fans and actually watch other teams and games aside from the ones the Sens are involved in.

I would say 10 either, I would say about 5, Heater, Wrarger, ASQ, you and well, those are the 4 main ones.

Can you not count either? Others might disagree with it but some actually are good to have a convo with that just dont have a yes or no to give.

I havent always been a sens fan. I was a Bruins fan as a child(Bobby Orr...need I say more?), a Leafs fan as a teenager(I live in Leaf Land), and A Nordiques fan as an adult. Finally when the Nords moved I became a sens fan. I also watch every Habs or Bs game I can, and make an effort to watch some West games. ya, thats real biased...

Tukker wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:Spezza isnt as good as those guys, I am talking to bias Sens fans and actually watch other teams and games aside from the ones the Sens are involved in.

I would say 10 either, I would say about 5, Heater, Wrarger, ASQ, you and well, those are the 4 main ones.

Can you not count either? Others might disagree with it but some actually are good to have a convo with that just dont have a yes or no to give.

I havent always been a sens fan. I was a Bruins fan as a child(Bobby Orr...need I say more?), a Leafs fan as a teenager(I live in Leaf Land), and A Nordiques fan as an adult. Finally when the Nords moved I became a sens fan. I also watch every Habs or Bs game I can, and make an effort to watch some West games. ya, thats real biased...

Oh ya, no bias at all when talking about SPezza, hahaha.

Neely4Life wrote:

Tukker wrote:

Neely4Life wrote:Spezza isnt as good as those guys, I am talking to bias Sens fans and actually watch other teams and games aside from the ones the Sens are involved in.

I would say 10 either, I would say about 5, Heater, Wrarger, ASQ, you and well, those are the 4 main ones.

Can you not count either? Others might disagree with it but some actually are good to have a convo with that just dont have a yes or no to give.

I havent always been a sens fan. I was a Bruins fan as a child(Bobby Orr...need I say more?), a Leafs fan as a teenager(I live in Leaf Land), and A Nordiques fan as an adult. Finally when the Nords moved I became a sens fan. I also watch every Habs or Bs game I can, and make an effort to watch some West games. ya, thats real biased...

and Asq knows more about hockey than you ever will. Him and Ronneypoo are probably the most reliable guys on the site.
Oh ya, no bias at all when talking about SPezza, hahaha.