| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| nashvillepreds |
Posted - 10/26/2007 : 12:58:13
Hey guys, it's Greg Smith, former NHL player. I was just wondering, since I'll be at Nash's house for the next 2 weeks if you have any questions for me about the NHL. Like any players I've played with, What it's like in the playoffs, that kind of stuff. Or anything else you want answered.
Guys, please try to keep this on topic too. Thanks
Greg.
If i like how this goes, maybe I'll consider joining full time.
GO PREDATORS GO |
| 27 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Greg Smith |
Posted - 12/07/2007 : 12:43:27
I finally found it. I'll be running this again. Sorry guys about the wait. |
| Canucks Man |
Posted - 11/04/2007 : 23:38:48
Greg,
I was just wondering what you thought of playing with Steve Yzerman on Detroit?
Thanks.
CANUCKS RULE!!!
|
| willus3 |
Posted - 11/03/2007 : 12:36:43
Greg,
You fought your share of fights in the NHL. Just wondering who the toughest was you fought.
I'm sure Andyhack would be interested in knowing how the fight with O'Reilly was.
You had a couple fights with Rick Vaive. You beat him pretty well the second time. Was that pay back for the first fight or did you win the first one as well?
Who beat you the worst? I imagine Shanahan was pretty tough.
What was your best fight?
Geez, I feel a little juvenile now. 
"I'm a man of principle... or not. Whatever the situation calls for." - Alan Shore |
| Greg Smith |
Posted - 10/31/2007 : 10:01:49
Guys, I don't haven't had a chance to answer your questions lately. They'll be answered tonight so stay posted.
After playing in the NHL, it's hard to watch hockey games. |
| Guest5675 |
Posted - 10/31/2007 : 04:52:23
Greg,
I grew up watching hockey in the 70's and 80's most goalies still played upright.
Will there ever be another "stand-up" goalie? The last one that I remember seeing try was Trevor Kidd for Brandon in juniors.
How tough would it be to score on the butterfly guys now vs, the old scholol netminders who played the angles more? |
| andyhack |
Posted - 10/28/2007 : 10:04:10
Who do you think is the most underrated player you played with and the most underrated player you played against? I'm wondering if Rick Middleton would be high on the latter list?
|
| Beans15 |
Posted - 10/28/2007 : 07:51:41
Looking at the game over the past 5-10 years and specifically the "uglier" parts of the game. Things like the Bertuzzi Incident, McSorley on Brashear, TooToo, Downie, Boulerice, the list goes on and one. Firstly, what are you thoughts on the games today vs when you played?? Is there still a Code in the NHL and if so, is it followed like is was in the past?? What happened to the game to make these situatons happen more frequently?? And what needs to be done to clean this crap up??
Or, was it just as nasty and dirty before but though length of time, people forget??
If you are under the age of 15, please do some research before you make a post about anything pre-1997. |
| Greg Smith |
Posted - 10/28/2007 : 06:32:22
I'd like to answer some more questions though so if anybody has anything at all like even how tall are you for example, just ask away. |
| Greg Smith |
Posted - 10/28/2007 : 06:31:39
quote:
Originally posted by willus3
quote:
Originally posted by Greg Smith
Willus: I played about 20 games against Gretzky in my career. He made me look foolish a few times. Once he had the puck along the boards and I went to check him and he moves so that i tripped over the puck and went face-first into the boards (I still have the scar) Then there was the time he deeked me out of my pants. He went in on the wing and put the puck behind his back. went i went after him he slid the puck off one of my skates to his other forward (I don't remember who) who then passed it back to Gretzky (who got robbed by our goalie)
The best defenceman I ever played against was Paul Coffey. The best defenceman I ever played with was Scott Stevens.
My order:
Coffey
Bourque
Potvin
Robinson
Chelios
(feel free to disagree)
My top 5 players of all time are:
Gretzky
Orr
Howe
Messier
Coffey
(feel free to disagree again)
After playing in the NHL, it's hard to watch hockey games.
Of course you know I'll disagree.
Coffey? Really? Wow. I think that's insulting to defencemen who are actually good at the defensive part.
Personally I don't think Coffey deserves any of his Norris trophies. I can name better defencemen every year he won.
Where do you put Brad Park and Mark Howe on that list?
Messier and Coffey are better than Lemieux?
How about Potvin? Lately I've been thinking he's overrated. I've been watching some old games and I'm noticing how often he turned the puck over or got caught pinching which he did alot. I wonder if this is why I never really liked Potvin. I've always rated him highly of course but maybe this is why I am left with the impression of him that I have. Never cared for him.
"You are not your desktop wallpaper"
Willus, The only thing I might change would be Potvin and Robinson. Your right with what you said about Potvin, just robinson did the same thing.
After playing in the NHL, it's hard to watch hockey games. |
| Greg Smith |
Posted - 10/27/2007 : 19:04:42
If anybody has any question at all just feel free to ask.
After playing in the NHL, it's hard to watch hockey games. |
| Greg Smith |
Posted - 10/27/2007 : 18:32:08
Just my opinions buddy. It's alright to have different opinions. Just you've never played with any of these guys. Coffey deserved most of his norris' if not all. He just over powers everybody on the ice. As far as my top 5 overall, Lemieux would be number six.
After playing in the NHL, it's hard to watch hockey games. |
| willus3 |
Posted - 10/27/2007 : 17:28:41
quote:
Originally posted by Greg Smith
Willus: I played about 20 games against Gretzky in my career. He made me look foolish a few times. Once he had the puck along the boards and I went to check him and he moves so that i tripped over the puck and went face-first into the boards (I still have the scar) Then there was the time he deeked me out of my pants. He went in on the wing and put the puck behind his back. went i went after him he slid the puck off one of my skates to his other forward (I don't remember who) who then passed it back to Gretzky (who got robbed by our goalie)
The best defenceman I ever played against was Paul Coffey. The best defenceman I ever played with was Scott Stevens.
My order:
Coffey
Bourque
Potvin
Robinson
Chelios
(feel free to disagree)
My top 5 players of all time are:
Gretzky
Orr
Howe
Messier
Coffey
(feel free to disagree again)
After playing in the NHL, it's hard to watch hockey games.
Of course you know I'll disagree.
Coffey? Really? Wow. I think that's insulting to defencemen who are actually good at the defensive part.
Personally I don't think Coffey deserves any of his Norris trophies. I can name better defencemen every year he won.
Where do you put Brad Park and Mark Howe on that list?
Messier and Coffey are better than Lemieux?
How about Potvin? Lately I've been thinking he's overrated. I've been watching some old games and I'm noticing how often he turned the puck over or got caught pinching which he did alot. I wonder if this is why I never really liked Potvin. I've always rated him highly of course but maybe this is why I am left with the impression of him that I have. Never cared for him.
"You are not your desktop wallpaper" |
| Greg Smith |
Posted - 10/27/2007 : 16:28:10
Willus: I played about 20 games against Gretzky in my career. He made me look foolish a few times. Once he had the puck along the boards and I went to check him and he moves so that i tripped over the puck and went face-first into the boards (I still have the scar) Then there was the time he deeked me out of my pants. He went in on the wing and put the puck behind his back. went i went after him he slid the puck off one of my skates to his other forward (I don't remember who) who then passed it back to Gretzky (who got robbed by our goalie)
The best defenceman I ever played against was Paul Coffey. The best defenceman I ever played with was Scott Stevens.
My order:
Coffey
Bourque
Potvin
Robinson
Chelios
(feel free to disagree)
My top 5 players of all time are:
Gretzky
Orr
Howe
Messier
Coffey
(feel free to disagree again)
After playing in the NHL, it's hard to watch hockey games. |
| willus3 |
Posted - 10/27/2007 : 15:19:54
How many games did you play against Gretzky? Did he ever make you look foolish?
Who is the best defenceman you've played with/against? In what order what you put the following d-men? Potvin, Robinson, Park, Howe, Bourque, Coffey, Chelios
Who are your top 5 players of all time?
"You are not your desktop wallpaper" |
| Greg Smith |
Posted - 10/27/2007 : 12:34:49
Andyhack:
1) I can remember now, when lafleur played with Montreal. Whenever he even touched the puck, a few fans would chant his name. He was underrated, I believe. He was overshadowed by Bossy and Gretzky at the end of his career. Playing with Montreal though, he got all the Credit he deserved.
2) I never really feared playing against anybody. I didn't like playing against Larry Murphy. He was a very tough guy to play against. He didn't look the part but he played it. He was always trying to outplay everyone. There is actually a lot of other players I didn't like playing against. Well I guess the only guy I really "feared" was Ron Francis. He was a very tough, talented opponent. My coach almost never put me on against him though. Another guy I really didn't like that much was Joel Otto, he was very intimidating with his size and his forecheck. I remember a lot of guys being afraid of him. That's the only guy that really actually scared anybody. Marty mcsorley is another story. We didn't really get scared.
3) Watching Crosby play now compared to Gretzky back in the 80's I'd say that he would have had maybe 20 points more. The goalies never had the butterfly style that they have today. The goal average per agme was about 1 goal more than today. the 4th line though was played more often than today and was much more capable of scoring. you can never tell though.
4) no, I wasn't that good ryan Smyth would have to be up their too. his gritt plus his scoring abilities are truly great. I hae to say I'm definitly the worst that you named there. Aside from Ryan, there weren't many other great smiths other than Jason.
I have to say guys, i'm enjoying being on this site with you. Any more questions?
After playing in the NHL, it's hard to watch hockey games. |
| Greg Smith |
Posted - 10/27/2007 : 12:12:42
Leafs rock Planet: that is the easiest question yet, Wayne Gretzky. As I said before, The best player to ever play the game. The Oilers those years weren't anything without Gretzky.
After playing in the NHL, it's hard to watch hockey games. |
| Greg Smith |
Posted - 10/27/2007 : 12:06:43
Fly: the Cleveland Barons were a great team. i only had the chance to play with them for 2 years, but i enjoyed it. we never came close to filling the arena, but there wasn't a lot of pressure, a great way to start a hockey career. we were doing alright until our famous 15 game losing streak in january i believe. Jim Neilson and Bob Stewart were also amazing guys to play with and be around.
After playing in the NHL, it's hard to watch hockey games. |
| Greg Smith |
Posted - 10/27/2007 : 11:59:24
Jeremy: I think that a lot of good teams have a chance at the cup this year. I like about 4 teams for the cup
Ottawa Senators: The fast skating highly skilled players have now found out what the playoffs are like. i think they can advance to the finals again.
Detroit Red Wings: Zetterberg will have a career year. He'll be in the 100 point range if he stays healthy. They have battled in the playoffs before. If Hasek pl;ays well they have a chance too.
Minnesota Wild: I believe Backstom can bring them to at least the 3rd round, as long as they pick up a couple good players at the deadline.
Carolina hurricanes: Staal is back in 100 point form, Brind amour is playing really well and Ward is playing better than he ever has during the regulasr season.
After playing in the NHL, it's hard to watch hockey games. |
| Greg Smith |
Posted - 10/27/2007 : 11:51:50
Leafsfan 101: I never played with Gretzky on a team, i did play against him though. He was a very talented skater and puck handler which is understating how brilliant a hockey player he was, nobody who has played with him can doubt he was the best all time.
My NHL teams:
California Golden Seals
Cleveland Barons (when California relocated)
Minnesota North Stars (my favourite)
Detroit Red Wings
Washington Capitals
After playing in the NHL, it's hard to watch hockey games. |
| Greg Smith |
Posted - 10/27/2007 : 11:46:36
Wow guys, looks like i have a lot to say.
Willus: Rod Langway, i have to say was an amazing defenceman. Not to doubt hist alents, but he was overated. He was more of a stay at home defenceman, like me, but he got a few points per season as well which made him a good candidate for the Norris trophy both years he won it. Paul coffey desereved it though.He had like 120 points that season and was unstopable. He was overall, the best candidate for it that year (I think it was the 83/84 season) Back to your question though, he was overated but still amazing. I never got to challenge Gartner to a fastest lap around the rink, I was too old and he was too fast. I challenged Scott Stevens though and he won.
After playing in the NHL, it's hard to watch hockey games. |
| andyhack |
Posted - 10/27/2007 : 07:32:42
First of all, thank you very much for whatever contribution you made to that big victory over the Habs in the '80 playoffs! You guys ended a great dynasty that year, and for a Bruin fan like me, any day the Habs lose is a good day!
Actually, I miss the North Stars. Here's a site I was just looking at.
http://www.northstarshockey.com/playoffs.htm
Here are my questions:
1. Having played against Guy Lafleur in the late '70s, I'm curious about both how that felt, and also what you think of his place in history. Some seem to think he is a little overrated historically. I tend to think, if anything, he is a little underrated.
2. I guess related to the above, who is the player you most feared playing - perhaps it wasn't one of the super offensive guys like Guy, Wayne, Mario... but some goon on the Flyers, I don't know - or one of my Big Bad Bruins maybe . Or maybe Trottier?
Of course, "fear" may not be the right word, but whatever you want to call it - "goosebumps", "butterfllies" ... Well, maybe that's another question I have for you. Do NHL players "fear" playing against certain other NHL players?
3. As you may have read, there has been talk here about comparing '80s hockey to today's hockey. In particular, we have been wondering about how many points Sid would have achieved on the '80s Oilers in Wayne's place. Having played in the '80s and faced that Oilers team, what are your thoughts on that?
4. There have been some great Smiths to play in the NHL. Outside of Bobby Smith, Gary Smith, Dallas Smith and Steve Smith (am I forgetting anyone?), is it fair to say that you are the best "Smith" to have ever played in the NHL?
Anyway, thanks for offering to give us your thoughts!
|
| Leafs Rock Planet |
Posted - 10/27/2007 : 07:09:49
Who was the biggest superstar you ever played against in your NHL career. |
| fly4apuckguy |
Posted - 10/27/2007 : 06:59:48
What was it like being a part of the Cleveland Barons? |
| Jeremy12 |
Posted - 10/26/2007 : 19:36:34
Who do you think is winning the cup this year? and why?
and Nash is a beast!!!
[IMG]http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x49/Jeremy12_24/spezza_sig21.jpg[/IMG] |
| leafsfan_101 |
Posted - 10/26/2007 : 19:23:28
Hey Greg, what year did you play with Gretzky? And for what teams and years did you play in the NHL?? |
| willus3 |
Posted - 10/26/2007 : 15:36:35
Nice to have you aboard Mr. Smith.
What are your thoughts on Rod Langway? Just how solid was he on the blueline. I remember thinking he was solid but playing with him for three years you must have formed an opinion. Have his defensive abilities been overstated?
Did you ever challenge Mike Gartner to a fastest lap around the rink?
"You are not your desktop wallpaper" |
| Greg Smith |
Posted - 10/26/2007 : 13:13:36
Well I made my own user, I'm an official member of pickuphockey
After playing in the NHL, it's hard to watch hckey games. |
