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DangleFest89
Rookie
122 Posts |
 Posted - 12/29/2008 : 20:55:20
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So not sure if this was up already but, its for sure now Claude Lemieux has got a 2 way contract and could quite an impact player for the Sharks in the playoffs. Any thoughts?
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admin
Forum Admin
Canada
2338 Posts |
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Hustler90
Top Prospect
Canada
53 Posts |
Posted - 12/30/2008 : 09:52:51
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| Well Claude is on a lot of lists for playoff all time stats. He has played 233 games in the playoffs and I think first is Chelios with 266. So hey why not join the best team in the NHL and expand on these playoff stats. |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 12/30/2008 : 13:37:31
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| Although some might view this as a media stunt or a ploy of some kind, I think that San Jose has nothing to lose. It's a two way contract, so if he doesn't perform, the can send him down or he will retire again. However, if one thing has been missing from San Jose's locker room in the past few years it's leadership that has won the Cup before. Lemieux has won a Cup on just about every team he has played for. And as Hustler90 has said, he is on many playoff record lists. He's clutch and if he even has 5-8 minutes of quality ice per game and the addition in the dressing room, this might be what it takes to turn San Jose from a great regular season team to a great playoff team as well! |
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Alex
PickupHockey All-Star
Canada
2816 Posts |
Posted - 12/30/2008 : 15:59:21
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I never did watch Claude Lemieux play so take this comment with a grain of salt, but I would like to remind all the people applauding this move that a top-4 team in the same division got the same type of player for themselves and tanked right afterwards. A pest with a lot of media buzz, who could also get big goals. Since then, the Stars have gone down the drain.
Do I think the same will happen? No, if only for the reason that Claude has spent so much time getting back into shape he isn't going to return it by making some sloppy-seconds comment or something to that effect. But there is a principle called ''If it ain't broke, don't fix it.'' Is there anything broken with the Sharks right now? Under a new coach they have exploded. Not to mention guys like Stegouchi and Clowe proved last season they can be counted on to score behind the primary scoring of Thonrton, Marleau, Cheechoo (and now, Boyle.)
Maybe Claude brings that big-game performer to the locker room, and maybe he is just the role player they need. But 'maybe' is a word that shouldn't come within a ten foot radius of a team that is this good.
Make sure to cast your votes in the PickUpHockey Hall of Fame |
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Guest5299
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Posted - 12/30/2008 : 23:50:40
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| money in the bank alex |
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leigh
Moderator
Canada
1755 Posts |
Posted - 12/31/2008 : 02:20:05
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quote:
Originally posted by Alex
I never did watch Claude Lemieux play so take this comment with a grain of salt, but I would like to remind all the people applauding this move that a top-4 team in the same division got the same type of player for themselves and tanked right afterwards. A pest with a lot of media buzz, who could also get big goals. Since then, the Stars have gone down the drain...
Alex, Lemieux was a completely different player than Avery. Pests, yes. Agitators, yes, that too. But Lemieux was actually a really talented hockey player and kept most of his dirty laundry on the ice. He was a good locker room guy from what I recall from the media back in the day.
And you have to remember that it's a two-way contract. So he will probably fill in for lower-end role players and add higher up-side potential over them. But really I think this is a move in preparation for the playoffs. They'll give him some conditioning and see how he pans out on the farm. If he looks good they'll bring him up.
The Sharks really have nothing to lose in doing this. Should be interesting at the very least. |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 12/31/2008 : 11:04:30
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The biggest difference between Avery and Lemieux was just as Leigh said, in the dressing room. Avery's team mates hate him, Lemieux's team mates loved him.
Huge Difference.
And, correct me if I am wrong, but all of Lemieux was on ice. He never comprimised his team mates through off ice action and, disagree with his actions if you will, he did what it took to win.
I would put Lemieux more in the group of players like Tikkanen and Ken Linseman. Players that were dirty and did what it took to win for the team. Avery belongs with guys like Simon and Steve Downie. Goons that made their team and the sport look bad with their actions. |
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Porkchop73
PickupHockey Pro
640 Posts |
Posted - 12/31/2008 : 11:53:55
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| Most everyone (who was around) can remember what Claude did for Aves against the Wings in the 96 playoffs (I think). He single handedly started a fued between the teams that lasted for 5 or 6 seasons even when several players had changes teams. Heck there still bad blood between the wings and aves after Lemieux was gone. Anyways the wings were so thrown off there game they lost the series and the Aves went on to win the cup. Claude was one of the first players deemed a "superpest" but the difference between him and todays superpest is Claude was not an idiot about it. He knew and did his job well and he excelled in the playoffs. I don't know if he has what it takes to be as effective anymore, he was never a quick skater and was more built to play the clutch and grab style of pre lock out. |
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Claude Lemieux signs 2way contact with Sharks 
