Norrena in Columbus

John F · 01-09-2007, 03:33 PM

Fredrik Norrena -- the throw-in player in the Marc Denis trade -- is now the default starter in Columbus as Leclaire is out after surgery. His number aren't earth shattering but he's been amiable between the pipes.

It all begs the question of what could have been if Feaster actually took a chance on an unproven commodity and kept Freddie Mo' around and invested the money spent on Denis elsewhere...?

Jester47 · 03-03-2007, 11:14 AM

Interesting question. But I think you have to go with a proven commodity.

I know that we have only seen flashes of what Denis could do. I got to watch him when in played in Denver, I try to watch all the Avs games on CI and I know that there is more there.

I also hope that we can sign Homer to the same kind of contract number that they signed Norrena to. I know that he hasn't play a playoff game yet but when he does, is number is going to go way up.

Oceanic39 · 03-03-2007, 01:06 PM

I don't think we've seen the real Marc Denis. I don't know why his game has fallen off - because he was much better in CLB - but this isn't him.

In retrospect though, yes, I think TB would rather have two cheap goaltenders in JH and FN AND Modin than what they have now.

GT is relatively okay (most nights) with JH, but that's a lot of salary on the bench filling water bottles and that's a big hole on Richards' wing.

Fedotenko and Prospal having low goal totals this year is hurting us just as bad, IMO.

John F · 03-03-2007, 01:30 PM

In defense of both Denis and Holmqvist -- and I add Holmer because he's been criticized by others as needing to be challenged, unproven and all that -- there is one thing in net that has been undeniable (from my perspective) this year and that is the energy coming from them. Not ENERGY but I mean there is a different aura (I'm coming off New Agey

) from either netminder compared to what Grahame was putting off last year. Grahame was playing like a chicken with his head cut off. Saves made you relieved in a different sense of it -- not spellbound by ability but "Good god, at least he stopped that one".

You can give credit to the players for just heightening their games, but I do think both netminders have given the team a sense of confidence.

crash · 03-04-2007, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jester47

Interesting question. But I think you have to go with a proven commodity.

I know that we have only seen flashes of what Denis could do. I got to watch him when in played in Denver,

If the "proven commodity" is a goalie that renders 3-4 goals/night, one of them marshmellowy, and can't lead an NHL team to the playoffs, then I suppose Denis is proven across those boards. Don't get me wrong. Denis is a character guy. Took ridin' the pine in stride. Said the right things upon his arrival and took the reigns as expected. My confidence in him isn't suspect, simply lowered. I wasn't cheering him to a Calder Cup with the Bears so that return of devotion held little merit here.

I would disagree slightly that he hasn't played to his strengths though. He has flashed a brilliant glove at times and backstopped several games, both in October and February, to points in bonus hockey when the team in front of him probably didn't deserve a win.

He's also been shaky positionally at times and crept back under his pipes when the defense out front didn't clear his rebounds promptly, leading to costly goals at inopportune times. Those were his characteristics offered in relief of Roy in Denver and over the past several seasons in Columbus. Watched him on CI & in visits here. Unbeatable in stretches, very beatable in others. That oft-reported stat of his '05-'06 record with 3 goals of support was suspect when offered and moreso now, with his 3+ GAA.

Holmqvist in contrast bided his time. Had the quiet confidence that whenever his chance presented itself he could lead this team to an extended winning streak. Then walked the walk. Maintained his professional demeanor and never misspoke, even while the team sunk a half dozen games below .500. Cannot quite determine his penchance for the unscreened slapshot from the blueline finding twine gloveside. Methinks vision perhaps. Stellar otherwise. His contract situation is worrisome now that sides have broken off talks for a spell.

Had to notice the coincidence yesterday between how Reese applauding Holmer's efforts at last spring's IIHF WC & offered him a deal, then Norrena decided the timing was more suitable to bring his young family to North America and we wound up with a glut of candidates in goal
AND the Buckos finalizing the Plummer trade the same day as signing 'journeyman' Garcia to spell Simms, the younger, at QB.

Wicked run-on there, with regrets.

01-09-2007, 03:33 PM	#1 (permalink)
John F Administrator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tampa Bay area, Florida Posts: 2,497	Norrena in Columbus Fredrik Norrena -- the throw-in player in the Marc Denis trade -- is now the default starter in Columbus as Leclaire is out after surgery. His number aren't earth shattering but he's been amiable between the pipes. It all begs the question of what could have been if Feaster actually took a chance on an unproven commodity and kept Freddie Mo' around and invested the money spent on Denis elsewhere...?

03-03-2007, 01:06 PM	#3 (permalink)
Oceanic39 Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: boltprospects.com Posts: 20	I don't think we've seen the real Marc Denis. I don't know why his game has fallen off - because he was much better in CLB - but this isn't him. In retrospect though, yes, I think TB would rather have two cheap goaltenders in JH and FN AND Modin than what they have now. GT is relatively okay (most nights) with JH, but that's a lot of salary on the bench filling water bottles and that's a big hole on Richards' wing. Fedotenko and Prospal having low goal totals this year is hurting us just as bad, IMO. __________________ The Lightnings is Great Success!

03-03-2007, 11:14 AM	#2 (permalink)
Jester47 Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 34	Interesting question. But I think you have to go with a proven commodity. I know that we have only seen flashes of what Denis could do. I got to watch him when in played in Denver, I try to watch all the Avs games on CI and I know that there is more there. I also hope that we can sign Homer to the same kind of contract number that they signed Norrena to. I know that he hasn't play a playoff game yet but when he does, is number is going to go way up.

03-03-2007, 01:30 PM	#4 (permalink)
John F Administrator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tampa Bay area, Florida Posts: 2,497	In defense of both Denis and Holmqvist -- and I add Holmer because he's been criticized by others as needing to be challenged, unproven and all that -- there is one thing in net that has been undeniable (from my perspective) this year and that is the energy coming from them. Not ENERGY but I mean there is a different aura (I'm coming off New Agey ) from either netminder compared to what Grahame was putting off last year. Grahame was playing like a chicken with his head cut off. Saves made you relieved in a different sense of it -- not spellbound by ability but "Good god, at least he stopped that one". You can give credit to the players for just heightening their games, but I do think both netminders have given the team a sense of confidence.