Okay folks, now that game #14 is in the books and the 8-6 regular season is over we can talk about final grades for the players. The players will be graded on how they played compared to the expectations that fans had for them entering the season. Let us begin, in alphabetical order of course.
Ben Breiterman: A+
SEASON WRAPUP: Undoubtedly the best offseason acquisition that Mother Russia has ever made. Ben being in the lineup gives the Red Army a chance to win every night. He distributes the puck with Nikky B like precision and his poise on defense allows some of the offenders to ditch the zone early looking for a spring pass.
WHY THE RED ARMY WINS: Ben plays his same style and hits the net with more of his shots. He keeps oncoming rushes to the outside and lets Kraus see the puck. Mother Russia cruises through a few rounds and plays very well against the better teams.
WHY THE RED ARMY LOSES: Ben lets his emotions best him and punchasizes a guys face into a wall. Other players panic, also fight. Red Army loses by 9 in a penalty filled romping.
Chris Duhaime: B
SEASON WRAPUP: Chris proved to be an elite power forward in the league this season. He averaged 2 points a game and seemed to gel well with Captain Steve Hand at the end of the season. His defensive game still needs some refining, but Chris more than makes up with his breakaway speed and wrist shot.
WHY THE RED ARMY WINS: Chris continues his 2 points-a-game pace and plays more of a puck possession style, limiting the oppositions chances. He backchecks and helps out the Soviet defense, earning a positive number in the +/- column.
WHY THE RED ARMY LOSES: Chris is unable to capitalize on his opportunities and continues to be snake bitten, wringing shot after shot off of the iron.
Steve Hand: B+
SEASON WRAPUP: At the start of the season if it would be known that Steve would be the only ironman to play all 14 games, score a career high 17 goals, and tack on 7 assists, people would think was a sin to not give Steve an "A". But after five or six games the expectations changed, and more was asked of the Captain. Steve still commits untimely turnovers and floats around on defense, but he also has more than showed his willingness to go hard to the net. It comes down to which Captain we see this playoffs.
WHY THE RED ARMY WINS: Steve drives to the net, makes it difficult for defensemen to clear him out, and opens up space for other forwards. He chips on the score sheet and doesn't shy away from digging out loose pucks in the corners. He shows why he wears the "C" and skates hard every shift.
WHY THE RED ARMY LOSES: Steve can't finish his chances and goals that came easier in the regular season don't appear on the scoreboard anymore. Frustration leads to longer shifts which lead to goals against.
Brian Hendricks: B+
SEASON WRAPUP: "Beege" played defense for the majority of the season and provided stability on the backline. His speed is one of his strongest assets and allows him to get back quicker than most of his teammates. A problem late in the season was his lack of offense from the blue line. Whether it was becoming gun shy or being forced to stay back because of his partner joining the rush every time is unknown, but there is no use in keeping a cannon in the warehouse. The few games he did skate up front, he scored in bunches. Many think Beege is better suited up front, and that may be the case for these playoffs.
WHY THE RED ARMY WINS: Regardless of where he plays, Beege is offensively and defensively sound and makes smart plays. He gets shots on goal, gets back on defense, and uses his frame to out muscle opposing players in front.
WHY THE RED ARMY LOSES: Beege can't convert offensively and folds under the pressure of facing the top forwards.
Mark Hendricks: B
SEASON WRAPUP: Mark's point production was interesting this season. He suffered a career low in goals but enjoyed a career high in assists. When inspired, he can play defense on anyone and skate back, but commitment to defense has always been a weak spot in his game and he is often guilty at poaching at center waiting for a pass.
WHY THE RED ARMY WINS: Mark shoots first and asks questions later. Mark gets back to his basics and shows why he can be the most dominant forward in the league. He backchecks hard, forechecks hard, and shoots hard. He cuts the curling and dragging in half and doubles the buzz bombs. Shifts are short and goals (for) are plentiful.
WHY THE RED ARMY LOSES: Mark gets too cute and tries to do too much.
Neal Hendricks: B
SEASON WRAPUP: Neal struggled early in the season with finding his shot, but in the past few games been lighting the lamp. He still panics at times and forces plays that aren't there, but his progress is coming along. His vision is his best attribute. He can see plays develop before others and can serve the puck on a silver platter. For him this playoffs, it is a matter of choosing when to deliver that pass or when to deliver the goal horn himself.
WHY THE RED ARMY WINS: Neal uses his speed to create time and space when he has the puck. He is smart when creating plays and isn't afraid to drive to the net for rebounds. His defense is superb as opposing forwards can't get find open room to create.
WHY THE RED ARMY LOSES: Neal passes too much and shoots too little. He shies away from contact and doesn't skate hard.
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