i am not a fan of mikael samuelsson

by bitterguy on Oct 22, 2009 1:47 AM PDT Comment 9 comments

okay, great win tonight against the punks, and mikael scores the game winning goal unassisted on a good defensive play on the forecheck to go along with a good assist, and yet i hated his game tonight, and every game i've seen him in a canucks sweater.

specifically there are 2 things i really don't like:

1. he floats most of the game. i'm not sure if he's getting old, or trying to conserve energy or just disinterested most of the time but his forecheck is generally uninspired (tonight's goal was as much brian campbell's gift as anything). in the first period the puck was thrown to the side boards off an offensive zone faceoff and sat not 10 feet from samuelsson and he didn't even make a move for it, letting his man just skate over and pick it up.

2. he sucks on the point. sucks. horrific decisions like the stupid pass to bieksa against the flames that resulted in the shorthanded goal against are regular occurences and his movement with the puck through the neutral zone seems to baffle the rest of the players on the power play as much as it does me. many bad passes in transition, tries to be too cute, doesn't hold the puck in well, doesn't quarterback the power play in a way that gets guys open looks at the net. the bad thing about it is that with salo out there isn't really a better option on the team so i'm hoping that schneider can be a revelation back there when he starts playing.

am i getting picky? given his point production so far probably yes. is he my least favorite player on the canucks? no, that would be demitra who is everything bad about samuelsson and then some, but he's not playing right now which makes for really unsatisfying rants. i just had high hopes for mikael and his veteran savvy but those expectations just make me yell at the tv during games.

Poll

am i the only one?

yes, but at least you're living up to your username

82 votes

no, he's annoying me too

9 votes

91 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

I think you’re pointing out his weaknesses, which is fair enough, however let me address those.

1) He used to play on the third line in Detroit, I have faith in him as far as his abilities to be a two-way player. That being said, it’s up to Vignault to see that he keeps playing that way especially since he’s now getting more time on the second line.

2) So he doesn’t deserve to be on the point, I’m pretty sure that’s not why we brought him here. You know the reason he’s there? Because Schneider and Salo are injured, and they’re the ones who should be there. Sure we have Erhoff, Bieksa, and Edler to put out there, but that’s only three guys. I cringe to see O’Brien or Rome out on the power play. Seeing Mitchell out there, given his play lately, maybe, but we need him on the PK, so how much time can he handle?

You’re being too picky. In this early season, Samuelson has the most game winning goals on the team and at least a point in 7 of our first 9 hockey games. So hold on before you disown the guy, wait until he gets streaky like the Wings fans say he will, and add that to your arsenal. Otherwise, I still think there’s time to reserve your judgement and hope he keeps up his point production.

by thelastjohnny on Oct 22, 2009 3:14 AM PDT reply actions

I’m really confused how you like Demo better than Sammy, especially when it comes floating. At least Sammy dives into the corners and isn’t afraid to get chippy. It helps when you’re not made of tin foil.

I agree he floats and his defensive game may need some help, but when he’s leading the team in goals (and two game winners) and is a point per game guy, I’m not saying a word. Love him, more of the same please.

'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.

by Yankee Canuck on Oct 22, 2009 3:34 AM PDT reply actions

is he my least favorite player on the canucks? no, that would be demitra who is everything bad about samuelsson and then some, but he’s not playing right now which makes for really unsatisfying rants.

He doesn’t like Demo.

by thelastjohnny on Oct 22, 2009 4:41 AM PDT up reply actions

Opps. That what happens when you read things through blurry eyes at 6:00 AM. My bad.

'Nucks Misconduct - Housing Swedish Millionaires Since 2000.

by Yankee Canuck on Oct 22, 2009 6:41 AM PDT up reply actions

He's been my favourite Canuck this year

An inspired signing by MG. Let’s enjoy it while it lasts.

Tonight’s game pretty much justified his salary, in my opinion.

by Jevant on Oct 22, 2009 5:31 AM PDT reply actions

I have to agree that he was a great signing.

Surprised to read a fanpost like this. I don’t watch much Canucks’ hockey but he’s impressed me so far this year.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Oct 23, 2009 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions

have some more haterade u goof!

go cheer for another team if u hate him so much.

by canuck! on Oct 23, 2009 6:05 PM PDT reply actions

simmer down, just because someone doesn’t like a specific player doesn’t mean they’re a fan of the team.
besides, he’s just pointing out what he’s noticing about sammy.

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GO CANUCKS GO!

by missy on Oct 24, 2009 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions