Brayden Schenn's Potential

by OrangeNblacK on Aug 15, 2011 5:45 PM EDT

The consensus NHL comparable to new Flyer Brayden Schenn is old Flyer (ew) Mike Richards. They are both 2-way centers that have tremendous leadership ability, a physical game, and can light up the score sheet. Richie has been slightly under PPG for the majority of his veteran NHL career. His junior numbers predicted his offensive success in the NHL, as junior numbers usually do. If this is the case then why are people saying that Schenn's upside is Mike Richards? Brayden Schenn scored at a 1.52 points-per-game clip as an 18-year-old in the WHL and
registered an astounding 1.97 PPG the following year (which ended roughly three months before his 20th birthday---yes he is still only 19). Richards on the other hand topped at 1.53 in the year where he started as an 18-year-old and turned 19 during the February of that season only to dip back down to 1.3 PPG in his final junior season. After the jump check the side by side comparison of the old and new Mike Richards in their pre-NHL days.

		Mike Richards				Brayden Schenn				Variance
League	Age	Year	Games	Points	P/G	Year	Games	Points	P/G	Points	P/G
World Junior Tournament
WJC	18	2004	6	5	0.83	2010	6	8	1.33		0.50
WJC	19	2005	6	5	0.83	2011	7	18	2.57		1.74
Major Junior Hockey Career
O/WHL	16	2002	65	58	0.89	2008	66	71	1.08		0.18
O/WHL	17	2003	67	87	1.30	2009	70	88	1.26		-0.04
O/WHL	18	2004	58	89	1.53	2010	59	99	1.68		0.14
O/WHL	19	2005	43	58	1.35	2011	29	57	1.97		0.62
First AHL Season + Playoffs
AHL	20/19	2005	14	15	1.07	2011	12	11	0.92		-0.15

Before you check out the numbers, know that Mike Richards was born on 2/11/1985 and Schenn was born on 8/22/1991. That means that Richie was slightly over six months older than Schenn for every one of those seasons. So during Schenn's first AHL season (last year) he was still 19 at the end of the year whereas Richie played the entire second half of the year as a 20-year-old.

So let’s break down the two guys league by league starting off with the World Junior Classic. As 18-year-olds they each played 6 games and Schenn had 8 points to Richie's 5. Mike didn't improve as an individual the following year, although he did captain team Canada to a gold medal. Brayden Schenn, however, did improve, and that’s an understatement. Before last Christmas if you checked out the WJC Canadian record book you would see that the record for points in one single tournament was 17---set by Wayne Gretzky and Eric Lindros (they were pretty good, eh?). If you check it now, you’ll see the new record is 18, set by Brayden Schenn. I know Geoff, sample size, but those numbers are pretty overwhelming no matter what the sample is. No, he didn’t captain the winning team, but he was an alternate for the second best team (Canada lost to Russia in the gold medal game) and put up a goal and an assist in the championship.

Now if we check out their junior careers we see a very similar pattern as far as who projects better offensively. As a rookie in the OHL, Mike Richards scored at a .89 PPG clip, improving to 1.3 and then 1.53 before falling back to 1.3 as a 20-year-old. Brayden Schenn never had a WHL season under PPG status and managed to improve every year. The improvement is the most telling thing to me because not only was it substantial, it was consistent---with increases of 14%, 25%, and 15%. The fact that he never plateaued means that he may still have some legitimate room for improvement.

The AHL numbers don’t really mean much to me because of the limited body of work. All of Richie’s games were played in the playoffs on a stacked team that won the Calder Cup. Schenn played 7 regular season games (7 points) and 5 post season games (4 points) on a slightly above average team at six months younger than Richards. You can take that for what it’s worth but I figured I’d just throw them on the chart.

I am not saying Brayden Schenn is going to have 50 points this year or be a hall-of-famer or do this or do that. This post was merely meant to challenge the idea that Schenn’s upside is Mike Richards because that is just false. The sky is the limit offensively for Brayden Schenn. Giroux will draw the top competition down the line and hopefully Sean Couturier can develop into a third stud center for us and be able to share the load with Schenn and Giroux. With that said Mike Richards was always the best defensive center we had so he naturally matched up against the top competition. He will be missed in that role and Brayden Schenn will struggle if that is the role he’s given. Schenn is the top prospect in the game---bar none. Mike Richards could never say that. Richie was the 24th overall pick, Schenn was the 5th. I think that the comparison between Richie and Schenn is spot on---less the offensive upside. If Brayden Schenn can develop his physical game, his defensive game, and his leadership ability to even close to what Richie brings to the table, then his offensive game will bridge the gap---and some. Do I love Mike Richards still? Absolutely. Is Richie a better player than Schenn right now? Without a doubt. Can you honestly look at the two player’s stats, side-by-side, and say that Schenn’s potential is Mike Richards? No.

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whoa - that was thorough.

Well written… Im just excited to see him play. Other than some clips of that 4 goal game he had, ive only heard the hype. But based on his numbers, i have reason to believe he’ll make the team from day one. As much as i miss Richards – i am optimistic. Is that crazy? Never been so anxious for the season to start! If anything, its going to be interesting.

by ClutchNasty on Aug 15, 2011 7:45 PM EDT reply actions

Well done, thanks.

"Call me dumb, call me stupid, whatever. I block shots."
@boknows71

by boknows71 on Aug 16, 2011 8:46 AM EDT reply actions

schenn

schenn will be hands down better than richards ever was here .. give him 2 years

by JIBTA on Aug 18, 2011 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions

I have said more than once here that I think Schenn has slightly more offensive and less defensive upside than Mike Richards, so I agree with that part of this post. The important thing to remember is that they are different players.

The sky is the limit offensively for Brayden Schenn.

When Kings fans would say things like this, though, it would make me nervous, because it’s one thing to happen to be the best prospect not in the NHL at the time, and it’s quite another to say he has “no limits.” It can lead to unreasonable expectations and place an unfair amount of pressure on a rookie. Eric T. already ran the NHL equivalencies and came out with 40-50 points — you can see it here.

Just to put some of the fanfare in perspective: if Schenn had stayed up with the Kings, as he very nearly did, the wave of WJC hype would never have happened, and he could have had a nice break-in season without people expecting more right away. You mentioned the Gretzky and Lindros records — Kings fans were proud of that, but had to remind ourselves that it didn’t mean he was going to put up Gretzky-like numbers. Gretz was only 16 at the time of his tournament domination, Schenn 19. We were very excited to see him play next season, but we knew he might take some time to adjust to the NHL. It doesn’t matter where he was drafted, or what kind of WJC record he put up. It’s just something most young players have to go through.

Now he has to replace a very talented NHLer, and everyone is going to measure him by that. I just don’t want people to get carried away now and turn on him if he’s not Richards’ replacement (and more) right away. I love this kid. Just let Schenn be Schenn.

My advice is to just sit back and enjoy watching this really exciting young player break in next season, because it should be fun. I think you’ll love him too.

In Dinglebarn We Trust -- JftC

by Niesy on Aug 16, 2011 11:19 AM EDT reply actions

The important thing to remember is that they are different players.

I totally agree, I just cant stand when people want to say “Why would the Flyers trade for a ‘young Mike Richards’ when they already have one in his prime?” They are different players and if Schenn is what he has the potential to be he’ll blow Richards out of the water—-offensivly speaking.

if Schenn had stayed up with the Kings, as he very nearly did, the wave of WJC hype would never have happened, and he could have had a nice break-in season without people expecting more right away.

What he did at the WJC last year was outstanding and that hype was going to follow him to the NHL wherever he was going to play at. I think that in Philly he’ll be able to ahve a “nice break-in” season and that people aren’t expecting that much out of him. With Schenn, its a long-term expectation. No one thinks he will score more than 50 points or be a dominant checking center. Part of that is because there is so much change and Schenn’s expectations this season are below those of a Jagr, Voracek and even Wayne Simmonds. Also, Giroux and JVR will bear much of the risen expectations as well as the Carter and Richards trades were in a way for different versions of G and JVR as well as the new players. Schenn is going to be able to play a third line center role here, where he would most likely have been counted upon to play the second line (as far as point totals are concerened) role in LA. The only problem that I have as far as expectations go is his 3 million dollar contract. Maybe in two years it’ll be considered a steal but I’d be shocked if he plays at that level.

I just don’t want people to get carried away now and turn on him

People give Philly fans crap but turn on our young guys is not something we normally do. Just look at Dom Brown—-he didn’t come close to his unruley expectations but we’ll all be on our feet for him come September/April.

My advice is to just sit back and enjoy watching this really exciting young player break in next season, because it should be fun. I think you’ll love him too.

I’m really looking forward to taking your advice. And you guys might enjoy Richie a little bit as well… and Gagne… and (insert Philly West player here) … and (you get the point)

by OrangeNblacK on Aug 16, 2011 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Just look at Dom Brown—-he didn’t come close to his unruley expectations but we’ll all be on our feet for him come September/April.

Uh, do you not remember all the people saying they would have traded Brown for Pence?

Man-crushin' on Boucher since 1999 and Matt Calvert since May 2010
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
SB Nation Philly - Associate Editor

by Geoff Detweiler on Aug 16, 2011 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions

What people? I wasn’t one of them and we didn’t trade him. Speculation is just that. And when he gets called back up and does well, the Philly Phaithful will be right there supporting him.

by OrangeNblacK on Aug 16, 2011 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions

People give Philly fans crap but turn on our young guys is not something we normally do.

The same people you were talking about. And so many Philly fans turned on him that there was an article written about how divisive he was. If you read the comments of that article, you get:

“How about Brown and a baby Ace for Logan Morrison?”
“Brown doesn’t bust it to First doesn’t bust it to balls in Outfield and makes too many Dumb Plays in Field and basepaths…. Relacitrant in fixing Hole in his Swing Uncoachable.. Rollins Type attitude without pedigree.”
“If he nets Pence or Quintin go ahead and move him.”
“He is a risk…if you can get Pence for him…do it.”

And my favorite:

“he may not even be a major league ballplayer…if there are any takers of course they should trade Brown for a bona fide starting ourfielder”

But it isn’t just that article’s comments. Ricky Bottalico said he’d rather trade Brown than Worley for Pence. Then there’s here, staring this gem “Domonic Brown is plain awkward. I cannot, for the life of me, see what all the scouts see. His throws are terrible, his baserunning unpolished, his swing loping, his defense suspect, his bearing timid. Look at how Michael Martinez carries himself – pure confidence, an athlete. If I were RAJ, I would trade him in a heartbeat.”, or Jim Salisbury saying on CSNPhilly “That’s why you trade a Domonic Brown if that’s what it takes to get Pence.”

But no, the Philly Phaithful never turned on Brown.

Man-crushin' on Boucher since 1999 and Matt Calvert since May 2010
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
SB Nation Philly - Associate Editor

by Geoff Detweiler on Aug 17, 2011 12:05 AM EDT up reply actions

Because you can find five quotes that say we should have traded him it means we turned on him? He is 22 years old and has made tremendous strides since last year. Yes, his baseball sense is horrible, he’s a below average fielder and a below average baserunner. However, in parts of his second MLB season he’s cut his K% down from 37% to 16% and has almost doubled his walks from 7% to 12%. His BABIP is below .280 for the first time since his first year in rookie ball which has no where to go but up (like a low shooting ) and even so his batting average went from .210 to .246. Anyone who knows how these numbers work know that if there is any more improvement and that 16 K-rate goes down to around 12-13 and that BABIP goes up to only .290-.300 (still below his career average) he will hit closer to .280 than .250. In addition to all of that his OBP went from .257 to .335, his SLG% from .355 to .396 and his WAR went from -.6 to +.1.

I’d rather give up D. Brown than Vance Worley for Hunter Pence in a second. Worley is a stud that will be in the rotation for years to come and if we’re getting an OF in return for one of the two, we might as well give up the OF. D. Brown: B. Schenn :: H. Pence : M. Richards… but this time we got the proven all-star AND kept our top prospect. Anyone that says he’s not a major league ballplayer has no idea what they are talking about.

If Dom Brown gets an opportunity a la JVR in the playoffs and runs with it—-he’ll be the big focus going into next year … a la JVR.

by OrangeNblacK on Aug 17, 2011 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions

If you listened to a lot of sports talk, which we all know is garbage, you would hear the same thing. Most of the uneducated fanbase it’s dismissive of D Brown the ball player. Geoff is correct here. Just because you, Geoff, I, or TGP disagree, doesn’t mean the masses didn’t turn on the guy.

You sir are a gentleman of four outs!

by DLJr on Aug 17, 2011 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions

At only 22 years old with plenty of years left on baseballs version of the “Entry Level Contract” how can you ‘turn’ on him? He’s 22! Utley and Howard were closer to 25 when they came up.

If Dom Brown comes up to the plate next week for the Phillies, he will not be booed is all I’m saying.

by OrangeNblacK on Aug 17, 2011 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Let me repeat a sentence I wrote for you:

Just because you, Geoff, I, or TGP disagree, doesn’t mean the masses didn’t turn on the guy.

I’m not saying I agree, I’m not saying it’s smart, I’m saying it happened. I heard it for about a month before the Pence trade around the office. Seems like no matter where I went for a meeting people were talking about how Brown was a bust, often sourcing WIP radio shows. I’m not saying they were right, I’m saying it happened, which is Geoff’s point that you disagreed with. Just because you disagree, or I disagreed, or Geoff did, doesn’t mean that didn’t happen. Turning on D Brown had completely permeated the group thinkers mentality. It happened; just because you disagree with the thought process behind turning on him doesn’t mean people didn’t turn on him, this never had anything to do with booing his next plate appearance, but rather people giving up on him as a prospect (which is turning on him, at least to me, and it appears Geoff as well).

You sir are a gentleman of four outs!

by DLJr on Aug 17, 2011 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions

I think you overrate Vance Worley. Brown is the better player.

What kind of plane is it? Oh, it's a big pretty white plane with red stripes, curtains in the windows and wheels and it looks like a big ol' Tylenol.

by doubleh on Aug 17, 2011 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions

We’ve gotten pretty far from the original assertion that Philly fans didn’t turn on Dom Brown, but now I’m curious about where Worley is rated and how baseball prospects are judged.

Stats like xFIP and SIERA are often used to assess current performance; are they also the best predictors of future success, or are other underlying skills better at predicting a growth curve? Put another way, is it fair to say “he’s at about 3.8 in xFIP and SIERA as a 23-year-old rookie, so with normal development he should be a low-3’s ace in a couple of years”?

by Eric T. on Aug 17, 2011 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions

It’s possible Worley gets there in a few years, but like all prospects, of course there’s no guarantee. He has a much better chance of developing into a solid second/third starter than Happ did because his peripherals belied similar luck (and his “stuff” was worse, got fewer strikeouts), but Happ was much, much older. So trading Happ and not Worley was the right move last season. Brown’s ceiling is much, much higher than Worley’s so desiring to trade him in lieu of Worley would be a mistake, IMO, especially when there’s an immediate need for a cost-controlled OFer.

What kind of plane is it? Oh, it's a big pretty white plane with red stripes, curtains in the windows and wheels and it looks like a big ol' Tylenol.

by doubleh on Aug 17, 2011 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions

When it came down to it I think that a: we weren’t going to part with either Worley or Brown and b: I think we were good enough to win the WS without Pence—-which is why a was possible.

by OrangeNblacK on Aug 17, 2011 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed, but I was more assessing what people were willing to do—i.e. heard Ricky Bo (OMG, don’t get me started on him) actually state he’d rather move Dom that Worley in trade on a postgame show. Also, getting Pence didn’t increase the odds that much of actually winning the WS and they gave up a boatload to get him.

My fear is, say next year the Phillies are in a dogfight for the East with the Braves: if RAJ was willing to part with this much for a player when the Phils have a comfortable lead, who’s to say he doesn’t give up even more when the team is truly desperate?

What kind of plane is it? Oh, it's a big pretty white plane with red stripes, curtains in the windows and wheels and it looks like a big ol' Tylenol.

by doubleh on Aug 17, 2011 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Giving up that much is one thing for a rental, but I have no problem moving the farm for your Right Fielder for the next ten years…

by OrangeNblacK on Aug 17, 2011 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Um, I don’t thinking signing any player for 10 years is a smart move, let alone a corner OFer. Especially since he’ll get at least $10 mil per.

What kind of plane is it? Oh, it's a big pretty white plane with red stripes, curtains in the windows and wheels and it looks like a big ol' Tylenol.

by doubleh on Aug 17, 2011 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t think the point was that five random commenters had turned on him, it was that the article and comments made it clear that a large population had turned on Brown. A quote from the article:

Still, the current debate has just about divided a fan base (from what I can tell). The Trade Brown! camp has made its voice clear: He has yet to prove anything. He is a liability in the field. He hasn’t hit for power. He’s taking up a spot that’s needed for a righthanded bat.

by Eric T. on Aug 17, 2011 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Also, these two things are not mutually exclusive. These same folks who turned on Brown en masse (and there were LOTS of them—in print, on the radio, analysts even) will be the same folks who absolutely freaking love him when he’s mashing next year at some point (or fingers crossed even in Sept this season off the bench, CYL Gload). This is the same stuff we see with all the people who thought Cole was soft and on the downward slide in 2009, but now that he’s pitching better, they like him because they think it’s newfound mental toughness (and not a new pitch and better luck with BABIP) that’s made him better.

What kind of plane is it? Oh, it's a big pretty white plane with red stripes, curtains in the windows and wheels and it looks like a big ol' Tylenol.

by doubleh on Aug 17, 2011 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions

God I love group think.

You sir are a gentleman of four outs!

by DLJr on Aug 17, 2011 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Me or them?

What kind of plane is it? Oh, it's a big pretty white plane with red stripes, curtains in the windows and wheels and it looks like a big ol' Tylenol.

by doubleh on Aug 17, 2011 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions

them

You sir are a gentleman of four outs!

by DLJr on Aug 17, 2011 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Now I’m starting to see it with regard to Jimmy Rollins. The negative spin is starting. If I start seeing it in the press, I’m gonna get worried. (whenever this happens, you know a guy is on his way out of town)

What kind of plane is it? Oh, it's a big pretty white plane with red stripes, curtains in the windows and wheels and it looks like a big ol' Tylenol.

by doubleh on Aug 17, 2011 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions

These same folks who turned on Brown en masse (and there were LOTS of them—in print, on the radio, analysts even) will be the same folks who absolutely freaking love him when he’s mashing next year at some point

That is the key right there… its not that they gave up on him as a prospect—-just that the ‘fair weather fan’ doesn’t value a “prospect.” They want immediate results and are blind to the future.

CYL Gload

Ross Gload gets pinch hits like its his job… probably because it is his job. His 14 pinch hits lead the majors. Dom Brown doesn’t fit the mold of a guy who comes up cold to pinch hit. However if he does get hot, he’s got a DH spot to win…

by OrangeNblacK on Aug 17, 2011 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Gload is also very hurt and playing with a torn hip labrum. That’s my issue. Just because Utley played through it doesn’t make it the smart thing to do. Utley, up until recently, was pretty stupid about managing health issues to the deteriment of the team.

What kind of plane is it? Oh, it's a big pretty white plane with red stripes, curtains in the windows and wheels and it looks like a big ol' Tylenol.

by doubleh on Aug 17, 2011 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions

its not that they gave up on him as a prospect

Yes it is. Just because they aren’t particularly bright individuals, and let their opinion sway back and forth as the comments of the masses dictate, doesn’t negate what they have said. They turned on Brown and wanted him out of town for the all important hustling RHB.

You sir are a gentleman of four outs!

by DLJr on Aug 17, 2011 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes, what Don said. Being “fair weather fan” who wants immediate results and says things like, “a prospect is just that, a prospect—trade him for Pence or Quentin because I want to WIN NOW,” is the very definition of giving up on the guy. Never mind the fact that Brown’s ceiling is higher than either of those players. But, but, but…he isn’t there NOW! I want to win NOW! Daddy, buy me an oompa loompa!

SMGDH.

What kind of plane is it? Oh, it's a big pretty white plane with red stripes, curtains in the windows and wheels and it looks like a big ol' Tylenol.

by doubleh on Aug 17, 2011 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Ignoring the fact that Brown was an average MLB outfielder at the age of 23, out-performing Raul Ibanez.

Man-crushin' on Boucher since 1999 and Matt Calvert since May 2010
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
SB Nation Philly - Associate Editor

by Geoff Detweiler on Aug 17, 2011 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions

if Schenn is what he has the potential to be he’ll blow Richards out of the water—-offensivly speaking.

In case I wasn’t clear: I wouldn’t be so sure about that. And it’s exactly those kind of statements that make me fret (maybe a little too much, because I’m emotionally attached to him) that the Philly market will make his life miserable.

These are projections based on junior numbers. He may put up higher or lower numbers than projected in his first season. But even the difference in their junior careers doesn’t really indicate he is a lock to “blow Richards out of the water” long term. I think he might end up scoring more, but Richards is no slouch himself with 75 and 80 point seasons. That’s a high bar.

People are asking why the Flyers traded Richards for Schenn because a) Richards is proven, Schenn is not and b) it will probably take some time for Schenn to reach his level. Since “win now” mode makes more sense with Pronger on your team, that’s why people question it.

What he did at the WJC last year was outstanding and that hype was going to follow him to the NHL wherever he was going to play at

Yes, I understand, but my point is: the WJC performance wouldn’t have been part of his resume if the Kings had just been willing to burn a year of his ELC and keep him up. This very nearly happened — and then expectations would have been more reasonable. Which is what I wish I was seeing right now.

In Dinglebarn We Trust -- JftC

by Niesy on Aug 16, 2011 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions

But even the difference in their junior careers doesn’t really indicate he is a lock to "blow Richards out of the water" long term.

The offensive potential difference that I’m getting at doesn’t deal with just skill levels. Richie would have never been able to be dominat (+PPG or around 100 points) as a Flyer because he was used defensivly. Schenn—-especially given the 2-way style of Sean Couturier wont be deployed in a defensive role—-and that alone gives him potential that Richards never had. The junior numbers and comparisons are just that—-comparisons. I’m not using NHL-equivs for predicted stats, I was just showing that Schenn’s junior numbers blow Richies out of the water.

People are asking why the Flyers traded Richards for Schenn

But we didn’t jsut trade each for eachother, we aquired Wayne Simmonds and a second rounder. Without those two pieces, this deal doesn’t happen.

the WJC performance wouldn’t have been part of his resume if the Kings had just been willing to burn a year of his ELC and keep him up.

All I’m saying is that it ison his resume. Even though he shouldn’t have been there, he was, and at six months younger than Richie, each in their second tourny, Schenn progressed and Richards did not.

by OrangeNblacK on Aug 16, 2011 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions

All I’m saying is that it ison his resume.

No one’s denying this, so I wondered why you picked out that quote of mine to respond to.

But we didn’t jsut trade each for eachother, we aquired Wayne Simmonds and a second rounder. Without those two pieces, this deal doesn’t happen.

In case it wasn’t clear, that sentence was in response to this part of your post:

I just cant stand when people want to say "Why would the Flyers trade for a ‘young Mike Richards’ when they already have one in his prime?"

Of course I know that Simmonds and the 2nd were parts of the swap too.

I think you’re not really getting where I’m coming from, so I’ll just end with this: you have every reason to be optimistic about Schenn. I know I am. But optimism is different from certainty. You seem to be more on the certain side. With young players who haven’t established themselves yet, I think it’s only fair to the player to wait and see.

In Dinglebarn We Trust -- JftC

by Niesy on Aug 16, 2011 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions

I understand where youre coming from and I dont mean to nit-pick but I am by no means saying that he’s a lock at anything. My entire point was that this trade was not Mike Richards for a young potential Mike Richards. The cross arguments got a little confusing and misdirected, didn’t mean to confuse you. I’m agreeing with almost everything you are saying even if it is coming off like I’m not.

by OrangeNblacK on Aug 16, 2011 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions

I think Schenn can be a better offensive player over Richards was here, but I also feel as though Schenn will be given a better opportunity to score. in a few years. This is really just based off of my perception that Couturier will become the “defensive” center that Richards was in the future.

We got the 4 aces for baseball, 3CBO in football, and the Russian Walls in hockey. Philly is no longer the blue collar losers, were primetime baby!

Good game, Lets eat

by JpH89 on Aug 16, 2011 12:56 PM EDT reply actions

This is really just based off of my perception that Couturier will become the "defensive" center that Richards was in the future.

This. And thats not saying that Couturier wont progress offensivly becasue he does still have elite upside, just not as elite as Brayden.

by OrangeNblacK on Aug 16, 2011 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Great look at this.

My only objection is that SB Nation’s terrible table format hurts my head. Mind if I smooth it out a bit?

by Eric T. on Aug 17, 2011 11:26 AM EDT reply actions

Absolutly, go for it. I asked a while ago what was the best way to do it and DragonGirl gave me a excel—>HTML link that I use. Its not pretty but it gets the job done.

by OrangeNblacK on Aug 17, 2011 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Well done, any advice on how you did that for future posts?

by OrangeNblacK on Aug 17, 2011 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions

I made a couple of adjustments to the HTML; if you click edit post and the HTML view tab, you can see them.

In the <table> tag, I adjusted the border, cellspacing, and cellpadding.
In the <td> tags for the ‘Mike Richards’ and ‘Brayden Schenn’ cells, I adjusted the colspan and then took out the blank cells that used to be there.
And in each cell’s <td> tag, I added the align=“center” modifier to center the text.

Oh, and I deleted seven or eight decimal places on some of the calculated values, partly to make things line up better and partly for reasons of sanity.

by Eric T. on Aug 17, 2011 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions

keep in mind Canada outscored opponents 30-2 in the first three games of the WJC .. 16-0 against Latvia, 6-0 against Swiss, 8-2 over Slovakia.

I cant recall specifics but Schenn had a 4 or 5 goal game so take his 18 points with a grain of salt there.

I do think he will be fantastic but we shouldnt worry about replacing ‘Richie’ .. lets just hope he taps into his potential and starts to perform, then we can forget about Richie once and for all. (i like Richie, just want to move on now)

by DizzDizzler on Sep 9, 2011 7:09 PM EDT reply actions