Bonk

JohnM · Guru

Bonk

Saku11 · Senior Member

you know John, thats a good point. I would love to see Kovalev and Bonk put together. I think Kovalev can Pick up Bonk's game and maybe make the scorer he once was.

24 Rings · Guru

Saks, I think the reality is that Bonkers' scoring days are long gone. As long as he gives an effort out there and doesn't make (as many) mistakes, I'll be satisfied until we trade him or his contract runs out. As one of his biggest critics I can confidently say that he has been playing better lately.

Frank the Critic · Member

Do you guys think Bonk is being held back by Begin.

Saku11 · Senior Member

Bonk has had an awful year, we all know, But i think in Bonk's best years, he was just as good as Saku's best year. We cant compare their value to their past respective team, Koivu has been Kinda consistant, But Bonk has put up 70 points before, andd i think he can still put up some. This year has just been awful though

Jonny G · Senior Member

True about Bonk having a terrible year, but he's been making some great looking offensive plays in addition to his great d. He hasn't been able to finish, but he's got a great dangle that's been turning opposing d-men inside out. Not to mention that he's been doing good stuff behind the net and on the half-boards.

plouf · Guru

Jonny G wrote:

True about Bonk having a terrible year, but he's been making some great looking offensive plays in addition to his great d. He hasn't been able to finish, but he's got a great dangle that's been turning opposing d-men inside out. Not to mention that he's been doing good stuff behind the net and on the half-boards.

Bonk has some skills! He just has some serious confidence issues, goes cold with his shooting, and then stops going for it in the offensive end.

Part of this is that he's kinda slow, so he can't get back if he messes up in the offensive zone.

JohnM · Guru

True plouf, McGuire stated when the new CBA was agreed on that Bonk was not meant for the new NHL. He is too slow to keep up. He was ok in the older trapping system.

24 Rings · Guru

Saku11 wrote:

Bonk has had an awful year, we all know, But i think in Bonk's best years, he was just as good as Saku's best year. We cant compare their value to their past respective team, Koivu has been Kinda consistant, But Bonk has put up 70 points before, andd i think he can still put up some. This year has just been awful though

Bonk played for the offensive juggernaut Ottawa, so let's no forget that. Some definite coat-tail riding going on there. His point total may have been similar to Koivs', but comparing the two is apples and oranges. I think you'll agree that Koivs' value to his team is infinitely greater than Bonks'.

beakermania · Senior Member

Exactly, while Bonk has underachieved my expectations for him were more in the 20g 45pt range, than 70pts

24 Rings · Guru

Exactly. If Bonkers chipped in 15 G and 25 A I would be more than satisfied.

AB Habman · Guru

We're stuck with this guy because of his salery. I would leave him the line with Begin. They make a good checking line. Moving him up, would mean to bump down Ribs and Plecs. Is that what you want?

JohnM · Guru

I guess that is the question... If the Habs make the playoffs and Ribs pulls another no show, can we count on Bonk to step in at number two? He has the experience with Ottawa, just don't know if he has it in him.

AB Habman · Guru

JohnM wrote:

I guess that is the question... If the Habs make the playoffs and Ribs pulls another no show, can we count on Bonk to step in at number two? He has the experience with Ottawa, just don't know if he has it in him.

Good point but if we enter the playoffs with these line effective than we'll be OK(if we get there) Remember, Ribs was ineffective not because he forgot how to pass but because his linemates such as Ryder weren't scoring. It was the whole line. It just that his stupid dive focused all the attention his way.

We should be better though with Bonk over Juneau. I hope!

JohnM · Guru

Last year we entered the playoffs with Ribs and Ryder doing quite well but when it came to crunch time they didn't have it. I am hoping that if we make the playoffs this year we don't only have 2 or 3 players showing up. That's why guys like Dandy, Bonk, Souray, etc... are important, they should have another gear to help the likes of Kovy, Koivu, Markov come crunch time.

The biggest key right now is getting there. Once we get there I guess all these conversations can start.

Ando · Guru

It's like And-o has said all along...Bonk can play...it is a matter of whether he is motivated to or not though!

...he was the best available guy at the time (and at that price). Mr. Radek 'Right Now' Bonk!!!

...and he sure did OK again last night!!! In fact, he has been really solid playing for Gainey/Carbo!

habgirl · Guru

Ando wrote:

It's like And-o has said all along...Bonk can play...it is a matter of whether he is motivated to or not though! ...he was the best available guy at the time (and at that price). Mr. Radek 'Right Now' Bonk!!! ...and he sure did OK again last night!!! In fact, he has been really solid playing for Gainey/Carbo!

And-O, I gotta say it. I disagreed with you early in the season about Bonkers and if you remember my post after the Vancouver/Habs game in January I wanted to bonk him over the head. However, I must admit that I'm coming around. He's growing on me! He's been great behind the net and getting more physical down deep. It actually looks like he's having more fun out there and isn't disappearing.

There <deep breath> something else you and I agree on recently! My my, how things change!

24 Rings · Guru

I'll give you that he's played well lately, but what more motivation does he need than making the playoffs? I'm sick of people trying to make that an excuse for these guys. These are paid professionals. Winning should be enough motivation.

The only players you should need to motivate are guys with no heart or lazy - ie. Kovalev. Maybe we've got a lot of these guys, I don't know?

Desi · Senior Member

Bonk does seem to be contributing more and more each game. He had a very nice assist last night on the all-important second goal, and his defensive play is always pretty solid. If he keeps picking it up, he'll be a good asset to this team I think. I actually like him with Begin -- a speedy guy and a big plodder -- it's a combination that can work.

Les Canadiens sont la

Ando · Guru

habgirl wrote:

...something else you and I agree on recently!

Surprised??? Cripes...And-o is scared! LOL!!!

...I love this bar!

habgirl · Guru

Ando wrote:

habgirl wrote: ...something else you and I agree on recently! Surprised??? Cripes...And-o is scared! LOL!!!

And-O needn't worry, Habgirl doesn't bite.

Habtastic · Guru

Ando wrote:

...I love this bar!

Speaking of bars... a 40 ouncer of Vodka is $5 at the corner store over here in South Korea... good thing I am not a big drinker... :)

Habtastic

P.S. And yes, I also agree that Bonk is doing well... hope he can work on his speed this summer!

JohnM · Guru

BONK! BONK! BONK! 2 goals tonight.

If this guy can turn it around, the Habs could be dangerous.

plouf · Guru

FAct is, Bonk's been improving for over a month. He's still got some serious limitations, but he shows real guts on PK and has great hand-eye coordination. (Should be more of a finisher if he'd take his rightful spot in front of the net more often - don't know why he's never been a goal-scorer) I think it's a MENTAL (and skating) issue with him.

But the fact that Ribeiro and Bonk have both had their best month was perfect timing just as Koivu and Plekanec cooled off (Johab says they're both hurt - don't know for sure?). This is what we need. When one line flags, another comes through.

AB Habman · Guru

plouf wrote:

FAct is, Bonk's been improving for over a month. He's still got some serious limitations, but he shows real guts on PK and has great hand-eye coordination. (Should be more of a finisher if he'd take his rightful spot in front of the net more often - don't know why he's never been a goal-scorer) I think it's a MENTAL (and skating) issue with him. But the fact that Ribeiro and Bonk have both had their best month was perfect timing just as Koivu and Plekanec cooled off (Johab says they're both hurt - don't know for sure?). This is what we need. When one line flags, another comes through.

I really think Bonk plays bigger with Begin on his line. By bigger, I mean, not afraid to go into traffic and to the net. Remember, this guy is a big softy. It seems when Gainey paired him with Begin is when he started improving.