GREAT GAME BY DOWNEY

11rings · Member

GREAT GAME BY DOWNEY

Power · Veteran Member

Maybe he played good game, but still I think that he hasn´t done that job what for he was aquired. Fighting, he has what? one fight under his belt and even that was loss. I don´t know why Souray felt that it was his job to start a fight and get that instigator panalty, because that is Downeys job when he does that we don´t lose our #2 D-man and same goes case Komisarek and so on. He is better choice than Niklas Sundstrom, but still think that he hasn´t done his job properly.

24 Rings · Guru

Anyone have any idea that Downey had that kind of speed? He blew by that Boston d-man and almost popped one on his own. When he scored, even Kovy was smiling and congratulated him on the bench. What a total beauty!!

That line was superb last night. Bonk is a new man out there. I went from absolutely detesting him, to feeling sorry for him, to almost liking the guy, now! I don't think there is any question of what Begin brings to the table. The guy is a workhorse and just does so much out there. If he had any kind of sniping ability, he would have 20+ goals already.

heet_150 · Guru

I was one of those that was knocking Downey before last night's game, and I will admit that he really played his best game. I love that B-B-D line, they are gelling and playing well together and (IMHO) are one of the main reaons for the win last night.

But, Downey isn't playing in his defined role as a tough guy. I.e. - Souray being the one to fight. They lost a major component of their PP for 17 minutes. Souray still feels like he is the one to stand up for his teammates.

doodie · Veteran Member

heet_150 wrote:

I was one of those that was knocking Downey before last night's game, and I will admit that he really played his best game. I love that B-B-D line, they are gelling and playing well together and (IMHO) are one of the main reaons for the win last night. But, Downey isn't playing in his defined role as a tough guy. I.e. - Souray being the one to fight. They lost a major component of their PP for 17 minutes. Souray still feels like he is the one to stand up for his teammates.

If it's SOURAY,DOWNEY,KOMOSARIK,RIVET,etc. it doesn't matter who jumps in there to pick up for team mates ,at any point of the game ,there sending a message "YOU F**K with the BULL and YOU"LL get the HORN" way to go SOURAY, the team is jellin ,you gotta love it take no prisoners,ye-ha

ray · Senior Member

First off knowing Downey personally, he has decent wheels. Secondly, he would of jumped the guy who kneed Ryder,but its hard to do from the bench. If Souray would of not done it, I'm sure Aaron would of had a talking to him later. A few people have been questioning why Downey is playing instead of other guys, well first off check the record since the habs acquired him and to further that check the record when he is in the lineup. This guy may not have the tools that Bulis, Zednik, Ribs or Sundstrom do but he brings alot to this team that was missing. He is a character guy and I bet the dressing room is alot better with a guy like him.

AB Habman · Guru

Power wrote:

Maybe he played good game, but still I think that he hasn´t done that job what for he was aquired. Fighting, he has what? one fight under his belt and even that was loss. I don´t know why Souray felt that it was his job to start a fight and get that instigator panalty, because that is Downeys job when he does that we don´t lose our #2 D-man and same goes case Komisarek and so on. He is better choice than Niklas Sundstrom, but still think that he hasn´t done his job properly.

Really good post! Also, the bell doesn't have to be answered right away. Good teams do it in a timley manner. The reason Gainey added Downer and Simpson was so our top guys like Rivet and Souray didn't have to fight. Downey should have that defined role on this team because he has very limited talent so we're losing better players riding the pine. Gainey needs to address this and remind Downer and team that he's here to be our policeman.

24 Rings · Guru

You guys know that Downey will drop them if he has to. He wasn't on the ice when Ryder got kneed by Albert. Why criticise the guy if he suddenly does something productive offensively? If all he did was fight, people would be all over him saying he is a garbage player. I thought that about him initially, but I have changed my tune. He can be an asset and the chemistry is obviously there with Begin and Bonk. I don't think anyone has to worry about him dropping the gloves. If he is on the ice, he'll drop 'em if he has to.

Power · Veteran Member

24 Rings wrote:

You guys know that Downey will drop them if he has to. He wasn't on the ice when Ryder got kneed by Albert. Why criticise the guy if he suddenly does something productive offensively? If all he did was fight, people would be all over him saying he is a garbage player. I thought that about him initially, but I have changed my tune. He can be an asset and the chemistry is obviously there with Begin and Bonk. I don't think anyone has to worry about him dropping the gloves. If he is on the ice, he'll drop 'em if he has to.

I criticise him because he isn´t doing his job as a tough guy, if he makes couple of goals same time that is good for him and team, but his job is to secure work peace for other players and do that dirty work. In the future it´s not wise that Souray or Komi takes these big penalties because team needs them other places not in penalty box, it would be wise move to make clear among the players that when is time to send a message it´s Downer or Simpson(or Murray if he is capable to do that) who does these things. Other players are allowed to fight when someone comes and asks for them for little dance.

AB Habman · Guru

Power wrote:

24 Rings wrote: You guys know that Downey will drop them if he has to. He wasn't on the ice when Ryder got kneed by Albert. Why criticise the guy if he suddenly does something productive offensively? If all he did was fight, people would be all over him saying he is a garbage player. I thought that about him initially, but I have changed my tune. He can be an asset and the chemistry is obviously there with Begin and Bonk. I don't think anyone has to worry about him dropping the gloves. If he is on the ice, he'll drop 'em if he has to. I criticise him because he isn´t doing his job as a tough guy, if he makes couple of goals same time that is good for him and team, but his job is to secure work peace for other players and do that dirty work. In the future it´s not wise that Souray or Komi takes these big penalties because team needs them other places not in penalty box, it would be wise move to make clear among the players that when is time to send a message it´s Downer or Simpson(or Murray if he is capable to do that) who does these things. Other players are allowed to fight when someone comes and asks for them for little dance.

We may get away with it now but in the big games and in playoffs, no way can we lose our best players to the box with major pnealties. Also, in the playoffs, fights are down so Gainey may use a better player then. For now though, we're playing solid teams the rest of the way and we need to gain ground so if Downey plays, he needs to do his job and the key players need to let him.

thompstar · Veteran Member

i don't understand what some people expect from downey.....ryder got hit with a knee on knee and souray was the toughest guy on the ice at the time...

he and the rest of the tougher guys on the team have been trying to send the message lately of we are not going to be pushed around. would you have rather downey jumped the boards and skated across the ice and attacked the bruin player....i think it is great to watch the team play so hard and tough for one another lately, it is one of the main reasons we are winning.

downey brings another begin type player, he is not suppsed to run around fighting everyone that moves....when the situation arises and he is onthe ice, he has usually been the first guy in there to do something about it. he is out there bottling up the other teams better lines allowing our top lines to have the benefit of playing against weaker lines