Jump to content
Hockey Wilderness
  • Where Does Marco Scandella Fit?


    Guest

    But every year, he seems to need a kick in the ass to get started. Last season, it came at the end of the season during the playoffs.

    Last Season Performance

    At first glance, his average time on ice during the 2012-13 regular season and the playoffs look similar but take a closer look and you'll the big difference. During regular season play, he was a borderline #6 defenseman and spent majority of the time in Houston where our favorite Houston Aeros writer, Heather, said he was inconsistent.

    Only during the big games at the top level of hockey did he strut his stuff. While in the Wild jersey, he was Minnesota's clear #4 defenseman. At times, he would show more physicality than any Wild defenseman on the roster.

    Blueline Competition

    With Tom Gilbert gone, Scandella has a very good shot at slotting right in the #4 spot alongside Jared Spurgeon. But it won't be 100% as he will have to battle a few of his teammates throughout the season to secure his position.

    Veteran Clayton Stoner is just fighting for a spot on the roster but I believe he brings a mix of strength and reliability that the Wild don't exactly have on the defensive lineup.

    And do not forgot the surprising rookie in Matt Dumba. Dumba impressed during training camp and is impressing during pre-season games. He brings the offensive ability that the Wild desperately need on the powerplay. He could find a spot as a specialist defenseman with limited even strength minutes.

    ...But He'll Be Here

    With all that said and done, all of the three defenseman noted above have major question marks. Ballard is still looking to recover from his time in Vancouver (its hard I tell you!), Stoner is just trying his best to stay on the main roster and Dumba might just be too inexperienced for a team that is looking for a strong playoff push.

    If Scandella can spread out his best games more consistently through an 82-game season, we are going to have very valuable player on our hands: an inexpensive #4 defensive defenseman that brings physicality and a big-game player.

    Projected Starting Defense

    Think you could write a story like this? Hockey Wilderness wants you to develop your voice, find an audience, and we'll pay you to do it. Just fill out this form.


    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    There are no comments to display.



    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


×
×
  • Create New...