I think everyone knew Richards came into the lockout shortened season out of shape but if you read the article in the Post he basically admits it....Also he and the rest of the team was sick of Torts and his stupid style that sapped any offense ability from everyone. I might be in the minority but I think Richards will have a big year. He was never a great skater and is 33 but he has been a really good player before and I think he will get 80+ points this year.
Richards from the article: “I’m excited to have a difference voice [coaching the team] and a coach with a different view of how we should play that’s more focused on offense. It suits me and I think it suits everybody more on the whole team, to be honest." Amen to that Richie. Now go score some god damn goals.
Agree 100%. Richards' only seen 80+pts twice in his career (plus 1 @ 79pts). Those days are likely gone for good.
Richards is definitely going to have a better year, regardless of how well it is he will most likely be bought out at seasons end. 80+ points is a stretch, at max hes getting 75points. but more then likely 60-65 more assists then goals naturally. I wouldnt mind seeing him and the hobbit on the same line those two could have good playmaking chemistry together.
80 pts might sound like a stretch but remember Richards was PUTRID last year and still got 34 points in 46 games......That is on pace for 65 points in 82 games. I know he got some of those points vs Buffalo late but still. Also the Power Play under Torts was horrific pretty much every year. Richards is a very good PP guy. He had 2 seasons with 40 pts on the PP just 3/4 years ago. That would never happen with a Torts coached PP in NY. If you look at his time in Dallas (not that long ago) he was a pt per game guy for his entire career there (227 pts in 220 games). He absolutely can get 80 points if his dumb azz comes in camp in great shape and has a good year. This team will actually attempt to score goals with this coach so there is a chance alot of guys will produce more.
I don't know. He was never a great skater but he looked like he was ancient last year he was so slow. His contract is one of the few after the Redden, Gomez and Drury debacles that was a very long term deal from Sather. I think they buy him out after this year. It's pretty impressive when your third center is Richards. However, if you look at the direction the organization has gone it is all about speed. Trading for Nash, McDonagh, Moore and Kristo. Drafting players like Kreider, Miller, Fast, Nieves, Skjei and Hagelin. Richards does not fit in with those types of players because of his skating.
I agree that he might turn a few heads this year and put up 70-80 points, keep in mind he is also playing for a contract (prob his last contract), as he definitely gets bought out next year due to the recapture rule no matter how many points he puts up for us...
Point total for someone like Brad comes secondary to being able to contribute and skate at a high level that gives opposing teams the idea that they need to pay extra attention to him. More attention on brad, the more the wings open up and certainly the d-men trailing the play. Under vig's system you can assure that the d men will be more involved so although the 60-70 point mark is where we would ideally want brad to be, I can see it happening based off him having a few 3 point games. but remember, points are one thing. having a good game all around is a complete diff animal and thats ultimately what he lacked last season. if he can regain his form, come in a little lighter, quicker. it'll give our second and third line some real identity that'll cause mis matchs for opposing teams.
last years problem wasn't a lack of chances. we had plenty of scoring opportunities. we were god awful in finishing. so in camp this year we should practice lifting a puck over a prone goalie, not shooting it into his belly. Richards was a particular culprit in missing great chances last year. and don't get me started on our d-men point shots. girardi and mcdonugh was probably our most dangerous.
