Why don't people like.........?

Question

Dan Boyle. I think he is a great d-man, and when I talk to people about great current d-men, no one ever brings his name up. Last year he had 63 points in 82 games, I mean, isn't that worth some recognition? Is it because he is in the Southeast? Is it because he plays for the Lightning? Why don't people compare him to other current D-man greats like Niedermayer or Souray?

Moose: Maybe I am hanging out with stupid people?

You guys are making me feel better.

Answer 1

I'm not sure it's a don't like thing Hayley. More likely it's a don't talk about him. I think the fact he's in TB means the heart of the hockey world (that area around the Great Lakes on both sides of the border) just doesn't see him enough. And we also don't see him on the highlight reels either. Maybe he needs some flash like a mullet or some crazy goal celebraton dance to get people to wake up to him. I know he gets some attention whenever they're looking at building Canadian national team rosters but even then he's usually fifth or sixth in line.

Answer 2

I've never heard anyone ever say they specifically didn't like Dan Boyle. Most people I know consider him an elite defenseman, and most of them would take him over Souray any day, who can score but plays really sloppy defense and takes bad penalties. So I guess I don't have an answer for you. That said, Niedermayer is a bad comparison. Niedermayer scored MORE than Boyle AND played better defense. He won FOUR Stanley Cups. If Boyle is elite, and I think you can say he is, then Niedermayer was ultra-elite. He's a future Hall-of-Famer, and has been doing it for a lot longer than Boyle, who just came into his own the last three years. Just look at their career stats. There's no comparison. Give Boyle a few more years and see what happens. He'll need more than a few good years at a high level to get Niedermayer comparisons.

Answer 3

While Boyle might have enjoyed greater notoriety if he played in a more 'visible' hockey region, to a certain extent, he suffers from the same oversight Lidstrom and Niedermayer did for a good portion of their respective careers.

These guys play and execute with such ease that most, particularly average fans, tend took overlook their presence and contributions in a given game.

Boyle may not be as smooth a skater as Niedermayer or be positionally as strong as Lidstrom, but his ability to read plays and execute the transition game is equally impressive as those two other icons.

Take solace in your recognition of a talent that those around you overlook or take for granted.

Answer 4

I think last years disappointment of not making the All-Star team was nothing short of a snub. drawing a blank on who went instead of him.....

I could honestly go either way on Dan Boyle. A great way to describe him would be a puck hog, but in a good way! He has his nights, though! I just think sometimes he gets a little TOO flashy when he should make the pass.

Answer 5

I love Dan Boyle...he was the leading Norris votegetter last year in the East, and 4th overall

Answer 6

Boyle is the man. I was pumped when i got him in my fantasy draft. He then proceeded to cut himself with his own skate. Are all the people that don't like him the ones who play fantasy puck and have had to have him on IR this whole time?

Answer 7

It must be the people you are hanging out with. Dan is a great d-man. I was bummed when he got traded from the Panthers.

Answer 8

Are you kidding? Boyle is great!

I guess you're right though, I don't hear too much about him.

Answer 9

Dan cant lace his own skates, but when the other players do it for him, hes unstoppable!

Answer 10

I think he's great...I try and draft him in fantasy pools. He just has to quit dropping skates on himself.