Thursday, August 12, 2010
Damian Romano
Throughout the off-season, we here at Pens Universe are going to provide you with player profiles that will summarize our opinions on the strengths and weaknesses of each player as well as highlighting their performance this past season, and we'll also include an outlook for the 2010-2011.
BROOKS ORPIK
2009-10 Stats
Salary: $3,750,000
Points: 25
Goals: 2
Assists: 23
Penalty Mins: 64
(+/-) 6
Strengths: Size and strength; physicality; intimidation.
Weaknesses: Positioning; discipline; offensively irrelevant.
2009-10 Assessment:
Orpik is your typical nitch defenseman. He’s not expected to light the lamp nor put any extra points up on the board; if he does, great, that’s a plus. He is expected to shut down forwards, clear the zone, and keep the opposition away from Fleury. The good news is he can do this as well as anyone; and his hitting game is absolutely superb. However this past year he did drop from 2nd in the league a year prior with 309 hits, to 6th this past year with 255.
Another stat that dropped somewhat significantly was his blocked shots. He had 152 in 2008-09 good for 22nd in the league, while only blocking 117 in 09-10, landing him 60th overall. I wouldn't say Brooks had a completely bad season, but with Gill and Scuderi heading elsewhere I would have expected both of these statistics should have shown an increase. It must be noted however that Oprik did play in the Olympics. With the short Stanley Cup summer and the Olympic wear and tear, it very well could have taken a toll on number 44.
Another stat that dropped somewhat significantly was his blocked shots. He had 152 in 2008-09 good for 22nd in the league, while only blocking 117 in 09-10, landing him 60th overall. I wouldn't say Brooks had a completely bad season, but with Gill and Scuderi heading elsewhere I would have expected both of these statistics should have shown an increase. It must be noted however that Oprik did play in the Olympics. With the short Stanley Cup summer and the Olympic wear and tear, it very well could have taken a toll on number 44.
2010-2011 Outlook:
With the addition of Michalek and Martin to the blueline, I anticipate Orpik to have a much better season ahead. He was a bit marred by some nagging injuries last year as well, again, likely due to the lack of time off. So with an extended summer and a some more help along the way, Brooks will likely be back to his old self again, only more disciplined.
Worth his salt?
This might be a topic of debate elsewhere, but I'm fine with Orpik's paycheck. Again, it would be nice to see him show more discipline and double his statistics in the goal column. While he may never be up for the Norris Trophy, I still see him as worthy of his current salary.
Staying with the Pens in 2010-11:
Without a doubt. Bylsma is determined to keep the beef on the blueline, and Brooks is a permanent fixture there.
Without a doubt. Bylsma is determined to keep the beef on the blueline, and Brooks is a permanent fixture there.
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