I've been watching as many Flames games as I can. Phaneuf is his own worst enemy. His lack of offense isn't for lack of trying of trying on his part but maybe even the opposite; too much trying and not enough team play in the offensive end.
Every time he touches the puck, this guys shoots it. On PP he is taking a million shots from the blueline with folks like Iginla and Bourque hanging out around the boards or in front of the goal. Even with Jokinen QBing the point, Phaneuf is still gunning shots every time he touches the puck it seems. A bit more passing and working with his teammates would likely help him get assists and such and make him more valuable to his team.
I personally think you can trace that straight back to when he didn't get picked for the Canadian Olympic Team and I also think trading his non team playing self to Atlanta along with a boatload of whatever for Kovulchuck would be just the ticket because the Flames need another forward with presence out there.
Phaneuf, as a dman, is 4th on the team in SOG with 123 and only 12 assists. Bourque is 128 and Jokinen is 147..... Speaks for itself. Check out Duncan Keith's and Seabrooks assist totals by comparision. (35 and 18)
Something like that would possibly put Regehr on the same line with Sarich, Johnson or maybe Kronwall but at least Regehr wouldn't have to cover for Phaneuf's lapses in the defensive end.


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