Size vs Skill: STL vs TOR

Each week we’ll take a look at 2 same position players and pit size against skill.  Who will win, size or skill?  Let’s take a look at this week’s matchup…

It’s a STL vs TOR matchup…  Roman Polak vs John-Michael Liles.  Who will win?  The Muscle from Ostrava or #JML?  Only I know, since I write this. So read on my friends.

Let’s start with size. Or as I like to call it, Roman Polak.

Standing at 6’1 227lbs, he’s a physical force to deal with on defense. He’s quick with a hit, or the drop of the gloves.  He’s more of a stay at home Dman, not putting up more than 4 goals in the NHL in a season. However, he banked a career high 17 assists in the ‘09-‘10 season.  He also carried a career high -15 +/- in ’08-’09.  He seems to be more in the negative +/-.  Physicality and the ability to pass makes him a great asset to a team.  He also has a career high PIM of a mere 59 in ’09-’10.  Not too shabby for the big stay at home Dman. Blues’ GM Armstrong touts him as being one of their top penalty killers who is in the prime of his career.

Now, let’s move along to the skill, John-Michael Liles.  I prefer calling him ‘hashtag JML’, but I’m weird. And yes, I really do say 'hashtag' - air quotes optional.

A contrast to Polak’s size, JML (as the hockey world knows him) stands at 5’10 185lbs.  What he may lack in height and weight, he makes up for in skill and heart.  He’s an intelligent Dman, reading plays to see when to advance to center ice and when to stay home.  He’s got a quick set of legs, allowing him to scramble back to the net to defend if needed. The guy’s got a pretty dead on shot on the net.  Let the numbers speak for themselves.  A season high of 14G in ’05-’06 and ’06-’07 seasons, and a commendable 40A in ’10-’11 with the Avalanche.  Not only does he produce number wise, he also takes the body when appropriate.  Topping out at 44 PIM in ’05-’06.  Toronto was a smart cookie to pick up JML, even if he is one of the ‘senior’ members of the team. Senior meaning 30.

 Advantage: Liles

Let’s take a look at the overall stats.

Polak has played 229 NHL games, netting 8 goals, 42 assists, 50 points and 143 PIMs.  Liles has 525 games, netting 68 goals, 208 assists, 276 points and 220 PIMs. Given that Polak has played in the NHL for almost half as many games, he’s doing a pretty good job in the NHL.  One could predict that when he hits around 520ish games, he’ll be around 20 goals, 80-100 assists and around 300 PIMs.  Still not touching even close to #JML’s points. #JML has the gross advantage notching 276 points in 525 games versus Polak’s 50 points in 229 games.

Advantage: Liles

Game. Set. Match.  LILES

Well played ‘hashtag JML’, well played.

Both photos courtesy of Jen Krechel & Diane Ruff 2010