Are we remembering the same hunk?
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You mistaken me, I'm one of the few who was accepting of Hickey as a player. I was acknowledging that he generally got a bad rap by Islander fans.
If Hickey had Aho's wheels or Aho had Hickey's open ice hitting they would easily have been a top four NHL d-man. As of now they are/were better served for no higher than a number six.
Problem with D-men of Aho and Hickey's frame its that while they CAN possible make some big open ice hits due to timing and leg drive... think a Cornerback laying out a larger Tight End because they are allowed to pick up speed and drive through the tackle.
When not allowed to gain leg drive that small-sized player is most likely going to get overpowered by a larger player. It's simple leverage. Therefore, what you give up in size you have to make up in other areas like skill. <- I can personally vouch that this applies as solid marriage advice too.
You can use that Kevin (most punchable face in hockey) Hayes overpowering Hickey highlight as an example. Warning Puke-able highlight and play calling to follow...