Shea Weber Season Preview: Strong Like Bull
We can't start the season without previewing The Captain! Obviously.
We've saved the best for last! As you may recall, The Captain absolutely carried this team last year, scoring a team-high 56 points with 23 goals, one off the team lead. Oh, by the way, he also finished 4th in the NHL in TOI, averaging almost 27 minutes a game. In a perfect world, the team wouldn't rely on a defenseman to supply the majority of the offense, but such is life here in Smashville. Or at least it was under the previous regime. What can we expect this year? World-class defense and lots and lots of bombs from the point on power play duty. Let's just hope his offense is a smaller piece (instead of the only piece) of the pie this season. On a personal note, Shea became a father in the offseason. Congrats!
Best Case Scenario
He somehow tops his career best point totals from last season, scores 30 goals, and FINALLY takes home the Norris. It's not like he hasn't deserved one (or two) already.
Worst Case Scenario
The power play continues to, um, struggle, and he "only" scores 40 points this year.
Bold Prediction
He breaks 50 points again, breaks some arenas (again), and breaks through with his first Norris win. Book it.
If you think Shea Weber doesn't shoot hard, you better think again. He only put a hole in the boards today... #bombpic.twitter.com/x5OG3WjF52
— Seth Jones (@seth_jones3) August 21, 2014 Spirit Animal
The Bull. A really, really angry bull. Obviously.