Does Tanner Glass Take too Much Criticism?

Glass (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Throughout the season Tanner Glass has been the subject of unwarranted criticism, but the tough winger is elevating his game just in time for the Rangers playoff push.

Prior to Tuesdays game against the Islanders, Glass had 2 points in his previous 2 games. Alain Vigneault told the media why Glass was going back into the lineup against the Islanders, “Tanner was playing well before and I wanted to take a look at Shep (James Sheppard). All of our forwards are playing well and it’s time for Tanner to come back in.”

Why Glass Takes Heat

Tanner Glass is often criticized, because he has poor Corsi numbers. For those of you unfamiliar with this stat, it is a measurement of even strength shots attempted for, subtracted by even strength shots attempted against. Like most fancy stats Corsi numbers tend to leave out some of the context of the game. Those using the eye test have issues with his speed and puck ability.

Why I Think The Fans Should Back Off

Tanner Glass is a fourth line banger, he is in the lineup to provide some grit, physicality, and penalty killing. These are his strengths, but some fans suggest he do more than he is capable of and expect him to produce offense. I’ve been focusing on Glass and what I can say is he is a high percentage player. He puts the puck deep and finishes his checks with authority. Glass looks slow because he skates on a line with Jesper Fast and Dominic Moore, both of whom are exceptional skaters.

Lets Look At My Fancy Stats

Glass often seems to be lumped into the category of “goon” with the likes of John Scott, Anthony Peluso, and Luke Gazdic. So just for the sake of argument lets compare them. Glass kills 1:00 of penalties on average per game, the other players kill exactly 0:00 combined. Glass has blocked 25 shots this season more than the other 3 guys combined who have 18. Glass averages 9:54 per game while none of these other players average more than 7:30. Glass has thrown 158 hits considerably more than Scott (73), Peluso (96), and Gazdic (64). Lets face it if Glass was a bad player, he wouldn’t be getting ice time on one of the best teams in the league.

When games get ugly you need a player like Glass. For those of you who watched that thrilling Rangers Islanders game on Tuesday, I want you to think back to when Matt Martin was in Keith Yandle‘s face, who was the first guy into the fray? Glass. He was also seen engaged with Cal Clutterbuck, and standing in front of Jaroslav Halak throughout the game. He’s not a cheap skate, he is a solid winger who brings several intangibles.

Here are some big hits from Glass

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You can follow me on Twitter @StevenLoffredo

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