Statistitically Speaking -- Lando Baxter [1/2]

[Elhandon 66]

We here at Statistically Speaking sat down with Lando Baxter at the half-way point of his first season in the VMHL.  He recently got moved up to the top pairing of the Ottawa Lynx and is currently leading the Lynx defense in scoring.  We wanted to hear how he feels the season has went, statistically speaking.

 

Statistically Speaking – You were recently moved off the second pairing with John Stephanides and are now playing with Chat almost exclusively.  It’s been a few games now, how has the change been, and why do you think you were moved?

 

Lando Baxter—I’ll admit, I was hoping to be moved up.  Don’t get me wrong, Stephy’s a great guy and some day will be a great defensive defenseman.  Chat just plays a more offensive game that I feel makes us a more dangerous duo.  He’s a great skater and passer and I’m looking forward to getting more comfortable playing with him.

 

Statistically Speaking – You’re the fastest player on the team.  How has that helped you rack up the points?

 

Lando Baxter—Well first off, I have no idea how I’ve been able to do it!  I mean, I’ve always tried to use my speed to create space and opportunities, but I did not expect to step into this league and lead a good team like Ottawa in defensive scoring!

 

Statistically Speaking – But you’re also the team’s worst in plus/minus…

 

Lando Baxter—Yeah, uh, it’s embarassing.  I really wanted to excel at both ends of the ice, but so far it’s not happening in our own end.  Maybe splitting up me and Stephy will help?  Not sure though.  I mean I’ve been working on my defense.  I think I’m actually as good as Stephy there, but maybe since he’s better at checking…I don’t know.

 

Statistically Speaking – So you’re leading the dmen in points, but trailing in plus/minus.  Are you worried about being type-cast as this offensive wizard that doesn’t care about his own end?

 

Lando Baxter— Uh.  Wow, yeah I’ve never thought of it that way.  I mean I just play my game and trust the coaches.

 

Statistically Speaking – but if you’re a liability, then…

 

Lando Baxter— Woah, woah, woah, who says I’m a liability?

 

Statistically Speaking – A few of the fans on social media have b…

 

Lando Baxter— If I listened to the fans, would I be a better player?  Is that what you’re saying?

 

Statistically Speaking – uh, let’s change the subject he…

 

Lando Baxter—No.  I want an answer.  If I played exactly like SpongePuck387 wants me to play, will I be a better player?

 

Statistically Speaking – …

 

Lando Baxter—…

 

Statistically Speaking – No, it wouldn’t.

 

Lando Baxter – Thank you.  I only care what the coach says and so far, he’s given me free reign to play to the best of my abilities.

 

Statistically Speaking – So being last in Shot Blocks isn’t important?

 

Lando Baxter –I’m out.

/Lando leaves

 

 

Well there you have it.  You heard it here that Lando Baxter is a bit touchy when it comes to his defensive zone statistics. While he’s a defenseman that 2^nd in overall points for Ottawa, we look forward to a more well-rounded player going forward.  He scoring now, but will a VHL team want a d-man who only cares about scoring?  Time will tell.

Thanks for joining us today for an explosive interview.

 

/564 words  claiming for July 2 to July 8

[diamond_ace 3,114]

As long as you put in a decent bit on defense in the long run, you're actually on a better track doing it the way you are. Offensive D perform well in this sim program. I've tried twice to make a defensive D and it hasn't really worked for me.

[Elhandon 66]

Cool.  Thanks for the insight.

[TheLastOlympian07 2,388]

Review

Nice little interview here. Can't wait to see if you have indeed worked on your defense coming into this season. Keep up the good work.