88 Grossman review.

Had him on a line with base Brent Burns for about 60 games. Was my point leader with 40~ assists and 15 goals.

Skating.

7/10, He's not fast, he's not agile, but he is STRONG on the puck. He's got enough speed to catch the break out if you are on top of switching to your last man back, but can be burnt if you rely on the AI. He turns like a damn battleship though, so don't expect him to stay glued to smaller, faster, more agile skaters hips. What balances this out is his long stick reach, and his ability to crush bodies. Very strong on the puck and body, so a worthy stay at home partner for a more offensively minded defenceman. His endurance is also pretty high, so he can be counted on for special teams/top pairing minutes.

Shooting 7/10

He has a damn strong shot, especially if you are running 1T/B. The only problem I had with him was that he missed wide when trying to thread the needle (Not surprising for a DFD) This can be balanced by using him with a forward line thats set to crash the net, just aim your shot low and at the five hole, your forwards should get more than enough deflections and tips.

Hands 8(9 w/PP)/10

If you activate his PP (99 rating with PP/TT active), he is an excellent set up man. I had him with Burnsie, both on their off hands, and would use Grossman's strength to draw the opponents AI into the half boards, protect the puck, and then send a fully charged sauce to Burns for the wide open 1T. He can perform some of the more complex dekes like between the legs/off the skate, but they tend to be pretty slow and telegraphed. Your best bet is to use the protect puck and just bull into the opponent to make space.

Checking 8/10

He can lay bodies like some of the best. He wasn't one to regularly hurt other players, I just don't think he has the speed to generate the needed velocity, but there were few and far who would stay on their skates after a clean Grossman connection. When the AI had control, I didn't find his aggressiveness pulled him out of position, and he rarely took penalties, so you can expect him to make 1 or 2 turn overs a game by himself (AI controlled). He also never left a game with injury, which is a plus, because going down to 5 Dmen can be a killer.

Defence 9/10

He is a shot blocking machine (90 rating base). At 6'4, 230lbs, he takes up ALOT of open ice in the slot. He also has a VERY long stick, great for poking pucks loose, combined with an 89 Def Awareness, 89 stick checking and 89 discipline, he can be relied on to get the poke on the puck, not in the skates, which is huge for stopping rushes. I used him as "Old Faithful" on my PK1 and as my 2RD since the start of the season. Out of all my cards I'm going to miss him the most.

Conclusion

Over all rating 8.8/10

I'd say his overall is 100% accurate of his card rating and player type. He's a rumblin, bumblin, cannon shooting, heavy artillery, blue line shut down guy. Out of the 3 88 D.C's, I'd say he is the best. Well worth the 50 game grind. Paired with a quick, jump in the play, "Shoot first" partner, and you can't go wrong.