I've been here since sometime in the late 90's.
I used to post more, years and years ago, but time doesn't permit me to really type out stuff with the accuracy and details I'd like. There are only so many hours in a day.
Yes, I myself had issues with Nik in the past, but, having time over the years to read almost every post, I can say that Nik is a very smart person, who writes well and seems to be well versed in a lot of area's.
Typing / text, has NO expression, you can't see the persons face or body language. Sometimes it can come across rude or brash or whatever.
I'm sure a lot of times, I was feeling butthurt with Nik's careful and well thought out / written, responses.
But that's on me, for maybe not articulating my point with info and facts and having my weak opinions shoved back.
Also, eye's lie, I like to watch games as much as the next guy, but just because (insert name here) 'Jake Gardiner' makes a mistake during a game (or even two), doesn't make Jake hot garbage that anyone would trade for a bag of pucks, I do like what all these deeper numbers show, analytics are a great thing. There is a reason eye witness accounts aren't the greatest things, people see / interpret things, wrong, a lot of the time.
As well, while watching a game on TV, you are at the mercy of what is being shown, you can not see the entire ice and any developing plays not on camera, it's is deceiving too.
Anyways, just my two cents, if you don't like what someone posted, don't read it all / don't reply, ignore, or you can always reply with your own facts and interpretation and not take offence to someone challenging your opinion. This is what a forum is for.
Just know though, if you post something basic, like the 'leafs at the best and are going to win the cup this year' and they've been awful for a decade, etc... the post is not going to have great responses.
p.s. If you think bar room banter doesn't turn into this type of stuff on the forums, you are crazy. My buddies and I just last week were in heated discussions at the bar, re: old school eye test VS. advanced stats.