So, the end of February has passed and teams are set up for the rest of the regular season and the playoffs. Or are they? Judging by the lack of significant trades, the teams were pretty much complete already in the beginning of the regular season. Well, at least some trades made the news. I think LA's aquisition of Dustin Penner may be the best move here. Penner was great in Anaheim, got a deal way over his level in Edmonton, and ended up in the teeth of media and management. Recently he's gotten over it and actually has become an impact player in the lowly Oilers. In LA, he's bound to participate in a great cup contender. Maybe not this year, but in the ones to come.
Washington may actually have pulled off pretty good deals too to provide some secondary offence behind the obvious superstars. Arnott, Sturm and Wideman are definitely not the best of the breed, but still the top of what was available now. It'd be great to see Washington go far in the playoffs, but it seems that this season there's way better overall teams in Boston, Philly and maybe even Tampa.
Everyone has been asking why Dallas didn't deal Brad Richards. Only time will tell how committed he is in the end to this team, if and when the big offers start coming in next summer. Too bad for Dallas if they lose this guy. Richards has been the catalyst in a fantastic season for the new Stars. It would be fair for them to make the playoffs now and maybe pull an upset or two. Might even keep ol' Brad in the team for the future. It's not that he's running out of money anyway.
The biggest moves were pulled before the deadline by St. Louis and Colorado swapping some great young talent and by Boston reaching out and grabbing Tomas Kaberle to run the power play in the blueline. Biggest forwards stayed where they were, unless Alexei Kovalev drinks from the fountain of youth and carries the injury ridden Penguins far enough for Sid the Kid to take over and push for the cup. Might be a good chapter for the Crosby hockey fairytale that seems to have the ultimate momentum. Hopefully we get him back soon.
From Finnish perspective it was silent. It's good to see if Sami Lepistö gets even more role in Columbus. He seemed to start doing well in Phoenix already and there's definitely room for a offencive d-man in the Blue Jackets.
2011/03/02
2011/02/09
KHL angle
I got a chance to watch the KHL all stars game the other day. If the NHL's annual lazy Sunday skate looked to be a bit pointless, this made it look like a gruesome playoff grind in comparison. Russian league's stars practically let each others take breakaways while at the same time refusing to pull the trigger even on wrist shots and always looking for the tic-tac-toe to the empty net. The players seemed to enjoy the scoring fest. Goalies, on the other hand, had hard time summoning smiles to their faces. The game ended 17-16 and the hungriest guys scored 5 goals and up to 7 points.
The skills event before the game seemed to imitate NHL's just as well. Of course they managed to clock the all-time hardest shot by Denis Kulyash, beating Zdeno Chara's blast clearly. Not that either of them had much of use for that talent in the game itself.. I've always been a fan of the Russian skating and stickhandling skills, so the skills competition suits them just fine. Homecomer Maxim Afinogenov took the fastest skater's title. No news there, having seen him play in NHL and internationals several times. That guy sure can fly.
In general, it was fun to see the top talent in KHL. It's a good combination of some very good Russian talent, choosing to play in Russia rather than NHL, some elderly statesmen with great NHL pedigree, like Jaromir Jagr and Alexei Yashin and the cream of European players who haven't been able to lock a permanent NHL roster spot. Good players in general, definitely the second best level on the sport. It's going to be interesting to see how much these leagues will blend in the coming years with players moving back and forth between those.
While the all star game was just foolish, it's great to see this other major league for hockey. It may be extracting some talent from NHL but at the same time it keeps NHL as an organization alert and active in improving. From money perspective it may have the downside that all the rest of the world's leagues have to settle with third grade talent and local juniors on their way up. Well, can't please them all.
From my subjective viewer's point of view, however, the intensity of NHL games in a smaller rink keeps the NHL as the undisputed top of the sport. KHL may have speedier highlights here and there, but the whole package of NHL with heavy hitting, reaction decisions and seizing the moments simply cannot be beaten.
Honorable mention goes to Dominik Hasek. I thought this guy had already retired after winning it all. But there he was, at age of 45, between the pipes on among the KHL's best of the best. With the same weird style that brought back many memories from the past.
The skills event before the game seemed to imitate NHL's just as well. Of course they managed to clock the all-time hardest shot by Denis Kulyash, beating Zdeno Chara's blast clearly. Not that either of them had much of use for that talent in the game itself.. I've always been a fan of the Russian skating and stickhandling skills, so the skills competition suits them just fine. Homecomer Maxim Afinogenov took the fastest skater's title. No news there, having seen him play in NHL and internationals several times. That guy sure can fly.
In general, it was fun to see the top talent in KHL. It's a good combination of some very good Russian talent, choosing to play in Russia rather than NHL, some elderly statesmen with great NHL pedigree, like Jaromir Jagr and Alexei Yashin and the cream of European players who haven't been able to lock a permanent NHL roster spot. Good players in general, definitely the second best level on the sport. It's going to be interesting to see how much these leagues will blend in the coming years with players moving back and forth between those.
While the all star game was just foolish, it's great to see this other major league for hockey. It may be extracting some talent from NHL but at the same time it keeps NHL as an organization alert and active in improving. From money perspective it may have the downside that all the rest of the world's leagues have to settle with third grade talent and local juniors on their way up. Well, can't please them all.
From my subjective viewer's point of view, however, the intensity of NHL games in a smaller rink keeps the NHL as the undisputed top of the sport. KHL may have speedier highlights here and there, but the whole package of NHL with heavy hitting, reaction decisions and seizing the moments simply cannot be beaten.
Honorable mention goes to Dominik Hasek. I thought this guy had already retired after winning it all. But there he was, at age of 45, between the pipes on among the KHL's best of the best. With the same weird style that brought back many memories from the past.
2011/02/04
All Stars
Okay, the yearly showcase in NHL is behind us and it's my time to point out something from this event. I watched the skills competition and the game itself. Rather entertaining, but somehow missing the real spark. It was obvious that some guys were really enjoying the fooling around on ice with other stars. These are the showman types like Alex Ovechkin. Even some rookies seemed to have the courage to actually have fun, Jeff Skinner and PK Subban most visibly. Then there were the larger bunch of more serious guys who seemed out of place and almost uncomfortable going in the front of this crowd to do some funny stunts. The skills competition in general came out flat, hardly testing the skills for real and mostly concentrating on gimmicks.
It was however really fun to see how much some of these guys can do with the stick and puck, given all the freedom. I have to say that the yound defencemen PK Subban, Kris Letang and Kevin Shattenkirk really rose in my books with the ability to skate and move the puck just like the best forwards. It's good to see NHL embrace these talented defencemen finally and not just try to fill the defencive zone with meanest men with biggest bodies they can find.
What about the all stars game then? It seemed to get split in three parts: entusiastic scoring in the beginning, frustration and waiting the game to be over in the middle and winning spirit rising in the end even on the meaningless game. At first it looked like it was, massive offencive talent facing little resistance on the defence. Resulting in nightmares for goalies. Well they didn't give the whole 100% either.. After some 15 goals everyone seemed to have had enough and there was no need to push for another great effort. The rest of the game was just skating around and making bad plays resulting in turnovers.
The guys seemed to have agreed to not take slapshots to avoid injury, and ended up passing on the great wrister opportunities too, instead going for an optimistic pass. It started to look like high school hockey. For the viewers, it's disappointing to see the best players, but not the efforts. Expecting to see a bunch of talent, but actually seeing only half hearted efforts and really bad hockey decisions. Maybe it was fun in the rink, but I wouldn't pay for that as a spectator.
Maybe it's time to finally drop this tradition, since there's very little incentive for anyone to really give their best in there. Number one rule from managers is to not get hurt, so what can we expect. Maybe a mid season awards gala would do the trick. Give some rest for the banged up guys and let the superstars mingle with each other in more relaxed atmosphere. Perhaps let Ovechkin and Kovalchuk have a hearty laugh without ending in the teeth of reporters and scolding by the GMs.
As a sidenote, it sure isn't the season for Phil Kessel. Getting picked up last in the all stars, not really getting anything done in the skills or game. Pretty well aligned with the state of affairs in Toronto though..
It was however really fun to see how much some of these guys can do with the stick and puck, given all the freedom. I have to say that the yound defencemen PK Subban, Kris Letang and Kevin Shattenkirk really rose in my books with the ability to skate and move the puck just like the best forwards. It's good to see NHL embrace these talented defencemen finally and not just try to fill the defencive zone with meanest men with biggest bodies they can find.
What about the all stars game then? It seemed to get split in three parts: entusiastic scoring in the beginning, frustration and waiting the game to be over in the middle and winning spirit rising in the end even on the meaningless game. At first it looked like it was, massive offencive talent facing little resistance on the defence. Resulting in nightmares for goalies. Well they didn't give the whole 100% either.. After some 15 goals everyone seemed to have had enough and there was no need to push for another great effort. The rest of the game was just skating around and making bad plays resulting in turnovers.
The guys seemed to have agreed to not take slapshots to avoid injury, and ended up passing on the great wrister opportunities too, instead going for an optimistic pass. It started to look like high school hockey. For the viewers, it's disappointing to see the best players, but not the efforts. Expecting to see a bunch of talent, but actually seeing only half hearted efforts and really bad hockey decisions. Maybe it was fun in the rink, but I wouldn't pay for that as a spectator.
Maybe it's time to finally drop this tradition, since there's very little incentive for anyone to really give their best in there. Number one rule from managers is to not get hurt, so what can we expect. Maybe a mid season awards gala would do the trick. Give some rest for the banged up guys and let the superstars mingle with each other in more relaxed atmosphere. Perhaps let Ovechkin and Kovalchuk have a hearty laugh without ending in the teeth of reporters and scolding by the GMs.
As a sidenote, it sure isn't the season for Phil Kessel. Getting picked up last in the all stars, not really getting anything done in the skills or game. Pretty well aligned with the state of affairs in Toronto though..
2011/01/24
NHL vs. AHL
I watched a game for a change. Detroit hosted Chicago at Joe Louis Arena. And what a poor host they were, not dressing up half the top end of the roster. Ended up losing, naturally. Well, all this of course was due to massive string of injuries the Wings are dealing with. It really seemed that they had taken their AHL affiliate and put them against the defending champions. Out: Holmström, Filppula, Modano, Cleary, Stuart. In: Emmerton, Kindl, Miller, Mursak, Tatar. That had to have an effect. Detroit has been great in bringing up new talent, but all in one batch just doesn't work. Chicago on the other hand seemed to roll out very solid team where the superstars Hossa, Kane, Toews didn't even have to put out their best effort for a comfortable win. This really looked like NHL team taking on an AHL team from time to time. And that Chicago's powerplay sure produced beautiful goals!
Couple of topics of interest from the Saturday's round. Saku Koivu returned to Montreal as an Anaheim Duck after delighting the Candiens' fans for over a decade as a leading player and the first European captain ever. And what a classy welcome these people gave him! I really had the chills running up the spine watching 22.000 people stand and cheer this great player for a minute and a half. I can't imagine what it felt like for Koivu himself. He's truly one of the greatest hockey players in Finnish history and it's great to see him appreciated like this. Hopefully he still has some juice left with the other elderly Finnish gentlemen playing for sunny California this season. Ducks to the playoffs!
On the nastier side of incidents, Marc Savard was flattened again on a heavy hit on his head. The moments I've seen from his play this season haven't really resembled the peak times of this great setup wizard. The long absence was visible in the game speed and maybe as the little voice somewhere reminding to keep looking back for merciless opponents. Well, a moment of caution forgotten and here he is again, being evaluated for concussion symptoms. Hopefully it ends up being just a nasty scratch, and Savard is able to return soon and eventually find his game. If it on the other hand is another concussion, it's really time to retire. As a top notch player of long career he's a multimillionaire anyway. Nothing bad in settling down somewhere in peace and taking it easy for the rest of his life. All the best to Marc Savard.
A quick note also on the possible return of another of our beloved neighbors, Peter Forsberg. It sure would be right for him to have the ankles in game shape and to end his career on couple of respectful seasons in the NHL. Forsberg sure would have been among the all time greatest without the nagging injuries. Damn, he was such a threat in 2008 with one properly functioning foot.
Couple of topics of interest from the Saturday's round. Saku Koivu returned to Montreal as an Anaheim Duck after delighting the Candiens' fans for over a decade as a leading player and the first European captain ever. And what a classy welcome these people gave him! I really had the chills running up the spine watching 22.000 people stand and cheer this great player for a minute and a half. I can't imagine what it felt like for Koivu himself. He's truly one of the greatest hockey players in Finnish history and it's great to see him appreciated like this. Hopefully he still has some juice left with the other elderly Finnish gentlemen playing for sunny California this season. Ducks to the playoffs!
On the nastier side of incidents, Marc Savard was flattened again on a heavy hit on his head. The moments I've seen from his play this season haven't really resembled the peak times of this great setup wizard. The long absence was visible in the game speed and maybe as the little voice somewhere reminding to keep looking back for merciless opponents. Well, a moment of caution forgotten and here he is again, being evaluated for concussion symptoms. Hopefully it ends up being just a nasty scratch, and Savard is able to return soon and eventually find his game. If it on the other hand is another concussion, it's really time to retire. As a top notch player of long career he's a multimillionaire anyway. Nothing bad in settling down somewhere in peace and taking it easy for the rest of his life. All the best to Marc Savard.
A quick note also on the possible return of another of our beloved neighbors, Peter Forsberg. It sure would be right for him to have the ankles in game shape and to end his career on couple of respectful seasons in the NHL. Forsberg sure would have been among the all time greatest without the nagging injuries. Damn, he was such a threat in 2008 with one properly functioning foot.
2011/01/18
No good, start the dance
Clever rip off from Prodigy, right? Well they might have had something else in mind, but I'm referring to fighting in hockey. There's a topic that always stirs up some discussion.
For some reason, somewhere along the history of the sport, fights have emerged as a part of the game. This is mostly in NHL however, other leagues and international play have much less of fighting. Partly due to heavier penalties and partly to the less physical style of play.
It's actually somewhat weird that it's become such integrated part of hockey. There's practically no fighting in other physical team sports. And if you really stop to think about it, it's pretty weird to have guys bashing each others faces, slipping on their skates and wearing all sorts of cumbersome padding to make the act even trickier.
However, it's an everyday comment in the post game articles that someone started a fight when the team was out of focus in the game to lift the spirits. And the fight is even often given the credit on changing the course of the game. Well, attitude and motivation have big impact on the game of otherwise very marginal differences.
Anyway, it seems that most teams have at least one player in their rosters who's expected to drop gloves on request and otherwise stay out of the way in the game of hockey. These guys fight their counterparts on the other teams, and the unwritten code of ethics says that the professional pugilists don't engage the actual hockey players. Sometimes the game gets so heated that the amateurs join the fights between themselves too. Resulting often in minor cuts to face and missing weeks of action with knuckles broken on hits to the helmet or something similarly stupid.
I wonder how these fighters eventually end up on the game? When the kids are playing on the junior games, is there someone taking notes on exceptional aggression and tendency to get into fights? Then with years of training through different levels of hockey, these guys crack it into the NHL and create a career with 1.000 games, 1 goal, 3 assists and 2800 penalty minutes? Or are these the eternal prospects, who just never cash in and are then given the option to stay as the "team mascot" or start thinking about going back to school for another profession?
Anyway, fighting in hockey is a complicated issue. It sure doesn't provide a good example for the young audience on solving matters. On the other hand it does bring a sort of a looming threat of getting ones ass kicked if the game's gentlemanly rules are not obeyed. Maybe it keeps the stick swinging and dirty checking in control, maybe not. My guess is that we'll find out in the coming seasons with some sort of zero tolerance experiment with fighting in NHL. Remains to be seen..
I'll end this post with couple of fellow Finns in the action. These are somewhat odd clips of the topic, but definitely interesting. The first one is Ville Peltonen having a retaliatory fight with the mammoth, Evgeny Artyuchin. This time David pretty much gets bashed by Goliath. Hats off to Ville for the courage though, the guy is some 50kg heavier and a foot taller.
The second one is our own pest Jarkko Ruutu ending the fight with Dion Phaneuf before it begins. Sometimes insult beats injury, big time. Enjoy!
For some reason, somewhere along the history of the sport, fights have emerged as a part of the game. This is mostly in NHL however, other leagues and international play have much less of fighting. Partly due to heavier penalties and partly to the less physical style of play.
It's actually somewhat weird that it's become such integrated part of hockey. There's practically no fighting in other physical team sports. And if you really stop to think about it, it's pretty weird to have guys bashing each others faces, slipping on their skates and wearing all sorts of cumbersome padding to make the act even trickier.
However, it's an everyday comment in the post game articles that someone started a fight when the team was out of focus in the game to lift the spirits. And the fight is even often given the credit on changing the course of the game. Well, attitude and motivation have big impact on the game of otherwise very marginal differences.
Anyway, it seems that most teams have at least one player in their rosters who's expected to drop gloves on request and otherwise stay out of the way in the game of hockey. These guys fight their counterparts on the other teams, and the unwritten code of ethics says that the professional pugilists don't engage the actual hockey players. Sometimes the game gets so heated that the amateurs join the fights between themselves too. Resulting often in minor cuts to face and missing weeks of action with knuckles broken on hits to the helmet or something similarly stupid.
I wonder how these fighters eventually end up on the game? When the kids are playing on the junior games, is there someone taking notes on exceptional aggression and tendency to get into fights? Then with years of training through different levels of hockey, these guys crack it into the NHL and create a career with 1.000 games, 1 goal, 3 assists and 2800 penalty minutes? Or are these the eternal prospects, who just never cash in and are then given the option to stay as the "team mascot" or start thinking about going back to school for another profession?
Anyway, fighting in hockey is a complicated issue. It sure doesn't provide a good example for the young audience on solving matters. On the other hand it does bring a sort of a looming threat of getting ones ass kicked if the game's gentlemanly rules are not obeyed. Maybe it keeps the stick swinging and dirty checking in control, maybe not. My guess is that we'll find out in the coming seasons with some sort of zero tolerance experiment with fighting in NHL. Remains to be seen..
I'll end this post with couple of fellow Finns in the action. These are somewhat odd clips of the topic, but definitely interesting. The first one is Ville Peltonen having a retaliatory fight with the mammoth, Evgeny Artyuchin. This time David pretty much gets bashed by Goliath. Hats off to Ville for the courage though, the guy is some 50kg heavier and a foot taller.
The second one is our own pest Jarkko Ruutu ending the fight with Dion Phaneuf before it begins. Sometimes insult beats injury, big time. Enjoy!
2011/01/14
Plus and minus
Let's stop for a second to take a look at the often neglected statistic, Plus/Minus. This in the end often really points out some valuable guys for the team's overall success. The defenders who just refuse to give up any goals on their shifts and the forwards, who stay out of the spotlight and remain on the defensive position while their star-linemates rush out to score taking some risks. The everyday grinders on the team, but damn good ones.
Well, let's not forget my nationality bias. I just happened to see two fellow Finns in the top-3 of the NHL Plus/Minus stats. After realizing none of the Finns made it to the all-stars game, this brings some pride back.
Check out Toni Lydman, probably playing the year of his career. Leading the pack in the stats while playing for rather inconsistent Ducks. He's been contributing offensively pretty well all season, as expected, being a pretty mobile and talented defender in general. But apparently he's been stepping in and out of the rink at the right times too to join the celebrations and just shaking his head in the bench while opponents score. Lydman has been a very solid defenceman all his career and it's good to see he's thriving also in the new team. Maybe there's something in the company of fellow Finnish veterans Saku Koivu and Teemu Selänne that keep up the spirits. All of the three are actually playing on a high note.
And Ville Leino of Philadelphia Flyers is sitting on the third position. He's having a great season following an amazing entrance during last year's playoffs. Okay, he's playing with Briere and Hartnell, who definitely know what they're doing on the ice. So good company doesn't hurt either. However, to lead the trio in Plus/Minus shows that he's been contributing positively also outside the box. Very nice to see Leino succeeding. I paid attention to his skills already in the Finnish national league years back. For a while it seemed that his speed on skates wasn't enough for international level or NHL, but it seems he's either found the speed or adjusted well on the other aspects to succeed on the top level.
Looking at the others in the top of Plus/Minus charts points out two things; the most successful teams and the odd men who somehow elude goals against. The best stats for a player outside the current playoff teams is at 22. position for David Backes. Everything is easier when you're playing for a good team..
I have to end this post with the honorable mention to one of the all-time best Finnish forwards in NHL, Jere Lehtinen. He retired this season and finished his great career at +176 in under 900 games! Compare that e.g. to the long time linemate, super star Mike Modano, who's running his incredible career at +115 in over 1400 games. Dallas Stars will definitely miss Lehtinen if they make it to the playoffs. He just never gave up.
Well, let's not forget my nationality bias. I just happened to see two fellow Finns in the top-3 of the NHL Plus/Minus stats. After realizing none of the Finns made it to the all-stars game, this brings some pride back.
Check out Toni Lydman, probably playing the year of his career. Leading the pack in the stats while playing for rather inconsistent Ducks. He's been contributing offensively pretty well all season, as expected, being a pretty mobile and talented defender in general. But apparently he's been stepping in and out of the rink at the right times too to join the celebrations and just shaking his head in the bench while opponents score. Lydman has been a very solid defenceman all his career and it's good to see he's thriving also in the new team. Maybe there's something in the company of fellow Finnish veterans Saku Koivu and Teemu Selänne that keep up the spirits. All of the three are actually playing on a high note.
And Ville Leino of Philadelphia Flyers is sitting on the third position. He's having a great season following an amazing entrance during last year's playoffs. Okay, he's playing with Briere and Hartnell, who definitely know what they're doing on the ice. So good company doesn't hurt either. However, to lead the trio in Plus/Minus shows that he's been contributing positively also outside the box. Very nice to see Leino succeeding. I paid attention to his skills already in the Finnish national league years back. For a while it seemed that his speed on skates wasn't enough for international level or NHL, but it seems he's either found the speed or adjusted well on the other aspects to succeed on the top level.
Looking at the others in the top of Plus/Minus charts points out two things; the most successful teams and the odd men who somehow elude goals against. The best stats for a player outside the current playoff teams is at 22. position for David Backes. Everything is easier when you're playing for a good team..
I have to end this post with the honorable mention to one of the all-time best Finnish forwards in NHL, Jere Lehtinen. He retired this season and finished his great career at +176 in under 900 games! Compare that e.g. to the long time linemate, super star Mike Modano, who's running his incredible career at +115 in over 1400 games. Dallas Stars will definitely miss Lehtinen if they make it to the playoffs. He just never gave up.
2011/01/11
It's all about individuals
Here we go again. A bit provocative title, but nevertheless.. Picking up the blogging after a long pause results in a yet another post containing a little bit about everything. And thus nothing in any particular depth. Try to bear with me. Comment, and impose focus.
I briefly mentioned Ilya Kovalchuk in the previous post, but I believe his case is worth ripping open a bit more. I haven't had enough time to actually watch through that many NHL games lately and the highlight clips don't really cover that much of the big picture. However, I've seen Kovalchuk play in several international games in the past and continue to be impressed. I've always liked the speedy forwards and this guy can really fly. And at least on international tournaments, Kovalchuk has been the number one forward in team. No hard feelings, Ovie, but he has delivered.
I don't think that the guy has actually lost his legs, skills or that booming shot. He's just landed to a completely wrong team. Kovalchuk needs to be treated like a superstar, his heroics admired, his shorcomings forgiven. That's a guy who just cannot find the motivation in being "one of the guys". In Atlanta it worked, even sharing the spotlight with Marian Hossa and Dany Heatley. The Devils are just so boring in so many apects. They need to set up a "fun line", combining the Star with some young prospect with great talent and admiration to Kovalchuk's style of play. Throw in some veteran playmaker with good legs and let the guys play offence. Back this combo up with the most solid defencive pair you've got and hope they end up on the scoring end more than on the receiving. Kovalchuk will never be the leader in plus/minus category. His task is to inspire the team with the flashy magics. This season's ship has sailed for New Jersey, but they'd still have a decent period to break in the new top line for the next season comeback.
Keep your eyes open in Edmonton. They have a lot of promise in their young roster and the next years should see the team rising in the rankings like mad. Time is limited however, since these young stars will end up asking for big paychecks after the intitial contracts expire.
Pay special attention to Linus Omark. He has proven himself to be just a natural threat in the offencive zone on Swedish league, international games and AHL. He should be given all the time to break in the NHL too. Whoever gives him that will reap the rewards later on. The only mistake here is to not let the guy have fun in the rink. To require some old-fashioned honour code on behavior or some other lame bullshit like that. This guy is an entertainer and he'll let the actions do the speaking. It does take some balls to play around like he did in his first shootout in the big boys' league. Scolded by some grey ones, but cheered by so many more. And that was just showing off, not talent. If you want a quick tour to this guy's hockey sense and skills, browse YouTube. There's a plenty.
I'd say if a young player entering NHL has the balls to act like a showman, let him. If he then fails to deliver in the games, that's a personal downfall. It's not the team that looks foolish, just the poor guy who dived in the deep end without the proper tools. If on the other hand, the guy succeeds, a cult and a following will soon be established and kids on the frozen ponds will carry on trying to imitate the tricks he's displayed. In the modern worls, star players can start from the top, if they got the goods. No need to grind their way over there through pain and sacrifice. Let's leave that for the less talented, but stubborn fellows.
And as an end note to General managers and team owners. It's not the tightly knit teams and strategic mid-ice traps that people come to watch in the games. It's the magic that superstars bring in the game, witnessing something unreal. Leaving the arena in awe, shaking their heads and muttering "Still cannot understand how he did it.."
But don't go shopping or drafting for Kovalchuks if you're not willing to let them shine brighter than the others.
I briefly mentioned Ilya Kovalchuk in the previous post, but I believe his case is worth ripping open a bit more. I haven't had enough time to actually watch through that many NHL games lately and the highlight clips don't really cover that much of the big picture. However, I've seen Kovalchuk play in several international games in the past and continue to be impressed. I've always liked the speedy forwards and this guy can really fly. And at least on international tournaments, Kovalchuk has been the number one forward in team. No hard feelings, Ovie, but he has delivered.
I don't think that the guy has actually lost his legs, skills or that booming shot. He's just landed to a completely wrong team. Kovalchuk needs to be treated like a superstar, his heroics admired, his shorcomings forgiven. That's a guy who just cannot find the motivation in being "one of the guys". In Atlanta it worked, even sharing the spotlight with Marian Hossa and Dany Heatley. The Devils are just so boring in so many apects. They need to set up a "fun line", combining the Star with some young prospect with great talent and admiration to Kovalchuk's style of play. Throw in some veteran playmaker with good legs and let the guys play offence. Back this combo up with the most solid defencive pair you've got and hope they end up on the scoring end more than on the receiving. Kovalchuk will never be the leader in plus/minus category. His task is to inspire the team with the flashy magics. This season's ship has sailed for New Jersey, but they'd still have a decent period to break in the new top line for the next season comeback.
Keep your eyes open in Edmonton. They have a lot of promise in their young roster and the next years should see the team rising in the rankings like mad. Time is limited however, since these young stars will end up asking for big paychecks after the intitial contracts expire.
Pay special attention to Linus Omark. He has proven himself to be just a natural threat in the offencive zone on Swedish league, international games and AHL. He should be given all the time to break in the NHL too. Whoever gives him that will reap the rewards later on. The only mistake here is to not let the guy have fun in the rink. To require some old-fashioned honour code on behavior or some other lame bullshit like that. This guy is an entertainer and he'll let the actions do the speaking. It does take some balls to play around like he did in his first shootout in the big boys' league. Scolded by some grey ones, but cheered by so many more. And that was just showing off, not talent. If you want a quick tour to this guy's hockey sense and skills, browse YouTube. There's a plenty.
I'd say if a young player entering NHL has the balls to act like a showman, let him. If he then fails to deliver in the games, that's a personal downfall. It's not the team that looks foolish, just the poor guy who dived in the deep end without the proper tools. If on the other hand, the guy succeeds, a cult and a following will soon be established and kids on the frozen ponds will carry on trying to imitate the tricks he's displayed. In the modern worls, star players can start from the top, if they got the goods. No need to grind their way over there through pain and sacrifice. Let's leave that for the less talented, but stubborn fellows.
And as an end note to General managers and team owners. It's not the tightly knit teams and strategic mid-ice traps that people come to watch in the games. It's the magic that superstars bring in the game, witnessing something unreal. Leaving the arena in awe, shaking their heads and muttering "Still cannot understand how he did it.."
But don't go shopping or drafting for Kovalchuks if you're not willing to let them shine brighter than the others.
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