It was funny hearing the whole broadcast talk about his world class shot and how the Kings can really use a shot like his and it'll change the power play, etc, as if they haven't had Kaliyev on the team all year.
Agreed, Kaliyev has one of the best shots on the team for sure, and Frk got the treatment yesterday that I have been hoping Kaliyev would get for a long time (just put him on Kopitar's line and keep him there and see how things play out and if any chemistry develops there). Of course, while Kaliyev is likely the better overall player and scorer, Frk definitely has his place. It is hard to snub your nose at a guy that literally has the hardest recorded shot in hockey history lol. Both are special teams assets that need to be highlighted, leaned upon, and utilized moving forward. If we had Frk and Kaliyev both out there for a PP, I shudder to think of the possibilities....
You have to hand it to Frk, he went out there and definitely seized his opportunity. He looked slightly jittery and was definitely trying hard to fit in and was quick to pass to Kopitar or Doughty, but he looked good and like he belonged for sure. Of course, this is a common tale of a young player flying out of the gate, it is another thing to do that and be consistent over the long haul.
In the end, I am happy for Frk. He has been one of the more tragic storylines on the roster for a while now. He literally earned his roster spot and a contract extension only to be decimated by injuries and be on his last chance when everything he's done on the ice has literally proven that he belongs out there on NHL ice.
Overall, I was a little bit optimistic last night watching our powerplay. I actually liked the puck movement and just having an adaptive plan of getting that shot off. One looked abysmal, but the rest had a lot better puck movement and motivation than what I've seen so far this season. Though, we definitely need more results, and a lot more consistency on forcing offense every game.
