AvsFan2123
Registered User
Do we know the analytics/numbers behind Rantanen’s tenure at C? Just so I know how I should feel about this? (I already don’t feel good)
Sadly, that is very much the Bednar way and what I'm expecting again this time.If they are going to try Rantanen at center, they have to COMMIT to this for a good chunk of games, and see if it can truly work long term. Don't pull the plug after 2 periods like usual. Either you believe in it or you don't.
Give him until the trade deadline and if he can't hack it there you go out and get a center. If he can, great, maybe you grab the best available winger instead then.
I don't see him as anywhere near Mikko there.... but it isn't just about protecting the puck, it is about making plays out of that situation. He doesn't get really anything directed to high danger areas at a high rate. Not his own shot attempts, not assists, not rebounds. He just doesn't drive anything. That doesn't mean he can't be useful... he can be a solid 3rd wheel and play decent defense. But he has to play with two players that are better than him to have any real success on a line.He absolutely can, that's one of his strong suits. He's arguably better than Mikko is at protecting the puck. The problem is, for you to be effective that way, you also need teammates who are looking to get into spaces and also help you dig out the puck. Which is what he has never had with the Rangers. He did have it at times with the kid line, and now again with Cuylle. And like I said, he would have it with the Avs.
The only reason Hughes looked better than Kakko leading to the draft is because he was playing in a "kiddie" league.I don't see him as anywhere near Mikko there.... but it isn't just about protecting the puck, it is about making plays out of that situation. He doesn't get really anything directed to high danger areas at a high rate. Not his own shot attempts, not assists, not rebounds. He just doesn't drive anything. That doesn't mean he can't be useful... he can be a solid 3rd wheel and play decent defense. But he has to play with two players that are better than him to have any real success on a line.
I personally think Kakko would really struggle here. The Avs really rely on their wingers a lot for speedy, heavy north/south hockey. The top line gets a pass with MacK... but really if you look at the most successful wings here. They skate well, they pressure all over the ice, and they hit. They don't have to be big... but slow wingers who don't hit, they don't last here unless they have a major plus skill (like Burkie and his shot). Kakko doesn't cover much ice, isn't speedy at all, and I'm not saying he's really soft... but because he's behind the play he doesn't create any real physicality on his own. His board work is mostly skating in late or him being engaged on. I think he has something like 10 or 11 hits all year and 8 or 9 takeaways. For a guy who was billed as a forechecking monster and possession guy, that's horrific. Then he doesn't have that plus skill to fall back on.
I fully admit I missed on Kakko. I thought he was fantastic leading into that draft. Not Hughes good, but was a top talent. His struggles really show how important certain skills are and how you really need certain plus skills and space to really succeed in the NHL.
He said that last night after Mack got hurt. Lasted till Mack returned.Evan Rawal just posted they're trying Rants at C.
Not sure if that counts, but sounds like they're shopping for wingers.
I don’t even know who this is hahaChris Wagner called up…
Yeah if they’re going to do it, put him there till the deadline and at least see if he can do it for like 3 weeks.If they are going to try Rantanen at center, they have to COMMIT to this for a good chunk of games, and see if it can truly work long term. Don't pull the plug after 2 periods like usual. Either you believe in it or you don't.
Give him until the trade deadline and if he can't hack it there you go out and get a center. If he can, great, maybe you grab the best available winger instead then.
Or they are tired of Kivi, or Cogs was hurt blocking that shot, or they want someone other than Dermy, or there is a trade coming... Couldn't be any number of things. They don't play till Sunday.Great. Probably means that LoC is more injured than they let on.
If this is because Mack is going to miss time with his injury CMac has completely ****ed our season. Waiting till the absolute last minute to make your moves can backfire pretty quick when you have to make trades from a standpoint of extreme desperation which would be our position if Mack is injured.Chris Wagner called up…
Great. Probably means that LoC is more injured than they let on.
If this is because Mack is going to miss time with his injury CMac has completely ****ed our season. Waiting till the absolute last minute to make your moves can backfire pretty quick when you have to make trades from a standpoint of extreme desperation which would be our position if Mack is injured.
They need a Ron Francis kind of GM.The guy Columbus really needs to hire is Darche... I have a feeling it will be Mark Hunter.
Mate, he's actually played at the top level with and for us before ! hahaI don’t even know who this is haha
Mate, he's actually played at the top level with and for us before ! haha
Our 2C problems are solvedChris Wagner called up…
We're truly beyond dumpster diving if we're recalling a guy that couldn't cut it 8 years ago when we were a garbage fireYup, and he was a machine at 4C for us.