Alex Burmistrov (Part II)

[garret9]

Just like Burmi 1.0......the 2.0 version leaves you wanting a lot more.

Guy skates miles out there - but just cannot translate it into any kind production, often enough.

Unless you get him going round an oval track or something.....

What's interesting to me is that the output for Burmistrov is very different than it was pre-KHL, but everybody complains for the same input reasons.

So why the difference?

There's something different about Burmistrov and it's not the same things everyone complained about him before. What is it?

 

[iceguy]

I think his criticism stems from the obvious talent in handling the puck, moves, and overall skating ability that doesn't translate into points. When the sky is falling in jetland, I think he gets a fair bit of criticism thrown his way.

From watching the games this season I don't think he puts in a poor effort as he is often backchecking, covering defence, and engaging the body. From the change in play in the last 15 games it appears he's trying to adapt his game. In the offensive zone I'm always wishing his positioning is better in supporting his linemates and driving chances. He's often a second away from being in the right spot or doing the right thing. Between the ears would be the reason as his skating level is fine.

I would give him another year and off-season to put things together especially with some of the talent coming up in the organization. The kid has a lot of whats needed for success in the NHL but that's the line between making/breaking, elite vs average.

 

[ecolad]

What's interesting to me is that the output for Burmistrov is very different than it was pre-KHL, but everybody complains for the same input reasons.

So why the difference?

There's something different about Burmistrov and it's not the same things everyone complained about him before. What is it?

Probably not the statistical type of feedback you`re looking for but.....

In his first stint with the Jets,Burmi tended to follow his natural instincts-strip the puck carrier: carry puck into offensive zone with a controlled possession play: create a scoring chance himself or with a linemate; rinse and repeat. There was little structure to this approach and it didn`t fit Noel`s chip and dump approach but Noel reluctantly let him play!

Burmi currently is extremely anxious to meet Maurice`s expectations and make his mark in the NHL.I believe that he is having difficulty understanding just what Maurice wants(particularly in the neutral and offensive zones with a defense -first philosophy). Burmi has somehow interpreted that to mean possession perimeter play;reluctance to pass the puck for fear of losing possession; and general over-handling the puck until space disappears and the puck is inevitably stripped away. This interpretive style change shows up in much poorer outputs as you noted.

Burmi needs more time to improve but it is not simply playing time. IMO, he needs some really quality one-on-one time off the ice with the coaches to get better focussed on what it is that he should be tactically/positionally trying to do.

Just my two cents.

 

[KingBogo]

Probably not the statistical type of feedback you`re looking for but.....

In his first stint with the Jets,Burmi tended to follow his natural instincts-strip the puck carrier: carry puck into offensive zone with a controlled possession play: create a scoring chance himself or with a linemate; rinse and repeat. There was little structure to this approach and it didn`t fit Noel`s chip and dump approach but Noel reluctantly let him play!

Burmi currently is extremely anxious to meet Maurice`s expectations and make his mark in the NHL.I believe that he is having difficulty understanding just what Maurice wants(particularly in the neutral and offensive zones with a defense -first philosophy). Burmi has somehow interpreted that to mean possession perimeter play;reluctance to pass the puck for fear of losing possession; and general over-handling the puck until space disappears and the puck is inevitably stripped away. This interpretive style change shows up in much poorer outputs as you noted.

Burmi needs more time to improve but it is not simply playing time. IMO, he needs some really quality one-on-one time off the ice with the coaches to get better focussed on what it is that he should be tactically/positionally trying to do.

Just my two cents.

Nice analysis. But the question becomes how much effort do you invest? If you could move him for a decent return the time is probably soon. He might be worth something to a team due to some potential still and low cap hit.

 

[Hhane Snidy]

Burmi needs more time to improve but it is not simply playing time. IMO, he needs some really quality one-on-one time off the ice with the coaches to get better focussed on what it is that he should be tactically/positionally trying to do.

Just my two cents.

Great post. I hadn't thought of that but it makes sense. He's really good, but doesn't seem to do what everyone else is doing. I'd really like to see him succeed.

 

[Gm0ney]

Probably not the statistical type of feedback you`re looking for but.....

In his first stint with the Jets,Burmi tended to follow his natural instincts-strip the puck carrier: carry puck into offensive zone with a controlled possession play: create a scoring chance himself or with a linemate; rinse and repeat. There was little structure to this approach and it didn`t fit Noel`s chip and dump approach but Noel reluctantly let him play!

Burmi currently is extremely anxious to meet Maurice`s expectations and make his mark in the NHL.I believe that he is having difficulty understanding just what Maurice wants(particularly in the neutral and offensive zones with a defense -first philosophy). Burmi has somehow interpreted that to mean possession perimeter play;reluctance to pass the puck for fear of losing possession; and general over-handling the puck until space disappears and the puck is inevitably stripped away. This interpretive style change shows up in much poorer outputs as you noted.

Burmi needs more time to improve but it is not simply playing time. IMO, he needs some really quality one-on-one time off the ice with the coaches to get better focussed on what it is that he should be tactically/positionally trying to do.

Just my two cents.

Last night he tried to dangle the puck through a crowd of Coyotes multiple times. He's not getting any support - it doesn't look like he's on the same page with what the rest of his line is trying to do. But there was some of that in 2011-13 too...just seems like it panned out a bit more back then.

His early season deployment on an ill-composed shutdown line getting tough assignments while playing wing instead of C didn't help his production. But he hasn't been accomplishing much points-wise since then either...

 

[KingBogo]

Last night he tried to dangle the puck through a crowd of Coyotes multiple times. He's not getting any support - it doesn't look like he's on the same page with what the rest of his line is trying to do. But there was some of that in 2011-13 too...just seems like it panned out a bit more back then.

His early season deployment on an ill-composed shutdown line getting tough assignments while playing wing instead of C didn't help his production. But he hasn't been accomplishing much points-wise since then either...

Agreed. Except if your linemate continually tries to dangle through a crowd of opposing players, giving support is quickly picking up your defensive assignments and bail. Because you will be in deep trouble if you are on the wrong side of the puck when the final dangle fails. Now everyone is chasing the play back down the ice.

 

[Jetty]

Guys like Burmi who can "dangle" but can't finish are a dime a dozen. After next season I suspect he will be playing for Las Vegas or back in the KHL.

 

[Jet]

I still believe there is a player there. Burmistrov still has a lot going for him: skill, speed, passion, energy. He's not afraid to be physical. You just hope he can figure out how he is going to be an effective NHL'er and stick with that.

Not sure if he will ever figure it out but I would like to give him at least one more year, personally. What he might end up being is pretty valuable. Good teams don't throw away stones until they figure out whether they are polishing a diamond, or a turd.

 

[sipowicz]

Guys like Burmi who can "dangle" but can't finish are a dime a dozen. After next season I suspect he will be playing for Las Vegas or back in the KHL.

Listen I'm far from a Burmi fan but his dangle is superb, not many guys can do what he can with the puck in tight and in open ice, the downside is that he has no finish and a pretty lackluster shot. The sooner he figures out that he can become an elite defensive forward (shut down guy) the better because I can't see him ever becoming any kind of offensive threat.

 

[Hank Chinaski]

What's interesting to me is that the output for Burmistrov is very different than it was pre-KHL, but everybody complains for the same input reasons.

So why the difference?

There's something different about Burmistrov and it's not the same things everyone complained about him before. What is it?

It's usage, IMO. Burmistrov is playing against much tougher competition this year than he ever did under Noel, and he's getting eaten alive.

 

[Hank Chinaski]

Probably not the statistical type of feedback you`re looking for but.....

In his first stint with the Jets,Burmi tended to follow his natural instincts-strip the puck carrier: carry puck into offensive zone with a controlled possession play: create a scoring chance himself or with a linemate; rinse and repeat. There was little structure to this approach and it didn`t fit Noel`s chip and dump approach but Noel reluctantly let him play!

Burmi currently is extremely anxious to meet Maurice`s expectations and make his mark in the NHL.I believe that he is having difficulty understanding just what Maurice wants(particularly in the neutral and offensive zones with a defense -first philosophy). Burmi has somehow interpreted that to mean possession perimeter play;reluctance to pass the puck for fear of losing possession; and general over-handling the puck until space disappears and the puck is inevitably stripped away. This interpretive style change shows up in much poorer outputs as you noted.

Burmi needs more time to improve but it is not simply playing time. IMO, he needs some really quality one-on-one time off the ice with the coaches to get better focussed on what it is that he should be tactically/positionally trying to do.

Just my two cents.

Good take.

I also think that Burmistrov's lack of vision really hurts him. It wasn't as noticeable under Noel, mostly because he played his game in a pretty narrow area along the boards. His "office" was basically from the right wing blueline to the outer hashmark. Now he's trying to play a more complete game and drive to the net, but has no ability to use his teammates or find good spots on the ice from which to shoot.

 

[Samcanadian]

Can anyone figure out what Burmi's fancy stats have looked like the past month or so? I know for a fact the eye test is showing greater improvement with his game and I'd like to see some confirmation.

If anything, just for some backup to defend Burmi when everyone and their dog rips on him during the game.

 

[garret9]

Can anyone figure out what Burmi's fancy stats have looked like the past month or so? I know for a fact the eye test is showing greater improvement with his game and I'd like to see some confirmation.

If anything, just for some backup to defend Burmi when everyone and their dog rips on him during the game.

Give me a specific start date and I can.

 

[Evil Little]

Can anyone figure out what Burmi's fancy stats have looked like the past month or so? I know for a fact the eye test is showing greater improvement with his game and I'd like to see some confirmation.

If anything, just for some backup to defend Burmi when everyone and their dog rips on him during the game.

Someone more inclined to investigate the data could give you a better picture, but generally, very good:



(10 game rolling.)

 

[Whileee]

5v5 primary points / 60 (goals and 1st assists), 2015-16

Perreault: 0.68
Burmistrov: 0.70

 

[pucka lucka]

Burmi playing with Perreault has helped a tonne. Perreault is smart and know how to get to spots to give Burmi an outlet. Earlier Burmi would paint himself in a corner with o-zone duds like Lowry and Thorburn. He's also been playing center.

Perreault is one of the few players i've seen who is as good at center as he is on the wing.

 

[ps241]

This really cool article written by Kuznetzov in "The Players Tribute" about growing up as a Russian goes along way to describing why Alex plays like he plays.


http://www.theplayerstribune.com/evgeny-kuznetsov-capitals-russia-hockey/

My father teach me, too. First thing, you never look at puck. Eyes always up. Look left, right, forward. You look down, it’s over. Even now, if I look down at puck in a game, my dad let me know about it. He texts me. If I score three goals but I don’t have an assist, he texts me. Because he teach me to be unselfish. You have to play for your partner. This is very Russian, this principle. I guess because of the Red Machine.

But this works only when all five guys working together perfect. If a guy skates in and shoots from blue line without passing, it’s like he doesn’t have respect. That’s how we play in Russia. When I come to America last year to play in NHL, I learn it’s a little different.

In my team in KHL, if you dump the puck, coach might put you on bench and you never go out and play hockey again. It’s true.

 

[Gm0ney]

^ I remember Evander Kane having a pretty rough go if it in the KHL during the lockout. 10 games and done. Just came to mind when I saw that "If a guy skates in and shoots from blue line without passing, it’s like he doesn’t have respect" line...

Maybe Burmi just needed to readjust to the North American game. Better/smarter linemates have certainly helped too.

 

[Evil Little]

This really cool article written by Kuznetzov in "The Players Tribute" about growing up as a Russian goes along way to describing why Alex plays like he plays.


http://www.theplayerstribune.com/evgeny-kuznetsov-capitals-russia-hockey/

"Me from Russia. Me like to hockey."

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

Burmi playing with Perreault has helped a tonne. Perreault is smart and know how to get to spots to give Burmi an outlet. Earlier Burmi would paint himself in a corner with o-zone duds like Lowry and Thorburn. He's also been playing center.

Perreault is one of the few players i've seen who is as good at center as he is on the wing.

Perreault doesn't get nearly enough respect, even here.

I'd buy his Jersey but I don't want him to be traded.

 

[BoneDocUK]

Burmo looking good again tonight. Finding plenty of space and shooting.

EDIT: Burmo is Burmi's shootier cousin.

 

[csk]

Burmo looking good again tonight. Finding plenty of space and shooting.

EDIT: Burmo is Burmi's shootier cousin.

Alejandro Burmostrov

 

[Samcanadian]

Give me a specific start date and I can.

Let us say Jan 31st to now.

 

[Koonta]

Perreault doesn't get nearly enough respect, even here.

I'd buy his Jersey but I don't want him to be traded.

So you are saying anytime you buy a jersey the player gets traded? if that's the case do you want to buy a Pavelec jersey? I'll throw in a Stuart jersey for free.