Player Discussion: Ehlers

[DRW204]

My eye test says 81 is trying to be more consistent with backchecks this year and would rival 27 with his speed and intensity on most nights. 55, ya, that's a different story.

Ehlers is typically a strong defensive player, but a play like he did Sunday seems to be more glaring when the game is tight and more of a playoff-type game.

Connor has definitely put a higher effort in 2way engagement this year. Compared to previous years: the Jets with KC on the ice have improved in limiting chances against (xGA) and ultimately leading to a +13 in 5v5 goal differential. Last 3 years he was: 0,+1,-3: a top6 player of his offensive caliber just straddling as an even player. I think that's a testament of this season's all around ability.

I am not great at rating wingers defensively on the league wide scale (like it's difficult to standardize players when considering system vs individual) . But I think relative to this team: Ehlers tries and engages in the play without the puck. The most I can say he isn't a liability which imo is good enough. But really his best "defense" has been zone exits and getting the puck up ice, which I think can be argued is separate from defensive play.

 

[Bob E]

Connor has definitely put a higher effort in 2way engagement this year. Compared to previous years: the Jets with KC on the ice have improved in limiting chances against (xGA) and ultimately leading to a +13 in 5v5 goal differential. Last 3 years he was: 0,+1,-3: a top6 player of his offensive caliber just straddling as an even player. I think that's a testament of this season's all around ability.

I am not great at rating wingers defensively on the league wide scale (like it's difficult to standardize players when considering system vs individual) . But I think relative to this team: Ehlers tries and engages in the play without the puck. The most I can say he isn't a liability which imo is good enough. But really his best "defense" has been zone exits and getting the puck up ice, which I think can be argued is separate from defensive play.

Ehlers doesn't shy away from blocking shots when the need arises. Connor and Scheif are a lot more protective of their body than Nik is, imo. That increases his defensive contribution in my eyes. Though, having the puck while exiting the d zone and entering the opposition zone is a good thing too.

 

[Buffdog]

Ehlers doesn't shy away from blocking shots when the need arises. Connor and Scheif are a lot more protective of their body than Nik is, imo. That increases his defensive contribution in my eyes. Though, having the puck while exiting the d zone and entering the opposition zone is a good thing too.

Really the only beef I have with Ehlers' game is the turnovers at the offensive blue line. If theres no play, hed be better served to get the puck deep than force something there

 

[Bob E]

Really the only beef I have with Ehlers' game is the turnovers at the offensive blue line. If theres no play, hed be better served to get the puck deep than force something there

Very true.

 

[Weezeric]

Really the only beef I have with Ehlers' game is the turnovers at the offensive blue line. If theres no play, hed be better served to get the puck deep than force something there

By my eye, he’s improved a bit in that area. There’s been a few times when he has a dangerous cross ice pass available but decides to put the puck to the net instead.

 

[Buffdog]

By my eye, he’s improved a bit in that area. There’s been a few times when he has a dangerous cross ice pass available but decides to put the puck to the net instead.

Agreed, and I noticed it most when he was playing with Lowry. Very simplified, north - south style, but still with his offensive flair... I thought it was the best he's looked