WC: General Talk '14 — Latvia

[Namejs]

No need to prove you wrong anymore since his time in NA has already proven you wrong. You could try to make a case why he iswhat you say he is, just for funnsies. Because his skating is below average, size ok but not exceptional, offense almost nonexistent on NHL level.. Players like that really have to catch a good break to get into the NHL, sadly it didn't happen to Kulda.

The last time he played in North America was 3 years ago. And even then he only got to play 9 games.

I think you're missing the fact that he has improved while playing in the KHL. Both in terms of offensive capabilities and defensive positioning.

Just watch the Latvian games and see him starting a number of attacks and showing initiative at the other end. That wasn't what Kulda was doing in 2011.

 

[CrookedCrook]

No need to prove you wrong anymore since his time in NA has already proven you wrong. You could try to make a case why he iswhat you say he is, just for funnsies. Because his skating is below average, size ok but not exceptional, offense almost nonexistent on NHL level.. Players like that really have to catch a good break to get into the NHL, sadly it didn't happen to Kulda.

Maybe the skating is an issue but I don't see it as such. Believe me, I see the NHL games and there are defensive holes in many teams that needs to be filled by solid, NHL ready players such as Kulda. Ok, 2nd line might be an exaggeration but he is in his prime.

Freakin' Latvians and their low self esteem.

 

[Namejs]

Maybe the skating is an issue but I don't see it as such. Believe me, I see the NHL games and there are defensive holes in many teams that needs to be filled by solid, NHL ready players such as Kulda. Ok, 2nd line might be an exaggeration but he is in his prime.

Freakin' Latvians and their low self esteem.

Well, to be precise, he has probably received a number of offers from NHL teams in the past couple of years. It's just that there's not much point in playing (or risking playing) in the AHL when you've got a very solid contract in the KHL.

 

[BalticWarrior]

Maybe the skating is an issue but I don't see it as such. Believe me, I see the NHL games and there are defensive holes in many teams that needs to be filled by solid, NHL ready players such as Kulda. Ok, 2nd line might be an exaggeration but he is in his prime.

Freakin' Latvians and their low self esteem.

Hes Lithuaninan.

 

[DrStrangelife]

I'm kind of sad that Kulda didn't get too much exposure this game points wise, had a +3 this game and has been the best defensive player for our team by far.
He is a NHL caliber 2nd line defenseman, prove me wrong. I can't believe scouts don't see him that way.

I suppose some hope still lingers. Though I think it's unlikely he'll ever play again in the NHL. And calling him a 2nd tier defense-man, might also be over the top. (Even if sometimes he might play like one)

 

[DrStrangelife]

Hes Lithuaninan.

I thought he had a Russian background?

 

[Latgale_fan]

So the 20 000+ Japanese hockey players have no work ethic?
If you're playing in a mediocre kids/junior league, it puts a ceiling on your growth.
You have to play against good players to become better. The same applies to coaching.
If you have to single out Sotnieks to prove your point, that's not good news for your theory. And I'm not saying you can't grow a decent pro player domestically, playing abroad just offers a lot more opportunities for growth.

I don't have a theory and I never said EVERYONE should stay in Latvia.
However, what was said was that ANYONE with some promise should ''flee to North America'' as soon as possible, which I don't believe should be true.
We have tons of people who have left Latvia for lower tier North American junior leagues and I wouldn't say that we've seen lot of these people mature into good players. Obviously if you're still very young you can try to go from EJHL to USHL or Canadian elite junior level, or if you're drafted to CHL you can try and go, play there. But at the moment we have a club in MHL where kids have plenty of opportunities to play vs the best Russians of their own age, so North America is not the only option.

I'm not preaching that Latvians shouldn't go to North America, but it's not a panacea to our hockey problems or the only way how we can get players of a decent level. It's ok for Daugaviņš or Kulda or others who were drafted in CHL, but what would happen if the same Indrašis or Sotnieks fled to North American lower junior leagues. Who knows? But they can play at this level and proved it already being a part of our Olympic team.

The same about Gudļevskis, he didn't play junior hockey in North America, yet he ended his first adult hockey season in North America in NHL play-off game. He's definitely a big exception but still... his experience in adult hockey before that was 1.5 games in KHL with Dinamo Rīga and a few games in World Championships. He grew up professionally in the same MHL league local fans seem to hate without any reason aside perhaps because the league is Russian one...

 

[SoundAndFury]

Maybe the skating is an issue but I don't see it as such. Believe me, I see the NHL games and there are defensive holes in many teams that needs to be filled by solid, NHL ready players such as Kulda. Ok, 2nd line might be an exaggeration but he is in his prime.

Sure, Avalanche have almost won the President's trophy with two bums bigger than Kulda and Flyers went to the SCF with Bartulis back in the day like you've said, 2nd pairing is exaggeration. And, as I've said, he could've made it if the stars aligned properly at some time while he was in NA but it didn't happen. And he's probably just happy to cash in on his good years in Russia now.

I thought he had a Russian background?

It depends on what you call background so you could probably say that but generally, I'm Lithuanian.

 

[CrookedCrook]

Sure, Avalanche have almost won the President's trophy with two bums bigger than Kulda and Flyers went to the SCF with Bartulis back in the day like you've said, 2nd pairing is exaggeration. And, as I've said, he could've made it if the stars aligned properly at some time while he was in NA but it didn't happen. And he's probably just happy to cash in on his good years in Russia now.

I have never been sold on Bartulis so there's that but as for "bums bigger than Kulda", dude, just check what teams like Buffalo, Islanders, Oilers, etc etc have iced on their D this year. I'm not saying that Kulda is the answer to Avalanche going past freakin Wild or Sharks beating Kings but I see him as a steady, reliable, hard working LD with 2-3m salary.

 

[SoundAndFury]

I have never been sold on Bartulis so there's that but as for "bums bigger than Kulda", dude, just check what teams like Buffalo, Islanders, Oilers, etc etc have iced on their D this year. I'm not saying that Kulda is the answer to Avalanche going past freakin Wild or Sharks beating Kings but I see him as a steady, reliable, hard working LD with 2-3m salary.

No, I meant that Avalanche would probably be glad to replace Benoit or Guenin with Kulda because he's a better player than those two. That even successful teams could use him.. Canadiens basically have one D spot up for grabs (Murray/Bouillon/Beaulieu/Tinordi). I'm not even talking about those train-wreck franchises who could ice pretty much anyone. But again, 2-3 millions is exaggeration, there's just no merit in paying him that much. Alexei Yemelin is being paid 2 and with all due respect he's a much better player.

 

[RobertR]

I just knew S&F would come and start arguing about Kulda. Not taking any sides here, just saying.

And Emelin has 4mil. salary, btw..

 

[Namejs]

The same about Gudļevskis, he didn't play junior hockey in North America, yet he ended his first adult hockey season in North America in NHL play-off game. He's definitely a big exception but still... his experience in adult hockey before that was 1.5 games in KHL with Dinamo Rīga and a few games in World Championships. He grew up professionally in the same MHL league local fans seem to hate without any reason aside perhaps because the league is Russian one...

We're yet to see if he becomes an NHL or even a KHL-tier starting goalie.

 

[Latgale_fan]

We're yet to see if he becomes an NHL or even a KHL-tier starting goalie.

We're yet to see a lot of things and the same can be said about all of our guys in Canadian Major Junior leagues, like Lipsbergs who has limited minutes here at WC, Bukarts, WHL champion Kulda, Jevpalovs or Golovkovs... or Bļugers in NCAA. Especially those who have not been drafted (all except Bļugers).

 

[RobertR]

http://www.tvnet.lv/sports/hokejs_2014/510289-gudlevskis_cali_mani_izglaba

At least, Gudlevskis as always is really strict to himself. He knows when he plays bad. I hope he will get more chances, and proves he can do better.

Ok, its time to watch the game for the 2nd time.

 

[SoundAndFury]

I just knew S&F would come and start arguing about Kulda. Not taking any sides here, just saying.

And Emelin has 4mil. salary, btw..

True, kicking in next year.. Just checked, really, even someone like Sbisa is being paid 2+ mils, I guess that's the new standard wage for a legit fringe NHLer.

P.S. I didn't really wanted to argue about it just got caught in speaking a bit too much about the obvious

 

[DrStrangelife]

Interview with Girgs about the hit on Burmistrov (Sorry that it's in Latvian): http://sportacentrs.com/hokejs/pc_2014/18052014-girgensons_krievs_iemetiena_sita_pa_rokam


To summarize: Girgs said that Burmistrov was cheap-shooting/cross-checking his arms at all Face-offs. Mentioned that such hits could carry the risk of breaking one's arms. Burmistrov simply got on his nerves, and he launched the hit, with little thought, simply to retaliate. Girgs said he didn't mean to hit him there. He also apologized for what happened. Nevertheless Girgs did say that if their rolls would have been changed, he wouldn't have hit the ice and he wouldn't have cried, unlike Burmistrov.

Had to laugh at the last bit. Clearly Girgs is pissed as hell.

The hit/spear:


As for the punishment, nothing is known yet.
Hopefully the IIHF will review Burmistrov actions too. And maybe Girgs could come off with a smaller penalty. Though I doubt it.

 

[Namejs]

Interview with Girgs about the hit on Burmistrov (Sorry that it's in Latvian): http://sportacentrs.com/hokejs/pc_2014/18052014-girgensons_krievs_iemetiena_sita_pa_rokam

To summarize: Girgs said that Burmistrov was cheap-shooting/cross-checking his arms at all Face-offs. Mentioned that such hits could carry the risk of breaking one's arms. Burmistrov simply got on his nerves, and he launched the hit, with little thought, simply to retaliate. Girgs said he didn't mean to hit him there. He also apologized for what happened. Nevertheless Girgs did say that if their rolls would have been changed, he wouldn't have hit the ice and he wouldn't have cried, unlike Burmistrov.

Had to laugh at the last bit. Clearly Girgs is pissed as hell.

As for the punishment, nothing is known yet.
Hopefully the IIHF will review Burmistrov actions too. And Girgs could come off with a smaller penalty.

It looked really bad at first, but Burmistrov actually wasn't injured. He played his next shift.

Also, my lip reading skills aren't exactly great, but it did look an awful lot like Znaroks was shouting 'lyezhi blyad' to Burmistrov which means 'keep ****ing laying there'.

So considering the circumstances it would be fair if he wouldn't get any disqualification at all. He was already ejected from the Russia game and missed most of it.

 

[DrStrangelife]

It looked really bad at first, but Burmistrov actually wasn't injured. He played his next shift.

Also, my lip reading skills aren't exactly great, but it did look an awful lot like Znaroks was shouting 'lyezhi blyad' to Burmistrov which means 'keep ****ing laying there'.

So considering the circumstances it would be fair if he wouldn't get any disqualification at all. He was already ejected from the Russia game and missed most of it.

The problem is neither of it really justifies Girgs. A spearing is a spearing. Burmistov might be an *******, the refs might have turned a blind eye to Burmistov's actions, but in the end Girgs did spear his opponent. Accidentally or not.

 

[Woodhouse]

Girgensons will miss the game vs Belarus:

Stephen Whyno ‏@SWhyno 15m
Latvia's Zemgus Girgensons suspended 1 game for spearing Alexander Burmistrov. Will miss game vs. Belarus.

 

[DrStrangelife]

Girgensons will miss the game vs Belarus:

Stephen Whyno ‏@SWhyno 15m
Latvia's Zemgus Girgensons suspended 1 game for spearing Alexander Burmistrov. Will miss game vs. Belarus.

Just read it too. Stupid that we're playing against Belarus first and not the Swiss. Oh well, It is still good news.

At least vs the Swiss Girgs will be well rested and probably will want to make up for this incident. We might see his best game on Tuesday.

 

[Namejs]

The problem is neither of it really justifies Girgs. A spearing is a spearing. Burmistov might be an *******, the refs might have turned a blind eye to Burmistov's actions, but in the end Girgs did spear his opponent. Accidentally or not.

It does justify his actions, because he wouldn't have gotten even a 2 minute penalty if Burmistrov wasn't acting.

 

[DrStrangelife]

It does justify his actions, because he wouldn't have gotten even a 2 minute penalty if Burmistrov wasn't acting.

Maybe but not necessarily. Also I don't think that would be a good argument. At this stage we're talking about video review. It doesn't matter, that the game would have gone on, if Burmistrov hadn't fallen (maybe). When you review a video, you clearly see spearing.

A better argument would be that, if the refs had done their job properly, it would have never come to the Girgs cheap-shot in the first place.

But 1 game suspension, means that Burmistrov's misconduct did in fact influence the final decision.

1 game suspension in my opinion is good news.

 

[Namejs]

Maybe but not necessarily. Also I don't think that would be a good argument. At this stage we're talking about video review. It doesn't matter, that the game would have gone on, if Burmistrov hadn't fallen (maybe). When you review a video, you clearly see spearing.

A better argument would be that, if the refs had done their job properly, it would have never come to the Girgs cheap-shot in the first place.

But 1 game suspension, means that Burmistrov's misconduct did in fact influence the final decision.

1 game suspension in my opinion is good news.

Well, it's definitely good news for Belarus. 3 of our lines are scrambled and we're definitely not going to be as good offensively as we were in all of the previous games. Our main PP unit is now different too.

It was our strong point and we've lost it. Different players, not the same chemistry and an increased likelihood of Belarus winning.

 

[RobertR]

Now what really bothers me is, if Daugavins gets a suspension or not. If he will play, + Girgs. I really think we have a good chance against Swiss.

Yeah, they don't need anything, but how Russians commentator said, this will be a last game for Simpson, and I'am sure they still remember Sochi.

Other thing is, will anger from game against Belarus help us or, reversely - we will play worse. Its a job for couches..

 

[DrStrangelife]

Now what really bothers me is, if Daugavins gets a suspension or not. If he will play, + Girgs. I really think we have a good chance against Swiss.

Yeah, they don't need anything, but how Russians commentator said, this will be a last game for Simpson, and I'am sure they still remember Sochi.

Other thing is, will anger from game against Belarus help us or, reversely - we will play worse. Its a job for couches..

Not sure since when being angry and breaking your own stick = suspension???
I don't even see a case for speculation here. He was angry, smashed the stick and went away... Daug did receive 2min, which is a penalty big enough. If Daug had refused to go away, his misbehavior would be really, really bad, then we could start this discussion. Now, I really don't think its mentioning worth. IIHF would reach a new level of insanity if they were to give Daug a suspension.

Also most of the Swiss team, doesn't even remember the Sochi, cause they weren't even there. Swiss have 9 players that participated in Sochi, that's less than half the roster. Also they don't have Hiller in the goal. I don't think they are rage and revenge driven hockey team.
Either way I think Swiss will come out playing. Their pro's, it doesn't matter that they can't reach the 1/4. We just have to hope, we come out with even more determination to win. It is doable. (Let's just hope refs don't get in the way )