How has Holloway looked so far?

[ScratchCatFever]

Holloway’s been great. Obviously the current scoring streak but even before the goals were going in, he looked the part.

It’d be awesome if he could develop into a C but even if he stays on the wing, he’s been excellent. Seemingly an excellent attitude too. And he gave my son a puck at warmups so now he’s his favorite player so that’s a bonus haha.

He did the same for mine and fist bumped him with a friendly "What's up buddy" after warmups on the way down the tunnel when we went to the Tampa game where Holloway took that awkward shot to the throat. After the game the boy confirmed that he would be asking Santa for a number 81 jersey for Christmas and I was tempted to get him a home and away just because he was that authentically nice to my kid. Plus he looks to be a guy who should be part of our long term core and won't be dealt within a couple years. Every player jersey I owned as a youngster was traded within a year or two of me receiving it, with the exception of Demitra. Emerson, Shanny, Soupy and eventually Pronger several years down the line. The old man still roasts me for being the worst armchair child GM in Blues history.

 

[Oberyn]

How Oilers fans cope:

1. Holloway took easy money to play on a mediocre team and hurt his chances to make more money in the future. He should have instead signed for 1M a year to have the honor to play next to Draisaitl.

2. Podkolzin has effectively replaced Holloway and they would rather have him, a player that has less than points than Holloway has goals.

3. They would rather have Skinner, Arvidsson, and Henrique to shore up their depth. Meanwhile Holloway has more goals than all of them combined this season while having the lowest AAV among them.

It's funny how Oilers fans called Holloway greedy for signing the offer sheet when he's literally witnessing his GM sign a bunch of aging vets for more money and will result in him getting shoved down the depth chart.

I was ecstatic when Oilers didn't match but even I didn't expect Hollywood to be this good already. I've really liked him with Thomas and hope Monty bumps him up and moves Kyrou to his own line. This kid is already a fan favorite and he'll only continue to get better.

 

[BlueOil]

i think most people considered broberg the main target of the offer sheets, but holloway has been a great addition to the team and a pleasant surprise. adds significant speed, some scoring/finishing ability, decent defensive play, and even some hits/blocks. i expect he'll carve out a nice winger role on the 2nd/3rd line and be the back up center on some lines. his motor out there makes it easy for fans to like him and see the strong effort he brings each night. he struggles with some of the smaller things, like clearing the zone or turnovers, but he offsets it in a lot of ways too.

 

[Itsnotatrap]

For as happy as I was when Army pulled the offer sheet move, these 2 are working out way beyond my expectations. Definitively changed the trajectory of the franchise, and it’s remarkable how quickly they are carving out major roles for themselves.

 

[TheOrganist]

How Oilers fans cope:

1. Holloway took easy money to play on a mediocre team and hurt his chances to make more money in the future. He should have instead signed for 1M a year to have the honor to play next to Draisaitl.

2. Podkolzin has effectively replaced Holloway and they would rather have him, a player that has less than points than Holloway has goals.

3. They would rather have Skinner, Arvidsson, and Henrique to shore up their depth. Meanwhile Holloway has more goals than all of them combined this season while having the lowest AAV among them.

It's funny how Oilers fans called Holloway greedy for signing the offer sheet when he's literally witnessing his GM sign a bunch of aging vets for more money and will result in him getting shoved down the depth chart.

I was ecstatic when Oilers didn't match but even I didn't expect Hollywood to be this good already. I've really liked him with Thomas and hope Monty bumps him up and moves Kyrou to his own line. This kid is already a fan favorite and he'll only continue to get better.

I've read through most of that mega Broberg/Holloway thread on the EMD boards and most are losing their collective s*** at managements incompetence....there isn't much coping anymore. They know what a mistake it is and was.

The Loss of Broberg and Holloway Gripe Thread

Yup, was really pissed that the goalie that I've been defending so ardently put on another good performance. Man that just boils my blood. What I don't get is why are people upset about people griping in a thread that's specifically about griping? You wanted us to use specific threads to voice...

forums.hfboards.com

 

[Bye Bye Blueston]

Barby has a 60 point season under his belt with us. He has back to back 45 point seasons with Vegas and that production was almost exclusively at even strength. He has 28 points in 28 games this year and has consistently been in the top 6 during his time in Vegas. He is 98th in total points among NHl forwards since the start of the 2021/22 season and is 51st in even strength scoring over that stretch,

Barby isn't a driver and is benefitting from playing with good line mates, but he is a legit 2nd line talent. I'm guessing you meant the type of guy Barby was through most of his tenure as a Blue, but I love Barby and will pump his tires every chance I get.

As for Holloway, I see more 'our new Schwartz' than Perron if we're trying to draw a comparison to our Cup team. Great motor, great instincts, streaky production, and prone to a lot moments where the hands/skills can't execute what he wants to do with the puck.

Reminds me of a bigger, stronger Schwartz.

 

[Stlblue50]

i think most people considered broberg the main target of the offer sheets, but holloway has been a great addition to the team and a pleasant surprise. adds significant speed, some scoring/finishing ability, decent defensive play, and even some hits/blocks. i expect he'll carve out a nice winger role on the 2nd/3rd line and be the back up center on some lines. his motor out there makes it easy for fans to like him and see the strong effort he brings each night. he struggles with some of the smaller things, like clearing the zone or turnovers, but he offsets it in a lot of ways too.

His speed and tenacity certainly offsets the inexperienced turnovers. I remember a play late in the game last night where he made a weak clearing or pass attempt in the d-zone that got easily picked off but just seconds later he had the puck back on his stick and was flying out of the zone.

 

[Robb_K]

I like him a lot. Obviously he’s scoring right now which helps, but another thing I want to mention is that he appears to be a guy that brings a lot of character and intangibles to the team.

Apparently he’s a rink rat that is super dedicated to crafting his game. One awesome anecdote from a recent article at The Athletic is that Jim Montgomery was talking to reporters after practice one day, and he was asked a question about Holloway. He said “if you listen closely, it sounds like there’s someone out on the ice shooting pucks. I bet you that’s him.” The reporters wrapped up the interview and someone went out and looked and confirmed it was Holloway alone out there, continuing to work on his shot after practice. Montgomery insinuated that is common for him, that he really puts in the work.

And just from what I’ve seen in interviews or when they show him on the bench, he just seems to be a positive, energetic guy that enjoys being around his teammates. Very similar to Neighbours in that regard. He’s someone that is fine playing in different spots in the lineup. I think he’s going to be a core piece for us.

I wish Kyrou had the dedication and work ethic like that to improve his finishing on shots off the drive, or standing close-in in front of the goal.

 

[PocketNines]

I've read through most of that mega Broberg/Holloway thread on the EMD boards and most are losing their collective s*** at managements incompetence....there isn't much coping anymore. They know what a mistake it is and was.

The Loss of Broberg and Holloway Gripe Thread

Yup, was really pissed that the goalie that I've been defending so ardently put on another good performance. Man that just boils my blood. What I don't get is why are people upset about people griping in a thread that's specifically about griping? You wanted us to use specific threads to voice...

forums.hfboards.com

It was a staggering mistake, but this morning's mod-led cope is that it's not real because their PDO is high. It's not just that this argument is made from such a sad place, it's that the maker doesn't realize it can only be made from the saddest of places. "Oh yeah! Well the things that I know about math suggest they're overperforming!" It is not the argument the thinker thinks it is

 

[ChicagoBlues]

I wish Kyrou had the dedication and work ethic like that to improve his finishing on shots off the drive, or standing close-in in front of the goal.

Kyrou is not a complete player. It’s either this or that. Not this and that.

I know, I know…..he scores goals and has been pretty good defensively, but why are most of us here left wanting more and scratching our heads?

Because we know he has more to give, but won’t give it.

 

[ArenaRat]

I've read through most of that mega Broberg/Holloway thread on the EMD boards and most are losing their collective s*** at managements incompetence....there isn't much coping anymore. They know what a mistake it is and was.

The Loss of Broberg and Holloway Gripe Thread

Yup, was really pissed that the goalie that I've been defending so ardently put on another good performance. Man that just boils my blood. What I don't get is why are people upset about people griping in a thread that's specifically about griping? You wanted us to use specific threads to voice...

forums.hfboards.com

Yes, that's true for most of the posts, but I still see comments that scream denial and dismissing STL as a wasteland. Also posts expressing hope that he comes back to sign with them as a UFA -- lol why on earth would he?

 

[joe galiba]

Kyrou is not a complete player. It’s either this or that. Not this and that.

I know, I know…..he scores goals and has been pretty good defensively, but why are most of us here left wanting more and scratching our heads?

Because we know he has more to give, but won’t give it.

I disagree on this
if someone has a bad shot they can work on it, but that won't turn them into Ovechkin or even necessarily mean their shot will be good, just better than it was
effort is a talent just like any other, you can get better at it, but that doesn't mean you will turn into Brian Sutter, if it was easily attainable everyone would do it
playing in front of the net is a completely different skillset than playing in space

in basketball one 6'5 player may defend well in space, have a great shot from the outside, and be good at driving to the net, and another 6'5 player may have a bunch of moves down low, play great with his back to the basket and block out well, completely different skills, if you switch their positions they simply won't be as good

just because one player can do "x" doesn't mean that just by working on it any player can do "x", if it was that easy everyone would have a shot like Ovechkin and skate like McDavid, fans expectations of what player x or player y can do is the issue, not the players themselves

 

[TheOrganist]

Yes, that's true for most of the posts, but I still see comments that scream denial and dismissing STL as a wasteland. Also posts expressing hope that he comes back to sign with them as a UFA -- lol why on earth would he?

Ya, there was more shit positing earlier in the thread about STL & the players themselves but over the last several pages reality has clearly set in...

 

[ChicagoBlues]

I disagree on this
if someone has a bad shot they can work on it, but that won't turn them into Ovechkin or even necessarily mean their shot will be good, just better than it was
effort is a talent just like any other, you can get better at it, but that doesn't mean you will turn into Brian Sutter, if it was easily attainable everyone would do it
playing in front of the net is a completely different skillset than playing in space

in basketball one 6'5 player may defend well in space, have a great shot from the outside, and be good at driving to the net, and another 6'5 player may have a bunch of moves down low, play great with his back to the basket and block out well, completely different skills, if you switch their positions they simply won't be as good

just because one player can do "x" doesn't mean that just by working on it any player can do "x", if it was that easy everyone would have a shot like Ovechkin and skate like McDavid, fans expectations of what player x or player y can do is the issue, not the players themselves

Appreciate the reply, but I’m not really comparing Kyrou to others. I’m comparing the current Kyrou to what most of us can see is possible; a more complete player. He may be getting there, but he turns 27 after the regular season.

Perhaps he continues this trajectory into aging like fine wine.

I fully acknowledge that I am conflicted when it comes to Kyrou. Selfishly, I want him to stay with the team and become the player we all see is possible.

I’m all over the place when it comes to him.

 

[PocketNines]

"Do yall regret letting broberg or Kesselring go more?
___

Kesselring for sure. He's outplaying Broberg considerably this year, but both players are also being boosted by unsustainable PDO. Brobergs numbers this year are actually quite bad and shows he definitely isn't ready for a top 4 role on a contender."

72 hrs old. LMAO

 

[Linkens Mastery]

Appreciate the reply, but I’m not really comparing Kyrou to others. I’m comparing the current Kyrou to what most of us can see is possible; a more complete player. He may be getting there, but he turns 27 after the regular season.

Perhaps he continues this trajectory into aging like fine wine.

I fully acknowledge that I am conflicted when it comes to Kyrou. Selfishly, I want him to stay with the team and become the player we all see is possible.

I’m all over the place when it comes to him.

How did you feel about Perron when he was 25-28?

 

[Stupendous Yappi]

What we are seeing right now is emphatically NOT "flashes of a 50 point player"

as if you could squint to get him to 50 in a full season. that is not what we are seeing

It's above that. Someone ought to post a clip of that shift in the third period last night

I have to admit, I don’t recognize every player immediately from their movements nor know everyone’s number immediately. There has been too much roster turnover and my attention isn’t as intense as it used to be.

But I know exactly which shift you are talking about, because I found myself sitting up asking, “Who is that?!” The motor on that player is special.

He’s a keeper, and only a poor coach would not be able to find a way for a guy like that to help his team. I rather think Monty will utilize him to great effect.

 

[ChicagoBlues]

How did you feel about Perron when he was 25-28?

I think this is the comparison I would make, if I were to compare Kyrou to others and not a hypothetical other self.

 

[joe galiba]

Appreciate the reply, but I’m not really comparing Kyrou to others. I’m comparing the current Kyrou to what most of us can see is possible; a more complete player. He may be getting there, but he turns 27 after the regular season.

Perhaps he continues this trajectory into aging like fine wine.

I fully acknowledge that I am conflicted when it comes to Kyrou. Selfishly, I want him to stay with the team and become the player we all see is possible.

I’m all over the place when it comes to him.

This is actually what I was trying to get at, he may (and probably is) working at things we talk about, but there is only so much he can develop those skills

 

[Linkens Mastery]

I think this is the comparison I would make, if I were to compare Kyrou to others and not a hypothetical other self.

He's the guy i keep coming back to. When i compare him personality wise. Perron when he was younger got a lot of shit about for his personality. Remember white skates? Perron didn't seem to fully mature until he got to Vegas and back to us. His age those years? 28/29

 

[ChicagoBlues]

He's the guy i keep coming back to. When i compare him personality wise. Perron when he was younger got a lot of shit about for his personality. Remember white skates? Perron didn't seem to fully mature until he got to Vegas and back to us. His age those years? 28/29

Agree with both of the above. I really think this is a maturity issue with Kyrou.

 

[Linkens Mastery]

Agree with both of the above. I really think this is a maturity issue with Kyrou.

Even so, I don't think this year is maturity. I think this year is him trying too hard and stressing himself out. He's also keeping the cold streaks too a minimum. I think last year he has a couple 8-10 game streaks where he has 0 points. This year so far it's only 2 times he went 3 games or more without a point. While we get more players who he can play with (Holloway anyone?) It's going to get better.


Anywho......

Holloway is a f***ing stud. He's going to be a damn good 2LW for awhile.

 

[ChicagoBlues]

Even so, I don't think this year is maturity. I think this year is him trying too hard and stressing himself out. He's also keeping the cold streaks too a minimum. I think last year he has a couple 8-10 game streaks where he has 0 points. This year so far it's only 2 times he went 3 games or more without a point. While we get more players who he can play with (Holloway anyone?) It's going to get better.


Anywho......

Holloway is a f***ing stud. He's going to be a damn good 2LW for awhile.

Perron probably greatly benefited from that post season run to the Cup Final. That had to be a maturing experience for him.

Perron was seen as a bit enigmatic and I see Kyrou in a similar light.

 

[Spektre]

This is a shift at the end of the Vancouver game. He hounds the puck at the point nearly causing a turnover. Afterwards, blocks 2 shots, hustles down the boards to get the puck in deep, squeaks by an exhausted Myers, it's him vs 3 Canucks, allows Blues to complete a change, centers back to Parayko (riskyish pass) who winds up getting a chance





Final shift of OT, Thomas wins the faceoff, Holloway mistakenly passes the puck back, hounds the puck resulting in a turnover, controls the puck and gives it to Thomas who feeds it back to him on the rush for the goal




He still has room to improve, but he's skating every shift with a ton of confidence. He has a ton of upside.