Player Discussion Kaapo Kakko: Part II

[Levitate]

IMO one of the things i'm seeing is that he really needs to work on how to forecheck and separate someone from the puck. He doesn't go into a board battle with any real plan or ability to check a guy and take the puck away, he just kinda swats at the puck or something. No body positioning, no fight for the puck. I think it's a learned skill at the NHL level but he needs to get bettera t it

 

[romba]

IMO one of the things i'm seeing is that he really needs to work on how to forecheck and separate someone from the puck. He doesn't go into a board battle with any real plan or ability to check a guy and take the puck away, he just kinda swats at the puck or something. No body positioning, no fight for the puck. I think it's a learned skill at the NHL level but he needs to get bettera t it

Definitely agree with this. I think that stems from him being a bit intimidated at the strength and speed of NHL players. It takes balls and endurance to head into the inevitable shiftly board battle, knowing the physical beating you're gonna take as an 18 year old among men. Other teams clearly saw this and doubled down on physically pushing him around. He's shown improvement in his willingness to engage which is step 1, now he needs to work on his strength and plan to improve his effectiveness.

A big positive though is that he's shooting with authority now, as opposed to exhausting every other conceivable option, reviewing them again to ensure that he absolutely has no other choice but to shoot, and then finally shooting after the goalie and defenders all had a century to get into position. 2 seconds is a lifetime in the NHL.

 

[Shesterkybomb]

Kakko is gonna be a player, hes a kid.

 

[Sisu4ever]

My first post here. Over the years, I have been (kinda) following the world-stage hockey events, rooting for my fellow Finns. When I heard about Kakko's successes, leading up to the NHL drafts, I started getting hooked to the NHL, and Rangers.
I am now rooting for Kakko, and the whole team, of course!
I'm not worried about how he is doing now. Regardless of the ups and downs, I believe he will do great, even though it will take a lot of hard work and patience, and a good dose of some Finnish "sisu" .

 

[Sisu4ever]

This very recent KK interview on the NHL Finnish language site is unfortunately only in Finnish. No big revelations there, but still a great chat!
Google Translate gets it maybe 80% correct, if you try that. Maybe someone could translate the most interesting parts (or I could, if I can find any time this weekend).
Kaapo Kakko erikoishaastattelussa, osa 6

 

[lardneau]

This very recent KK interview on the NHL Finnish language site is unfortunately only in Finnish. No big revelations there, but still a great chat!
Google Translate gets it maybe 80% correct, if you try that. Maybe someone could translate the most interesting parts (or I could, if I can find any time this weekend).
Kaapo Kakko erikoishaastattelussa, osa 6

Here you go.

You had an over week-long road trip in Canada around New Year’s. Is it different there than in the USA?
- There’s not too much of a difference. Maybe more fans, but then again, there are those on this side of the border as well.

Did you have time to follow the WJC?
- Tried to watch the Finns play when I could. They were at bit of a tough time as we had morning skates at those times. Definitely some nice flashbacks to last year.

Did you work on New Year’s eve again?
- We had a game at night and was on the plane at midnight. Last couple years I’ve been playing anyways, so haven’t had too much time to celebrate NYE.

Have you gotten settled off the ice?
- I do everything around games and practice, on my free time I mainly rest. Haven’t spent much time shopping on Manhattan. I try to take my days off easy, so that I’m ready to play again. I’ve liked living close to the practice rink, but for next season I’ll probably look for an apartment on Manhattan.

How has living with a local family helped you?
- You can always eatat the rink, but having a home-cooked meal has been incredible. Can always find something to eat. I spend a lot of time in my room, but I also chat with the family quite a bit. I’ve learned english that way, but also a lot at the rink. My english is getting better by the day, and I’ve learned a lot of hockey slang/vocabulary. We also spoke english last year, when we had lots of foreigners in Liiga (TPS).

Because of celiac and diabetes you have to be strict with your diet. Can you do that in NY? Can you find enough options?
- Yeah absolutely. I know quite well where I can find things now. The family and team both know and they’ve been very good. I’ve had no difficulty.

What about car?
- I’ve had a black Mercedes SUV. I carpool to the games, and haven’t driven on Manhattan since the traffic is crazy. I drive between training rink and MSG. Its nice to have a means of getting around.

Rangers is currently sitting 7th in Metropolitan division, six points off a playoff spot. That’s not much?
- No, its not much. Canada road trip didn’t go as planned (three games, three losses), but it’s looking okay. We have a lot of games to go, so I firmly believe in a playoff spot.

How about your own performance?
- It definitely hasn’t been the kind of season I envisioned so far. I’m stuck on the third line. Our first two lines play a big role, and looking at the statistics, they're the ones scoring. It has been different than I thought, but there’s a lot of season left. I’m hoping I will get a chance to play on the first or second line. That being said I’ve already gotten a few opportunities there.

How do you feel about playing right now?
- At this time my game is struggling, and I could improve on every aspect of the game. If only I found more on-ice success, I’m positive it would increase my self-confidence and I could play the way I’ve always played and enjoy it. It’s difficult right now, and I dont get too many minutes some games. It’s not very easy to play well that way. I will try to improve though. I’m sure first NHL season is a lot of learning for most players, and then hit their stride later on. I have my best seasons in front of me, and this season is getting used to NHL. I try to have a perspective of “not many players this young get an opportunity the way I have”

Any plans for the days off during All Star break?
- Not really. Lots of guys take off somewhere, but I’ll probably stay home and rest.

 

[OverTheCap]

Thanks for the translation.

It's kind of interesting how both Lias and now Kakko have complained about lack of ice time to their local media overseas. It's such a stark difference from North American coverage where players are mostly speaking in cliches.

One of the reasons Kakko is not getting a lot of ice time is probably due to his conditioning, he looks gassed and slow sometimes. He'll get used to it eventually but it's something he and the training staff will have to work on a lot in the offseason.

 

[Inferno]

Thanks for the translation.

It's kind of interesting how both Lias and now Kakko have complained about lack of ice time to their local media overseas. It's such a stark difference from North American coverage where players are mostly speaking in cliches.

One of the reasons Kakko is not getting a lot of ice time is probably due to his conditioning, he looks gassed and slow sometimes. He'll get used to it eventually but it's something he and the training staff will have to work on a lot in the offseason.

Let's be honest here...the reason kakko is not getting ice time is because he's playing somewhere between poor and flat out bad.

He has the odd good game here and there but by and large he's disengaged, hesitant, and has the yips with the puck on his stick.

Frankly Quinn should be commended for.giving him the minutes he has been seeing.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

Let's be honest here...the reason kakko is not getting ice time is because he's playing somewhere between poor and flat out bad.

He has the odd good game here and there but by and large he's disengaged, hesitant, and has the yips with the puck on his stick.

Frankly Quinn should be commended for.giving him the minutes he has been seeing.

Kakko looks incredibly slow out there - in all aspects - skating, battling, thinking through the game. At this point a trip to Hartford might not be a bad thing.

 

[Brooklyn Rangers Fan]

Thanks for the translation.

It's kind of interesting how both Lias and now Kakko have complained about lack of ice time to their local media overseas. It's such a stark difference from North American coverage where players are mostly speaking in cliches.

One of the reasons Kakko is not getting a lot of ice time is probably due to his conditioning, he looks gassed and slow sometimes. He'll get used to it eventually but it's something he and the training staff will have to work on a lot in the offseason.

Let's be honest here...the reason kakko is not getting ice time is because he's playing somewhere between poor and flat out bad.

He has the odd good game here and there but by and large he's disengaged, hesitant, and has the yips with the puck on his stick.

Frankly Quinn should be commended for.giving him the minutes he has been seeing.

You guys read those quotes as complaining?

I thought everything he said was fine, and precisely what I'd want a top-flight talent who is experiencing some struggles during his first year in the league to say.

 

[Crease]

Kakko and Andersson both talk ice time in the media but the difference is that Kakko puts the blame squarely on himself.

 

[will1066]

You guys read those quotes as complaining?

I thought everything he said was fine, and precisely what I'd want a top-flight talent who is experiencing some struggles during his first year in the league to say.

I actually read it as Kakko wasn't invited to any All-Star break excursions by teammates. Kakko has no friends. Needs to be TrAdeD..

 

[Killem Dafoe]

Kakko said in another interview something along the lines of, "I'm not getting a lot of ice time, but that's what I deserve." He wants to be a top player, but knows he's struggling right now. He does need to work on some things, obviously, but his lack of confidence is crushing him.

 

[Inferno]

You guys read those quotes as complaining?

I thought everything he said was fine, and precisely what I'd want a top-flight talent who is experiencing some struggles during his first year in the league to say.

I read the lack of ice time and saying I'm stuck on the 3rd line or what not as complaining... But really my comment is more just an observation of his actual play

 

[Inferno]

Kakko said in another interview something along the lines of, "I'm not getting a lot of ice time, but that's what I deserve." He wants to be a top player, but knows he's struggling right now. He does need to work on some things, obviously, but his lack of confidence is crushing him.

Yeah he's got a MAJOR case of the yips right now. Half the time he touches the puck he turns it over without even trying to make a play. It just hope over his stick or goes too far out in front of him. He's literally gripping his stick too tightly and it's blatantly obvious.

This isn't like lias Andersson where it was obvious (to me)that he's just not good enough to be more than a 3rd liner.

This is a kid whose seriously fighting it. Honestly I'm not even sure what the best tactic is here. He's been getting tons of ice time. He's played in the first line and on the 3rd line. He's been benched, he's played key shifts. A trip to Hartford might be crushing for him or it might get him going. So hard to say.

With him I'd say it's 30% conditioning 50% mental and 20% not being able to handle the NHL yet.

All 3 come with time and confidence.

His skating doesn't bother me 1 iota like it does some people.

 

[Brooklyn Rangers Fan]

Yeah he's got a MAJOR case of the yips right now. Half the time he touches the puck he turns it over without even trying to make a play. It just hope over his stick or goes too far out in front of him. He's literally gripping his stick too tightly and it's blatantly obvious.

This isn't like lias Andersson where it was obvious (to me)that he's just not good enough to be more than a 3rd liner.

This is a kid whose seriously fighting it. Honestly I'm not even sure what the best tactic is here. He's been getting tons of ice time. He's played in the first line and on the 3rd line. He's been benched, he's played key shifts. A trip to Hartford might be crushing for him or it might get him going. So hard to say.

With him I'd say it's 30% conditioning 50% mental and 20% not being able to handle the NHL yet.

All 3 come with time and confidence.

His skating doesn't bother me 1 iota like it does some people.

100% agreed – though I think he's looked better as part of the "diaper line". And also agreed that I'm not 100% certain whether a trip to HFD would be good or bad. Maybe once the TDL is past, and the Rangers are clearly playing for a pick while the Wolfpack are still contending for the Calder, you tell him "hey, we want you to get some playoff hockey" and send him down then...? Again, just not certain.

Either way, the most important thing will be this upcoming offseason: another year's development (boggles the mind that he's only 18 for another month!) plus proper training will do more than any tactical decisions this year.

 

[will1066]

Yeah he's got a MAJOR case of the yips right now. Half the time he touches the puck he turns it over without even trying to make a play. It just hope over his stick or goes too far out in front of him. He's literally gripping his stick too tightly and it's blatantly obvious.

This isn't like lias Andersson where it was obvious (to me)that he's just not good enough to be more than a 3rd liner.

This is a kid whose seriously fighting it. Honestly I'm not even sure what the best tactic is here. He's been getting tons of ice time. He's played in the first line and on the 3rd line. He's been benched, he's played key shifts. A trip to Hartford might be crushing for him or it might get him going. So hard to say.

With him I'd say it's 30% conditioning 50% mental and 20% not being able to handle the NHL yet.

All 3 come with time and confidence.

His skating doesn't bother me 1 iota like it does some people.

The other half of the time, he's simply too slow and methodical. He needs to develop some escapability. The defender already knows what he's thinking of doing. People might interpret it as Kakko trying to make one extra move, but it's simply that he's not fooling anyone. His shot gets blocked, his pass gets intercepted, or he has the puck taken away.

The other thing, last night, early in the game, I think it was ADA who was trying to spring him with an outlet stretch pass. The pass looked ahead of him, but it was really Kakko was too slow getting into the spot that ADA shot the puck to.

It is frustrating to see in real time, but I always remember to step back after the game and say to myself, he's a kid playing in a big boy's league.

 

[OverTheCap]

You guys read those quotes as complaining?

I thought everything he said was fine, and precisely what I'd want a top-flight talent who is experiencing some struggles during his first year in the league to say.

I didn't mean complaining in a negative sense necessarily, it's open and honest compared to a lot of North American players which is a good thing.

And he does have a sense of a self-awareness which is a big difference from Lias.

 

[leetch99]

Send him down for the rest of the season...in the long run it will save us a season in his development . Better for him and better for the Rangers . He should be getting more time on the ice in the AHL as an 18 year old ...will certainly benefit him long term . Don't let the Andersson debacle negotiate how things SHOULD be done . Our season is done with regard to playoffs . Time to make some moves that help our future .

 

[Synergy27]

How many points do you think Hughes would have here playing with Panarin on his wing? Just a fun thought experiment.

 

[KirkAlbuquerque]

I still think his 2 main issues (skating and strength) are a result of his conditioning. He played against NHLers in the World championship and looked strong and fast. So you can’t blame the level of competition. He was bodying Ryan Suter, winning board battles and holding the puck vs Canada.

 

[GeorgeKaplan]

I still think his 2 main issues (skating and strength) are a result of his conditioning. He played against NHLers in the World championship and looked strong and fast. So you can’t blame the level of competition. He was bodying Ryan Suter, winning board battles and holding the puck vs Canada.

I feel like the NA teams/players at the WC are never playing above like 75% effort, and that might be a high estimate

 

[Vinny]

Yeah yeah

 

[Sisu4ever]

This is funny: I was doing some geneology research, and the name Kakko popped up, so I decided to take a closer look and this is what I got:

"Kaapo Kakko is your second cousin five times removed's wife's niece's husband's sister's husband's third great nephew."

So, no, we don't know each other .

 

[ViD]

This guy is not ready for NHL yet, the Rangers are hurting themselves by continuing playing him simply because he’s #2 draft pick.

And I’m saying this as a neutral fan