Player Discussion Kaapo Kakko: Part V

[mrmovies779]

Kk and Laf need their own lines.They are way too passive playing with Panarin and Zib.Stick them both on a line,tell them the puck is yours and see where it goes

 

[Savant]

Kk and Laf need their own lines.They are way too passive playing with Panarin and Zib.Stick them both on a line,tell them the puck is yours and see where it goes

Lafreniere has his own line with Chytil and Blais. He is still bad.

Kakko absolutely needs more of the puck than he gets to be a factor on offense. I think (as much of a bummer as it would be) the Rangers may have accidentally stumbled on defense first Kakko and that may be his best path to helping the team. I would have signed Danault to play with Kakko and built off a tough shut down line but that’s obviously no longer in the picture. That being said Kakko could have a role if he isn’t putting points up. Lafreniere? Not so much.

 

[jay from jersey]

Lafreniere has his own line with Chytil and Blais. He is still bad.

Kakko absolutely needs more of the puck than he gets to be a factor on offense. I think (as much of a bummer as it would be) the Rangers may have accidentally stumbled on defense first Kakko and that may be his best path to helping the team. I would have signed Danault to play with Kakko and built off a tough shut down line but that’s obviously no longer in the picture. That being said Kakko could have a role if he isn’t putting points up. Lafreniere? Not so much.

If kakko maxes out as a bigger Jakob silfverberg instead of more like Marian hossa, that would be tremendously disappointing.
He’s supposed to be in the Barkov/Rantannen tier of talent.
I refuse to believe his offense just evaporated.
He obviously has a confidence problem and 2 line mates that treat him like that fat girl at prom..

LaF I have more faith will find his offense. He’s got better scoring ability. There’s no way all 30 scouts had him as the consensus undisputed 1OA.
I don’t write any prospect off before they can legally drink a beer, and LaF has size/tools/shot to be a really solid scoring winger

 

[DanielBrassard]

If kakko maxes out as a bigger Jakob silfverberg instead of more like Marian hossa, that would be tremendously disappointing.
He’s supposed to be in the Barkov/Raatanen tier of talent

I don't think that's in the cards at this point. He doesn't move as well as those 2, doesn't shoot as well as those 2 and doesn't have the vision of either. He's also still not exactly a good forechecker, sometimes he'll make a nice play spinning off the wall or beat a guy, but when it comes to fighting for 50/50 pucks he's not good.

 

[Savant]

If kakko maxes out as a bigger Jakob silfverberg instead of more like Marian hossa, that would be tremendously disappointing.
He’s supposed to be in the Barkov/Rantannen tier of talent

I don’t think he was ever Barkov/Rantanen level.

I thought he would be similar to Svechnikov, but Svechnikov has improved his shot A LOT in Carolina, whereas Kakko hasn’t here. I’ve said it before but Kakko to me now, his best case scenario might be Benjamin Button’ed Rick Nash.

 

[CLW]

Lafreniere has his own line with Chytil and Blais. He is still bad.

Kakko absolutely needs more of the puck than he gets to be a factor on offense. I think (as much of a bummer as it would be) the Rangers may have accidentally stumbled on defense first Kakko and that may be his best path to helping the team. I would have signed Danault to play with Kakko and built off a tough shut down line but that’s obviously no longer in the picture. That being said Kakko could have a role if he isn’t putting points up. Lafreniere? Not so much.

That's because all three of them are weak in their own defensive zone and not strong starting transitions. They need help from the coaches sorting that part out. There's been signs of that happening so for now I am putting my faith in the coaching team. But when Laf et al (and the team) get bogged down it gets ugly fast. Long term, I have no worry about Laf's game in the offensive zone.

Kakko is being a good trooper and playing to instruction, but he is a third wheel on the Panarin-Strome duo, no matter how you slice and dice it. How would it look if Kakko mostly hang out by the red line and played deep pucks into the corner for Panarin to chase?

 

[TheDirtyH]

Kakko played that whole last game as the center on that line, effectively. He didn't take faceoffs but was clearly positioned as the F3 in nearly every shift in Vancouver's zone and was roving low in the middle of the ice in the d-zone while Strome and Panarin covered the point. It's really weird to watch. Is it what Gallant wants? Is it what Panarin and Strome are deciding? Is it Kakko overcompensating defensively? Is it all of the above in some combination? Who knows? But it's really strange.

 

[CLW]

Kakko played that whole last game as the center on that line, effectively. He didn't take faceoffs but was clearly positioned as the F3 in nearly every shift in Vancouver's zone and was roving low in the middle of the ice in the d-zone while Strome and Panarin covered the point. It's really weird to watch. Is it what Gallant wants? Is it what Panarin and Strome are deciding? Is it Kakko overcompensating defensively? Is it all of the above in some combination? Who knows? But it's really strange.

Watching the Seattle game I started to wonder if they are preparing Kakko to play center. He could play there down the road, especially if he keeps improving his skating.

 

[duhmetreE]

Kakko played that whole last game as the center on that line, effectively. He didn't take faceoffs but was clearly positioned as the F3 in nearly every shift in Vancouver's zone and was roving low in the middle of the ice in the d-zone while Strome and Panarin covered the point. It's really weird to watch. Is it what Gallant wants? Is it what Panarin and Strome are deciding? Is it Kakko overcompensating defensively? Is it all of the above in some combination? Who knows? But it's really strange.

If that's the case, they should have signed Danault. Or even put Goodrow there. Difference being Goodrow is not as good in transition.

The pieces to the puzzle need to be reshuffled. The line combos do not work imo. We're not getting the most out of this roster.

Panarin Goodrow Strome
Lafreniere Zibs Chytil
Kreider Barron Kakko
Blais/Hunt Rooney Reaves

radically different

 

[OrlandK]

In this scenario we have Goodrow, Laf & Chytil in our top six. 3 of 6 (50%) who are not top 6 material. Would need Shesty to really step it up even more to still compete; he'll literally have to stand on his head instead of just doing so figuratively.

 

[tomobson]

If that's the case, they should have signed Danault. Or even put Goodrow there. Difference being Goodrow is not as good in transition.

The pieces to the puzzle need to be reshuffled. The line combos do not work imo. We're not getting the most out of this roster.

Panarin Goodrow Strome
Lafreniere Zibs Chytil
Kreider Barron Kakko
Blais/Hunt Rooney Reaves

radically different

We need Strome out of the Panarin equation completely. The one thing Panarin and Strome playing on the same line have consistently proven is that together they cannot get it done when the games start to matter and the other teams start to play more structured hockey as the season goes on. If the other teams aren't giving them space they don't try to adapt and find different ways to create offense. They only know one way to create offense and unfortunately it's really hard to make those type of plays against well structured teams. We don't really have the proper center for Panarin. Chytil is probably this team's best shot to get a way more balanced Panarin line as long as Strome isn't on it as well, I don't care if that means Chytil is on the wing or center. For the time being, Panarin - Mika - Kreider are really the only other duo that Panarin can play with that actually have enough skill and speed to play the way Panarin wants to play. They need to either give Panarin the skilled and speedy guys he needs to better work with the type of style he wants to play or he needs to be forced to play more structured hockey with players who are willing to play more structured hockey, aka not Strome. One way or the other, the team is going to have to move on from the Panarin and Strome combo. It's has been proven ineffective when we need them the most.

 

[Levitate]

Last game I noticed several times when Strome especially but sometimes Panarin would look at Kakko streaking up the ice, allllllmost decide to make a pass, but instead just pass it to the other guy (Strome or Panarin).

Basically they kept looking off Kakko and playing catch with themselves. This is part of the reason why even though they "work well together" that line has been murder for someone like Kakko. Panarin and Strome would rather play catch with each other and essentially try to be a two man line than attempt to incorporate another player and it's ultimately to their detriment because they end up struggling more against tight checking teams etc

Now sometimes maybe the pass wasn't really there, but to be honest that's never stopped Strome or Panarin from trying to force a pass before

 

[NickyLongLegz]

Last game I noticed several times when Strome especially but sometimes Panarin would look at Kakko streaking up the ice, allllllmost decide to make a pass, but instead just pass it to the other guy (Strome or Panarin).

Basically they kept looking off Kakko and playing catch with themselves. This is part of the reason why even though they "work well together" that line has been murder for someone like Kakko. Panarin and Strome would rather play catch with each other and essentially try to be a two man line than attempt to incorporate another player and it's ultimately to their detriment because they end up struggling more against tight checking teams etc

Now sometimes maybe the pass wasn't really there, but to be honest that's never stopped Strome or Panarin from trying to force a pass before

Yup. I really don’t understand why the coaching staff won’t at least try to swap Kakko and Goodrow

 

[Levitate]

Yup. I really don’t understand why the coaching staff won’t at least try to swap Kakko and Goodrow

I think they will eventually

but they should also be on Strome and Panarin's case about using their linemates

 

[NickyLongLegz]

I think they will eventually

but they should also be on Strome and Panarin's case about using their linemates

It’s crazy because they will have Kakko wide open and refuse to pass to him. They seem to do zero work lol They’ve been garbage at even strength but they will have one crazy pass a game, or rack up points on the power play and it makes it seem like everything’s okay

 

[duhmetreE]

We need Strome out of the Panarin equation completely. The one thing Panarin and Strome playing on the same line have consistently proven is that together they cannot get it done when the games start to matter and the other teams start to play more structured hockey as the season goes on. If the other teams aren't giving them space they don't try to adapt and find different ways to create offense. They only know one way to create offense and unfortunately it's really hard to make those type of plays against well structured teams. We don't really have the proper center for Panarin. Chytil is probably this team's best shot to get a way more balanced Panarin line as long as Strome isn't on it as well, I don't care if that means Chytil is on the wing or center. For the time being, Panarin - Mika - Kreider are really the only other duo that Panarin can play with that actually have enough skill and speed to play the way Panarin wants to play. They need to either give Panarin the skilled and speedy guys he needs to better work with the type of style he wants to play or he needs to be forced to play more structured hockey with players who are willing to play more structured hockey, aka not Strome. One way or the other, the team is going to have to move on from the Panarin and Strome combo. It's has been proven ineffective when we need them the most.

Mika should theoretically work with Panarin but he has become extremely lazy on the forecheck. He was a workhorse 2 years ago.

Barron is another potential good match for Panarin, stylistically. Hopefully he gets back up here soon

But I'd be fine with a stacked top line IF Zibs got back to his ways and Kreider keeps using his size and speed. It would be a nightmare for any defensive pairing

 

[will1066]

Last game I noticed several times when Strome especially but sometimes Panarin would look at Kakko streaking up the ice, allllllmost decide to make a pass, but instead just pass it to the other guy (Strome or Panarin).

Basically they kept looking off Kakko and playing catch with themselves. This is part of the reason why even though they "work well together" that line has been murder for someone like Kakko. Panarin and Strome would rather play catch with each other and essentially try to be a two man line than attempt to incorporate another player and it's ultimately to their detriment because they end up struggling more against tight checking teams etc

Now sometimes maybe the pass wasn't really there, but to be honest that's never stopped Strome or Panarin from trying to force a pass before

Kakko actually wants to play hockey. He's going to the net. He's working the boards. Panarin and Strome want to play shinny with each other.

 

[Irina]

Rangers fans:
1) 2019-2020. We should get rid of Fast, he plays with Strome and Panarin, but Kakko the Great has to play with them, it's his spot.
2) 2020-2021. Blackwell plays succesfully with Panarin and Strome. Screw Blackwell, Kakko the Genius belongs to this line.
3) 2021-2022. Kakko has zero points. It's because Panarin sucks, Strome sucks, they don't pass to poor Kakko, they play fancy hockey etc.
You should trade, buy out Bread, Strome, Mika. Gallant will get Vegas 2.0 and everybody will be happy. But Vegas 1.0 was the easiest series for Caps in their Cup run, knights' hockey was primitive, predictable and didn't have enough skill.

 

[molotce]

Rangers fans:
1) 2019-2020. We should get rid of Fast, he plays with Strome and Panarin, but Kakko the Great has to play with them, it's his spot.
2) 2020-2021. Blackwell plays succesfully with Panarin and Strome. Screw Blackwell, Kakko the Genius belongs to this line.
3) 2021-2022. Kakko has zero points. It's because Panarin sucks, Strome sucks, they don't pass to poor Kakko, they play fancy hockey etc.
You should trade, buy out Bread, Strome, Mika. Gallant will get Vegas 2.0 and everybody will be happy. But Vegas 1.0 was the easiest series for Caps in their Cup run, knights' hockey was primitive, predictable and didn't have enough skill.

two wingers on that strome line, one has 0 points the other is PPG. guess which one has the worst differential even strenght ?

 

[JohnC]

two wingers on that strome line, one has 0 points the other is PPG. guess which one has the worst differential even strenght ?

On top of the fact that no one on this board has ever advocated for playing Kakko with Panarin and Strome.

It’s never worked.

 

[tomobson]

two wingers on that strome line, one has 0 points the other is PPG. guess which one has the worst differential even strenght ?

Three wingers on that line.

 

[OrlandK]

Rangers fans:
1) 2019-2020. We should get rid of Fast, he plays with Strome and Panarin, but Kakko the Great has to play with them, it's his spot.
2) 2020-2021. Blackwell plays succesfully with Panarin and Strome. Screw Blackwell, Kakko the Genius belongs to this line.
3) 2021-2022. Kakko has zero points. It's because Panarin sucks, Strome sucks, they don't pass to poor Kakko, they play fancy hockey etc.
You should trade, buy out Bread, Strome, Mika. Gallant will get Vegas 2.0 and everybody will be happy. But Vegas 1.0 was the easiest series for Caps in their Cup run, knights' hockey was primitive, predictable and didn't have enough skill.

You got that right. Strome and Kreider get no love but every prospect's failure is due to the coach, their line mates. etc. Strange contortions to avoid the obvious.

 

[Irina]

two wingers on that strome line, one has 0 points the other is PPG. guess which one has the worst differential even strenght ?

Which has the worse differential even strength during whole career? I don't care +/- in 10 games.

 

[Levitate]

Kakko needs to finish his chances one way or another but it's not just about him being on Strome and Panarin's line...it's about whoever is on that line and how Strome and Panarin try to play the game together and it's not the kind of hockey that lasts deep into the season. That's gotta change somehow

e: to put it another way, Strome and Panarin aren't "hard to play against".
Sure they can burn you, but if you check them closely (which is what happens in the playoffs and what good teams do!) they just turn the puck over a whole lot instead. For a team that keeps talkign about being "hard to play against" they need to find ways for those top two lines to actually be hard to play against because right now they're not.

 

[SA16]

Kakko needs to finish his chances one way or another but it's not just about him being on Strome and Panarin's line...it's about whoever is on that line and how Strome and Panarin try to play the game together and it's not the kind of hockey that lasts deep into the season. That's gotta change somehow

e: to put it another way, Strome and Panarin aren't "hard to play against".
Sure they can burn you, but if you check them closely (which is what happens in the playoffs and what good teams do!) they just turn the puck over a whole lot instead. For a team that keeps talkign about being "hard to play against" they need to find ways for those top two lines to actually be hard to play against because right now they're not.

Panarin has the 8th best GF% in the league since he became a Ranger (forwards, 1000+ mins 5v5 toi) so I'm not sure why it matters if he's not "hard to play against." He also has 10 goals and 28 points in 30 playoff games so seems his style has worked perfectly fine there in the past.