Player Discussion Kaapo Kakko: Part V

[NYRangers0723]

I think our fans just need to have a little patience. Just because they were number 1 and 2 overall doesn’t automatically mean they will tear it up immediately. It’s a process. Both are going to be key players for this organization for a long time

 

[Levitate]

That was a big goal for Kakko IMO.

It wasn't a rebound or breakaway, a tap-in, wrap around or tip-in.

It wasn't an empty net from a pass from Panarin, a deflection off his shin guard or a screened shot that found its way through.

He purposely set himself up for the give and go with Strome showing good awareness and then had the patience to get himself into a prime shooting area, which we all talked about him needing to do more often all offseason.

Get to the inside and get a hard shot off.

But most of all, he fired a low accurate shot and beat the goalie clean on his terms. It may have been one of the first ones we've seen from him like that. I remember a similar one on a PP last year but it wasnt as clean. There have been questions about his shot and while its not a barn breaker, he has the accuracy if he can get into the right areas of the ice.

To be honest I was worried it almost took a bit tooooo long to shoot, even though it probably helped, defender almost got a stick on it, but it was nice that the shot was quick and just exploded off his stick with some force and accuracy.

 

[Sockosensei]

The way he cut inside just before shooting to put the goalie off angle was a thing of beauty.

Yep. He added just a hair of fake shot stutter step to mess with the goalie's timing.

It came fluidly and he didn't out-think himself.

Ice time has been trending upward. Maybe he'll earn some PP1 time?

 

[tellermine]

It is Interesting to see can Kakko develop to a scoring power forward in NHL level.
Kid loved the puck so mutch that he seems to want to carry it to goal.

That power he posses can really make a difference on playoffs, if he can get his game on level high enoughf.

 

[HockeyBasedNYC]

I feel like the next step for KK is a multi goal game or first career hat trick.

I'd like to think he could get a hatty sometime this season.

 

[duhmetreE]

I feel like the next step for KK is a multi goal game or first career hat trick.

I'd like to think he could get a hatty sometime this season.

I can see a 5pts game in the near future

 

[Kiekura]

So what happened to Kakko, as the article asks?

The above quotes from said article answer it pretty clearly.

F this "defensive, responsibility first," hockey. Score first. Period. Teach defense later.

I'm no expert but I'd guess it's the exact same thing with Lafreniere. Quinn almost ruined these kids.

Kakko also admitted in Finnish news paper that with Gallant he has trust and he can actually hold the puck and try different things without of fear of being demoted.

Also said he had to change his playstyle from puck keeper to more straightline forward who goes near goal, because Panarin loves puck so much and "I can't say to him that i keep puck now and you go stand near goal"

 

[CLW]

Kakko also admitted in Finnish news paper that with Gallant he has trust and he can actually hold the puck and try different things without of fear of being demoted.

Also said he had to change his playstyle from puck keeper to more straightline forward who goes near goal, because Panarin loves puck so much and "I can't say to him that i keep puck now and you go stand near goal"

Lmao . Yes that was always the problem with Panarin and Kakko on the same line. Kakko naturally wants to take control and run the play, which Panarin is an undisputed Master at. Now that Strome is sharing the puck with Kakko too (see the recent give and goes that led to Kakko goals) things are running smoother for that line.

 

[Kiekura]

Lmao . Yes that was always the problem with Panarin and Kakko on the same line. Kakko naturally wants to take control and run the play, which Panarin is an undisputed Master at. Now that Strome is sharing the puck with Kakko too (see the recent give and goes that led to Kakko goals) things are running smoother for that line.

Yup. They just need to find balance.

 

[FireGerardGallant]

Kakko also admitted in Finnish news paper that with Gallant he has trust and he can actually hold the puck and try different things without of fear of being demoted.

Also said he had to change his playstyle from puck keeper to more straightline forward who goes near goal, because Panarin loves puck so much and "I can't say to him that i keep puck now and you go stand near goal"

He has looked so much happier this season compared to the last 2, Glad to see he is actually feeling comfortable

 

[mas0764]

Kakko also admitted in Finnish news paper that with Gallant he has trust and he can actually hold the puck and try different things without of fear of being demoted.

Also said he had to change his playstyle from puck keeper to more straightline forward who goes near goal, because Panarin loves puck so much and "I can't say to him that i keep puck now and you go stand near goal"

Yeah I wish we could get him on a different line but whatever.

 

[FireGerardGallant]

Yeah I wish we could get him on a different line but whatever.

Hes finally found stability and chemistry and you wanna move him?

 

[LOFIN]

Hes finally found stability and chemistry and you wanna move him?

Eventually, you'd probably want to get as much out of him as you can, by letting him drive a line. But as of now, keep 'em together since it's finally starting to work.

 

[Harbour Dog]

Hearing Kakko pick out the exact issue they were having, and identify how he has fixed it, is exciting.

His Hockey IQ is off the charts. He was a top defensive forward last year, because Quinn told him he had to be defensively sound. Let that sink in lol. A 19-year old in the NHL, CHOSE to be a defensive beast, because that's what the coach wanted him to do.

 

[RickChartraw]

Hearing Kakko pick out the exact issue they were having, and identify how he has fixed it, is exciting.

His Hockey IQ is off the charts. He was a top defensive forward last year, because Quinn told him he had to be defensively sound. Let that sink in lol. A 19-year old in the NHL, CHOSE to be a defensive beast, because that's what the coach wanted him to do.

good post. i'm not worried about this kid at all.

 

[DoingItCoolKiwi]

Tehonsa löytänyt Kaapo Kakko nauttii luottamuksesta ja kertoo muuttuneesta pelityylistään – ”Ensimmäisestä virheestä ei heitetä pohjakenttiin”

On the cold streak:
"The feeling during the pointless streak was completely different compared to previous seasons, because you could see that the coach trusts you, and knows youre playing well. In the previous season you'd find yourself from bottom lines very quickly."

On Gallant:
"I dont know about others but I feel like Im getting trusted more. You dont get demoted after the first mistake, so now I can try some stuff instead of just dumping the puck."

On Strome and Panarin:
"I have a pretty modest job in the line. I dont feel like telling them to go to the net and let me hold the puck. Theyre playing 3rd season together, and especially panarin loves the puck, and is a great passer. I'll try to go to the net and look for empty spaces. It's something I didnt do in finland, but I want to play in the top line, so Ive had to modify my game."

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

My mans hated David Quinn lol.

Totally fair too. He was a shit coach.

 

[NYRFANMANI]

" [...] so now I can try some stuff instead of just dumping the puck."

L M F A O !!!!

 

[Harbour Dog]

Kakko making damn sure that Quinn never coaches in the NHL again.

 

[Doctyl]

Kakko just saying what we all thought after watching Quinn botch his and Laf's entries into the league.

Laf still needs to be better, but its good to hear that Gallant is starting to sound more and more like exactly what we all wanted this offseason

 

[Kravtsov420]

Quinnies punching air right now (if there are any of em left)

 

[Doctyl]

Quinnies punching air right now (if there are any of em left)

@aufheben

 

[Kravtsov420]

@aufheben

What have you done

 

[will1066]

I don't know if I'm a Quinnie, but he wasn't all wrong and I still do think that Kakko is for the better today having laid the foundation for his defensive game. Quinn might've gave him the hook too soon, but Kakko *was* turning over the puck a lot and losing control trying to do too much and relying on his European move set on North American ice.

 

[LOFIN]

Kakko hasn't exactly hidden his frustration about Quinn after he was replaced by Gallant. He hasn't said anything about him being a bad coach or like that, but in pretty much every interview or comment he has given this season, he has stated how he enjoys having the coaches trust and them having more freedom to do try stuff and not be afraid of mistakes.

That's step one in bringing out that confidence and dominating play on the puck. The next (eventual) step is letting him be the main man in his line. That's going to happen probably next year, considering Strome is as good as gone and something has to happen with the lines. But like I stated, nothing wrong with him playing a simpler game and being the third man in his line if it's finally starting to click and bring him (and Panaring & Strome) results and points.