Player Discussion Kaapo Kakko

[romba]

Another good game. Could’ve had three.

16:47 all 5 on 5 (more than Mika’s line)

Sammy said Kakko hit the post on that patient wrap around waiting for an opening but it was actually stopped by Peterson with the glove.

They didn’t show this angle on the MSG feed. It was going in

Very not impressed with MSG missing those gorgeous replays, generally they show good replays and it’s those boondock teams that love to show the zoomed in replay with the camera flying everywhere always behind the puck, to attempt to give a ‘feel’ for the game but instead you just feel nauseous.

 

[CLW]

Yep but that breakaway attempt was not bad luck, it was horrible. Reminds me of something I would do (and have) on a breakaway. Need to be better than that.

Overall I still like his game.

He got hooked/slashed with a stick to his hands on the breakaway. Should have been a penalty but the refs let those go sometimes. Same thing happened in the playoffs. He does need to learn shoot options on breakaways for that very reason. Practice and matches are not the same thing.

The refs sent a King (and Laffy for retaliating) to the penalty box in the first period for a weaker verison of that slash/hook to the hands.

 

[HockeyBasedNYC]

On Vince's podcast he said he sat with Kakko and he said that the best he's felt in the NHL were the first 10 games up on the first line with Mika.

He said he felt comfortable there, that he felt trusted, that his ability to hold onto pucks and fighting through traffic, setting up his teammates, played really well with that line.

He felt like it was his preferred spot (Vince said he sensed that, Kakko didn't outwardly say it).

He didnt begrudge the decision to remove him, because there wasnt enough production/finishing... but because of all of the chances and possession they had those goals would start to come.

This is EXACTLY what a lot of us have talked about when it comes to the young kids, especially Chytil and Kakko. Gallant and Drury and whoever else is pulling the strings need to stay f***ing patient and allow some germination to occur.

And what has happened since they thrusted Vesey into that spot? Has it been any better? Its been worse. That Kreids-Mika-Kakko line was killing it, but not scoring. Maybe they should've tried a different LW instead of always differing to the young player as the problem, if they just HAD to make a change. The constant shuffling is part of the problem.

 

[Unpredictable1]

On Vince's podcast he said he sat with Kakko and he said that the best he's felt in the NHL were the first 10 games up on the first line with Mika.

He said he felt comfortable there, that he felt trusted, that his ability to hold onto pucks and fighting through traffic, setting up his teammates, played really well with that line.

He felt like it was his preferred spot (Vince said he sensed that, Kakko didn't outwardly say it).

He didnt begrudge the decision to remove him, because there wasnt enough production/finishing... but because of all of the chances and possession they had those goals would start to come.

This is EXACTLY what a lot of us have talked about when it comes to the young kids, especially Chytil and Kakko. Gallant and Drury and whoever else is pulling the strings need to stay f***ing patient and allow some germination to occur.

And what has happened since they thrusted Vesey into that spot? Has it been any better? Its been worse. That Kreids-Mika-Kakko line was killing it, but not scoring. Maybe they should've tried a different LW instead of always differing to the young player as the problem, if they just HAD to make a change. The constant shuffling is part of the problem.

Great post. I think back on the Vesey PTO and subsequent signing, he did well in the preseason and appeared to be a great support player in the bottom 6. I liked the thought of him in that role. 4th line, pk, 3rd line in a pinch.

Some warned that this meant Vesey was going to eventually be in the top 6, and here we are.

Incredibly frustrating.

 

[SA16]

Kreider/Zibanejad/Vesey and Kreider/Zibanejad/Kakko have nearly the exact same stats as a line. Both instances have a 73 CF60, 48CA60 and across the board it's nearly identical. I agree he should be there but the line has not suffered at all with Vesey there.

 

[HockeyBasedNYC]

The idea of a rebuild is to suffer through some tough times to get top picks. Everyone was on board with that when the letter went out.

But thats only the first part. The next is suffering through some difficult patches allowing the said prospects to develop themselves at the NHL level in prime scenarios. Seems like only the fans understand that part.

Kreider/Zibanejad/Vesey and Kreider/Zibanejad/Kakko have nearly the exact same stats as a line. Both instances have a 73 CF60, 48CA60 and across the board it's nearly identical. I agree he should be there but the line has not suffered at all with Vesey there.

Ok fine, heres the rub though:

Vesey, 29, was signed on a PTO this year to help the bottom 6.
Kakko, 21, was a home grown 2OA, the highest pick for this team in ages

Whats the forecast of these two players in this franchise?

I'd argue that even if that lines numbers were worse with Kakko on it, he should remain there. Not to mention, this team is losing anyway!

 

[bl02]

The idea of a rebuild is to suffer through some tough times to get top picks. Everyone was on board with that when the letter went out.

But thats only the first part. The next is suffering through some difficult patches allowing the said prospects to develop themselves at the NHL level in prime scenarios. Seems like only the fans understand that part.


Ok fine, heres the rub though:

Vesey, 29, was signed on a PTO this year for the bottom 6.
Kakko, 21, was a home grown 2OA, the highest pick for this team in ages

Whats the forecast of these two players in this franchise?

I'd argue that even if that lines numbers were worse with Kakko on it, he should remain there.

Exactly, I just don't see how this can't be clear. Maybe just maybe we get the kids confidence sky high playing on the first line and he actually starts putting it together. Nope we need Vesey there instead. Cool

 

[HockeyBasedNYC]

Exactly, I just don't see how this can't be clear. Maybe just maybe we get the kids confidence sky high playing on the first line and he actually starts putting it together. Nope we need Vesey there instead. Cool

Just go back to what Vince said when talking to Kakko.

Kakko felt trusted on that line. You could see the confidence building.

Did anyone talk to him about it? I mean these are the Rangers babies, a lot of stock are invested in them - or should be. They just arent a popular jersey or a high draft pick for the fans. This is the future.

Gallant and co are worried about the now and that is very apparent, they arent concerned with the longview or are not expecting to still be around by then.

They consistently mess with this kids head and its embarrassing

 

[TopShelfSnipes]

Very not impressed with MSG missing those gorgeous replays, generally they show good replays and it’s those boondock teams that love to show the zoomed in replay with the camera flying everywhere always behind the puck, to attempt to give a ‘feel’ for the game but instead you just feel nauseous.

The worst angle is that horrible fisheyed endboards view for powerplays that national broadcasts use where the puck completely disappears from the screen anytime it goes up past the hash marks. Hate it. I want to curbstomp the TV producer that originated it.

 

[RagFinMet]

Panarin sux the life out of his linemates especially KK
He's plays the exact opposite game KK does.
Separate them immediately
Kaapo plays the possession game as we all know
Many here complain it doesnt result in points but what it does do is it prevents the other team from scoring meanwhile wearing down the opposition hopefully making it easier to score in the 3rd period
Panarin's game is create TO pass to slot for scoring chance then retreat and try to get another TO.
He lives off the rush
Kaapo hasnt looked nearly as good the last couple weeks.
He was our best forward in October
GG is so worried about getting Panarin going meanwhile he's killing Kaapo's game

 

[Bacon Artemi Bravo]

Panarin sux the life out of his linemates especially KK
He's plays the exact opposite game KK does.
Separate them immediately
Kaapo plays the possession game as we all know
Many here complain it doesnt result in points but what it does do is it prevents the other team from scoring meanwhile wearing down the opposition hopefully making it easier to score in the 3rd period
Panarin's game is create TO pass to slot for scoring chance then retreat and try to get another TO.
He lives off the rush
Kaapo hasnt looked nearly as good the last couple weeks.
He was our best forward in October
GG is so worried about getting Panarin going meanwhile he's killing Kaapo's game

I actually like KK with Panarin because KK needs to learn how to read the play and get open. If he figures that out he’s going to flourish on that line. Panarin draws a lot of heat towards him. It won’t happen over night but perhaps with time he can figure that out.

 

[CLW]

I actually like KK with Panarin because KK needs to learn how to read the play and get open. If he figures that out he’s going to flourish on that line. Panarin draws a lot of heat towards him. It won’t happen over night but perhaps with time he can figure that out.

The previous time Kakko was starting to figure it out with Panarin he's chain got yanked. Maybe it will be different this time...

 

[HockeyBasedNYC]

Vesey looked great last night, so you know they arent gonna move him off that line just because.

If they are winning games fine. But I still think Kakko needs to be with Mika.

Panarin is really struggling with his decision making and its affecting any set of linemates he has. Meanwhile, Chytil was forcing pucks to Bread all night and they were getting picked off. Kakko and Chytil should act like Panarin doesnt exist on their line. I think thats the two-way problem with any line Bread is on

 

[bbny]

1 point in his last 9 games on 15 min a night.

He doesn’t need more minutes, and this isn’t a linemate problem. He needs to figure out how to score. It’s really that simple.

 

[jaywills1020]

Kreider/Zibanejad/Vesey and Kreider/Zibanejad/Kakko have nearly the exact same stats as a line. Both instances have a 73 CF60, 48CA60 and across the board it's nearly identical. I agree he should be there but the line has not suffered at all with Vesey there.

It hasn’t excelled either. Your top line should be your scoring line. Vesey is not an offensive player. Simple as that.

 

[duhmetreE]

it's amazing how quick the player from the beginning of the year disappeared.

Same thing happened last year with Laffy, once he got going yet was demoted from the Zibs line for Ryan Reaves against Minnesota.

This coaching staff does not have the pulse of the team

 

[HockeyBasedNYC]

Don’t really care what anyone thinks.

After Kakko missed that breakaway dunk, he easily could have felt bad for himself and sulked about it.

I felt that he took his game to a whole different level after that. He was flying out there. Fastest feet and stride I’ve seen from him. He was throwing checks. Making plays with an attitude. He should’ve got an assist on Millers goal.

They will start going in for him and we will see the player who was drafted.

 

[B17 Apricots]

Don’t really care what anyone thinks.

After Kakko missed that breakaway dunk, he easily could have felt bad for himself and sulked about it.

I felt that he took his game to a whole different level after that. He was flying out there. Fastest feet and stride I’ve seen from him. He was throwing checks. Making plays with an attitude. He should’ve got an assist on Millers goal.

They will start going in for him and we will see the player who was drafted.

That bottom sentence.. this is why I scratch my head when people will proclaim these guys as busts and future 3rd liners or something of the sort. These are not finished products. It's not hard to see it... Average players do not have the ability to make some of the plays we've seen. Even Lafreniere with how bad he's been this year, there's games where you might see him thread a slick pass. Unfortunately we havent gotten much of it this year, we want to see more of that but bad players cannot make those sort of plays. Like a lot of our guys this year, his finishing hasn't been there.. the last 2 years speaks for itself though, the kid has a really good shot and can score 5v5. There are not a lot of players in the league that can protect and control the puck the way Kakko can. The kid has hit so many posts this year, came so close so many times, times where he set up chances playing with CK and Zib that they missed. It'd be plenty conservative to say Kakko could probably have another +10 points right now and his name wouldn't even be a discussion. Convert on a few more of those and he looks like a future star. People soured on Chytil big time last year and he seems to be the most favored of the 3 right now.

Expectations are rightfully high, they're a few years in.. we know their situation is a little more unique than some of their comparables. What we've seen is the difference between established NHL talent and young players still trying to figure it out. The move Kakko made tonight is a play stars make, established ones convert on it. The talent is there for these kids but they haven't put it all together yet. But that circles back to the same conversation, if these kids spent the past few years playing +17 minutes a game getting the experience, getting those reps and touches.. would we be past this stage already where we keep talking about Player X is doing everything except scoring or Player X is on an awful cold streak. Maybe that play tonight from Kakko is a goal and something we see with more frequency.

Our young guys have gotten so much flak here... think about what someone like Barkov might've looked like scoring 30 points playing 17 minutes a game. Jack Hughes and his first 20 point season did not look like some world beater. I get that our guys have been here a few years and we want to be past that point but they haven't been allotted those sorts of roles and this is simply how this organization has chosen to develop them. The talent is certainly there though.

 

[WojtekWolski86]

That bottom sentence.. this is why I scratch my head when people will proclaim these guys as busts and future 3rd liners or something of the sort. These are not finished products. It's not hard to see it... Average players do not have the ability to make some of the plays we've seen. Even Lafreniere with how bad he's been this year, there's games where you might see him thread a slick pass. Unfortunately we havent gotten much of it this year, we want to see more of that but bad players cannot make those sort of plays. Like a lot of our guys this year, his finishing hasn't been there.. the last 2 years speaks for itself though, the kid has a really good shot and can score 5v5. There are not a lot of players in the league that can protect and control the puck the way Kakko can. The kid has hit so many posts this year, came so close so many times, times where he set up chances playing with CK and Zib that they missed. It'd be plenty conservative to say Kakko could probably have another +10 points right now and his name wouldn't even be a discussion. Convert on a few more of those and he looks like a future star. People soured on Chytil big time last year and he seems to be the most favored of the 3 right now.

Expectations are rightfully high, they're a few years in.. we know their situation is a little more unique than some of their comparables. What we've seen is the difference between established NHL talent and young players still trying to figure it out. The move Kakko made tonight is a play stars make, established ones convert on it. The talent is there for these kids but they haven't put it all together yet. But that circles back to the same conversation, if these kids spent the past few years playing +17 minutes a game getting the experience, getting those reps and touches.. would we be past this stage already where we keep talking about Player X is doing everything except scoring or Player X is on an awful cold streak. Maybe that play tonight from Kakko is a goal and something we see with more frequency.

Our young guys have gotten so much flak here... think about what someone like Barkov might've looked like scoring 30 points playing 17 minutes a game. Jack Hughes and his first 20 point season did not look like some world beater. I get that our guys have been here a few years and we want to be past that point but they haven't been allotted those sorts of roles and this is simply how this organization has chosen to develop them. The talent is certainly there though.

I grew up with my dad listening to wfan non stop. The crazy callers whether it was Rangers, Yankees, Mets, etc would call and make the craziest statements as if they knew better.

We just evolved with the internet.

 

[mas0764]

Not sure why Kakko didn’t get an assist on the Miller goal. Looks like he knocked it to Lafreniere who then passed back to Miller.

 

[HockeyBasedNYC]

Not sure why Kakko didn’t get an assist on the Miller goal. Looks like he knocked it to Lafreniere who then passed back to Miller.

He made that entire shift happen.

It’s incredible to me that he continues to not get points the way he has played

 

[will1066]

Not sure why Kakko didn’t get an assist on the Miller goal. Looks like he knocked it to Lafreniere who then passed back to Miller.

I thought about this not long after the goal. I think (incorrectly perhaps) that it's because Miller held on to it, skated in while dodging a couple of Blues and then shot, which meant that he made a couple more plays himself to create the scoring chance. One could debate whether the goal could have been recorded as an unassisted.

 

[IDvsEGO]

I thought about this not long after the goal. I think (incorrectly perhaps) that it's because Miller held on to it, skated in while dodging a couple of Blues and then shot, which meant that he made a couple more plays himself to create the scoring chance. One could debate whether the goal could have been recorded as an unassisted.

That’s not how assists work though

 

[will1066]

That’s not how assists work though

Maybe we need to ask Toronto.

 

[Kodiak]

Not sure why Kakko didn’t get an assist on the Miller goal. Looks like he knocked it to Lafreniere who then passed back to Miller.

If you look at about the 6 second mark, Acciari (#52) looks to have full control of the puck after Kakko touches it and before Lafreniere knocks it back to Miller.