HockeyBasedNYC
Feeling it
Kakko has to lead the league in almost and third assists.
Player Discussion Kaapo Kakko
- Thread starter Krams
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HockeyBasedNYC
Feeling it
I agree its time for the team to give back. This is a really great analogy and why I am so impressed with Kakko's perseverance.
He's been bounced around by both coaches he's played for, demoted unfairly, scratched from a playoff game without explanation, taken out of top six roles he's excelled in (albeit without the finishing).
He's taken a very consistent approach to every game he's played. He hasnt said anything publically. He has slowly developed in each area of his game. His defense, awareness, skating, puck possession has all improved. He's had a lot of opportunities to get down on himself but I give him credit for really pushing through it all.
The final stage of development is perfecting his shot and finishing plays. With what we've seen from him, theres nothing to suggest this part of his game wont come around as well - especially seeing the amount of grade A chances he creates on a nightly basis.
I have a lot of faith in this kid despite his scoring woes.
It will happen sooner or later for him.
- Jul 6, 2017
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He needs more minutes and to work on finishing. There was no reason to demote him from the first line. Good to see him there again and producing changes. He reads plays well and knows where to go on the ice. That’s instinct; I don’t think that can be taught (offensively; defense is a different story). He will break out. I don’t think he’ll be as prolific as Hossa (who was arguably a sniper, power-forward and two-way forward, and had multiple 40-goal seasons as a second liner and even a 100-point season as a Thrasher), but I could certainly see Kakko topping out at 75-80 points three or four times, which is pretty great for a two-way forward.
KirkAlbuquerque
#WeNeverGetAGoodCoach
I feel for Kakko. He is allergic to points. Problem is when you try to debate his performance on HF people bring up the production, or lack of it.
Now with a line of Laf - Mika - Kakko there are no excuses. Points should come eventually.
Now with a line of Laf - Mika - Kakko there are no excuses. Points should come eventually.
To me the bottom line is that he's not going to magically produce a bunch of points with limited minutes, so give him important minutes and let him work through it. The alternatives aren't particularly appealing. He's shown that even if he's not producing points he's facilitating other players, so just let him run with it.
Realgud
Not good enough for SKA
From an outsider's perspective, Kakko has really impressed me despite the lack of production. I hope he figures it out.
will1066
Registered User
- Oct 12, 2008
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Right now, you give this kid more minutes, it will just mean more close calls and posts hit. I don't think he's suddenly going to start potting goals. He needs to work on his shot. The Rangers put the kids in a unique type of rebuild, with vet players that don't have a lot of chemistry with them, and they're just not going to develop as fast as we want them to. It's our reality. But I still think that the chances of them succeeding are higher than their chances of busting.
LionsHeart
Registered User
I made the comparison in another thread, but this reminds me of Buchnevich a few years ago.
He was doing everything but scoring. Totally snake bite. When he finally scored he “pulled the monkey off his back.” I feel like Kakko is in the same position. He’s doing everything right, he’s getting his chances, but just a little something happens and it doesn’t go in or he doesn’t get the assist even when he clearly made the play happen.
Let him play those top minutes, let him keep getting his chances. They’re going to go in, and he’ll have “the monkey off his back.”
One thing that really impresses me is that despite all his struggles, he still shows up and and gives an honest effort. Even Kreider talked about it the other day.
He was doing everything but scoring. Totally snake bite. When he finally scored he “pulled the monkey off his back.” I feel like Kakko is in the same position. He’s doing everything right, he’s getting his chances, but just a little something happens and it doesn’t go in or he doesn’t get the assist even when he clearly made the play happen.
Let him play those top minutes, let him keep getting his chances. They’re going to go in, and he’ll have “the monkey off his back.”
One thing that really impresses me is that despite all his struggles, he still shows up and and gives an honest effort. Even Kreider talked about it the other day.
EdJovanovski
#RempeForCalder
If he can shoot 107MPH with that one he might get 130 with a proper sized one!
Figures Jack Hughes would end up a 100 pt player and Kakko won't even hit 30. Kakko should be embarassed.
jerseyjinx94
I jinx players.
HockeyBasedNYC
Feeling it
This is probably the most impressive thing about Kakko for me.
His game is extremely consistent and he just goes out there and Ivan Drago's it every night. Finishing is literally the final hurdle for him.
He just might not have finishing in him. Which would cap him as a 3rd liner unfortunately.
Bob Richards
Mr. Mojo Risin'
If Kakko converted 0.01% of all the chances he generates he’d score 57 goals a year.
Or he continues improving his game like he has every year. Sure looks like a 1st liner in all the games this year he has been there.
No. Things never work out for us like that.
HockeyBasedNYC
Feeling it
Im willing to wait for it
JimmyG89
Registered User
- May 1, 2010
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One thing I noticed is that when he did get his PP time tonight, he was on the halfwall, but I'm not sure if that is the best spot for him.
I also don't think he is positioning himself well when he gets the puck in that spot. He is facing the goalie too much and his angle doesn't allow him to have multiple pass options. He either has to go down low or up high, and doesn't have the option for both.
It would probably help if he got more than 25 seconds on each PP to get better acclimated to that role, but I don't see him there. He should be the net front or bumper guy. Get Lafreniere on the halfwall. I'd have Chytil on the opposite side.
I also don't think he is positioning himself well when he gets the puck in that spot. He is facing the goalie too much and his angle doesn't allow him to have multiple pass options. He either has to go down low or up high, and doesn't have the option for both.
It would probably help if he got more than 25 seconds on each PP to get better acclimated to that role, but I don't see him there. He should be the net front or bumper guy. Get Lafreniere on the halfwall. I'd have Chytil on the opposite side.
I think Trouba is still the weak link there, along with blais. I'd rather see Gauthier in blais's spot and I'd prefer miller on the point so that Kappo becomes a one timer threat off the left handed pass from the point.
But also, that unit isn't designed to do anything aside from ensure us an ozone shift after the PP.
HockeyBasedNYC
Feeling it
More time on the PP will help, yep.
And even Vesey would be a better option than Blais on that 2nd unit. Its annoying he is out there with them. Gallant wants some kind of net front presence and to try to get Blais going but he cant even skate fast enough from the net to the blue line to regroup when the puck gets cleared
KirkAlbuquerque
#WeNeverGetAGoodCoach
nobody is positioning themselves well on that unit. Its a mess. Thats why he needs to be on PP1
HockeyBasedNYC
Feeling it
mrmovies779
The Greatest Teacher,Failure is.
- Feb 5, 2013
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No chance in hell.I would love to be proven wrong though
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