- Jul 16, 2005
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Player Discussion Kaapo Kakko
- Thread starter Krams
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KirkAlbuquerque
#WeNeverGetAGoodCoach
Chicken AINEC.
The team is garbage at 5v5, the kids only play 5v5…. We’re surprised they don’t produce? When our 10 million dollar “superstars” can’t do shit either
This can’t be stated enough. The kids don’t exist in a vacuum. If our established, highly paid vets can’t even meet expectations at ES, why are we banging our heads against the wall trying to figure out what’s wrong w/ a bunch of 20y olds?
Let’s attempt to fix the structural problems that exist before we start writing off kids, esp when said kids seem to be involved in the rare lines that show any consistent threat at ES (Kid line, Kreids-Zib-Kakko).
He has a heavy shot that creates a lot of rebounds but he refuses to use it. I'd like to think he might shoot more over time but in this team, he's just doing what the vets taught him. Its endemic.
Yeah, still too much perimeter play with him. He controls the puck well along the boards but all the fancy possession seldom leads to anything of note. He's just not good enough right now to consistently put up points. Going to come sporadically until he's taken the next step
gravey9
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- Dec 29, 2008
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I dunno. I think some of this has to do with Kreider being out and Laffy being in his place. A lot of Kakko's touches and chances happen from extended forechecking shifts. This is not a post about Laffy's effectiveness, but there's just been less consistent forecheck pressure with Kreider out. Beyond that, Kakko helped start a few plays that turned into goals in recent games but didn't end up on the scoresheet.
Furthermore, that second line with Tro and Panarin together has not really done much at even strength either. I think there's a lack of cohesion going on in the top 6 with Kreider out. And with the bug going around. As a result, we really don't know what we're looking at. But Kakko has had the puck less in the offensive zone, but I don't really care about his point totals if he's positively impacting the game. The thing with Kakko is, his style of play, where he likes to get the puck, where he's most dangerous, all of that at this point should be pretty clear to his linemates because it's clear to the other 18k in the arena. When he goes through a scoreless stretch, there are a lot of variables, but a lot of it has to do with him not getting the puck enough in the areas where he's most dangerous. As he continues to grow he'll become dangerous more areas of the ice. But he's not there yet. I'd like to see him force his way to the net tonight. Instead of pass it away. Kakko should force the issue a bit as I think the chaos might be a good offensive generator.
- Jul 16, 2005
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It's only been two games. Kakko was pointless three straight without Kreider too.
gravey9
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- Dec 29, 2008
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Has he played poorly in those 5? Can you legit say he's been bad? If Kakko was playing bad I'd be worried. But he's played well. Not nec dominant outside of the first half of the Minnesota game where he should have easily had an assist and got robbed on a beautiful one-timer. Point is, he's played well in the last 5. He's far from the biggest concern. Go look for other whipping boys.
- Jul 16, 2005
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I’m one of Kakko’s biggest supporters so he’s far from my whipping boy. He can play well all day long but we need him putting up points too.
haohmaru
boomshakalaka
We absolutely NEED him to be more and, I'm with you, he's playing well but needs numbers to go with it. Like tonight.
SA16
Sixstring
With a little more luck he would have double the amount of points he has?
LORDE
I am Lorde, YA YA YA
I was VERY impressed with him last night... very. Using his big body to shield the puck... buying time to open lanes and then making good decisions with the puck and creating offense.
Keep it up kid!
Keep it up kid!
I know we need points from Kakko, but I am impressed that night in and night out, he is one of our best forwards. His consistency game to game is way better this year from game to game.
DanielBrassard
It's all so tiresome
McRanger92
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- Jun 7, 2017
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Dont care about point totals in the slightest when it comes to evaluating players. All I know is that this guy has made a leap and he is impactful at both ends of the ice in every game. Core player
Kakko is getting there... he is showing signs...
Just look at this 4-on-4 goal from yesterday...
He draws 3 players to him before passing the puck to Zib. This is a very Foxy play by Kakko.
Just look at this 4-on-4 goal from yesterday...
He draws 3 players to him before passing the puck to Zib. This is a very Foxy play by Kakko.
Sisu4ever
Registered User
- Jan 6, 2020
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Lost another
I am wondering too, as of this morning, the NHL site shows Kakko with 2 assists.
They never took the 2nd assist away from him so not sure dshea19 is referring to
Kakko has made a ton of progress in the last 2 years. He still needs to shoot more and in general being better at creating or finding open ice. He currently has the same amount of EVP as players like Barkov, Debrusk, Marchant (albeit in less games), Kreider, Perron, etc... which is nothing to scoff at.
The question becomes will his production continue to go up with increased usage and more PP opportunities. We'll see soon enough
Kakko has made a ton of progress in the last 2 years. He still needs to shoot more and in general being better at creating or finding open ice. He currently has the same amount of EVP as players like Barkov, Debrusk, Marchant (albeit in less games), Kreider, Perron, etc... which is nothing to scoff at.
The question becomes will his production continue to go up with increased usage and more PP opportunities. We'll see soon enough
- Jul 16, 2005
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McRanger92
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- Jun 7, 2017
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The biggest thing is that he's clearly earned Gallant's trust
MrAlmost
Beer league hero.
- Jun 3, 2010
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Kakko is playing well and he is pacing for 40 points which is great. Honestly, the way he is progressing as a 200-foot player with the point coming along slowly will help big time when we resign him after next season. We will likely be able to get a long term deal in the 5.5 to 6.5 range. That would be great.
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