LW/RW Kirill Kaprizov - CSKA Moscow, KHL (2015, 135th, MIN)

[Acallabeth]

Silly stick tap? It was one of the most obvious spearing calls in hockey history. If Kaprizov was stronger, Arbuzov would end up like the Witch King of Angmar on the Pellenor Fields.

HAHAHA wow, cant believe that was a game misconduct. The other player didn't even react to it

There are no other penalties for spearing.

 

[57special]

While that is almost a textbook spear, it never would've been called as such in the NHL. Would've been a high stick. Simply put, it was a fail as a spear. Victim looked like he was getting a back massage. Spearing is extremely rare... it's usually called when the end of the tick is stuck up into the upper body (especially face and throat) or crotch with a distinct poking motion. The worry is that the end of the stick can take out an eye, teeth, or crush the throat. Kaprizov needs some lessons from Lucic on the whole spearing thing.

So, for you guys who see him regularly, and also watch some NHL, what might hold Kaprizov back from being effective in the NHL? He doesn't look the biggest... that's OK, but usually smaller players need good quickness, or they get smothered by the checking in the NHL. Either that, or they have to be the stocky, strong types, and Kaprizov doesn't look like that, either.

 

[SoundAndFury]

That's not spearing, that's a push with a stick. I have seen more powerful "spears" of ones own teammate to help them go faster on the backcheck/breakaway. "If Kaprizov was stronger".. Come on, he obviously didn't want to actually spear someone just to get his attention as Arbuzov was visibly ignoring him after being a ******. That was quite literally a push more than anything else.

 

[57special]

Oh, and is he still playing on the third line? Last i heard he was moved up due to injuries.

 

[SoundAndFury]

Oh, and is he still playing on the third line? Last i heard he was moved up due to injuries.

His line is de facto first line now. He has biggest star on the team (Omark) playing with him.

Regarding NHL future, I think he is more or less on the right path. Also Kaprizov is pretty stocky for a 19 year-old, he's not afraid of dirty areas either. Better edgework would help.

 

[Acallabeth]

While that is almost a textbook spear, it never would've been called as such in the NHL. Would've been a high stick. Simply put, it was a fail as a spear. Victim looked like he was getting a back massage.

So Kaprizov would get a high sticking call for a back massage that's also a textbook spear. Yeah, I agree that the NHL refs are garbage.

So, for you guys who see him regularly, and also watch some NHL, what might hold Kaprizov back from being effective in the NHL? He doesn't look the biggest... that's OK, but usually smaller players need good quickness, or they get smothered by the checking in the NHL. Either that, or they have to be the stocky, strong types, and Kaprizov doesn't look like that, either.

Kaprizov is strong and stocky enough, his size won't hinder him. He doesn't take the play in his own hands when he lacks confidence, so it may set him back a bit early in the NHL. His biggest flaw used to be his shot, but it's improved enough not to be considered a weakness. He's also skilled, smart and has a good vision and has always been good in tight game.

 

[57special]

I detailed what a spear is, and why it is a match penalty. Very serious stuff....a lot of this is a hangover from when they had no helmets and wooden sticks that could splinter and become even more dangerous. Some of the sticks had small nails in them to hold them together longer, making them even more dangerous. There were some infamous stick swinging and spearing incidents in the 50-70's in the NHL and in the minor leagues that left players in the hospital with serious injuries. That's why Spearing is such a heavily punished penalty.

To call that tap by Kaprizov worthy of a Match penalty is overkill. Two minutes, sure. If it was to the neck, head, crotch, or simply far more vigorous, then sure, toss him. The victim wasn't exactly writhing in pain.

Will be a good lesson for Kaprizov, anyway.

 

[57special]

Hope he keeps working on his shot. There is always a place for a 20g scorer in the NHL, as long as he isn't an embarrassment defensively. Will be huge if he has a strong build so he won't get pushed off the puck like Granlund and Pulkkinen. Not expecting him to be Tarasenko in that regard, but a strong 190lbs. would be perfect.

 

[Kshahdoo]

While that is almost a textbook spear, it never would've been called as such in the NHL. Would've been a high stick. Simply put, it was a fail as a spear. Victim looked like he was getting a back massage. Spearing is extremely rare... it's usually called when the end of the tick is stuck up into the upper body (especially face and throat) or crotch with a distinct poking motion. The worry is that the end of the stick can take out an eye, teeth, or crush the throat. Kaprizov needs some lessons from Lucic on the whole spearing thing.

So, for you guys who see him regularly, and also watch some NHL, what might hold Kaprizov back from being effective in the NHL? He doesn't look the biggest... that's OK, but usually smaller players need good quickness, or they get smothered by the checking in the NHL. Either that, or they have to be the stocky, strong types, and Kaprizov doesn't look like that, either.

Well, what were the best 19-20 yo seasons in Russian hockey leagues before now? Malkin scored 47 points in 46 games in 2005-2006 season. Kuznetsov scored 41 points in 49 games in 2011-2012. Ovechkin scored 27 points in 37 games in 2004-2005. As you see, Kaprizov with 19 in 23 is pretty close to these NHL stars and superstars.

 

[BagHead]

So Kaprizov would get a high sticking call for a back massage that's also a textbook spear. Yeah, I agree that the NHL refs are garbage.

Kind of a letter of the law guy, hey? Not that I'm particularly against that, but if the NHL did crack down on every little tap that happens like that, the games would have so many penalties that the game would resemble American football in its pacing. I like football, but the pace of it leaves something to be desired, and it would be even worse in hockey.

If that was a spear, some of the things I've done in a game could be labelled war crimes, and I've always been a relatively clean player.

 

[DANOZ28]

will kaprizov get suspended from the spear call? i think kirill will have a successful season even if he only gets 35 points in 50 plus games. anything over that is bonus!

 

[Flynn84]

Well, what were the best 19-20 yo seasons in Russian hockey leagues before now? Malkin scored 47 points in 46 games in 2005-2006 season. Kuznetsov scored 41 points in 49 games in 2011-2012. Ovechkin scored 27 points in 37 games in 2004-2005. As you see, Kaprizov with 19 in 23 is pretty close to these NHL stars and superstars.

KHL era

 

[Dr Jan Itor]

Matched Tarasenko's 19 year old season in 19 fewer games.

 

[Flynn84]

Matched Tarasenko's 19 year old season in 19 fewer games.

He's also now 8 months older than Tarasenko was that season.
But Kaprizov is great that's for sure.

 

[SoundAndFury]

will kaprizov get suspended from the spear call? i think kirill will have a successful season even if he only gets 35 points in 50 plus games. anything over that is bonus!

Nah, it would be ridiculous. Really can't see that happening.

 

[57special]

I think it's important to look beyond stats when projecting how players will do in the NHL. Don't get me wrong, I love the points, but some players can make the transition easier than others due to their skills and physical talent. I find the biggest separator between the NHL and the other leagues is the level of athleticism. We just waived a guy, Pulkkinen, who scored like crazy in the AHL , but can't make a dent here. Our coach, Boudreau, was an AHL legend, but could never stick in the big leagues. Granlund is a legit NHL'er but nothing like he was projected to be judging by his play internationally.

All of these are examples of guys who weren't big enough, strong enough, or fast enough to make an impact in the NHL( Granlund still has a chance). Hope Kaprizov is able to. He doesn't seem to have any one athletic talent that makes him stick out. Tarasenko isn't big, but he's a beast, explosive, and has a great shot. Kucherov is highly skilled, and fast. Kuznetsov, too? OVI and Malkin are obvious HOF'ers...no need to mention them. All of this guys are bringing superior athleticism to the table in greater or lesser degrees. What is Kaprizov likely to bring? He'll never be big and have reach. Speed, maybe? Strength? Shot? Sounds like he doesn't excel in any of those areas in the KHL, just is an all round smart player.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

I think it's important to beyond stats when projecting how players will do in the NHL. Don't get me wrong, I love the points, but some players can make the transition easier than others due to their skills and physical talent. I find the biggest separator between the NHL and the other leagues is the level of athleticism. We just waived a guy, Pulkkinen, who scored like crazy in the AHL , but can't make a dent here. Our coach, Boudreau, was an AHL legend, but could never stick in the big leagues. Granlund is a legit NHL'er but nothing like he was projected to be judging by his play internationally.

All of these are examples of guys who weren't big enough, strong enough, or fast enough to make an impact in the NHL( Granlund still has a chance). Hope Kaprizov is able to. He doesn't seem to have any one athletic talent that makes him stick out. Tarasenko isn't big, but he's a beast, explosive, and has a great shot. Kucherov is highly skilled, and fast. Kuznetsov, too? OVI and Malkin are obvious HOF'ers...no need to mention them. All of this guys are bringing superior athleticism to the table in greater or lesser degrees. What is Kaprizov likely to bring? He'll never be big and have reach. Speed, maybe? Strength? Shot? Sounds like he doesn't excel in any of those areas in the KHL, just is an all round smart player.

Probably somewhere between Artemi Panarin and Patrick Kane.

 

[johna2626]

Matched Tarasenko's 19 year old season in 19 fewer games.

But not as good as Nail Yakupov

 

[DANOZ28]

life doesn't come with any guarantees but kirill's #'s suggest he has a chance to be a stud is something for wild fans to get amped about. don't you agree? as for yakupov when he started in edm he was expected to be a star (too much pressure) kirill wont be expected to be tarasenko or panarin when he gets to minnesota. (assuming he joins the nhl someday).

 

[Fantomas]

Panarin wasn't expected to be Panarin either.

 

[Kshahdoo]

life doesn't come with any guarantees but kirill's #'s suggest he has a chance to be a stud is something for wild fans to get amped about. don't you agree? as for yakupov when he started in edm he was expected to be a star (too much pressure) kirill wont be expected to be tarasenko or panarin when he gets to minnesota. (assuming he joins the nhl someday).

Kaprizov has been expecting to be a star for a few years already in Russia. It's just people outside Russia don't know him.

 

[MNRube]

Kaprizov has been expecting to be a star for a few years already in Russia. It's just people outside Russia don't know him.

This is great to hear. Wild farm gets little fanfare but with a young blueline and Eriksson Ek, Kaprizov, Tuch, Kunin and Greenway they have help on the way.

 

[Zine]

While that is almost a textbook spear, it never would've been called as such in the NHL. Would've been a high stick. Simply put, it was a fail as a spear. Victim looked like he was getting a back massage. Spearing is extremely rare... it's usually called when the end of the tick is stuck up into the upper body (especially face and throat) or crotch with a distinct poking motion. The worry is that the end of the stick can take out an eye, teeth, or crush the throat. Kaprizov needs some lessons from Lucic on the whole spearing thing.

So, for you guys who see him regularly, and also watch some NHL, what might hold Kaprizov back from being effective in the NHL? He doesn't look the biggest... that's OK, but usually smaller players need good quickness, or they get smothered by the checking in the NHL. Either that, or they have to be the stocky, strong types, and Kaprizov doesn't look like that, either.

Kaprizov isn't the biggest or fastest, but he's quick laterally, really good at finding open spaces and has a nose for the net. He sort of reminds me of Jiri Hudler.

 

[Acallabeth]

Probably somewhere between Artemi Panarin and Patrick Kane.

No, he doesn't have their speed or shot.
The most promising feats of Kaprizov are his smart play and his will to improve. He was weak and had a bad shot early in the KHL career, now he's much stronger and shoots much better. If he improves his speed, there's nothing that can really stop him from playing in the NHL, that is now mostly a skaters' league.

 

[Kshahdoo]

No, he doesn't have their speed or shot.
The most promising feats of Kaprizov are his smart play and his will to improve. He was weak and had a bad shot early in the KHL career, now he's much stronger and shoots much better. If he improves his speed, there's nothing that can really stop him from playing in the NHL, that is now mostly a skaters' league.

His skating reminds Panarin's a bit. I mean agility and footwork. But his style is totally different. He's all about dirty goals and smart plays. Panarin isn't dumb as well, but he relies more on his shot, speed and stickhandling.