Player Discussion Niko Mikkola

[will1066]

I think Sam called him Miko Makela last night.

He did, and he does it multiple times each game.

 

[Chytilmania]

If Sam’s grandkids play Elden Ring he’s going to start calling him Niko Miquella.

 

[KirkAlbuquerque]

If Sam’s grandkids play Elden Ring he’s going to start calling him Niko Miquella.

Sams just hyped af about that new DLC they just announced

 

[CLW]

Sam can't pronounce his name. His issue is using his whole name each time, and it throws him off. Niko is too similar to Mikko. He should just focus on saying his last name.

words of wisdom

 

[Larrybiv]

I'm pretty sure any time a trade breaks on social media every single player on the roster without a NTC/NMC is checking to make sure they're not in the trade.

Are the Rangers supposed to call Kakko about a trade he's not involved in? Tell him he'll never be traded? Neither of those things will ever happen.

Would agree that should NEVER happen. Broken promises hurt really bad, you never know when a great deal arises, and what if KK would be involved? Not good.
Also, why tell someone they are untouchable? Leaves plenty of room for complacency.......don't you think?

 

[Larrybiv]

I was thinking the same thing. He’s like an underhanded pitcher in baseball. It works though. The last two years we’ve had a mix of statue and terrible…he at least moves.

When he gets the puck and starts "lugging" it, I swear I see Marek Malik. Am I the only one?

I think he's been largely better than what most expected. I checked his resume' and seen him live more than a few and felt he would be a significant upgrade on what we already have. He does have some decent offense in him. But obviously that is not what he is here for. He's the type of player that might score one of the hugest goals in the PO's, when you least expect it. Thats my prediction. Please remember.

 

[RangerLifer]

Oops!

 

[TopShelfSnipes]

Sam calls him Mikko Makkela. LMAO!

The weirdest part is he'll say his name right for the first 2/3 of the game, then randomly will go on a 5 minute stretch where he simply can't say it at all. It's happened a few times, in a few different games already.

It's like Sam is the Rangers defense or something in that regard...just forgets how to play for 5 minute stretches.

 

[bogans]

Ben Harpur > Niko Mikkola

Mikkola has no idea how to pass out of the zone and gives up a ton of chances, pinches at bad moments all the time giving up odd man rushes. Harpur plays within himself and adds toughness and a team first attitude. I don't love the guy and his game, but he would be a much better #6 for the playoff run than Mikkola who tries to do things he cannot.

 

[mike14]

I haven't minded Mikkola. He makes some dumb mistakes, but that's what bottom pairing d-men do at times.
He's clearly in over his head at the moment playing 18+ mins per night, in a season where he's played more games than he ever has before.

Assuming everyone is healthy come playoffs, it will be interesting to see whether GG goes with a Mikkola-Harpur bottom pairing at some point and just puts up with two lefties if he doesn't trust Schneider when the games ramp up

 

[HFBS]

 

[duhmetreE]

I haven't minded Mikkola. He makes some dumb mistakes, but that's what bottom pairing d-men do at times.
He's clearly in over his head at the moment playing 18+ mins per night, in a season where he's played more games than he ever has before.

Assuming everyone is healthy come playoffs, it will be interesting to see whether GG goes with a Mikkola-Harpur bottom pairing at some point and just puts up with two lefties if he doesn't trust Schneider when the games ramp up

Schneider is 100% playing with Mikkola

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

Mikkola is okay but he isn't the type of D we needed.

Its hilarious to watch him skate though. He moves pretty well but he skates like he's being chased by ghosts.

 

[McRanger92]

Mikkola is a playoff defenseman. Big, mean and can actually play defense in his own zone

 

[PuckLuck3043]

I haven't minded Mikkola. He makes some dumb mistakes, but that's what bottom pairing d-men do at times.
He's clearly in over his head at the moment playing 18+ mins per night, in a season where he's played more games than he ever has before.

Assuming everyone is healthy come playoffs, it will be interesting to see whether GG goes with a Mikkola-Harpur bottom pairing at some point and just puts up with two lefties if he doesn't trust Schneider when the games ramp up

They trusted Schneider last year so why wouldn't they trust him this year. They will never play a Mikkola-Harpur 3rd pair as that would be a disaster.

 

[Shesty31]

To me he has two things which make him good enough to stick at the bottom pairing. A long reach with the stick and good skating. He even gets a bit feisty out there.

 

[Raspewtin]

Mikkola really swings between looking stellar and looking like he's never skated in his life lol

He has had some of his best games against playoff teams and heavy teams which i really like.

 

[The Crypto Guy]

Mikkola is okay but he isn't the type of D we needed.

Its hilarious to watch him skate though. He moves pretty well but he skates like he's being chased by ghosts.

I think he's the perfect dman we needed. Solid bottom pair, big, and aggressive in front of our net. And he is also able to step into a top 4 role if needed and not be completely over his head. He's going to be fun in those chippy playoff games if someone comes near Igor's crease.

But yea, he's not going to me making amazing passes and scoring any goals but that isn't the reason we got him.

 

[Raspewtin]

I think he's the perfect dman we needed. Solid bottom pair, big, and aggressive in front of our net. And he is also able to step into a top 4 role if needed and not be completely over his head. He's going to be fun in those chippy playoff games if someone comes near Igor's crease.

But yea, he's not going to me making amazing passes and scoring any goals but that isn't the reason we got him.

i see what you’re saying but i side with Uninstaaled more…..if Schneider was any good we would’ve had no use for Mikkola. We sorely needed a puck moving defenseman since we have 1.5 right now and it could potentially really hurt us in the playoffs.

 

[TopShelfSnipes]

I think he's the perfect dman we needed. Solid bottom pair, big, and aggressive in front of our net. And he is also able to step into a top 4 role if needed and not be completely over his head. He's going to be fun in those chippy playoff games if someone comes near Igor's crease.

But yea, he's not going to me making amazing passes and scoring any goals but that isn't the reason we got him.

LOL I hope he goes coast to coast tomorrow in Florida for his first of the year.

After all, if there's any state that's easy to go coast to coast in, it's Florida ... buh dum tshhhh

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

I think he's the perfect dman we needed. Solid bottom pair, big, and aggressive in front of our net. And he is also able to step into a top 4 role if needed and not be completely over his head. He's going to be fun in those chippy playoff games if someone comes near Igor's crease.

But yea, he's not going to me making amazing passes and scoring any goals but that isn't the reason we got him.

He isn't bad, I actually quite like the player overall and certainly has qualities that translate to playoff hockey - The length, the good enough wheels, the simple fact that he'll engage physically no matter who the opponent is - These are all good.

But if you look at our defense as a whole, the weak point is (and has been going back to last year) getting the puck out of the DZ cleanly. He doesn't help them there. We have Fox and Miller when Miller decides to skate the puck out.

 

[BobMarleyNYR]

words of wisdom

It's really funny when he starts referring to Mikael and Michal as McHale and MEE-shal; Like he's showing cultured senior pride. Both are pronounced Michael in the place they're from... and Tomas like Mexicans say it

 

[Zats Muccarello]

He's really growing on me. Some unnecessary penalties and a bit too aggressive with the pinches at times but he's a big body and solid in his own zone.

In a perfect world where the rest of the D is healthy, Mikkola is a really good #6 option.

 

[fm]

i was told earlier that he sucks.. told you this guy is good especially as a #5 instead of a #2. would be great if they could find a way to keep him

 

[BBKers]

His breakout sux. But he moves the puck real well quickly himself through the neutral zone.