Stephane Da Costa

[Daley Tarasenkshow]

Fair enough, but he makes moves that only the truly skilled players can make in this league - and he makes them fairly regularly. What I think is missed production wise is:

- his timing is still in AHL mode - so is Silfverberg's. A lot of their shots are being blocked or deflected. I'm not sure when the time will be when he reaches NHL speed, but I think that's where the production will increase

- his speed is an issue still. When he's skating, he's fine, but I haven't found his acceleration that great at all.

The timing thing will come, the speed thing may not, but he's definitely got more raw skill than the average 3rd liner.

For Sure. His skill is amazing. It's top tier. He just needs to fix the other small traits and put it all together. He will be great if he does that, but for now and what I have seen previously, he'll need to heavily change his work ethic.

 

[Vaclav Varada]

For Sure. His skill is amazing. It's top tier. He just needs to fix the other small traits and put it all together. He will be great if he does that, but for now and what I have seen previously, he'll need to heavily change his work ethic.

I'm sure you haven't gotten to see many Sens games (not meant as an insult, just assuming) so you wouldn't really get to see how he's been this season. He's like a different player. He throws hits this season, battles in the corners and his back check is improved although still not good. He's well on his way. His head seems like it's screwed on straight. He knows what his weaknesses are and he's improving on them. Quickly too.

 

[Korpse]

Without a doubt he has more skill than a third liner.

 

[IranCondraAffair]

Regardless, this is going to be the best opportunity he's ever going to get at becoming an NHL player.

His skills (passing, shooting, vision) are obvious, but some guys never learn how to translate that skill into production. He's not a big guy, but size isn't an overwhelming concern, there are dozens of better players than Da Costa who are slim/small.

It doesn't matter how he does it but he has to figure out a way to keep the puck, either by gaining lower body/core strength and shielding it with his body, or by improving his skating so that he can avoid contact and win foot races for the puck. Either way, the clock is ticking.

 

[Security Guard Chang*]

I'm not worried about the no production . He is one of those players that sets the tone of the play , much like star players. That ability won't go away . He's also creating a ton of chances . kids a keeper

At this point I'd actually be surprised if he doesn't crack the NHL as a top six player .

 

[Security Guard Chang*]

Aaaand he gets a point ! First of many hopefully

 

[Daley Tarasenkshow]

Without a doubt he has more skill than a third liner.

I agree completely, but he needs to put it all together.

 

[PensFan6687]

Yes he does and he needs to keep up his urgency and not let off the pedal.

 

[SixthSens]

Aaaand he gets a point ! First of many hopefully

He scored vs. the Pens a week ago.

 

[PensFan6687]

He scored vs. the Pens a week ago.

Yup, he's gone 1-1-2 in his past 4 games. In that time frame I saw a few chances there were he could have had 3 to 4 points.

 

[NASCL]

Saw him a few times in Hockey East play and he did not meet the hype in those games. Haven't seen him in two years, however. Will watch him closely tonight in Boston.

 

[StikTBo]

Saw him a few times in Hockey East play and he did not meet the hype in those games. Haven't seen him in two years, however. Will watch him closely tonight in Boston.

He was sent back to Binghamton a few games ago