SKS
Registered User
We've had this discussion before, and I know you are far from sold on Zucc - and lets both hope you are wrong when we do the tally after an 82 game season and a great playoff run.
These kind of statements have been argued since he was brought in though. But there is one consistency.
Those who are lined with Zucc perform. Only exception has been game 3-7 or so this year, but that was a trainwreck all together.
Remember when pouliot actully looked good preseason? Brass last year and preseason?
I wrote a post about it in preseason called zucc makes his linemates better and will post that instead of ranting more.
(this is no disrespect to kreider, who I am loving immensely these days and will have a brilliant NHL career I believe)
First of all. I am subjective as can be. Loved this guy ever since Olympics 2010.
However, the main thing about Zucc is how much better he makes his teammates. With struggling players (or successful for that matter) it seems that all you have to do is line them up with Zucc, and they will improve. Every single time.
He has corsi numbers at the very top of the league (small sample size though). His lines hardly let in goals - ever. (Sure, plus minus is overrated according to many, and sample size is still small). And at the moment, as pretty much a rookie when it comes to games played, he is posting .5 ppg while playing a majority of 3rd and even 4th line minutes. It is a stretch to say he has been unlucky with linesmates not generating enough chances in goal and that stats will always even out, but I'll cling to that one as well.
His major flaw is not necessarily an inability to finish, but his choice to too often carry a pass-first mentality. This is typical for many scandi players from my understanding, and I hope this may be amended with more steady NHL-time. The guy has hardly played a regular season in the NHL when it comes to total of games and should be considered a sophomore who for the first time seems to get a full season this year.
Yeah, he is 5'7 and probably weighs less than a victorias secret model - but what is it about Zuccs actual game that so many posters dislike besides a tendency to pass too often? The guy uses his body well, is above average fast, doesnt turn over the puck very often, and is hardly ever on the ice when we are scored on. I am still waiting for that defensive liability I hear about so often.
Brass was paired with him last year and in the early season, has played career best hockey. Richards was with him for a brief period last year. We suddenly saw glimpses again. Pouliot has been praised for his pre season game so far this year prior to last game.
I tossed in a comment prior to the game yesterday
Quote:
Originally Posted by SKS
I am already waiting for the surprise post game comments about Richards resurgence. And once again a vast majority will be dumbfounded as regards to the why.
And while I do not at all claim that anyone are dumfounded (poor choice of words), suddenly Richards looked much more like his old self. Just a random selection of quotes here.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fanned On It
Richy has been showing some flashes of his old self in this game.. pretty polarizing moment to moment.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PK Pilot 76
Richards is looking a lot better, IMO.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Levitate
oh and I thought Richards actually played well last night, about as well as anyone else. He made several very good passes and created some chances,
Quote:
Originally Posted by Oh Thats Nashty
Richards making some nice plays this game.
I really look forward to see what this hobbit can bring when he gets a full season in a trusted role.
I think we are beginning to see what he can do in that role, and I am very happy to have this guy on the team.
