He scored 2 goals on crap goalie wouldn't get to excited yet but hopefully this gives him some confidence
What happens with Mikyehev when he comes back?
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34
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- Mar 26, 2010
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Depth is good. Potential to be a top 6 forward.
How the Leafs plan to get the most out of Ilya Mikheyev | The Star
Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe and his staff have been easing Mikheyev — who missed two months with a broken thumb, suffered in October — into situations where he can take advantage of his speed. They’ve emphasized the need to stay calm with the puck during those explosive moments when he simply blows by a defender and suddenly has a prime scoring opportunity.
Keefe saw that as the missing piece for Mikheyev on the penalty kill. Now he has also earned time on the power play.
“He’s a guy, with his speed and skill sets, who gets himself into good positions to score,” the coach said. “Last season, the puck didn’t drop in for him … so I think we’re trying to help him with that, and part of that is … getting in good spots."
“I liked the short-handed goal. He used his speed to get a step on the defender, and then he went inside to get a better angle and create a better shot.”
While it was only one game — the Leafs’ first since Dec. 14 — it could have a long-term impact.
The Leafs played Mikheyev ahead of physical winger Nick Ritchie, a healthy scratch. Keefe said it was a difficult decision. With Ritchie’s salary-cap hit at $2.5 million (U.S.) compared to $1.64 million for Mikheyev, the move could hint at how the Leafs plan to manage their tight cap situation — with the roster almost fully restored after a COVID-19 outbreak that sent 15 players into protocols.
The roster would be deeper with Ritchie, too, but with his cap hit out of the equation the Leafs buy just under $2 million in space for potential upgrades for a playoff run.
In the meantime, at even strength, Keefe has plans for Mikheyev on a versatile third line with David Kämpf and Ondrej Kaše, rounding out as strong a top nine at forward as the Leafs have had since he became head coach in November of 2019.
Saturday’s two-goal game was a reminder of Mikheyev’s potential, which has been brewing for almost three seasons. It was fun night for a player who has had more than his share of injuries, then sat through a long break in the Leafs’ schedule with the rest of his teammates.
“I was happy to have the opportunity to play on the power play,” Mikheyev said. “It’s a chance to build confidence in yourself, so that’s good.”
Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe and his staff have been easing Mikheyev — who missed two months with a broken thumb, suffered in October — into situations where he can take advantage of his speed. They’ve emphasized the need to stay calm with the puck during those explosive moments when he simply blows by a defender and suddenly has a prime scoring opportunity.
Keefe saw that as the missing piece for Mikheyev on the penalty kill. Now he has also earned time on the power play.
“He’s a guy, with his speed and skill sets, who gets himself into good positions to score,” the coach said. “Last season, the puck didn’t drop in for him … so I think we’re trying to help him with that, and part of that is … getting in good spots."
“I liked the short-handed goal. He used his speed to get a step on the defender, and then he went inside to get a better angle and create a better shot.”
While it was only one game — the Leafs’ first since Dec. 14 — it could have a long-term impact.
The Leafs played Mikheyev ahead of physical winger Nick Ritchie, a healthy scratch. Keefe said it was a difficult decision. With Ritchie’s salary-cap hit at $2.5 million (U.S.) compared to $1.64 million for Mikheyev, the move could hint at how the Leafs plan to manage their tight cap situation — with the roster almost fully restored after a COVID-19 outbreak that sent 15 players into protocols.
The roster would be deeper with Ritchie, too, but with his cap hit out of the equation the Leafs buy just under $2 million in space for potential upgrades for a playoff run.
In the meantime, at even strength, Keefe has plans for Mikheyev on a versatile third line with David Kämpf and Ondrej Kaše, rounding out as strong a top nine at forward as the Leafs have had since he became head coach in November of 2019.
Saturday’s two-goal game was a reminder of Mikheyev’s potential, which has been brewing for almost three seasons. It was fun night for a player who has had more than his share of injuries, then sat through a long break in the Leafs’ schedule with the rest of his teammates.
“I was happy to have the opportunity to play on the power play,” Mikheyev said. “It’s a chance to build confidence in yourself, so that’s good.”
zeke
The Dube Abides
- Mar 14, 2005
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I guarantee you that that whole "trade demand" thing was about PP time.
And to be fair to Mikky, he got zero PP time his first 2yrs despite earning it.
That PP goal was the first PP point of his 3yr career. Despite being our best non-core-4 even strength scorer in year 1.
He has now played a total of 15:43 of PP time in his career. 5:00 of that has come in his 2gms this year.
And to be fair to Mikky, he got zero PP time his first 2yrs despite earning it.
That PP goal was the first PP point of his 3yr career. Despite being our best non-core-4 even strength scorer in year 1.
He has now played a total of 15:43 of PP time in his career. 5:00 of that has come in his 2gms this year.
Albus Dumbledore
Master of Death
- Mar 28, 2015
- 9,042
- 2,688
Never doubted him. His speed and tenacity are top 1% in the show.
Teeder Keon
Defeat does not rest lightly on their shoulders
Ppl forget Mik was our best forward outside the big four 2 years ago before the catastrophic injury.
DraftSchmaft
Registered User
- Jul 29, 2021
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If he can replicate the Sens game against a bubble team or higher, I'll start buying in. This guy and Engvall have burned me way too many times.
DraftSchmaft
Registered User
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Even before the injury he disappeared when sent to the top 6. He's not that good along the boards against top tier defence. Third line is where he should be to remain a fan favorite. Similar to Engvall being on the 4th now.
Like I said above though I'm willing to be won over. He produces, I will fall in love. Let's hope for the best. When it comes to negative comments about the team, I prefer to be proven wrong instead of being right.
Stephen
Moderator
- Feb 28, 2002
- 83,109
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This is true, but also a small blip in a bigger and bigger sample size. That said, if he wants to be here I wouldn't give up on a player with that kind of skating and size even if he doesn't have the best scoring touch.
I wouldn't be surprised if he had a modest 3 year peak like a Ponikarovsky or that one big Kulemin year.
Could provide the same, but, and I know the stats are not proving, Ritchie, I believe has more of an offensive upside then Clifford. But dollars and common sense, you may be right, it would be Clifford
Stonehands1990
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- Apr 2, 2021
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HamiltonNHL
Resigning Marner == Running it back
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HamiltonNHL
Resigning Marner == Running it back
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ACC1224
Super Elite, Passing ALL Tests since 2002
- Aug 19, 2002
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Agree with that.
No need to get crazy, he's a pretty good 3rd line player. He certainly brings much more than Engvall.
zeke
The Dube Abides
- Mar 14, 2005
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He’s your ideal 3rd line winger who can play on the second PP unit. Hopefully Mikheyev, Kampf and Kase (once he returns) can create some serious chemistry cause they all bring different tools that SHOULD work really well together. Could be a very important line for us heading into the playoffs.
ToneDog
56 years and counting. #FireTheShanaClan!
His career high in goals is still 8, that is not a top 6 forward.
That doesn't mean he can't be a useful player, he can be and he is.
But he is not a top 6 forward
zeke
The Dube Abides
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I did not realize he had such a powerfull and quick shot .. his wrist is 110% now .. great to see .. always knew he had breakaway speed but not such a lethal shot
Certainly isn't somebody with a career high of 8 goals and 23 points in this his 3rd season.
Maybe he could have been a top 6 forward but his wrist injury ended that
