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What improvements do you want to see certain players make going into next season?

Stylizer1

Stylizer1

Rocket Surgeon
Jun 12, 2009
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Ottabot City
I am hoping Kassian sheds a few pounds and improves his skating but not to the detriment of his fighting ability.

I hope Anderson comes in as focused as he did last season.

Finally i hope Turris adds some muscle.
 
I'd really like to see Conacher and Pageau work on their height this off-season. :sarcasm:
 
I know everyone points out we were second in GAA last year but our defense was NOT that good. Anderson stood on his head all of last season, we still have wayyyyy too many defensive zone break downs.

I'd want/hope that defensive zone presence and work can be a main thing to look at during this off season.

On the other hand we also had terrible shot accuracy too, we need a Korean archer to come in and help these guys.
 
I am hoping that the penguins series did not break andersons confidence in himself. I hope comes comes out as strong as he did last season.
 
Cowen.

I'd love to see him take the next step with his mobility, specifically his foot speed and ability to handle puck a carrying forwards. As well, his communication with his defensive partner could use some work.

His backwards skating speed is fine but I'd like to see him be able to adjust to the tight turns of the NHL forwards. If his foot speed isn't up to the task, he could also widen his stance and lower his centre of gravity to box out forwards better. He's also not great at using his partner to organize a counter attack and breakout.

Cowen is fine when it's a small forward that he can out-muscle. He's also got great anticipation and can lay a good hit to break up a play or use his massive stick to do it, but he has more trouble with quick puck possession guys though, and his tool chest isn't deep enough to handle their moves.

He's good, but once he is able to really adjust his game to the NHL, he'll be a force.
 
Other than what's been said, Zibanejad to work on being more focused on scoring goals. Similarly, for him to work on his shot accuracy. He has one of the best shots on the team. If he tries to score more, like by one timing passes instead of making one touch passes to the player who just passed it to him, he can score minimum 20 goals. Also, if he improves his accuracy that makes his shot lethal.
 
I'm confident Anderson can have a run at the vezina next season if he doesnt get another random injury..

I want to see turris add as much size as he can, without affecting his game, hes the player the likes to avoid hits, and slide through players hes not a grinder, but he does need size, but not enough to affect his skating and skill.
 
the tribute said:
I know everyone points out we were second in GAA last year but our defense was NOT that good. Anderson stood on his head all of last season, we still have wayyyyy too many defensive zone break downs.

I'd want/hope that defensive zone presence and work can be a main thing to look at during this off season.

On the other hand we also had terrible shot accuracy too, we need a Korean archer to come in and help these guys.
Click to expand...

Based mostly on the fact Karlsson and Cowen were injured and we were forced to plat rookies. This should be cleared up easily with a healthy roster. Also note having Spez back for defensive zones draws will be a big help.
 
Would love to see Wiercioch improve his strength and boardwork this offseason. Could really help him take another step towards becoming a #4.

I'd like to see Cowen come into camp after a summer of video work; get him to be a little bit more conservative when looking at throwing a hit the blueline, and make sure he gets a grasp on our breakout patterns. His biggest two areas of weakness have been making cute passes behind our goal line instead of smart ones, and getting sucked into a hit at the blueline when the other team is hitting the line with speed and open lanes. Also would like to see him work on using his strength a little more effectively in the crease - perhaps develop a mean streak a la Pronger or Orpik.
 
Karlsson back to beginning of this year's form would be huge.
 
I also think Zibanejad should change his mindset from pass-first to a mix of passing and driving the net. He needs to realize he's got a great frame and is very strong with the puck.

There were a couple times this year where he'd use his strength and speed to break through the defense with two guys hanging off of him (ala Hossa/Yashin) and that's what I'd like to see more. Not necessarily powering through players but driving wide on defenders and taking it to the net. He has excellent reflexes and hand-eye coordination (I can't count how many times I've seen him knocking passes out of the air) with which he could wreak havoc in front of the net.
 
I would also like to see kassian get shipped off to a zoo so we do not have to see that buffoon ever again.
 
I'll echo the Wiercioch contingent here. Want to see him commit to improving play in his own zone. Maybe an extra 5-10lbs of muscle, and a renewed commitment to two-way hockey.
 
I just want to see Spezza, Michalek, Karlsson and Cowen 100% healthy. Is that too much to ask?
 
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