Comments of the Day - Columbus Blue Jackets Post-Game

Kotkaniemi 

I’m starting to wonder how much of Kotkaniemi’s great "corsi numbers" last year had to do with playing with Armia.

Kotkaniemi has skill and a good future. There’s no doubt about it. But apart from the occasional wizardry and high-skill passes he makes occasionally, there’s still stuff he needs to iron out imo. He’s often a step behind, and I’m not even talking about skating speed now. I’m sure he will, he’s only 19.

The difference between Suzuki and Kotkaniemi (imo) is:
When Suzuki was 17-19, he was dominating Junior players and adding moves/skills to his toolbox against weaker competition, so that now in the NHL, he’s making (automatic) no look passes that he used to make in Juniors. And while Suzuki is no speedster, he seems to still be a step-ahead of most plays.

When Kotkaniemi was 17, he was playing against men (with his father as a coach), and playing left-wing.
When Kotkaniemi was 18,19, he was playing in the hardest league in the world, with Julien as coach, in Montreal. Where making mistakes is a no-no. He’s holding onto his stick too tightly (imo), and he’s thinking out there (what do I do to not make a mistake), instead of reacting instinctively.

My 2 cents.

Posted by Habs4TheWin on Habs Eyes on the Prize

Bad Bounce

So we dominate the period so far. Jackets had 0 shots. They take a shot, miss the net (still no shot on goal), but the puck rebounds off the glass, bounces off Price and into the net. Technically, they scored without actually getting a shot on net (I know, official stats still credit them with one .... you know what I mean).

This is the short of crap that drives fans nuts.

 Posted by Michael W. on Hockey Inside/Out