Chytil is at a career high 45% at the dot. Ill take it and hes been my whipping boy for years. If he can maintain a mid to high 40% FO% that would be amazing. Hes been good to start the year, I hope he remains consistent in all facets.
- aecliptic

For sure. He definitely looks better there this year.

IDK if you guys caught this, but at the very end of the MSG telecast there was a camera shot of the players leaving the ice and going in a hallway to the locker room. Laffy and Kreider were walking with big smiles on their faces. They were followed by Coach Lavy and boy --- did he look PISSED! I think its great we have won 4 in a row on the road, but I have a feeling this coaching staff will keep these players grounded.

I get that. Kakko might not end up being the top line scorer we hoped for. He is improving, but not enough yet.
- Fenrir

Im not a huge analytics guy but I am a big synergy guy. Im a big believer in lines that have players tnag complement each other… and I dont think Kakko complements Zib and Kreider.

I said it a couple days ago and got shot down immediately. That I felt Wheeler is a better line mate for those 2 for that reason. Were winning games and thats awesome but we need that top line to produce and Kakko may not be the best to be there. I said give it 5-7 games and if they dont start clicking a change should be made. Wasnt a popular opinion.
- aecliptic

It's not an outlandish idea. But so far Wheeler hasn't shown enough to get the chance and Kakko hasn't done anything to cause the demotion. Status quo for now.

I've been defending Wheeler since game 1 and will continue to do so unless he's awful.

IDK if you guys caught this, but at the very end of the MSG telecast there was a camera shot of the players leaving the ice and going in a hallway to the locker room. Laffy and Kreider were walking with big smiles on their faces. They were followed by Coach Lavy and boy --- did he look PISSED! I think its great we have won 4 in a row on the road, but I have a feeling this coaching staff will keep these players grounded.
- TommyGTrain

I missed it but that's good to hear.

IDK if you guys caught this, but at the very end of the MSG telecast there was a camera shot of the players leaving the ice and going in a hallway to the locker room. Laffy and Kreider were walking with big smiles on their faces. They were followed by Coach Lavy and boy --- did he look PISSED! I think its great we have won 4 in a row on the road, but I have a feeling this coaching staff will keep these players grounded.
- TommyGTrain

Eventhough we won, the players need to be held accountable for how sloppy they played and how many penalties they took.

Im not a huge analytics guy but I am a big synergy guy. Im a big believer in lines that have players tnag complement each other… and I dont think Kakko complements Zib and Kreider.
- aecliptic

You might be right but I think he's getting the chance to prove us wrong. I hope he does.

It's not an outlandish idea. But so far Wheeler hasn't shown enough to get the chance and Kakko hasn't done anything to cause the demotion. Status quo for now.

I've been defending Wheeler since game 1 and will continue to do so unless he's awful.
- JRR1285

And maybe Wheeler hasnt shown enough because hes playing out of place.

Wheeler is 100% this season.
My qualification for a center is the ability to win faceoffs. Crazy, I know. That's been my biggest gripe with Chytil, and he has improved. Part of the reason I like Trochek more on the 3rd line for those defensive zone draws. Still don't want Wheeler taking draws.
- Fenrir

If Lavy can reign in his penalties I'll STFU.

You might be right but I think he's getting the chance to prove us wrong. I hope he does.
- JRR1285

Id love for Kakko to prove us wrong. I love that Lav is letting Kakko prove us wrong.

And maybe Wheeler hasnt shown enough because hes playing out of place.
- aecliptic

I've thought about that too. He's certainly not being put into a position to succeed and may be miscast on the third line.

Id love for Kakko to prove us wrong. I love that Lav is letting Kakko prove us wrong.
- aecliptic

I haven't watched post games in years. Laviolette is a pleasure right now to listen to. I can't complain about what he's doing.

I've thought about that too. He's certainly not being put into a position to succeed and may be miscast on the third line.
- JRR1285

Agree with this, but a player of his caliber should make the 3rd line better.

Weren't you going to bed an hour ago?

I've thought about that too. He's certainly not being put into a position to succeed and may be miscast on the third line.
- JRR1285

Hes never been been a checking forward or a defensive forward, thats not his game.

Agree with this, but a player of his caliber should make the 3rd line better.
- Fenrir

It depends on what your expectations are of a 3rd line player.

Hes never been been a checking forward or a defensive forward, thats not his game.
- aecliptic

I do think we're seeing him evolve to fill that role. It'll take time.

It depends on what your expectations are of a 3rd line player.
- aecliptic

Your last post nails it. He's never been a 3rd line guy so maybe he has to adapt.

Agree with this, but a player of his caliber should make the 3rd line better.

Weren't you going to bed an hour ago?
- Fenrir

I'm (frank)ing wired because my dumb ass drank caffeine during the second period.

I do think we're seeing him evolve to fill that role. It'll take time.
- JRR1285

It's good to have offensive threat on the 3rd line.

Your last post nails it. He's never been a 3rd line guy so maybe he has to adapt.
- Fenrir

At his age, do you really adapt to a style of play youve never played?

I'm (frank)ing wired because my dumb ass drank caffeine during the second period.
- JRR1285

WTF?
Thought you gave that up, why so late?
Think I'm also up because I had the rare cup of coffee a 3pm, which I never do but we were out and I needed a boost.

At his age, do you really adapt to a style of play youve never played?
- aecliptic

If you want ice time you do.

WTF?
Thought you gave that up, why so late?
Think I'm also up because I had the rare cup of coffee a 3pm, which I never do but we were out and I needed a boost.
- Fenrir

It's been creeping back in because of soda and bad choices.

At his age, do you really adapt to a style of play youve never played?
- aecliptic

That's a tough call, I get it. As a pro he should be able to play anywhere and add some offense to that line.

It's been creeping back in because of soda and bad choices.
- JRR1285

You know better than that.

Hey, I ate fries yesterday for the first time in years. Wasn't good.