Kucherov biggest problem for me is physical play, he really shies away from plays, if he can improve this, he has everything to be an all-star someday.
Throwing and absorbing hits doesn't make you an all-star. Ask Brad Richards, because their approach to physical contact are close approximations as far as I can tell. Also worth remembering that Kucherov has already had shoulder troubles this season.
What's more important to note at this juncture is that Kucherov and Grigorenko have skated, created and produced most consistently for the Russians up to this point in the tournament, moreso even than the much-heralded Yakupov.
I still don't get it, TBH. I'm not saying Koekkoek is not a good pick (who knows at this point) but Grigorenko, Forsberg and Teravainen were still out there when we picked him.Their chemistry angers me even more that we passed on Grigs for Koekoek.
http://translate.google.com/transla...otf=1&u=http://fhr.ru/content/news/12054.html
Makarov gets the start against the Canadians
I still don't get it, TBH. I'm not saying Koekkoek is not a good pick (who knows at this point) but Grigorenko, Forsberg and Teravainen were still out there when we picked him.
I still don't get it, TBH. I'm not saying Koekkoek is not a good pick (who knows at this point) but Grigorenko, Forsberg and Teravainen were still out there when we picked him.
I was really looking forward to seeing how he would do against the Canadians. He played great against the Slovaks and the Germans but they aren't as great a test of the Canadians are. Hopefully they don't stick with Makarov and he'll get another crack at them.Here's hoping he gets lit up.
Maybe Tampa went more for need with that pick? Maybe because Koekkoek is like 2-3 years out of NHL. Well so is TT and maybe Forsberg too. And I don't like the idea of picking for need. Because it may not be need for couple of years down the road when the pick is ready to contribute and you may easily get more value/better player by going BPA and then trading him.
TT and Grigs project as C's.. Vinny and Stammer ain't going nowhere in near future. Well you could always go for a trade (TT or Grigs) but maybe that pushed Koekkoek slightly ahead of them.
Forsberg has talent but is still very raw.. maybe they didn't think it was worth it.
I wouldn't have picked Koekkoek out of those but I've seen the least of him from that group. I hope Tampa management saw the kid as BPA.
#TBLightning prospect Nikita Nesterov, who logged a ton of minutes, named Player of the Game for Russia.
“Do you dream of performing for Salavat Yulayev?†the reporters persisted.
“Maybe when I turn 40 and come back from the USA,†Vasilevski said with a grin. “If everything goes right, I will come back there to end my career. If there’s a serious chance, I would play [for Salavat Yulayev] with pleasure, but I wasn't given a chance.â€
“So, your path will take you over the ocean?â€
“Yes, I will leave the very next year,†said Vasilevski. “I'd like to thank Tampa Bay for drafting me so high [19th overall in 2012]. To be the first goalie chosen in the draft is a big honour for me. I didn't even dream about it. Probably, I was chosen so high because of my performance for the U20 national team of Russia.â€
“Tampa is searching for a good young goalie,†Vasilevski continued. “That goalie is me. But the road to the NHL can be long. I was asked if I am ready to play a couple of years for the farm team. I said I'm ready. I need to develop, and if I am not able to play for the first squad in Ufa, what am I doing here? If I stop developing at my age, that can end my career. And I want to follow the example of Sergei Bobrovski, who came to training camp and very soon started to play for the Philadelphia Flyers.â€
“I don't have a contract in Ufa for the next year, so I am not sure exactly where I’ll play,†said Vasilevski. “I don't know what will happen, but I want to play in the NHL badly.â€
Here’s an interesting point. “Vasya†– that's the nickname for Vasilevski – tried to wear his Tampa Bay t-shirt for the Russian team’s open media day, but the staff told him not to.
Tanner Richard, such an exciting player to watch.
Tanner Richard (#9) really sticks out. That kids really good
Tanner Richard has looked like a 1st round pick all tournament
Feeling bad for Switzerland. They should have scored at least one on the 5 on 3 PP. Richard played a solid game.
Too bad when people find out he is a Bolts Prospect, he will become an over rated bum.
What you guys want for Kucherov?!?
Great prospect you guys have on your hands, him and Grigo compliment each other so well.
What you guys want for Kucherov?!?
Great prospect you guys have on your hands, him and Grigo compliment each other so well.
Who is going to get up early / stay up for Canada vs. USA at 4:00AM (ET)?