This is strange to say because he has more individual puck skill than anyone on the team, but given our collective talent, I think we need Kane to do more than he is honestly capable of at this point. We aren't in a position to shelter him as much 5v5 as he needs to in my opinion. He really can't do much of anything without the puck at this stage. Sprong isn't perfect but I think he gives us more all told.I was thinking I would like to bring back one of Kane or Sprong, but probably not both.
Maybe Sprong is the better option. We could then possibly sign a top 6 guy in free agency like Toffoli or Teravainen.
I have time for him as a 12th or 13th forward, but I also have modest expectations of what that sort of player looks like in the NHL and I really don't want to get smaller as a forward group. I find him hard to judge because he really hasn't played that much as of late. I think he is a solid skater, but not a great small space skater which hurts him.I want to like Kostin but honestly have been disappointed overall. He has inconsistent effort and for a 4th liner doesn't make his presence known that often physically.
He had a great hit last night but it's one of the few ones I can remember from the season. I dont know if he just doesn't have the speed to keep up with the play or what.
It's his footspeed. He's too slow to consistently be in the play.I want to like Kostin but honestly have been disappointed overall. He has inconsistent effort and for a 4th liner doesn't make his presence known that often physically.
He had a great hit last night but it's one of the few ones I can remember from the season. I dont know if he just doesn't have the speed to keep up with the play or what.
Don’t you see? PPG players make a team worse.Team better without Kane? What are we talking about in here?
Just watching the team and there seems to be a stark contrast. That’s all.Team better without Kane? What are we talking about in here?
Larkin has played less than Compher in 3 games now and is more or less invisible. He must have a minor injury.Pretty boring game to watch even with all of the PPs. Someone needs to tell Larkin that the all-star break is over. Is he sick or injured? It is very possible that this team is actually better without Kane (and not because of anything Kane does or does not do). I am not sure I trust Van in the playoffs.