Kshahdoo
Registered User
An interesting case of this player. As good as he looks in the KHL, as bad he looks in the international tournaments playing for Czech NT. Any explanation?
Mozyakin and Zaripov?
Or it can be a story about, that in the club, he is undisputed 1st line center playing with best wingers, when in NT, his role is significantly smaller.
Mozyakin and Zaripov?
Well, it's the same with Mozyakin. He is the best player in the KHL, but pretty mediocre in NT.
But his role in the NT also isn't that significant. I mean, he is not used that much. Or?
Mozyakin was among the best players in the league when he played in Atlant and had no linemates comparable to Zaripov.IMozyakin never was that great without a linemate like Zaripov.
Mozyakin was among the best players in the league when he played in Atlant and had no linemates comparable to Zaripov.
Mozyakin without Zaripov:
points per game: 1.12
Mozyakin with Zaripov:
points per game: 1.49
I think you get the idea. Being over a ppg player is great. To produce like he does now he needs a Zaripov. Believe me this line will fall apart without Zaripov. It won't without Mozyakin.
So he leads the playoffs in scoring, 25 points in 18 games. Why doesn't he play like this for Czech NT?
The answer is obviously Mozyakin. Undeniably Kovar is a great player in his own right but half of his offensive production has to be attributed to a great chemistry with Mozyakin. Both prefer slower paced game, both create space (albeit by different means), both take great advantage of each others tools. And really, thinking about Czech NT, who is a good fit to play with Kovar? I have hard time imagining him playing with Voracek for example.
About his NHL future, I think it's mostly about if he's willing to take a pay cut and can cope with wear and tear of NHL game. If he can, definitely a worthwhile 3rd line player.