Comparing Barkov to Armia doesn't make any sense. Barkov will likely go top 5, probably top 3 in this year's draft. I think if he was from North America he would be labeled a franchise talent the way MacKinnon is. In fact on many lists during the year he will probably be listed #2 behind Jones and before MacKinnon from time to time. His age really doesn't matter when comparing him to Armia, everyone but Armia's mother knows that Barkov is the better player. That doesn't mean Armia can't have a good NHL career.
Joel Armia - Ässät, SM-liiga
- Thread starter Tormentor
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Comparing Barkov to Armia doesn't make any sense. Barkov will likely go top 5, probably top 3 in this year's draft. I think if he was from North America he would be labeled a franchise talent the way MacKinnon is. In fact on many lists during the year he will probably be listed #2 behind Jones and before MacKinnon from time to time. His age really doesn't matter when comparing him to Armia, everyone but Armia's mother knows that Barkov is the better player. That doesn't mean Armia can't have a good NHL career.
No, but it makes you question just how good his NHL career will end up being.
Barkov is out there competing every shift, making things happen, and is being trusted to be the most important player for his team as a young 17 year old and 19 year old Armia is most likely floating around waiting for an opportunity to pounce and subsequently turn the puck over.
They're fundamentally different players, but it's still disconcerting to see the gap between the two.
As someone who never really cared for the Armia pick to begin with it doesn't surprise me. He's never going ton win any coaches awards. I don't think he plays like Vanek as some people do but he has Vanek's demeanor to me. Some games he looks like he is giving 110% effort all over the ice but more often than not he doesn't wear his effort on his sleeve. When you are a player that doesn't hit, play amazing defense or take face-offs you can look like a very lazy player doing that.
I didn't like the pick because it felt much like the Zagrapan pick but at least Armia will be a perennial 20 goal scorer at the NHL level with his shot. I just know he is going to annoy the **** out of me doing it.
tsujimoto74
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- May 28, 2012
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There's a reason Barkov is in top 5 discussion and Armia was a mid-first pick. It's because Barkov is a more impressive prospect. I don't really find it all that disconcerting. That there are better players than Armia doesn't mean Armia won't pan out.
I'd also bet good money Armia would look much better if he actually had a linemate who could set him up considering he's definitely a shoot-first kind of player. In the WJCs, for instance, he's been a significant player for Finland, only being outscored by Granlund and Pulkinen last year (5+2 in 7 games), and I think you'd be hard-pressed to find a Fin who wouldn't slot him on their top line this year. But he's playing with Michael freaking Ryan.
Armia's game has flaws for sure. I'm not arguing otherwise. But I don't think there's a single Sabres fan that expects him to be the kind of player who carries an offense or, like, PKs. I expect him to be an effective goal-scorer and a strong presence on the forecheck, and I haven't seen anything from so far him that indicates he won't be able to do that.
Juzmo
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- Nov 17, 2009
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Armia will come back and play today against Ilves after missing one game. Linemates on the third line will be Nico Aaltonen and Aki Uusikartano.
Juzmo
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Played a total of 22.32 today against KalPa, what is very likely the most he has played in a single game. Didn't have much going for him for the most part of the game, but was absolutely dominant in the final 10min or so when he also scored the last goal of the game to make it 3-4 for Ässät. Still kinda weird to see how much his level of play can fluctuate even during a single match.
Now in 17 games he has gathered 8 goals (3 on the pp), 4 assists and 12 penalty minutes while being +3.
Now in 17 games he has gathered 8 goals (3 on the pp), 4 assists and 12 penalty minutes while being +3.
Mit Yarrum
HoF Turd Shiner
- Apr 1, 2010
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Just want to say, people read this Juzmo
Good job on the updates.
Agreed, thanks.
Juzmo
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Had a pretty good game today against Blues. Gave good passes, didn't try to do things too much by himself and in general this year has been drawing penalties for the other teams instead for himself. Could be a bit more patient on scoring chances though.
IceHockeyDude
Registered User
Im watching Ässät-Lukko game and it is very entertaining. These two themes are big rivalries in FEL. In the season opener Armia was in flames and scored two goals. Tonight he has played very well too in the first period which is over now. He was unlucky to not get an assist. He can really cover the puck well and shoot fast.
Im really looking forward to second period, i have this feeling in my ass that he scores tonight.
Im really looking forward to second period, i have this feeling in my ass that he scores tonight.
BigPapaSmurff
Registered User
Love that feeling
but seriously, I like Armia and am looking forward to catching one his games on a stream.
Jussi
Registered User
Juzmo
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Also gave a pass to Jesse Joensuu to a breakaway, but he didn't score on it.
Didn't actually see the game this time so had to watch the highlights afterwards.Kilpeläinen...
The team around him is feeding him with that mentality.
I hope he's knee is okay, i broke mine years back because i fell same way after pretty similar situation.
Jussi
Registered User
Juzmo
Registered User
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No word of any injury.
In other news Armia set up a few chances and didn't score on a breakaway in the same game against JYP yesterday.
In other news Armia set up a few chances and didn't score on a breakaway in the same game against JYP yesterday.
Clearly.
What's wrong with Armia? His point totals are not impressive, has he regressed or is it just that he hasn't had much luck go his way? IIRC he suffered a concussion earlier in the season, is that affecting his play?
Loffer
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- Sep 22, 2011
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