hohosaregood
Banned
- Sep 1, 2011
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It probably ties to scoring chance too. The closer your average shot distance is, the more likely it's a scoring chance. Needs more refinement.
More from Donskoi this summer. Some funny tidbit about him and Burns there also. Hope you can get a translation, since I don't have the time to do it. https://youtu.be/OmdnOkQG2xM
Thanks a ton, Torque! Welcome to the boards.
That was a really great interview. Donskoi is awesome, and I can't wait to see what he can do this upcoming year. Rather than a sophomore slump, I think he'll have a true breakout season if he can skate with Logan all year.
If Donskoi takes a step forward the sky's the limit for that line... exciting stuff!
Don't expect a huge personal step though. While he said he has specifically worked on (improved) his shot and his physical play, he also said he has reached his potential (upside). That was almost a disarmingly honest and humble statement.
That said, of course experience will continue to improve his game, and then there's the whole line chemistry thing that may have some untapped potential left.
My favorite bit apart from the Burnzie thing was how it's been a surprise he adjusted so well. Nice to have nice surprises.
Donskoi's 24. We know Sharks players don't reach their peak until their 30's. Vlasic's gonna put up 60 points at 32.
Don't expect a huge personal step though. While he said he has specifically worked on (improved) his shot and his physical play, he also said he has reached his potential (upside). That was almost a disarmingly honest and humble statement.
That said, of course experience will continue to improve his game, and then there's the whole line chemistry thing that may have some untapped potential left.
My favorite bit apart from the Burnzie thing was how it's been a surprise he adjusted so well. Nice to have nice surprises.
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to imply that Donskoi has more upside than he has shown, what I mean is that now that he is accustomed to the NHL and plays with a great centerman, he can show himself to be a 45-50 point player (considering he'll only get #2PP unit time). Donskoi showed immense talent this season but he struggled at the beginning adjusting to the league, and playing with mediocre linemates. Once he finally put it together, he was phenomenal. I just think that he'll have a full year at the caliber of play that he showed down the stretch and into the postseason.
I've been re-watching games from rounds 1-3 recently (it makes me happy, shut up ), and man, Donskoi stands out in a big way. Just a full year playing like that would be incredible.
Donskoi strikes me as a player who is very close to his long-term upside but will go on a crazy 2-3 year run of 65-75 points before coming back down to a 40-50 point average
Kinda like a Ryane Clowe type of career trajectory (except hopefully without the concussion issues)?
Hmm I had read the context of that statement differently (that he had fulfilled his potential to play in the NHL full time, not that he had reached his maximum potential). but I figure you are better equipped to read what he said in his own language.
that's a little disappointing if he meant it that way.
then again if his potential is to score GWGs in the stanley cup final ... I'm fine with that lol
To be sure, that's just my reading of it. But anyway I think he meant more mental and personal things like vision, reading the game, coming up with plays. Sure he wouldn't be working on the "mundane" skills like shot and skating this summer if he didn't think there's room for growth there. In the same vein, I don't see he meant his points this season, like settling to be a 30 point player or some other arbitrary number. Just not the type. He has stood out in the national team because he's the type to step up big time. He'll strive for more in the Sharks too.
Kinda like a Ryane Clowe type of career trajectory (except hopefully without the concussion issues)?
I've been re-watching games from rounds 1-3 recently (it makes me happy, shut up ), and man, Donskoi stands out in a big way. Just a full year playing like that would be incredible.
You're right, the amazing thing is that he played 100 regular season and playoff games last year. His previous high was 71 games. So playing great hockey at the end while playing 30% more games is quite a feat.