Player Discussion Kaapo Kakko

[PuckLuck3043]

Kakko wasn't on PP2 anyway. Trouba had already replaced him a while ago.

What they should really do is stop playing PP2 at all. I don't know why they've been using it more in the playoffs. Just look at Edmonton. All five of their PP1 guys have 47-49 mins at 5v4. The leader of PP2 is Perry with 7 minutes.

Exactly. It's not January. Every minute of every shift matters. Play your best guys.

 

[huerter]

The Knicks crashed and burned amidst a swath of injuries.

We’re gonna be ravaged by injuries because our 12th forward plays 5 minutes less than normal? Is that your point?

 

[Machinehead]

We’re gonna be ravaged by injuries because our 12th forward plays 5 minutes less than normal? Is that your point?

My point is that the Knicks are a terrible comparison because they notoriously burnt out their players.

 

[Machinehead]

Two of Carolina's goals in game 5 were scored against a mixed line because Rempe wasn't out there.

You're way more likely to blow coverage playing with random linemates.

There's also that.

 

[Harbour Dog]

Two of Carolina's goals in game 5 were scored against a mixed line because Rempe wasn't out there.

You're way more likely to blow coverage playing with random linemates.

There's also that.

This is true, but did you note how the Canes tiptoed back to the bench for the fist bump line after each goal? They were petrified.

 

[bhamill]

PP2 is a trainwreck anyway. Wennberg, Roslovic, Trouba.... it's clear the coaches don't even bother.

It doesn't matter who is on PP2 if its only getting 30 seconds per powerplay.

 

[The Crypto Guy]

Remember in the beginning of the season, we had a good 2nd unit. I think it was the kid line maybe? First unit was only getting about a minute and they would shoot everything and stopped being fancy.

 

[Bacon Artemi Bravo]

Remember in the beginning of the season, we had a good 2nd unit. I think it was the kid line maybe? First unit was only getting about a minute and they would shoot everything and stopped being fancy.

I always thought having 2 great units competing for time and coaches going with whoever is hot made a ton of sense. That said, given how hot the #1 unit was in round 2, hard to argue giving them all the time we get here on out.

 

[The Crypto Guy]

I always thought having 2 great units competing for time and coaches going with whoever is hot made a ton of sense. That said, given how hot the #1 unit was in round 2, hard to argue giving them all the time we get here on out.

I agree. I think when Chytil went down it was the end of the 2 equal units.

 

[NYR Viper]

I agree. I think when Chytil went down it was the end of the 2 equal units.

It 100% did because Trochek and Zibanejad are on PP#1, leaving Goodrow or Brodzinski as the center on PP#2.

 

[HockeyBasedNYC]

Remember in the beginning of the season, we had a good 2nd unit. I think it was the kid line maybe? First unit was only getting about a minute and they would shoot everything and stopped being fancy.

You bring up something interesting. It was a legit 2nd unit. Chytil changes the complexion for sure, especially with Laf.

The thought of "what if" with how that team started is still alive and strong though.

Honestly, if that kid could just stay on the ice for the next 4 weeks...

 

[NickyFotiu]

Reading KK may sit and Rempe may be in. Not the change I would personally make but I can see why the coaches are needing more production out of guys that are not big hitters.

 

[Killem Dafoe]

I would pick maybe one other person other than Kakko to sit, but this isn't squishing my pickle. I love Kakko, but he's just not a factor right now.

 

[NickyFotiu]

I would pick maybe one other person other than Kakko to sit, but this isn't squishing my pickle. I love Kakko, but he's just not a factor right now.

Who would you sit? I could see KK, Wennberg, Will, or Vesey and probably in that order.

 

[Killem Dafoe]

Who would you sit? I could see KK, Wennberg, Will, or Vesey and probably in that order.

Wennberg 100%. Then Kakko.

 

[Jagr676]

Kakko lacks that killer instinct

 

[JimmyG89]

There is no doubt in my mind that he is being moved this summer, even if this team wins 16 games. 3rd coach that didn't have a use for him.

As much as they've tried to make it work, it doesn't yield results. He has not taken the steps necessary to be a top 6 NHL player.

It took Lafreniere 4 years, this is year 5 for Kakko and nothing resembling an impact forward.

This core group of guys the last 5 years has been the same. Would be the easiest move to make.

I held out hope that he could turn it up another level, but it's just not happening. Three coaches, the first never got him above the 3rd line, the second scratched him in the postseason, and the 3rd has just done the same. Maybe he bounces back from this, but it's a lot of wakeup calls.

 

[Synergy27]

There is no doubt in my mind that he is being moved this summer, even if this team wins 16 games. 3rd coach that didn't have a use for him.

As much as they've tried to make it work, it doesn't yield results. He has not taken the steps necessary to be a top 6 NHL player.

It took Lafreniere 4 years, this is year 5 for Kakko and nothing resembling an impact forward.

This core group of guys the last 5 years has been the same. Would be the easiest move to make.

I held out hope that he could turn it up another level, but it's just not happening. Three coaches, the first never got him above the 3rd line, the second scratched him in the postseason, and the 3rd has just done the same. Maybe he bounces back from this, but it's a lot of wakeup calls.

Even if it does happen, this team can’t afford to invest more significant cap in the wing position. He needs to be moved for help on defense and we need to pray he still has some value around the league.

 

[LOFIN]

I do expect to see him again in the lineup, but he's going to be gone during the summer. Probably for the best.

 

[TwentyFour]

Roslovic should be sitting over Kakko, he already screwed up a 2 on 1

 

[SA16]

Roslovic should be sitting over Kakko, he already screwed up a 2 on 1

Kakko wouldn't have even had the speed to get in on a 2 on 1 in the first place.

 

[TwentyFour]

Didn't need speed there and rosolovic has zero board play

 

[bleedblue94]

Kakko has had hands of stone in the playoffs and doesn't have the speed to break open space in tight checking. If vesey is out for awhile now will be interesting if Wheeler gets a look but I would expect kakko comes back in

 

[SeanAveryTheGreatOne]

I am tired of Kakko being scratched to dress injured guys in Eastern Conference Finals. Jesus. This guy must feel scapegoated to all hell. No way he's still with us next year.

 

[NickyFotiu]

I am tired of Kakko being scratched to dress injured guys in Eastern Conference Finals. Jesus. This guy must feel scapegoated to all hell. No way he's still with us next year.

I don't think he was scapegoated. I think Lavi made the smart move getting Rempe in for KK tonight. Hopefully this lights a fire under KK and he plays so well he never sits again.