Ryuji Yamazaki
Do yuu undastahn!?
- Jul 22, 2015
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Why would you not specifically accept that physical health (or setbacks to it) has had a long term effect on him?
I think the injuries and health concerns (back, wrist, concussion, migraines) have been the main reason for Nick's low production.
The main question to me has been, IF Nick can stay healthy, WILL he play better? If not, then it's too bad and not recoverable. If yes, then he can be a key piece again.
I'm thinking it's the latter, and thus I don't want to trade him.
Disagree.
I think the main reason for his low production is lack of confidence. Maybe injuries played a small part in it, but you can tell a difference from player that's confident in his abilities and one who's scared to make a mistake.
Earlier in the season he'd screw up simple passes and put his teammates offsides or himself offsides, would always be a step behind. The last few games he's been way better. The wrap around chance last night for example was something he wouldn't even attempt earlier in the season. He didn't score on it, but you can tell he's playing confident.
If he keeps rolling, we get Malgin back, Pysyk gets his head out of his ass, and Vatrano just has to replace Vrbata and do anything..then we got a good shot at the playoffs.