Evgeny Kuznetsov: Part 3

[SimplySensational]

Yup, Kovalchuk might have something to say about that one.

Kovalchuk hasn't been anything special on the Yankees of the KHL.

 

[FloridaCap]

Johansson-Backstrom-Ovechkin
Kuznetsov-Grabovski-Brouwer
Chimera-Laich-Ward
Fehr-Beagle-Wilson

That's my prediction.

Unfortunately already setting Kuznetsov up for failure by adding yet another new thing to adjust to (an entirely new position) to his long list of adjustments... the ice, the physicality, the system, etc.

Oates.

 

[Ajax1995]

Johansson-Backstrom-Ovechkin
Kuznetsov-Grabovski-Brouwer
Chimera-Laich-Ward
Fehr-Erat-Wilson

Wedge in as much talent as they can up front and hope for the best. Wilson finally gets to play with a couple decently talented guys, of course neither is playing his preferred position but whatever...

 

[RandyHolt]

Kovalchuk hasn't been anything special on the Yankees of the KHL.

Maybe a lack of motivation to be anything special may make us think he cannot be special.

Fact is hockey players get tired of the same old same old. It is a very taxing sport. They simply don't always give their all.

If you don't like your job, you don't strike: you just go in every day and do it really half assed. That's the American way."

–Homer Simpson

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

Maybe a lack of motivation to be anything special may make us think he cannot be special.

Fact is hockey players get tired of the same old same old. It is a very taxing sport. They simply don't always give their all.

If you don't like your job, you don't strike: you just go in every day and do it really half assed. That's the American way."

–Homer Simpson

Human nature...what can you do? The drive to be truly great is really in so few of the most talented players in all sports. It's what made Jordan so great. He was supremely talented, but he also had the will to win, to be great like few others.

 

[mdurbin1234]

Crabb-Ovechkin-Beagle
Brouwer-Ward-Laich
Chimera-Kuznetsov-Mojo
Erat-Backstrom-Wilson

 

[Langway]

@IgorKleyner: All those on #KuzyaWatch in Caps land... Keep your fingers crossed or whatever else you do to ward off bad stuff



Whatever.

 

[Corby78]

@IgorKleyner: All those on #KuzyaWatch in Caps land... Keep your fingers crossed or whatever else you do to ward off bad stuff



Whatever.

I heard he was coming across the pond riding a white horse

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

I heard he was coming across the pond riding a white horse

More likely a Unicorn. He's the fantasy savior.

 

[Holtbyisms]

So, honest question. In the multiple threads we've gone through about Kuzya there has been a lot of negativity directed his way. Almost Semin-like negativity.

What is it going to take for him to impress you and drop that sentiment?

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

I have zero negativity towards him myself, but I also have zero positive feelings. It's a clean slate for me. Come here, work hard and improve every day and that's good enough for me for a while. I've said before, I expect 15g/35-45 pts his first year. If we don't get that it'll be a disappointment to me.

 

[Corby78]

So, honest question. In the multiple threads we've gone through about Kuzya there has been a lot of negativity directed his way. Almost Semin-like negativity.

What is it going to take for him to impress you and drop that sentiment?

Honestly, just show effort and play both sides of the rink. I'm not expecting him to come over and light it up. It will take time to gel and adjust, but just don't be a negative asset waiting to find your scoring touch.

 

[Chimaera]

First lazy back check and they're going to be all over him.

Unfortunately, from seeing a few KHL games, that might be shift number 1 or 2.

 

[RandyHolt]

Expecting our players to give full effort for 15 minutes per game is unrealistic, grinders aside. With Ovi Nick and Green as our leaders, and coaches that want our players to out think our opponents, forget about it.

Expectation bars on effort need to be lowered dramatically for all your skilled guys. The modern day athlete has little incentive to bust his rear - he gets paid no matter what it seems.

Our defensemen have never had it easier played softer. They literally hit no one, no open ice hits even attempted.

When most all the players do the least they have to, why do we expect Kuz to be any different?

We need power plays to stay motivated and to score goals, as Oates does not motivate his players.

 

[DanTHEMan71]

Unfortunately already setting Kuznetsov up for failure by adding yet another new thing to adjust to (an entirely new position) to his long list of adjustments... the ice, the physicality, the system, etc.

Oates.

What?

We drafted him as a center but he spent most (basically all) of his time in the KHL playing left wing. It's not a new position for him at all.

 

[NobodyBeatsTheWiz]

What?

We drafted him as a center but he spent most (basically all) of his time in the KHL playing left wing. It's not a new position for him at all.

He plays the Right Wing in the KHL.

 

[RandyHolt]

I am going to assume I don't want to see the Vegas O/U on GP before missing one for an injury.

 

[strungout]

What is it going to take for him to impress you and drop that sentiment?

To play like he gives a ****...and to produce in the playoffs.

 

[RandyHolt]

PPGs and Circus stunt "flybys"

What's good for the goose is good for the gander

 

[Burakovsky95*]

Well great. KHL bringing back the Loser's Cup so we probably actually want Kuzya to make the playoffs and then quickly get eliminated.

 

[SimplySensational]

Well great. KHL bringing back the Loser's Cup so we probably actually want Kuzya to make the playoffs and then quickly get eliminated.

Upset + Cinderella run incoming.

 

[Raikkonen]

Upset + Cinderella run incoming.

Not bad in the long run.

 

[butters8814*]

is kuz going to be in the lineup on thursday?

 

[hb12xchamps]

is kuz going to be in the lineup on thursday?

No he's not here. Has to wait for his season to be over in Russia before coming to the NHL

 

[NobodyBeatsTheWiz]

is kuz going to be in the lineup on thursday?

Yup. He convinced Beagle to give him #83. So keep an eye on that jersey.