fazon
Registered User
- Oct 17, 2010
- 387
- 0
Couldn't think of a better title, lol.
Why is it that International prospects seem to put up modest numbers compared to their NHL numbers? For example, why did Ovechkin put up 23 points in 53 games against easier talent in his draft year, 27 points in 37 games the next year, then come to the NHL and tear it up for 106 points in 81 games the next season? Is there less scoring over there in Russia, which I doubt since they play on bigger rinks IIRC. Did Ovechkin's coaches just play him in a smaller role with less ice-time or something? Did he really improve that much over the course of 1 year?
It's not just Ovechkin, here's just a few more:
Semin - 17 in 47 games in Russia, 22 points in 52 games the next year in NHL
Malkin - 47 points in 46 games in Russia, 85 points in 78 games the next year in the NHL
Steen - 17 points in 50 games in Sweden, 45 points in 75 games the next year in the NHL
Olesz - 13 points in 47 games in Russia, 21 points in 59 games the next year in the NHL
Bergfors - 1 point in 25 games in Russia, 40 points in 65 games the next year in the AHL
Why is it that International prospects seem to put up modest numbers compared to their NHL numbers? For example, why did Ovechkin put up 23 points in 53 games against easier talent in his draft year, 27 points in 37 games the next year, then come to the NHL and tear it up for 106 points in 81 games the next season? Is there less scoring over there in Russia, which I doubt since they play on bigger rinks IIRC. Did Ovechkin's coaches just play him in a smaller role with less ice-time or something? Did he really improve that much over the course of 1 year?
It's not just Ovechkin, here's just a few more:
Semin - 17 in 47 games in Russia, 22 points in 52 games the next year in NHL
Malkin - 47 points in 46 games in Russia, 85 points in 78 games the next year in the NHL
Steen - 17 points in 50 games in Sweden, 45 points in 75 games the next year in the NHL
Olesz - 13 points in 47 games in Russia, 21 points in 59 games the next year in the NHL
Bergfors - 1 point in 25 games in Russia, 40 points in 65 games the next year in the AHL