I must admit I didn't see Maple Leafs pre season games, although I noticed they were pretty good for the most part.
How did Ozhiganov look in these games? Is he making the team?
How did Ozhiganov look in these games? Is he making the team?
Had a good start to his NA career. He has size which we lack on the blue line and he noticeably outplayed everyone else in contention for a roster spot. He makes good decisions with the puck and will be fairly sheltered on the 3rd pairing next to Dermott to ease his transition.How did Ozhiganov look in these games? Is he making the team?
he's this years Borgy if he stays solid he'll get 45 games or so then he'll get sent down whole he's still waiver exempt .
What is your opinion as far as his playing time last year? He seems too good to have played so little. I know that citing politics annoys many KHL fans but through this small sample size Oz has impressed which only gives more credence to that argument.
He looked solid...but he played a little too "Safe" in my opinion.
I understand playing it safe is better more often times than not...but one of his main attributes was Physicality and toughness along the boards.
He seems too soft in that regard and to passive. Like he was scared to make a hit or he might take a penalty. Again, he looked like he was playing it "safe"
I believe Ozzy skating will be an issue when facing faster players.
His mobility and foot speed will be tested at the NHL level.
I noticed in pre season a few times he got turned around and was chasing down the forward. So I'd have to agree.
In saying that it won't be worse then Polak... and he hasn't iced it 500 times already either... and he still looks like he brings an edge... so even a slight upgrade would be great . . and he's younger and new to the NHL.. so a lot of room to grow.
That is what I saw as well that he was forced to turn and chase as opposed to having the foot speed to handle the on coming rush, and that was in the preseason against lower level talent.
He is also use to big ice in Europe so you play differently, and there will be an adjustment period for sure, with angles and coverage and time and space. Perhaps he was playing safe in the preseason and unsure and that is what made is defensive zone play tentative.
Size, strength and physicality might be advantages but it appears skating is going to be his issue.
He is coming from a slower league so he may just need some time to accustom himself to what works and what doesn't. If he can simply learn and adapt then we could see that by game 20 or 30. If he is simply a half a step slow or doesn't think fast enough then he would have to improve just to hold the #6 job. A better physical package than Carrick so I do think he could move the needle a wee bit, but I am really hoping he shows enough growth that we can talk about him as a potential top 4 guy later this year.