Kvashinator12
Registered User
Having a great start to his season with U of Minnesota. He recorded a hat trick tonight, and has 7 goals on the season.
Anyone else notice that he doesnt hit much or is it just me?
Some credit should go to Tyler Hirsch, Okposo's winger. Tyler took the year off last year...but was the Gopher's top scorer two years ago...playing with Ryan Potulny and Danny Irmen. Tyler Hirsch is one of the best pure set-up men I've seen in the college ranks...simply amazing. That certainly helps big O.
Even so, Okposo is on fire and has adapted to the NCAA game for quicker than most other freshmen. He just does whatever he needs to to score and is doing so at a clip rarely seen. He's scoring at a rate better than Toews last year and on par with TJ Oshie. Even so, Okposo will pass Oshie's performance last year as Oshie didn't score in the next 3 games last year. The line of Okposo-Hirsch-Stoa is the top PP line...and is quickly becoming one of the best lines in college hockey.
yeah, there is about a 40 pound and 6 inch difference between the two. Barribal is so small that he will have trouble ever making a significant impact in the NHL. Not saying he wont but his path is much bumpier than Okposo.i see okposo translating to the NHL game much easier then barribal....that said Jay will be in minniesota 3-4 years ...might only get kyle for a year.
i watched a few UofM games on Fox Sports North, anybody who follows them know why they have him playing center? He was a winger in the USHL and plays the perfect powerwinger type game.
As an Islanders fan though i must say it's great seeing him get in all key situations(PP, PK, last minute, etc.)
The only thing I disagree with others on is that Okposo has been "physical". While he isn't shy of contact, he's hardly been as physical as he was in the USHL.
But I think a lot of that comes from the fact that he was so much physically stronger and ahead of the guys in the USHL that he was able to push them around more.
I think it will come with time, but in the games I've seen of his this year he hasn't been overly physical at all. Nothing noticeable.
The only thing I disagree with others on is that Okposo has been "physical". While he isn't shy of contact, he's hardly been as physical as he was in the USHL.
But I think a lot of that comes from the fact that he was so much physically stronger and ahead of the guys in the USHL that he was able to push them around more.
I think it will come with time, but in the games I've seen of his this year he hasn't been overly physical at all. Nothing noticeable.
i watched a few UofM games on Fox Sports North, anybody who follows them know why they have him playing center? He was a winger in the USHL and plays the perfect powerwinger type game.
Because teh Gophers didn;t want to be accused of running up the score by putting Him on a line as a Winger with Barribal on the other wing and Wheeler a sthe Center... That would be just plain EVIL