Ristolainen seizes opportunity, thriving with extensive responsibilities since Bogosian's injury
Twelve of the last 13 games have seen Risto play over 20min/gm.... 7 straight over 24 minutes...And he's thriving IMO
Goes specifically into four areas that have been shining in his game over the last month, and even more so in the last five games since he has been the top guy with Bogosian down.
He's 20 years old! Considering what's around him, I'd say he, too, deserves a bit of praise amidst the disaster.
Twelve of the last 13 games have seen Risto play over 20min/gm.... 7 straight over 24 minutes...And he's thriving IMO
How about what he has done since being thrust into the role of No. 1 defenseman when Zach Bogosian was sidelined by injury five games ago? In those five contests, beginning with the last game in Nashville, Ristolainen saw 24:23, 24:06, 28:23, 28:11, and 28:36 respectively. Four of those games were against “playoff” teams (NSH, BOS, WSH, NYR), and all of it is bewildering when you consider the facts....
Goes specifically into four areas that have been shining in his game over the last month, and even more so in the last five games since he has been the top guy with Bogosian down.
Over the last 13 games, he has shown an improvement in how he aids the offense in the opponent’s zone. There has been a lot more joining of the rush, and at times when it is appropriate, not just free form or on a timeframe. A perfect example is the Boston goal from last Wednesday – he’s picking his spots and not showing any hesitation. A millisecond of hesitance in other leagues may be permissible, but in the NHL....
Over the course of the year, and in particular the last 13 games, Ristolainen has noticeably raised the level of anticipation in a positive way. When he goes to get the puck in the corner, he’s looking over his shoulder to assess the oncoming forecheck prior to actually getting to the puck. When he circles the net with the puck on the breakout, he’s looking at where all of his teammates are going, not just the one he plans to move the puck to.
Lastly, not lost on me is the fact that there hasn’t really been any funk — no rookie wall or sophomore slump, depending on what true status you want to peg him with. MORE...
He's 20 years old! Considering what's around him, I'd say he, too, deserves a bit of praise amidst the disaster.
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