Koltsov

How did Koltsov look tonight? I saw some highlights and he had an assist on Mario's goal but overall was he looking good?

Yes a bit of feed back would be nice,I picked up Koltsov in a fantasy league so I hope he does well.

Didn't see the game, but according to the Gazette, Koltsov was flying all along the ice, and his lone assist doesn't tell the whole story.

He played pretty well. Provided a nice screen on the Tarnstrom goal.

Yep, he played a solid all around game.

Yep, he played a solid all around game.

How do you feel about the number 71? I like it, reminds me of Jiri Slegr.

Koltsov needs to stop trying to beat defenders when he comes across the blueline. He almost ALWAYS creates a scoring chance when he simply drops his shoulder and takes the puck wide. Especially with Lemieux and Straka going towards the net.

Good defensively though. Koltsov has been a real wrecking ball on the forecheck. I'd like to see him on the PK, but I'm sure they're working with him.

How do you feel about the number 71?

It's definitely unique. Better than 48 at least.

Yeah, 71 seems like a number that underscores his speed.

Koltsov is looking really good: he is forchecking hard, he is shooting the puck, and he's playing the body.

The one thing I would like to see him do more though is hold on to the puck and make plays, rather than just trying to beat the defenseman wide all the time. If he can learn to be patient and make plays, even like Morozov does, he will be unstoppable. Otherwise, he'll just be a very good player that will need to play with great players to be successful offensively.

Koltsov is looking really good: he is forchecking hard, he is shooting the puck, and he's playing the body.

The one thing I would like to see him do more though is hold on to the puck and make plays, rather than just trying to beat the defenseman wide all the time. If he can learn to be patient and make plays, even like Morozov does, he will be unstoppable. Otherwise, he'll just be a very good player that will need to play with great players to be successful offensively.

Exactly. If he can develop his stickhandling skill at that speed he would truly be unstoppable. Eventually defenseman will give him more space and just run him into the boards at first chance instead of trying to steal the puck. He needs to vary his game a bit more by cutting to the middle and not cutting down the side every time.

What's wrong with taking his speed to the outside? Every time he did it last night he created a scoring chance. The one time I remember the puck found it's way to Lemieux in the slot.

I agree with taking it wide. Every play is better away from traffic anyways.

And as Pontiac says, Wider is Better.

I agree with taking it wide. Every play is better away from traffic anyways.

And as Pontiac says, Wider is Better.

yeah, but a straight line is the shortest distance between two points. God its hot in this place.

I can't wait to watch this guy live.....

What's wrong with taking his speed to the outside? Every time he did it last night he created a scoring chance. The one time I remember the puck found it's way to Lemieux in the slot.

Theres nothing wrong, and I totally agree with you on this point. Koltsov doesnt have the most gifted hands, good hands, but not great hands. He does however have speed that hardly anyone has, and he has to learn to use it to his advantage, kinda like the way Marty Havlat does.

Bottom line is Koltsov's hands have been underrated because they are under such a microscope all the time. Why is this? There's been a belief since he was drafted that his hands would catch up to his feet and make him some 1st line scoring threat. They probably won't. But there is hope for Kosty, as his hands aren't as terrible as some seem to believe.

He's no natural goalscorer. That's not to say with practice his hands can't get better. I see Koltsov doing a bit more with the puck this year. But he's not Kovy. He's got average hands and a nice shot and can pull a nice move once and a while.

But there's a way for him to be a scorer with just his average hands. Do what J2 is saying. Lower the shoulder and drive wide. Take it into the corner from there and initiate a cycle, or, if safe, make te feed out into the slot. If the time is right and the room is there, it should be Koltsov, who plays best like a pitbull on speed, taking that straight line from the corner to the net.

Amonte is a guy that Koltsov should look at as far as coming over the blueline. Except where Amonte drives then looks for the shot, Koltsov may want to look to be more of a catalyst. This stickhandling crap right over the blueline and/or looking for a pass doesn't work for 95% of NHLers the way the d-men play today. Get the puck deep, Kosty.

Jmelm, I'm afraid you describe Koltsov well. I do think he's that catalyst type guy on the line. The scorers look to him to do some dirty work (while his hands aren't out of place). And he relies on them to get him points. I think that's his role. I don't think he'll every carry a line offensively.

Did you guys see him jumping around after Lemieux scored? It sort of reminded me of a puppy invited on a walk. :D It is sometimes just tires me out when you see how much energy this guy has. :)

Did you guys see him jumping around after Lemieux scored?

Yep, he sure was happy. And rightfully so.

I can't wait to watch this guy live.....

It is a treat to watch him play.

The Pens may not be the best team in the league closer to the worst, but they will be fun to watch. A huge hitter in Orpik, Mario of course, Koltsov's speed, and Fleury in net.