I'm very happy to see Lats playing well, in the past I've been a bit critical, not really of him or his playing really, but more of the favoritism showed to him when compared to others (Chips!!!).
He has however stepped his game up and Carbo has (or had) decided to keep him on Koivu and Tanguay's line in favour of Higgins because he had earned the spot. Good for him.
Good start this season so far. Does everything expected, could give a few more big checks but it will come if his all-around game keeps on being this good. That and playing with Saku and Tanguay can't hurt either.
As a Lats fan, I really don't see that big of a change in his game. It's just people are being a lot less negative about him and he is getting more time on the ice.
As a Lats fan, I really don't see that big of a change in his game. It's just people are being a lot less negative about him and he is getting more time on the ice.
The kid is faster, more involved in the play and is gaining confidence game after game.. I think you have to be blind to not see the huge improvement in his game this year..
Last edited by Beakermania*: 10-19-2008 at 08:23 PM.
He is playing much bigger this year, and it shows. He's doing a good job of proving my off-season critisism wrong. I'm very happy with his progression.
Good start this season so far. Does everything expected, could give a few more big checks but it will come if his all-around game keeps on being this good. That and playing with Saku and Tanguay can't hurt either.
He had 5 tonight
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lone Rogue
As a Lats fan, I really don't see that big of a change in his game. It's just people are being a lot less negative about him and he is getting more time on the ice.
True, he just getsmore ice time and plays with much better players, but his skating really got better
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chehabi
I still can't believe the Rangers passed on him, dealing the pick to Montreal instead. He slipped a lot in the draft for some reason.
You should at least wait for post #15....As far as his hands, you'll have to stop comparing to the others we have and acknowledge that while he's not scoring, he does use his hands of stone and do some moves and adjust quickly to make great passes....Real hands of stone would not have been able to do what he does.
Not aiming properly, maybe. Not scoring like a power forward should, sure. But is still being effective.
Lats was great tonight. One of his best game IMO even if he only got 1 assist. He made many nice passes, was great along the boards and even played well defensively.
As a Lats fan, I really don't see that big of a change in his game. It's just people are being a lot less negative about him and he is getting more time on the ice.
I don't know, I'm a big Lats fan too. The last two years I thought he was almost always a liability on the ice, especially without the puck. Now, he's downright legit as a top 6 forward. He's always known where to place himself offensively, but he's a lot more involved in the play now and he's good without the puck too. He's a big reason why that second line clicked this quickly imo.
what a game by Latendresse tonight againts the Yotes . He was one of the best players on the ice . I can't beleive how Latendresse worked hard during the summer ; powerskating , boxe lessons ,training to loose his fat and gaine muscles , and video sessions of Holmstrom to learn how to play in front of the net .
I'm very happy to see Lats playing well, in the past I've been a bit critical, not really of him or his playing really, but more of the favoritism showed to him when compared to others (Chips!!!).
He has however stepped his game up and Carbo has (or had) decided to keep him on Koivu and Tanguay's line in favour of Higgins because he had earned the spot. Good for him.
Well, if he is in the NHL and not only kkeps up with but does well with good linemates, perhaps it wasn't unfair favouritism after all?
Seeing Lats perform like that is great, not only because he's playing with great players but also because he really bring something to the line. Koivu and Tanguay aren't the biggest players around to say the least, and having a big body like Lats to create space and get pucks along the board can really help an open-ice player like Tanguay. Sure, Koivu has made a lot of wingers look good in his career and I'm not saying Lats isn't benefiting from his teammates, but he doesn't look out of place and he has a role that fit him well.
