as discussed in the AK thread, as much as he succccks, there's no one who could potentially do what he can. We can't afford to scratch him, we just have to pray that he plays like he did in game 2 of the first round. Maybe history will repeat itself in this game 2. Hat trick? I highly doubt he will be a scratch and if he is, other good lines will be ruined. I imagine pyatt would be his replcament.
I don't see how lettting sergei skate in his spot would be a bad thing.
Agreed. Sergei should play on his line. Andrei needs to sit. I've defended him countless times this season, but his play last game was inexcusable. Way to kill any momentum we had.
I don't know if they'll actually go through with scratching him, but this guy needs to compete at a much higher level. I've never been a big fan of him as I don't think he has a very high hockey IQ and always plays the game at the intensity level he feels like that night. I would personally not shed a tear to see him and his brother traded in the summer. We need more consistent players on this team (we're already much better than last year in that aspect).
I don't know if they'll actually go through with scratching him, but this guy needs to compete at a much higher level. I've never been a big fan of him as I don't think he has a very high hockey IQ and always plays the game at the intensity level he feels like that night. I would personally not shed a tear to see him and his brother traded in the summer. We need more consistent players on this team (we're already much better than last year in that aspect).
He was actually my favorite player, but something is not right in his head. He really just doesn't care. I've seen him do the same spinny-behind-the-back clearing near our blue line atleast 15 times this post-season, i've seen it get intercepted almost every time
He was actually my favorite player, but something is not right in his head. He really just doesn't care. I've seen him do the same spinny-behind-the-back clearing near our blue line atleast 15 times this post-season, i've seen it get intercepted almost every time
I think he was told to not take risks and be a team player kinda of thing and he doesn't understand this concept. He is more of like a kovalev he likes to play with the puck and deek a couple defenseman and get a nice shot on net.
Would you take Kovalev at 30 years old or Gionta at 30 years old for a playoff series ?
That's what it comes to. The 2 AKs have a lot in common - size, shot, speed ...basically potentially game breakers any night. They just do not follow orders, do not play a team game, and rely only on their individual skill with the puck (Kovy has tons more) which is not that damaging in the regular season. It hurts in the playoffs.
AK is a gamble for a coach any given night. He can score 3 goals or he can cause 2. The worst part is that it must be demoralizing for the rest of the team to see one of your top players who looks like he can't wait to get home for the summer.
Gionta is not a gamble. Wednesday he was the only one to keep his focus and say "We won nothing yet. We want the cup." He compensates what he lacks in skill, shot and size (he's worse than AK on these) through hard work and commitment. He inspires his teammates.
I'm not asking to get rid of AK just like I was not asking to get rid of Plekanec last summer for a bag of pucks (as many of you did). There is always the hope that he will change, that he will become the dominant, energetic and dedicated power forward we all want and need.
But....Kovalev ? Semin ? It's harder and harder to believe.
Kovalev I agree, but Semin is much more productive in the playoffs than AK and he is only 1 year older. This playoffs, Semin has done worse by 3 goals and an assist but he also took 55~ shots on net compared to AK's. Also, he wasn't a defensive liability out there.
I've been one of the fans that has been very patient with the two K's. But we've reached a point where they just don't get it. They either don't understand or choose not to. They have undeniable talent but most games they're just a load to deal with and I'm sure it frustrates their teammates. If they're not with the program they need to be shipped out.
I'm not a fan anymore. But face it.....as bad as he looks, nobody we have would POTENTIALLY be able to make a difference like he did. He did score 3 goals against Washington 1 game....He might do it again before he goes back to sleep again. What if it would be the next game?
I'd have AKost on the Gomez and Gionta line. And have both guys handle him.
TPleks with Cammy and Moen. Moore-Lappy-Pools. And the 4th line....
