Kopitar puts up same number of points while playing a shut-down role, but he isn't flashy and doesn't have a lucky cup run, so of course he is losing this poll. Kopitar was so much better than anyone else on his team in the beginning of the year it was painful to watch.
Offensively they're similar, Kopitar IMO is a better skater, has better hands, better vision, and is a bit more dynamic in general, while Staal is more of a power player, and a better goal scorer (not that Staal actually hits much, but offensively he's more of a straight line, protect the puck with your body type, while Kopitar is more dangley and creative). I personally think Kopitar is a bit better offensively, but it's close. In terms of defense and hustle Kopitar blows Staal out of the water, Kopitar is a terrific defensive player, Staal is IMO a bit lazy and often floats on d. I definitely prefer Kopitar, and I do have some trouble seeing why anyone would pick Staal right now. Career wise, sure, it's Staal, but I think Kopitar has been significantly better for a few years now.
I actually think Kopitar is less dangles and creative/whatever; even though Staal never dangles. He's (Kopitar) the definition of a north-south embodiment of what a coach preaches. Just get the puck to the open man and drive the net, if you have a shooting lane just shoot the puck; not much creative about his game, which is one of his greatest strengths and a really underrated quality. Just always makes the smart, safe play in every zone. He also protects the puck with his body better than Staal, who I find surprisingly weak on the puck for his size and "image"; but there are few that are better than Kopitar in protecting possession with his body (I would go as far as to say that he's even stronger/better than Datsyuk at this).
I've already stated Kopitar is better than Staal defensively. It's more directed to people who think he's some great/elite defensive player.
Well its one thing if you think otherwise but I do recall you said he's average defensively. It took a couple of years for Kopitar to get to this level. You can say a lot of Terry Murray but he turned Kopi into this. It was relatively new for many but Kings fans have seen this for years already. Last year he got the recognition when he was finally in the top 10 of voting.
When I lived in Raleigh I had season tickets to the Canes. Staal is a great player, but he doesn't bring it every night. He's very "moody". When he wants to win, he's a force. Fast, strong, great release. But his hockey sense is so so for a 1st line guy and he's below average in his own zone.
Kopitar is just as big (not quite as strong) but is a better puckhandler and has much better vision. He doesn't have that takeover ability that Staal has but he is consistent in all 3 zones. He's a bit younger as well. And while he hasn't had playoff dominance like Staal - remember how loaded that Canes team was when they won the cup? Kopitar has played the majority of his career on a slowly developing Kings team.
I think Kopitar is the better overall player. If I need a guy for a playoff series, I might take Staal if he's in the mood to win. But all things considered, Kopitar will give you a better chance to reach the playoffs and still may have some sleeper playoff ability in him.
whatever buddy. The only weak thing here is the need to actually present proof of the obvious. If someone doesn't know that Staal plays a power game, why even come into this thread?
whatever buddy. The only weak thing here is the need to actually present proof of the obvious. If someone doesn't know that Staal plays a power game, why even come into this thread?
Staal is one of the strongest guys on the puck in the league when he wants to be. Just like his 2 Atlantic Division Brothers. They're just strong guys head to toe. Kopitar doesn't quite have that. But he's much more graceful and skilled with the puck in my estimation.
whatever buddy. The only weak thing here is the need to actually present proof of the obvious. If someone doesn't know that Staal plays a power game, why even come into this thread?
You should ask him. I wasnt the one who said it. I definitely do not want to see a YT clip from a player who is 6 inches taller and 40 lbs heavier as some kind of 'proof'. No idea why you are laughing, I should laugh.
You should ask him. I wasnt the one who said it. I definitely do not want to see a YT clip from a player who is 6 inches taller and 40 lbs heavier as some kind of 'proof'.
Goodness, we wouldn't want you wasting your time watching clips of such things. I'm sure you are too exhausted from Kopitar's dominant, super-clutch performance last night. My mistake indeed!
Clearly this requires a full review of his career to find the PERFECT proof that Staal is not in the league just because he is tall. Wait here, I'll get right on that.
Goodness, we wouldn't want you wasting your time watching clips of such things. I'm sure you are too exhausted from Kopitar's dominant, super-clutch performance last night. My mistake indeed!
Clearly this requires a full review of his career to find the PERFECT proof that Staal is not in the league just because he is tall. Wait here, I'll get right on that.
I have nothing against Staal, he's a great player and actually one of my favorite players. I was talking about something else.
So you dont need to downgrade Kopitar now, like a 14-year old boy, if I hurt your feelings.
Staal isn't consistent at all, but he has the ability to take over games like few else in this League.
I'll take Staal- his best is good enough to put up with the 20 or so games (a good chunk at the beginning of the season) where he plainly does not give a flying ****.
Between Staal and Kopitar offensively, i would still give it to Kopitar. Staal is inconsistent and Kopitar has been just as good, if not better the past few years offensively speaking. Defensively its easily Kopitar.
whatever buddy. The only weak thing here is the need to actually present proof of the obvious. If someone doesn't know that Staal plays a power game, why even come into this thread?
