Never got a chance to watch this guy place much outside of the playoffs two years ago when he was dominant at times and the few times he played us last year.
What's your opinion on his defensive abilities? Would you consider him a two-way player now or in the future? Ever see any PK time? Ever play in a shutdown role (and perform positively) against the opposition's top lines? Back-checking diligence?
Just bored, wondering where I'd pencil him on our roster.
Ok, so what I'm seeing is that no lack of trying, needs work/corrective coaching, would benefit from a defensive center/role model on his line.
Grabovski would be an upgrade defensively over Briere; Kulemin's our best two-way forward (not saying much) in our top 6 too. That would give us some size on either side of Grabs.
Ok, so what I'm seeing is that no lack of trying, needs work/corrective coaching, would benefit from a defensive center/role model on his line.
Grabovski would be an upgrade defensively over Briere; Kulemin's our best two-way forward (not saying much) in our top 6 too. That would give us some size on either side of Grabs.
How was he on the draw?
I can't remember a single faceoff he took. He doesn't do them.
How much did he play with your top line over the last couple of years? Was he playing with Jagr and Briere this year primarily? Leino last year?
^ Leino was often teamed with Briere and Hartnell in 2010-11. JVR was with Versteeg and Richards at one point in that season though he was on a line centered by Giroux often, too.
He did play on a line with Jagr and Giroux at times last season.
Laviolette often shunned such references as "top line" or "second line."
Watch him the entire play (LW) lackadaisical, all over the place. His man creeps in and scores. Not saying he's always like this, but when asked about his backchecking/defense, this is now implanted in my brain.
Ok, so JVR on our shutdown line doesn't sound like a probability. Also, kid sure bounced around alot eh? I guess with the turnover you guys had, his injuries, kind of expected, but wonder if some stability in his linemates might make a difference. Really hope he can figure out his defensive game though.
His skating is good so that always helps if you get caught up ice a step or two so he's got that going for him. When he's 3rd man high in the O zone, he can cover the center D zone duties as 1st man back well enough. He's a decent defensive forward for his age. He needs to get a little sharper and assertive on the boards.
JVR's play on the Zidlicky goal isn't any worse than Giroux's or Carle's. The whole play was a mess and jersey cashed.
