You gotta give Yakupov some credit for burying it like a bullet and setting up the play when entering the zone. But on the other hand, what a dirty pass. Amazing what happens when the Russians are given a green light, Yaks gets a skilled passing linemate and has the puck returned to him post-entry.
I for the life of me can't figure out what the Russian coach is thinking. They got some legitimate talent but play like the Jacques Lemaire era Minny teams.
He said he wasn't really impressed with Yak and then went one step further and stated that Yak wasn't on the level of RNH and Hall.
The phrase he used was: "(Yakupov) is not a true number one."
Damien Cox is easily the worst hockey journalist in Canada.
The best hockey journalist in Canada reported this after the game:
Bob McKenzie @TSNBobMcKenzie
Yakupov, who was greeted warmly by Sarnia fans to start the game, does a lap post-game and applauds the fans. Gets rousing ovation.
Bob McKenzie @TSNBobMcKenzie
Yakupov is an interesting kid. Fans ask for his stick as he goes off ice but holds onto it and instead throws his helmet up to them.
Bob McKenzie @TSNBobMcKenzie
Yakupov gave up his helmet because it was broken after taking a big hit in 3rd period from Tom Wilson. "Two more games, I need my sticks."
He said he wasn't really impressed with Yak and then went one step further and stated that Yak wasn't on the level of RNH and Hall.
I've heard analysts and scouts saying this since before Yakupov was drafted. I use to believe it having only watched Yakupov play a few times. Now, I'm not so sure. At the very least he has closed the gap between himself and Hall and RNH. I don't think he's as fast or as strong as Hall; but his shot is absolutely elite level, and not just in power but in accuracy as well. He is more of a sniper and reminds me a bit of Danny Heatley in that regard, only faster and more dogged on the puck. It'll be interesting to see a guy who can beat goalies clean from the ringette line being set up by RNH, Eberle, or Hemsky.
The phrase he used was: "(Yakupov) is not a true number one."
Damien Cox is easily the worst hockey journalist in Canada.
Yep. It amazes me that this guy has the credentials to get TV time. Remember in 2010 leading up to the draft he wrote how the Oilers would be better off trading the 1st overall in a package with Moreau and Souray to clean up our cap situation at the time? Complete moron. At least he does a good job of dying his eyebrows. Easily makes him look 10 years younger
Cox said the same thing about Hall and he said the same thing about Nugent-Hopkins. It's best to ignore him. Kypreos annoys me but he looked like he wanted to smack Cox across the back of the head after his asinine comments.
It's obvious that yakupov has an elite skill set. He is dangerous every time he is on the ice and there is no doubt he will be just as good as a first overall pick anyone could hope for. All you have to do is watch him out there to see that. Nobody can do everything themselves, put him with any of our stars and he will be deadly.
People are going to debate this until the lockout is over but it's so simple, no need to worry or overthink anything. He's a stud.
I would love to see a youtube video of his Snipe. Saw a quick glimpse of it on Sportsnet website (which is a brutal site).
He made the snipe look straightforward after a nice pass. That was not an easy shot and I think people are under rating the talent it took to simply snap it home. No hitch in his shot, just released it.
That quick release is his greatest weapon- more than his skating and play making.
I would love to see a youtube video of his Snipe. Saw a quick glimpse of it on Sportsnet website (which is a brutal site).
He made the snipe look straightforward after a nice pass. That was not an easy shot and I think people are under rating the talent it took to simply snap it home. No hitch in his shot, just released it.
That quick release is his greatest weapon- more than his skating and play making.
I think you are making alot out of a puck sliding across everyone and into the slot to an unmarked Yak. Honestly most CHL players score there.
The person who made the noteworthy play was the guy who was smart enough to throw the fanned on shot backhand through the coverage with a no look pass to where Yakupov was supposed to be.
Nail just doesn't have anyone on that team who can fly and make the right decisions at his pace. I know the Hall to center debate is a dead horse, but could you imagine a top 6 that was something like this.
Harski - Nuge - Eberle
Paajarvi - Hall - Yakupov Just imagine the speed of that line, Magnus could take a more playmaking and defensive roll but be able to keep up with Hall and Yakupov.
i just found out that Nail's first childhood coach died just the day of the first OHL - Russia game. not sure what impact the news made on him but wouldn't be surprised if that is one of the reasons of his subpar game that day.
Cox said the same thing about Hall and he said the same thing about Nugent-Hopkins. It's best to ignore him. Kypreos annoys me but he looked like he wanted to smack Cox across the back of the head after his asinine comments.
I love it when they show the fight when he gets knocked out with his eyes open
I would love to see a youtube video of his Snipe. Saw a quick glimpse of it on Sportsnet website (which is a brutal site).
He made the snipe look straightforward after a nice pass. That was not an easy shot and I think people are under rating the talent it took to simply snap it home. No hitch in his shot, just released it.
That quick release is his greatest weapon- more than his skating and play making.
The pass was perfect, Yakupov had over half of the net to shoot at. He made no mistake and buried it but it was far from a "skilled shot". Like I said it was all the pass. He was still in the right position to bury it though.
No real news, just a good read about his strong play. Guess a mini-note worth mentioning is Larionov believes the lockout ends in 2 weeks, but it's all speculation and guesstimating on his part.
that's pretty weird.
