Can Tarasenko be on the level of Stamkos and Taverez?
Not sure I understand exactly what you mean, but the answer is probably no. Tavares and Stamkos are centers, so it is very difficult to draw comparisons between them and Tarasenko.
If you are talking about point totals, then the issue that Tarasenko is going to have is the fact we don't have a center with first line offensive abilities.
The Hitchcock system is probably the most interesting aspect. Our team is so young when he came in preaching about defensive responsibility, and the team proved capable of that. That becomes second nature at a point, and they become better at reading offensive plays within that. I don't see any real reason that we aren't going to end the season averaging right around 3 goals per game, compared to just over 2.5 last season. Long term, I don't really think that has a big impact on his numbers.
The Hitchcock system is probably the most interesting aspect. Our team is so young when he came in preaching about defensive responsibility, and the team proved capable of that. That becomes second nature at a point, and they become better at reading offensive plays within that. I don't see any real reason that we aren't going to end the season averaging right around 3 goals per game, compared to just over 2.5 last season. Long term, I don't really think that has a big impact on his numbers.
But Hitchcock isn't dumb. He will adapt his game system (at least on Frank's line) to make sure to collect the most goals with it. After he will close the game with his usual system.
You all don't know, how I desperately want to see in the SC final SLB against Pittsburgh. Tarasenko against the best player on the planet Evgeni Malkin. I know, it's hardly going to happen. But may be, some day.
I wouldn't compare Tarasenko to someone like Stamkos, but there's no need. As you can see Stamkos is a star player on a decent team that isn't playoff material.
We could have been cup contenders already, but now we no longer have to deal with Colaiacovo, and instead we have Schwartz, Cole, and Tarasenko stepping up BIG TIME. Schwartz still needs some work done, but I have confidence in him. Cole showed potential last season, but now he's really showing what he's capable of and I always preferred him over Colaiacovo. And Tarasenko, oh man. Everyone around the league is already talking about him. He was our final piece of the puzzle to really complete this team. I honestly think we have a REALLY good shot at the cup this year.
I think it's going to be tough for Redden to crack this line up if everyone's healthy. Cole is really the only realistic player he could replace, and he's been playing very solid. Multiple great outlet passes, strong in his own zone, really using his big frame to separate players from the puck, and I think most importantly for him 0 PIMs. I really don't want him replaced at this point.
Well, anything is possible, however I think that's pretty optimistic. I see a lot of Alex Semin in him. Semin gets a bad rap about not playing defense, but I don't think that's really fair. He's certainly not great defensively, but he is competent. That's pretty much where I'd put Tarasenko's defensive game. He's not going to win any Selke's, but it's not a train wreck either. He's always going to be a scorer first, but I think Hitch will get him playing a little better defense by season's end. I think he'll be a 65-75 point scoring winger. Great to have on this team for certain.
No, definitely not. He is different. He has nothing similar with Semin. You stunned me. You are first to compare them. Sibir in Tarasenko's time was one of the most defensive teams in the KHL, even more defensive than SLB. All forwards had to hard work in their own zone
No, definitely not. He is different. He has nothing similar with Semin. You stunned me. You are first to compare them. Sibir in Tarasenko's time was one of the most defensive teams in the KHL, even more defensive than SLB. All forwards had to hard work in their own zone
Nothing similar with Semin? Speedy winger with a great shot and average defensively. I think that describes both players. Are you implying Semin doesn't work hard in his zone? I disagree.
Nothing similar with Semin? Speedy winger with a great shot and average defensively. I think that describes both players. Are you implying Semin doesn't work hard in his zone? I disagree.
Agree with his offensive skills assesment but not defensive. He doesn't get cheap penalties. You didn't notice he was the fastest guy to run in his own zone when opponent is attacking. You haven't seen him stealing the puck from the opponent forward's blade in front of his net
Agree with his offensive skills assesment but not defensive. He doesn't get cheap penalties. You didn't notice he was the fastest guy to run in his own zone when opponent is attacking. You haven't seen him stealing the puck from the opponent forward's blade in front of his net
I see those things in both players. I think Tarasenko gives a little more effort back checking, but I think Semin does a decent job too.
They have different mentality, absolutely different. Taras is a leader, he always acts as if he carries the full responsibility for final result. Semin is different.
I think it's going to be tough for Redden to crack this line up if everyone's healthy. Cole is really the only realistic player he could replace, and he's been playing very solid. Multiple great outlet passes, strong in his own zone, really using his big frame to separate players from the puck, and I think most importantly for him 0 PIMs. I really don't want him replaced at this point.
Redden WILL be playing semi-regularly. He wasn't signed to knock Cole out of the lineup. He was signed to provide depth to be able to rotate the lower 5 defencemen, so that Jackman can get enough rest, and the others can remain fresh through the compressed schedule, and so there is no large dropoff in skill, talent and experience when multiple injuries hit. He should play 30-37 games, and 16-18 min. per game during the regular season. Less in the playoffs if no one is hurt. More in the playoffs, if there is one or if there are more injuries.
No one on this forum or on The Blues' coaching staff wants Redden to keep Cole from playing.
Both Semin and Tarasenko have that natural, elegant, and quick release on their shots. I see Tarasenko as a Semin/Datsyuk hybrid. He skates like Datsyuk and dekes similar to him (but not as well) while sniping like Semin (although not as well).
On a side note, people automatically associate Semin negatively. You can't JUST look at his lazyness. If you're going to acknowledge that, then you have to at least give credit to his sniping ability too.
Semin and Tarasenko are soooooooo different. Their mentality, effort level, passion for the game, skating, physical play, Tarasenko's superb vision and playmaking ability, to name a few. Everyone who has seen enough KHL matches would say that.
Obviously you can find a few similarities between them (most obvious being their release) but you can find similarities between all the players.
Both Semin and Tarasenko have that natural, elegant, and quick release on their shots. I see Tarasenko as a Semin/Datsyuk hybrid. He skates like Datsyuk and dekes similar to him (but not as well) while sniping like Semin (although not as well).
On a side note, people automatically associate Semin negatively. You can't JUST look at his lazyness. If you're going to acknowledge that, then you have to at least give credit to his sniping ability too.
Honestly, the guy you're looking for is Mogilny. Tarasenko, ultimately, is unique and there are certainly differences - Tarasenko is stronger and feistier - but as long as we're comparing him to elite Russian forwards, he's the guy who comes to mind for me.
Honestly, the guy you're looking for is Mogilny. Tarasenko, ultimately, is unique and there are certainly differences - Tarasenko is stronger and feistier - but as long as we're comparing him to elite Russian forwards, he's the guy who comes to mind for me.
I don't think it is too far off to compare to Kovalchuk although maybe a bit early. I originally thought Mogilny but I think Franks game will transition more towards Ilya's style of play.
I guess only time will tell and neither one will be a disappointment.
Dumb question, but how likely is it that he keeps this up? I got offered Giroux for Tarasenko straight up for fantasy hockey. I'd be stupid not to take it right? I have Tarasenko right now.
Dumb question, but how likely is it that he keeps this up? I got offered Giroux for Tarasenko straight up for fantasy hockey. I'd be stupid not to take it right? I have Tarasenko right now.
Dumb question, but how likely is it that he keeps this up? I got offered Giroux for Tarasenko straight up for fantasy hockey. I'd be stupid not to take it right? I have Tarasenko right now.
If its not a keeper league I would take that trade instantly (for this season).
Dumb question, but how likely is it that he keeps this up? I got offered Giroux for Tarasenko straight up for fantasy hockey. I'd be stupid not to take it right? I have Tarasenko right now.
No brainer. Take that, run, and rub it in the guy's face later. Tarasenko's a good player, but he will slow down.
I see a lot of Bobby Ryan in Tarasenko. I've never seen the need to only compare him to fellow Russians. Soon enough though, he will be the established player fans compare new players to.
