Rupp isn't a goon. Be mindful of what that word really means.
Sorry. Rupp. A very slow big man that can occasionlly pot the puck once in a blue moon. But is mostly known for his size and power. Does that sum him up.
Sorry. Rupp. A very slow big man that can occasionlly pot the puck once in a blue moon. But is mostly known for his size and power. Does that sum him up.
I'd have to disagree Talon. Konopka brought something that the Wild have never been great at. Winning a faceoff. Not bad for a 4th line tough guy. I like him for that. I don't like tough guys but if he can win faceoffs.
The Wild are great at faceoffs this season - top 5 in the league in fact... and that's with Konopka in the pressbox more often than not.
Point of fact, every center on this team is very good int he faceoff ciricle, so Konopka doesn't even help there.
Sorry. Rupp. A very slow big man that can occasionlly pot the puck once in a blue moon. But is mostly known for his size and power. Does that sum him up.
Quote:
Originally Posted by TaLoN
The Wild are great at faceoffs this season - top 5 in the league in fact... and that's with Konopka in the pressbox more often than not.
Point of fact, every center on this team is very good int he faceoff ciricle, so Konopka doesn't even help there.
Really? How bad was this team at faceoffs last year. Konopka is a beast in the circle. I havent looked at the actual stats.
Faceoffs are kind of meaningless when nobody can handle a puck.
I like Rupp more than Powe. Didn't think I would. Rupp can play hockey better, even though he is slower. He's just more effective on the ice.
Honestly I would break up Parise and Koivu at this point. Just mix something up.
Yeo will never stop that party, especially when the 2nd line seems to be the only one clicking almost the whole 60 mins.
Really? How bad was this team at faceoffs last year. Konopka is a beast in the circle. I havent looked at the actual stats.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 10dynasty38
Where did the improvement come from?
Quote:
Originally Posted by 10dynasty38
No one became a good center overnight. Or maybe they did?
Quote:
Originally Posted by 10dynasty38
Certainly Granlund hasnt helped much. Kovu Cullen Brodziak must of grown leaps and mother f ing bounds
Quote:
Originally Posted by 10dynasty38
The Wild liked Konopka for a reason. He could win faceoffs. something we sorely lacked
Quote:
Originally Posted by 10dynasty38
How is it we can suck one year and be dominate the next with basically the same crew.
Wow.
Last season Wild's combined FO% was 51.2%. That was 8th best in the league. This year it's 53.0%, which is enough for 3rd place. Talk about sucking at faceoffs.
This is what I'm expecting to see as well. Granlund will play center, though. It's become rather obvious that they want him to play center right from the start. Whether that's actually the best way to go is left to be seen.
I love Konopka and he's a fine 4th line C, but he really needs to stop taking dumb penalties. Last night a clean hit pissed him off so badly that he took an instigator penalty. Just no, no and no. The PK's good, but penalties like that are so unnecessary.
