Strome was very good. Made a lot of things happen and you can see he thinks the game really well. Always seemed to make the right play. I'm very happy with his progress, despite his 'disappointing' stats at Niagara. The game is not all about numbers.
Which makes you wonder how well he could mesh with a player with equal/superior hockey sense and equal/superior skills. I think Strome's game could translate well to the wing, in fact, there were several shifts he played wing in the WJCs.
If some of JT's training/work habits rub off on Strome, we could have another blossoming forward in JT's class.
Which makes you wonder how well he could mesh with a player with equal/superior hockey sense and equal/superior skills. I think Strome's game could translate well to the wing, in fact, there were several shifts he played wing in the WJCs.
If some of JT's training/work habits rub off on Strome, we could have another blossoming forward in JT's class.
I don't know, I'm struggling to see Strome moving to the wing. Things could obviously change as he matures, but I see a true center when I watch him play.
Right now, Strome is not physically strong enough to be much of a factor along the boards. At the WJC, he seemed to gravitate towards the middle of the ice and relied on his wingers to win most of the puck battles. He had his head on a swivel and just seemed to always survey the play and then would move into position for the appropriate play. He has slick hands and would puck handle to gain time and space. I think he would be most effective with two big wingers who can open up space for him to work his magic.
With all that said, high level hockey sense is a very interesting animal. Players who possess that trait just seem to be able to play with just about anyone and elevate their play. If you look at the evolution of JT's game, his body is catching up to his mind and we're seeing the results. Once that starts to happen for Strome, I think it might not matter what position he plays - he'll be an offensive force. I really do look forward to seeing the two of them on the ice together one day and I'm curious how deadly they could be together.
Anything new on Kirill Petrov? I'm getting a little pumped up about him. Have a feeling the kid good be pretty darn good. Will he be leaving the KHL after this season? If we get one of the Russians, big things could happen.
Anything new on Kirill Petrov? I'm getting a little pumped up about him. Have a feeling the kid good be pretty darn good. Will he be leaving the KHL after this season? If we get one of the Russians, big things could happen.
After a hot start, he has cooled off a bit. He is now 11,9,20, -4; tied for 34th in the KHL in G. I do believe his contract with Ak Bars is up at the end of this season, but he might not want to come over just to play in Bridgeport. So, he could I) come to camp this summer and a) make the NHL team b) be assigned to B-port and report there c) be assigned to B-Port and go home or II) stay in KHL for a short-term contract, after which options a, b, and c would once again be available to him, or III) sign a long-term deal with a KHL team and never come to Long Island again.
After a hot start, he has cooled off a bit. He is now 11,9,20, -4; tied for 34th in the KHL in G. I do believe his contract with Ak Bars is up at the end of this season, but he might not want to come over just to play in Bridgeport. So, he could I) come to camp this summer and a) make the NHL team b) be assigned to B-port and report there c) be assigned to B-Port and go home or II) stay in KHL for a short-term contract, after which options a, b, and c would once again be available to him, or III) sign a long-term deal with a KHL team and never come to Long Island again.
Indeed. It is really now or never in terms of him ever coming over. His contract is up and if he wants out of Russia the time is now - if the Isles want him that is.
He won't come over to play in Bridgeport that's for sure but he should need a stint down there to get used to NA hockey.
If you actually followed the Islanders, you would know Petrov has already stated he would play in the AHL.
Unless Kabaonov was doing a "friendly" translation for him.
All that said, it amazes me how some decide that AHL time is absolutely needed for a guy who is playing in the second best league in the world- and producing: yes, 20 points in 34 games isn't earth shattering, but then again, Petrov was used in a limited role at the start of the season (third or fourth line, some PP) and has since been shuffled about the line-up, with this key stat: on the season he's avaeraging about 14 minutes a game.
In other words, he's about a 45-50 point forward given third line minutes.
If you actually followed the Islanders, you would know Petrov has already stated he would play in the AHL.
Unless Kabaonov was doing a "friendly" translation for him.
All that said, it amazes me how some decide that AHL time is absolutely needed for a guy who is playing in the second best league in the world- and producing: yes, 20 points in 34 games isn't earth shattering, but then again, Petrov was used in a limited role at the start of the season (third or fourth line, some PP) and has since been shuffled about the line-up, with this key stat: on the season he's avaeraging about 14 minutes a game.
In other words, he's about a 45-50 point forward given third line minutes.
What could he do with Moulson and Tavares?
More than Okposo, if I would hazard a guess.
The difference between the game as it is played in NA and Europe is huge. The difference in pace is staggering to say the least and that's what's a player like Petrov would need time to adjust to. I don't think anyone here doubts his talents and I'd love to see him on the Isles sooner rather than later.
If you actually followed the Islanders, you would know Petrov has already stated he would play in the AHL.
Unless Kabaonov was doing a "friendly" translation for him.
All that said, it amazes me how some decide that AHL time is absolutely needed for a guy who is playing in the second best league in the world- and producing: yes, 20 points in 34 games isn't earth shattering, but then again, Petrov was used in a limited role at the start of the season (third or fourth line, some PP) and has since been shuffled about the line-up, with this key stat: on the season he's avaeraging about 14 minutes a game.
In other words, he's about a 45-50 point forward given third line minutes.
What could he do with Moulson and Tavares?
More than Okposo, if I would hazard a guess.
I love how a player who has never sniffed nhl ice, is somehow a lock for at least 45-50 pts.
Someone post when Petrov actually commits to the Isles.Until then,I can't get excited about anything he's doing.
No room for him at present and he was also outplayed by Poulin and Nilsson at the start of the season. Honestly I think the Isles would like to trade him if they get the chance.
If you actually followed the Islanders, you would know Petrov has already stated he would play in the AHL.
Unless Kabaonov was doing a "friendly" translation for him.
All that said, it amazes me how some decide that AHL time is absolutely needed for a guy who is playing in the second best league in the world- and producing: yes, 20 points in 34 games isn't earth shattering, but then again, Petrov was used in a limited role at the start of the season (third or fourth line, some PP) and has since been shuffled about the line-up, with this key stat: on the season he's avaeraging about 14 minutes a game.
In other words, he's about a 45-50 point forward given third line minutes.
What could he do with Moulson and Tavares?
More than Okposo, if I would hazard a guess.
Given how Garth has handled Bailey and Nino....im fairly certain he has noooo problem guaranteeing Petrov a spot on the NHL club next year if it means him coming over.
I love how a player who has never sniffed nhl ice, is somehow a lock for at least 45-50 pts.
Someone post when Petrov actually commits to the Isles.Until then,I can't get excited about anything he's doing.
Plenty of NHL rookies score 45+ points.
Not many have the advantage of being a 6'3'' 210lb man child like Petrov, with three years of seasoning playing in the second best pro hockey league in the world.
Yes, I realize the KHL is not the NHL- that's why I called it second best. Still, with limited ice time in a league that is known to favour vets- and with a team that knows Petrov wants to play in the NHL, well, you figure it out. He is a prime talent that was jerked around his first two seasons, and has only been given limited ice time these last two...
Oh, and speaking more of Europe, many forget that Petrov was the number two rated Euro forward in the 08 draft- and that was because of his contract obligations...well Sally, that contract is almost up.
Not many have the advantage of being a 6'3'' 210lb man child like Petrov, with three years of seasoning playing in the second best pro hockey league in the world.
Yes, I realize the KHL is not the NHL- that's why I called it second best. Still, with limited ice time in a league that is known to favour vets- and with a team that knows Petrov wants to play in the NHL, well, you figure it out. He is a prime talent that was jerked around his first two seasons, and has only been given limited ice time these last two...
Oh, and speaking more of Europe, many forget that Petrov was the number two rated Euro forward in the 08 draft- and that was because of his contract obligations...well Sally, that contract is almost up.
We have a bluechip prospect here.
If there is a lockout though you can expect he will sign with a club over there. I give even odds it is a multi year contract. What then if it is?
Not many have the advantage of being a 6'3'' 210lb man child like Petrov, with three years of seasoning playing in the second best pro hockey league in the world.
Yes, I realize the KHL is not the NHL- that's why I called it second best. Still, with limited ice time in a league that is known to favour vets- and with a team that knows Petrov wants to play in the NHL, well, you figure it out. He is a prime talent that was jerked around his first two seasons, and has only been given limited ice time these last two...
Oh, and speaking more of Europe, many forget that Petrov was the number two rated Euro forward in the 08 draft- and that was because of his contract obligations...well Sally, that contract is almost up.
Until Petrov actually signs with the Isles and comes over to N.A., I'm not going to worry about him.
Looks like Strome is back at Niagara with 1g 2a last night in a 4-2 win. Hopefully he'll build on his good performance at the WJC for the rest of the season.
