A note on Scandella: A couple posters are speculating he is playing with a wrist injury. They had a "leadership training" camp and in the pictures that came out his wrist is all taped up. That's in the Aeros thread I believe.
I believe he's gone 3+ weeks without a point? Same with Coyle...
As a couple people have insisted about Coyle, he's not a gamebreaker. He can put things away when he's fed, but he needs someone to feed him or he doesn't produce. A guy like Zucker fits and produces no matter who he plays with, and that's why he's been unaffected by the Granlund injury.
Scandella missed 3 games with a wrist injury at the beginning of November. Prior to that he had 8 points in 7 games. Since returning he has had 1 point in 9 games.
I think Coyle does things right even if he doesn't produce. As mentioned he doesn't produce if no-one feeds him. He battles hard and makes it easier for his linemates to produce. He does score with a nice percentage when he gets a chance.
I think Coyle does things right even if he doesn't produce. As mentioned he doesn't produce if no-one feeds him. He battles hard and makes it easier for his linemates to produce. He does score with a nice percentage when he gets a chance.
I apologize if this is me beating the dead horse but I have changed my opinion quite a bit on Coyle. When I saw him at camp and in scrimmages, I was curious what everyone was so excited about. I thought he looked OK at last year's WJC but was still unconvinced. However, after seeing him in every Aeros game this year, and paying close attention to his play away from the puck, I now understand how good of a player he is.
In addition to missing a player who can get him the puck where he scores (Granlund), the larger problem is that Coyle's game is solely dependent on a strong cycle, and linemates being in the right spots at all times. He has probably been the best forward PKer this year. He rarely loses puck battles on the boards. He is strong enough to get on the outside of defenders and lean all the way in to create space and scoring opportunities. He makes simple plays with the puck.
In other words, when he gets to the NHL, you will notice him more because the NHLers are far better in the cycle and positionally. I think his style fits perfectly with todays NHL. He will not skate by three guys. He does not have the wrist shot Zucker does. He will not make cross ice passes like Granlund. But he will control the puck in the cycle, he will get to the net, he will draw penalties, and he won't have a lot of turnovers. And I don't think he will do all of these without ending up on the scoresheet himself.
As I have stated in other threads, I think he would flourish with Koivu.
In other words the exact kind of player the Wild have been missing without Latendresse?
I actually think Lats has better hands and a heavier shot. I don't think Coyle has the creativity to make the passes that Lats could. However, I think Coyle is much better defensively, positionally, and will be more consistent night in and out.
There were times Lats was unstoppable offensively due to sheer size. While Coyle is strong, he is not as heavy as Lats. 230-240 is more than what I see Coyle ending up..
ANyways, your question was kind of player...and, yes, I think Coyle is going to be a PF type player in that he'll screen goalies, get tip ins/rebound goals near the crease, and draw penalties.
E: I don't know how he would fit with Koivu tho. I wonder if the line would lack speed.
They are not that fast but I think their positioning makes up for it. What intrigues me about them is their ability along the boards. While Coyle is no Brunette, he is above average, imo, and is more agile.
I could be wrong but I'd at least like to see it whenever Coyle makes his appearance.
Another option is Brodziak. Remember how he and Johnson were effective when Johnson was actually competing? Coyle does everything Johnson did but better. However, Koivu can find Coyle with his passing ability. I am not so sure Brodziak has that ability.
They are not that fast but I think their positioning makes up for it. What intrigues me about them is their ability along the boards. While Coyle is no Brunette, he is above average, imo, and is more agile.
I could be wrong but I'd at least like to see it whenever Coyle makes his appearance.
Another option is Brodziak. Remember how he and Johnson were effective when Johnson was actually competing? Coyle does everything Johnson did but better. However, Koivu can find Coyle with his passing ability. I am not so sure Brodziak has that ability.
[QUOTE=Jbcraig1883;56213853]I actually think Lats has better hands and a heavier shot. I don't think Coyle has the creativity to make the passes that Lats could. However, I think Coyle is much better defensively, positionally, and will be more consistent night in and out.
[QUOTE]
Coyle would like to disagree with you.
Coyle is a little taller than Lats and is still growing into his body. Size will not be a problem. I like the points for defense that you brought up. We aren't sacrificing much offense from Lats to Coyle, but its a defensive gain.
[QUOTE=Victorious Secret;56215869][QUOTE=Jbcraig1883;56213853]I actually think Lats has better hands and a heavier shot. I don't think Coyle has the creativity to make the passes that Lats could. However, I think Coyle is much better defensively, positionally, and will be more consistent night in and out.
Quote:
Coyle would like to disagree with you.
Coyle is a little taller than Lats and is still growing into his body. Size will not be a problem. I like the points for defense that you brought up. We aren't sacrificing much offense from Lats to Coyle, but its a defensive gain.
I saw Stephane Veilleux toe drag a Tampa Bay defenseman his rookie year and then forehand-backhand to score.
Point is that I have no problem if you disagree, but it's gonna take more than one highlight to convince me.
