Showing posts with label KHL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label KHL. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Is Jonathan Drouin making the right decision?

It has been a major story this season surrounding the 2013 3rd overall draft pick for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Jonathan Drouin's season has been surrounded by controversy and doubt, after struggling to crack the lineup early in the season it was clear Drouin was unhappy. After being limited to just 19 games because of injury and only five games in November. So in his second season Drouin was sent down to the Lightning's AHL affiliate the Syracuse Crunch to get more playing time. GM Steve Yzerman stated at the time "he's been dealing with a minor nagging injury that is finally healed. With everyone coming back at the same time, it's a good opportunity to get a young player a lot of ice time, get his game right back on top and bring him back at the appropriate time". With that there was no clear date set for Drouin to rejoin the Lightning. 

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Should goalie equipment be reduced?

It's been a debate in the NHL for years now, should the equipment that goalies wear be reduced to create more goals. Many believe that because there are bigger goalies in the NHL who get to wear bigger equipment it gives them more of an advantage. We are witnessing the age of the big goalie, gone are the days where we could see a goalie like Jeff Lerg in the NHL. The shortest goalie right now in the NHL is Jhonas Enroth of the LA Kings at 5'10". The league average size for a goaltender is about 6'2", with the tallest goalie being Ben Bishop who stands at 6'7". Bigger goalies are in high demand for NHL teams. But there is an issue that comes with bigger goalies, their equipment is sized for their protection. That means bigger chest protectors, bigger pads, and bigger goalie sticks all of these things add to the massive goalies.

Sunday, January 31, 2016

Leo Komarov: the leafs diamond in the rough


It's been a tough couple of years for Toronto Maple Leafs fans, they have been rebuilding for what feels like forever. The Leafs haven't made the playoffs since 2011 when they fell apart in game seven against the Boston Bruins. But they have finally found a decent foundation for them to build on, and his name is Leo Komarov.  Komarov has found a home on the Leafs first line under new head coach Mike Babcock. Komarov a veteran of international play has brought new life to a young Leafs team looking for some offense.  Under the new coaching staff Komarov has become an all-star, the 29 year-old has bounced around the past few years. He has played in the KHL, AHL, and the NHL before finding his place on the Leafs top line. So far this season he has 16 goals and 31 points to lead the Leafs in scoring. 

Jaromir Jagr: the ageless wonder

One of the biggest stories of the season has been 43-year-old Jaromir Jagr who has found new life with the young Florida Panthers. Since entering the league with the Pittsburgh Penguins Jagr has more than lived up to his first round pick status. Jagr is a two time Stanley Cup champion playing on the great Penguins teams of the 90's along side Mario Lemieux. He is a 13-time all-star with the latest selection coming this year, with him captaining the Atlantic Division all-star team in the 3-on-3. He has done absolutely everything there is to do in professional hockey also winning five Art Ross trophies, the 1999 Hart memorial trophy, and three Lester B. Pearson Awards. He is also one of only 26 players to ever win a Stanley Cup, a World Championship, and Olympic Gold in Men’s Ice Hockey over his career.