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Old 12-20-2013, 11:43 AM   #345
Henry Fool
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On Barkov (and perhaps other defensively responsible rookies), when I watched him earlier it was clear that he didn't have enough energy to fully push offense after defending. It's something that Granlund said last summer, that he found out that he could play in the NHL and do his defensive duties, but the obstacle then is having enough strength left in the shift to go on offense after you've spent so much on defending. So his training focused on pushing him beyond his limits physically and mentally to expand his window of effectiveness each shift. Just something you have to take care of once you've experienced NHL first hand.

At least back then Barkov had one of the highest ratios of ending shifts in the offensive zone in his team. Mostly that's a credit to him but partly it must have been because he ended his shifts after defending where a veteran forward might be able to continue with the attack longer. But like I said I haven't watched him lately at all.

Probably something that affects many rookies who are taking care of the defense, especially centers I imagine.
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