Quote:
Originally Posted by New Era
Other than Kylington, don't agree with your assessments at all. It was almost like you were watching a different game? This of course is what makes watching hockey so much fun. Everyone sees different things and keys on different aspects of the game, so we're unlikely to come to similar conclusions much of the time.
One thing I really noticed was there were two players on the ice that changed the flow and dynamic of every shift they took; Jankowski and Kylington. Everyone else was a complimentary player out there. Another thing that really stood out to me was one player was exceptional at using his linemates, and that was Jankowski. The subtle plays he made to create open ice for his linemates to create offense was outstanding. Even though Klimchuk stated that the players didn't really know each other or how each other played, that didn't prevent one guy from standing out in using the other guys on ice, every shift.
The most impressive individual talent on the ice was Kylington. The best hockey player was Jankowski, and it was much of a contest. With the talent level that was out there, that says something. I also have to give some love to two guys that seemed to be over-looked, but were still impressive in their performances, and those are Poirier and Klimchuk. I know everyone wants to see players score points, but the little things these guys do defensively and then in the offensive zone to create open ice is outstanding. The future is bright, even if the RDDI (Ricardo Debbie Downer Index) says otherwise.
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Don't get me wrong, i'm not a Jankowski hater, and I actually liked the pick at the time because it was a swing for the fences type pick in a weak draft.
I definitely see the potential in Jankowski. The hockey sense, the skills, the size, the skating, it's all there. He just needs to put it all together offensively and establish a portfolio of work.
I think if I hadn't read the comments prior to watching the scrimmage, I probably would have been more impressed. I was just expecting a Peter Forsberg type puck possession dominance after reading the comments.
I think with the way his defensive game has developed and the physical maturity, there is pretty much no bust possibility with him anymore. He's going to be an NHL player, the only question is how good is he going to be.