Quote:
Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan
I've noticed more consistently good play in his own zone for sure, but I also notice times where he's hemmed in regularly. To be expected from a young defenseman I guess, but I'm not ready for him to be any higher than a 3rd pairing d-man in terms of ice time.
The physical side is better for sure, and I think he's adequate finally against NHL players in that regard. He's never going to be the guy clearing the net, but neither is Brodie and he's been a very good defenseman over his career.
The one complaint I have is how he doesn't back in with speed against quick forwards. He ends up turning around a lot and daring them to go around him. His speed makes up for this, but then he's facing the wrong way to defend after the rush and it will lead to problems if he doesn't change it. Back in with speed so you can stop and head the other direction should the puck turn over. If you always have to turn around to defend, you're never in a good position to use your speed and skating to get an offensive chance the other way. That's how he can be most effective with his skillset.
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I forget who he reeled in coming off the bench to break up a break away against T.O but, I dont care if he turns around to keep pace with a fw. He gets ahead of them every time. It's not some fluke either. Hes caught and bodied so many players off pucks while chasing them down recently that it's actually quite amazing. It's not from him being put of position either, hes bailing put other team mates.
Point is, Kylington doesnt give up on defensive play. Because he knows he can catch anyone and make a play.
Heck, again I forget who it was against bit he turned on the afterburners to get to get his stick on a players stick just as he shot but the puck still went in off Gaudreau. Against MTL?
He had no business being in the same area code on that play. But there he was.
What's been great about him is if he does get turned around, hes learned how to angle players off their drive to the net. It's quite impressive.