Predators @ Leafs - Nov. 15th, 7:30pm - SNO, TSN 1050

[Kin]

I think he can still learn that type of game, but I'm not sure it will be with us. As much as JvR says he wants to be great, I think he is still seeing enough success the way he is currently operating to be interested in changing (rush player). When he starts to slow down, maybe he'll make that transition to an Andreychuk game. Or if he plays with a set-up centre, rather than a rush centre.

We may be talking about somewhat different things at this point but I really question whether or not those really high level skills can just be picked up mid-career. The things that guys like Andreychuk or Nieuwendyk were able to do in front of the net even as they got older are really hard to do.

I think what creates the illusion that JVR can "sort of" do those things or has shown "flashes" of them is that he can do things that are similar but kind of distinct. He's got quick hands that let him make neat little moves without a lot of space tight to the net but that's not really the same thing as being excellent on the cycle or planting yourself in front of the net and tipping shots/knocking home rebounds.

 

[herman]

I think he can still learn that type of game, but I'm not sure it will be with us. As much as JvR says he wants to be great, I think he is still seeing enough success the way he is currently operating to be interested in changing (rush player). When he starts to slow down, maybe he'll make that transition to an Andreychuk game. Or if he plays with a set-up centre, rather than a rush centre.

We may be talking about somewhat different things at this point but I really question whether or not those really high level skills can just be picked up mid-career. The things that guys like Andreychuk or Nieuwendyk were able to do in front of the net even as they got older are really hard to do.

I think what creates the illusion that JVR can "sort of" do those things or has shown "flashes" of them is that he can do things that are similar but kind of distinct. He's got quick hands that let him make neat little moves without a lot of space tight to the net but that's not really the same thing as being excellent on the cycle or planting yourself in front of the net and tipping shots/knocking home rebounds.

Same result from the same location with a different method?

JvR plays a 'small' game with a big frame; e.g. going around, rather than through. I think he has the tools to play 'bigger' and the only thing missing is between the ears.

 

[Kin]

Same result from the same location with a different method?

JvR plays a 'small' game with a big frame; e.g. going around, rather than through. I think he has the tools to play 'bigger' and the only thing missing is between the ears.

This might be one of those points where we're just talking in circles now but leaving aside the extent to which the "tools" we're talking about can simply be picked up, which is very different from someone like Kadri simply getting better at what he's more or less always done, we've been hearing the "JVR can play a 'bigger' game" stuff for years now and I think at some point people might just have to learn to accept him for what he is.