Analysis: Why was Miro Heiskanen sacrificed to babysit an elderly veteran? | Sport

Dallas From Miro Heiskas, 24, has been talked about for several years as one of the absolute top defenders in the NHL. And not a swamp. Smooth and economical skating is pleasing to the eyes and the game head offers solutions to problems on the ice level like a computer.

Expectations were also high when the season started, and during the first weeks in North America there was even a buzz about Norris-level Heiskas. of James Norris the named award is given at the end of the season to the best defender.

The starting points for the season were good, because Heiskanen played excellently in the spring. In January-April only Cale Makar and Erik Karlsson recorded a higher point average per match than Heiska in their statistics. There was a result in the playoffs as well.

However, when Christmas comes, the Norris train has run away. The top individuals of the race Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes have run off to their separate ways and barring injuries, the fate of the prize will be decided between the two. In the autumn season, Heiskanes hasn’t been able to put a result on the board or the level of playing that is required to win the award.

And this is not a criticism of Heiska. The defender from Espoo has not played poorly, but not yet at an elite level either.

Heiskanen has actually been a five-for-five player with a minus mark in terms of goals for the first time in four years, but that alone does not tell the whole truth. While Heiskanen has been on the ice, Dallas has dominated the play equipment, the goal waiting area and the scoring chances by a large margin.

In Heiskanen’s case, the result has been a slight disappointment. The scoring average has dropped by almost a quarter since last season, and there are only three goals this season. The number of goals is disappointing, because that’s exactly what Heiskanen himself has said he wants to invest in, among other things, by developing his shot.

– I feel that I still have much more to give. Especially in terms of efficiency, I could be much better and thereby help the team more. Playing has still felt good and I am quite satisfied with how it has gone, Miro Heiskanen tells Urheilu.

However, Heiskanen has shot less this season (4.93/60) than ever before in his career. This is certainly reflected in the power of the overpowering game. Only nine power points have been recorded for the defender from the power play. Heiskanen could be more selfish and use his shot more.

– In the attacking area, Miro could be more artistic, but here we also get a bit into the Finnish character, not to play with winning. We want to be players on the winning wall. He doesn’t play with that kind of risk John Klingberg Previously in Dallas, ‘s hockey expert Ismo Lehkonen states.

Stone sled in the back

When talking about Heiskanen’s situation as a whole, the importance of the defender pair cannot be underestimated. For one reason or another, the Dallas coaching staff is still hanging the 38-year-old next to Heiskanen Ryan Suteria. The skating of the American defenseman is not enough for the top pairs of the NHL team, but with Heiskanen by his side, Suter manages somehow.

However, Suter’s protection cannot help but affect Heiskanen’s playing.

Heiskanen can’t play the same way as he used to Quinn Hughes or Cale Makarbecause these are next to each other Filip Hron too and Devon Toews top individuals like Heiskanen cannot enjoy this kind of support. In addition to that, part of Suter’s mess remains to be cleaned.

– Miro can’t attack like that because he can’t completely trust the guy. When playing defense, it feels like he’s a bit on his toes, whether he dares to catch the puck. Heiskanen plays that role carefully, Lehkonen sees.

In the previous two seasons, Heiskanen–Suter is 5-for-5 with one goal minus.

There would be alternatives.

Heiskanen’s playmaking and advanced stats stack up with almost any other Dallas defenseman. Esa Lindell Heiskanen could play with if soon Lindell starts to get busy in the NHL. The best of the options is Thomas Harley22. The first-round pick four years ago is having an excellent season.

Heiskanen has played with Harley for a total of just under a hundred minutes this season and last season with excellent results. When playing with Harley, Heiskanen gets to operate differently and more freely with his own strengths. In terms of goals, the two have created more than 4 goals per hour, while Suter and Heiskanen’s reading is 2.8.

In dangerous goal positions, Heiskanen-Harley has been a downright crushingly dominant pair.

– Would young Harley still be a player in a slightly smaller role, Lehkonen says.

Head to the wall

It is strange that the Dallas club management, which entered the season with Stanley Cup goals, did nothing about the problems of the defense during the summer. Suter’s difficulties have been visible for a long time, but the coaching continues to play this with a 20-minute average.

It is understandable that the coaching wants to put Heiskanen and Harley in different pairs for the sake of balance, but in that case a replacement for Suter should be sought from the player market.

– I believe that they will hire a defender there at the transfer deadline at the latest. Maybe they haven’t found or liked it yet. There are a couple of younger guys there, so they want to be sure when they make a decision. Then you have to live with it, says Lehkonen.

Dallas should create the conditions for Miro Heiskanen where he can be the best possible Miro Heiskanen. There is too much on the plate now. There will be at least 25 minutes of playing time every night.

– If we have to rotate and defend a lot, the playing minutes might seem a little more. If we can attack more and play a lot with the puck, it will be a little easier for ourselves. I’ve coped well and I like to play, so it hasn’t hurt, Heiskanen assures.

Perhaps the extra burden does not move the continental plates, but is in small pieces away from the whole that would allow playing at the Norris level.

Miro Heiskanen doesn’t need to create an alibi from the pair of defenders, but you can’t close your eyes to it either. With a better teammate, the Finnish star could play more relaxed.

– Just like this. Miro should be able to throw himself into the game and play with his backbone. You should be able to try it already in the regular season before the playoffs. Search for those limits a little and, as it were, study the game, says Lehkonen.