Patrik Laine moving from winger to center is arguably one of the hottest topics in the NHL right now. The sampling of three games is on the one hand small, but at the same time gave a clear picture of the problems of the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Finnish forward.
Sports expert Ismo Lehkonen sees Laine’s biggest problems in playing defense in the defensive zone.
– Lainee does not have the kind of defensive experience that is required to play in that position. We talk about positioning, timely doubles, removing backgrounds and so on. The boy pays pretty heavy school fees. When the choices are not clear, sometimes he looks a bit silly there, Lehkonen says.
Lehkonen believes Columbus’s opponents have noticed where to attack.
– It is clear that the aim is to attack Laine’s chain in such a way that the pressure in the defensive area, even with a small risk, is quite strong.
At the attacking end, Laine has operated like a model, but his overall center play is far from elite level.
– We have seen here what we thought we would see. There is nothing wrong with his playing in the attacking area, but in the other two areas of the game, things are looking bad, says Lehkonen.
If Lehkonen were to coach Columbus, Laine would return to the wing immediately.
– I would by Adam Fantill in the middle, even if he pays the price for the first year. It has a really good young player who has already proven that he is physically and through skating mature enough to play in that league.
Who surprised?
of New Jersey Erik Haula, 32, belongs to the absolute Finnish surprises of the early rounds. Haula has scored three power points (2+1) in three matches and has otherwise been the absolute best of her team. The Americanized citizen from Pori, who plays the role of the third center, has made an impression on Lehkonee.
– There are a lot of big names out there these days, so a Haula like this is easily overlooked. I really like his playing. The tougher situations New Jersey has, the more often he will be on the ice. Haula is the head coach Lindy Ruffin credit player, Lehkonen praises.
Haula had time to profile himself as a kind of suitcase player between 2018 and 2022 after representing no less than five different clubs during the period, but in New Jersey he seems to have finally found a home for himself.
– A man of 700 NHL games and a plus player with age and experience. He has jumped and bounced in different clubs, but now he has found a playful home, where his self-image has clearly strengthened. As a good skater, he fits the Devils’ fast style of play perfectly.
Who flopped?
You don’t have to look far for a flop if the expectations for Washington weren’t high either. The NHL’s oldest team has started with the expected bad results, but the grips in the rink have been even weaker than the results.
– The entire organization’s focus was already last year on whether it will be allowed Alexander Ovechkin Wayne Gretzky after breaking the scoring record. When Ovechkin then scored, the others were there with their flippers in the air. Now the hustle and bustle is even worse than last year, sighs Lehkonen.
Ovechkin has not scored a goal and he has shot only four times in three matches, two of which have ended in defeat. Collectively, the expression is flabby.
– Character players are already having a bad time there. There is no further business with this team in the Eastern Conference. Now the club management should put the guy up for sale with a bang.
Goal of the week
The goal of the week has to be Edmonton’s superstar Connor McDavid’s An early Wednesday morning hit in Nashville. Another Canadian, who scores great solo goals every year, managed to score again, this time with the help of the home team.
Mid range acceleration, fall, spin, Pass and finish.
– McDavid is a special player because he is able to accelerate his speed even when sliding. The fact that he accelerated his speed even with his knee pads on was completely new, Lehkonen laughs.
– The finish was once again dull. To the side of the shield, over the mattress, an accurate shot through the post. Was not Juuse Saros no sharing.
What next?
The end of the week offers NHL followers numerous treats. On Friday morning we will see a hot Toronto-Florida in the east and on Sunday morning we will see the familiar, always warm Toronto-Tampa from the playoffs. On the night before Sunday, championship contenders Carolina and Colorado will also meet.
Lehkonen follows the Finns of the younger generation with special piety.
– Eeli Tolvanen and Matias Maccelli are under surveillance. The expectation was that, for example, Maccelli would make a good result. Three matches is a small sample, but 0+0 is at the bottom when the responsibility for superiority comes. Tolvane has only six shots in four games. Healthy, determined selfishness is expected from both boys, says Lehkonen.
Both Arizona’s Maccelli and Seattle’s Tolvanen were among the Finnish winners of last season, but the faucets have remained blocked for now.
– The boys are already the kind of players who are marked by their opponents. Now you have to think about how to find ways and means to achieve results. You can’t just wait for something nice to happen.