- Le jeu de Kotkaniemi analysé...
Kotkaniemi’s anticipation and vision helps him to get in the right position and speaks volumes about his hockey IQ.
- He’s a spider — collecting pucks and delivering them to another spot on the ice with accuracy and pace.
- While his offensive output wasn’t much this game, there’s no doubt it will come.
- He uses his body not only to throw checks around, but in smart ways by blocking passing lanes or throwing the forechecker off with a screen to protect his teammates who control the puck. He isn’t afraid to use his body no matter where he is on the ice, as exemplified in the hit shown above.
- When it comes to his defensive game, it’s very good. He’s aware, he looks around to make sure he won’t be caught out of position, and he takes responsibility. However, and I am nitpicking here, he takes that responsibility seriously and in some ways ends up too far away from the goal. I don’t think I saw him in open play near the ‘home-plate area,’ but this will come in due time.
- His skating technique will most likely have to improve. His first three strides are good but can be improved with added muscle. He creates separation and it will be interesting to see if he can do it against professionals no matter where he plays next season. He will never be contesting Connor McDavid when it comes to skating, but a little bit more use of his technique will be needed, especially if he can bring more deception to it and really create problems for the defenders.
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