Talk about Capitals hockey & more! > Washington Capitals & Other Hockey Discussion
GDT R2G5 Penguins @ Capitals 2018-05-05 7:00pm EST NBC, SN, TVAS
Devise:
--- Quote from: RavenCp on Sunday May 06, 2018, 04:34:52 PM Eastern ---I believe Vrana has this ability to be if not a super star, then something very close. Then considering a magnitude of talent, coach has to figure out what problem is, and address it. And if coaches cannot develop Bura and Vrana, then it is too bad.
--- End quote ---
I agree with Trotz developing Vrana the right way, but I also think it's a bit too early to tell if he'll be a big deal or not.
I think Vrana is certainly not another Semin, he shows up in multiple ways on the ice not just throughout the regular season but in the playoffs too consistently to be as streaky/work ethic problems like Vrana.
I recall a few games ago or maybe it was the first round, Vrana was bumped down and a lot of people heralded it as a reason why he was in the doghouse. Even though Trotz himself came out and said that wasn't so, in fact Vrana had points when he was up in the first round before he was bumped down. He was bumped down because we wanted Stephenson/Backstrom/Oshie as a line to be a shut down line that could also threaten to score, and our coach was using that line to counter teams top scoring lines often. They started defending Pannarin for example, and suddenly he got way more shut down. It had nothing to do with Vrana playing badly, that is just line change for tactical reasons.
People don't realize this but Vrana is also bigger than most people give him credit for. Yes he skates fast, but he's 6'0 and this season showed up weighing almost 200lb. By no means does that make him a big mean player, but it means he at least is an average sized NHLer and he has an underrated defensive stick. His big issues from what I can tell are experience and a lack of natural defensive understanding. I'd say he has way more offensive IQ than defensive. He just needs to be coached well going forward and I think he could become someone like a Patrick Sharp honestly. Solid defensively but not amazing, good speed, big enough to hold his own strength wise with his stick, and a good shot.
Devise:
Chandler Stephenson is the Cap who has quietly impressed me the most this off-season though. Playoff level pressures, gets bumped up to a line where he needs to make sure he actually starts hitting the scoresheet a bit more, as well as tackling way higher defensive responsibility. He hasn't looked overwhelmed out there at all, starting to morph almost into a Brooks Laich for us, especially if he can keep improving on the center dot to give us options for winning faceoffs if one of our typical quality centers gets hurt.
He's also been a stud on the PK.
Maacoshark:
--- Quote from: Devise on Sunday May 06, 2018, 08:05:06 PM Eastern ---Chandler Stephenson is the Cap who has quietly impressed me the most this off-season though. Playoff level pressures, gets bumped up to a line where he needs to make sure he actually starts hitting the scoresheet a bit more, as well as tackling way higher defensive responsibility. He hasn't looked overwhelmed out there at all, starting to morph almost into a Brooks Laich for us, especially if he can keep improving on the center dot to give us options for winning faceoffs if one of our typical quality centers gets hurt.
He's also been a stud on the PK.
--- End quote ---
Stephenson is already our 2nd best faceoff man behind Beagle and might be our best defensive forward and our best on the PK. He isn't a sniper but he gets some opportunities because of his speed. He needs to be a bit more aggressive offensively and could add some strength. This kid has what it takes to be a solid NHL player. I was thinking a 3rd line guy but after his play recently I don't see why he can't be a top 6 forward.
I've always like him. Liked him in junior when he played here in Regina. Wasn't sure if he would be able to make the jump to the NHL or not. I think he has proved that he deserves to be here.
Beaglefan2:
One thing I like about Vrana is the desire he shows when he gets a tiny edge on the defensemen and just goes like hell to the net. It’s fearless and aggressive and that is what we have needed more of on this team for a long time.
Jeff in Gburg:
--- Quote from: 4 Caps on Sunday May 06, 2018, 03:45:42 PM Eastern ---
I agree that since Pittsburgh has the last line change having Vrana on Kuzy and Ovi’s line may be a problem defensively tomorrow night. I would like to see Stephenson moved up to the first line and have Vrana play with Backstrom and Oshie, that is assuming of course Backstrom is playing. Vrana would provide another offensive threat on that line and Stephenson would provide a defensive presence on the first line.
--- End quote ---
This would be my move, especially with the Pens having last change. Only downside to this would be changing up 2 lines but it would seem to make the most sense given the situation. I think Stephenson would fit right in with Ovi and Kuzy tomorrow if this happens.
Couldn't be more impressed by Stephenson's rapid development this year. During the regular season I didn't see him as a top-6'er anytime soon but he's proven plenty of people wrong. Has been tremendous on both ends of the ice so far in the highest of pressure situations. As for Vrana, I think he can develop into a solid two-way player, just might take a while for his defensive game to get there but I think it will.
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