How are we winning almost without him if he had two primary assets, and one on the winner? There not enough of chemistry on the second line, and getting Vrana there will help. I agree that Kuzy is not playing on the level of the last year, that post season on average he was our the very best player.
Hey Raven! How are ya!
Long time no talk.
In this second home game Kuzy did contribute well, no doubt. Without that incredible pass to Orpik, in which Kuzy showed not only his unique talent, but the discipline, and patience, to time it perfectly, we don’t get that OT goal for the win, and would have had to find another opportunity. No issue there.
My comments about Kuzy were not singular, to this game, but more of a broad and relative nature.
Broad, in the sense that he has had a chronic problem of defensive laziness, throughout most of the season. Quite often we would witness Kuzy’s “late arrival” coverage, on an opponent, as he either scores a goal, or takes a high chance shot.
Which costs our team, at a minimum, a near miss, setting up more time in opponents O zone, or maybe a goal, not to mention possibly the game!
Relative, in the sense that, all the shot CHANCES / (potentially goals), that DONT get to be taken, when we are in our O zone, moving the puck around, because of his lack of gritty effort, when on, or near, the boards, and there may be a close race for the puck! He almost never gets in there to fight for it, instead, he allows the opponent to get the puck, and then tries to reach around with his stick, with VERY little success, sometimes a hooking or holding penalty, but again, at a minimum, a true POSSESSION CHANGE, which, of course, you know, erases that offensive opportunity!!
Short version: The more potential shots and goals that we COULD have had, if Kuzy steps up his BOARD challenge effort.
Having said this, Raven, I’m still pulling for Kuzy, and, like you say, let’s hope he DOES pick it up in the playoffs.
Kuzy really is an unusual situation for the team. His taking all of us through the extreme highs and lows of his comprehensive performance!
I still like the guy, praise his good stuff, and dislike the bad. He, probably above anyone else on team,
mystifies the fans, both ways, and is one of the most least understood players, as to what really makes him want to play; What drives this guy in his heart? (Don’t think the coaches quite understand him totally, either)! LOL!
The Caps have been able to find a way to win, most days, in spite of Kuzy’s mistakes, which can sometimes have heavy consequences.
In the same breath, when Kuzy shines brightly, he shines LARGE, and often with heavy POSITIVE results; (OT game winners, absolutely impossible (sick), puck handling, etc.)
He can be a game changer!! Sometimes he cuts both ways!!
I’d love to see him kick ass, in this playoff run!!
Thanks Raven,
Rush
