Kovy_Ribs_Fedo 3 Report post Posted January 18, 2005 Hey guys, here's a story on Kovalev. Let's say, I would have dream to be one of those young players... :lol: Here is the story :http://www.ckpr.com/localsports/index.asp?...msg=commentpost Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LkptTiger 1 Report post Posted January 18, 2005 I would have dream to be one of those young players... :lol: You dream of playing Division III :o ;) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
prenny207 1 Report post Posted January 19, 2005 You dream of playing Division III :o ;) is that such a bad dream... that would be quite a thrill for a lot of kids.nice of kovalev though Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
morty 0 Report post Posted January 19, 2005 I've got a friend who's brother plays for Manhattanville. He lives in Kamloops tho cause he plays for the Blazers, but if I talk to him any time soon (and he's talked to his brother) I'll see if he knows anything more about what he's like. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Borsch 0 Report post Posted January 19, 2005 Great story, Kovy_Ribs! I like Kovalev even more now. :) Also i dearly hope he becomes a junior coach or writes a book- to pass on his skills and training techniques that gave him those skills... Mario is dead right about Kovalev being the best stickhandler of all time, and I (very respected authority I am, i know- sarcasm :D ) would say that Alex downright is the most skillfull hockey player of all time. His skating is an etalon of controlled relaxation, edge control and balance;he's got a bomb of a slapshot, a wicked backhander, and a hard quick wristshot. And then there is his stickhandling............... :D Although many question his his stats - I think that had he lived in a differnt hockey era (70's or 80's) with a more open hockey and played for a good team with a coach who understood his game and wouldn't try to "break" him - he would be up there with all other legends... Although I'm sure he will be remebered anyway: not for his stats but as an etalon of skill and technique. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Borsch 0 Report post Posted January 19, 2005 As a ranger fan, you cannot just erase some of the years he had here because of his stint in Pittsburgh. The only time he has played to his potential is in Pittsburgh. And the only time he has seemed to show true desire and team commitment might have been early with New York. He was actually commited to defense and showed great effort in both zones on thh Rangers path to the cup. But to say that a coach has to understand his game and let him do as he wishes just so he can be effective isn't what a legend should be made of. Rangers WERE trying to break him(and he just wouldn't conform), and PPenguins were rewarded with his good play because they "allowed him to play his game"(quating then PP coach Kevin Constantine) . And also regarding him hurting his team: I'd say for every givaway in the neutral zone he gained the offensive zone (with his silky stickhadling or by commiting oposition to himself and laying off a pass to an open teammate) about fifty (maybe 100) times. A lot was made about his giveaways though. And ANYWAY my point was that his level of SKILL is legendary, not his usefulness/uselessness/desire-or-lack-of-it/willingness-or-unwillingness to conform/ etc etc... Just his standalone skill And maybe if conditions were better, his legendary skills would bring him legendary stats (cause usually these two go hand in hand) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kovy_Ribs_Fedo 3 Report post Posted January 19, 2005 0hile I agree, Kovalev is probably has been one of the most skilled for a few years now, I think you are giving him way too much slack. The fact is, no matter how much skill Kovalev has, he hurts his teams many times and has shown that he cannot always use it to help the team. He is a very difficult person to play with as well since he is so unpredictable and has an east west game. If you are not on his page, forget it. The lines not working. To say he would be up there with the other legends almost gets me sick. As a ranger fan, you cannot just erase some of the years he had here because of his stint in Pittsburgh. The only time he has played to his potential is in Pittsburgh. And the only time he has seemed to show true desire and team commitment might have been early with New York. He was actually commited to defense and showed great effort in both zones on thh Rangers path to the cup. But to say that a coach has to understand his game and let him do as he wishes just so he can be effective isn't what a legend should be made of. Hey Theo,I understand your frustration, but at least Kovy helps the Rangers win a Stanley Cup, a thing that Lindros-Bure-Gretzky and others great players did not accomplished. I watched the 94 playoffs and Kovy was one of the best Rangers if not the best in many games and he was not in the prime of his career at that moment.And I've always think that great players are players that usually play a different game than normal players, a thing the Rangers have never understand.Jagr once said that Kovalev was in his TOP 5 skills players of all time...Lemieux said that he has the skills to be the best in the world...For me he's the best of nowadays, I still remember those days in Pittsburgh, it was unbeleivable...Those games were magic hockey. The way Kovalev can beat a opponents is just awesome, I don't know how he do that, it's just so fast and so elusive but it also looks so easy.Anyway that was not the goal of my topic to start another fight on Kovalev, but if it stays respectful it's OK... :D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kovy_Ribs_Fedo 3 Report post Posted January 19, 2005 Thats all fine and good, but you don't win games and championships like that. In 94 when Keenan was a hardass on him, we won and he played great both ends. Steve Yzerman made a decision to either dominate the NHL in points through the 90's or to fill out his game. He made the right decision and now teh wings are 2 cups richer, I believe. Great players make the best of their skills. Kovalev has not. Kovalev is a a great skill, but I will never see him as an awesome player. Your skills are only as good as what you make out of them. I can't say if you're right or not because it's your point of view, so that's ok like you think. But look at Lemieux, he has never change his game, always plays offence don't care a lot on defence, I know he was scoring tons of point...Kovy is only 1 Cup behind Lemieux, so he can still reach Lemieux on that point...Anyway, he has never had a career that he should have, but I'm sure he has inspired many younger hockey players, and I think it's something many Pros will never succeed at... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gongshow11 1 Report post Posted January 19, 2005 manhattanville is number 2 in the country, i bet you couldnt play ther LKPTiger. they are sick. dreaming to play for manhattanville is justified as they are undefeated this season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2048 0 Report post Posted January 19, 2005 Thats all fine and good, but you don't win games and championships like that. In 94 when Keenan was a hardass on him, we won and he played great both ends. Steve Yzerman made a decision to either dominate the NHL in points through the 90's or to fill out his game. He made the right decision and now teh wings are 2 cups richer, I believe. Great players make the best of their skills. Kovalev has not. Kovalev is a a great skill, but I will never see him as an awesome player. Your skills are only as good as what you make out of them. I can't say if you're right or not because it's your point of view, so that's ok like you think. But look at Lemieux, he has never change his game, always plays offence don't care a lot on defence, I know he was scoring tons of point...Kovy is only 1 Cup behind Lemieux, so he can still reach Lemieux on that point...Anyway, he has never had a career that he should have, but I'm sure he has inspired many younger hockey players, and I think it's something many Pros will never succeed at... Kovalev was amazing in the 1994 cup run, especially considering how young and inexperienced he was. That said, he's either got nothing or too much between the ears. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Borsch 0 Report post Posted January 19, 2005 Thats all fine and good, but you don't win games and championships like that. In 94 when Keenan was a hardass on him, we won and he played great both ends. Steve Yzerman made a decision to either dominate the NHL in points through the 90's or to fill out his game. He made the right decision and now teh wings are 2 cups richer, I believe. Great players make the best of their skills. Kovalev has not. Kovalev is a a great skill, but I will never see him as an awesome player. Your skills are only as good as what you make out of them. I can't say if you're right or not because it's your point of view, so that's ok like you think. But look at Lemieux, he has never change his game, always plays offence don't care a lot on defence, I know he was scoring tons of point...Kovy is only 1 Cup behind Lemieux, so he can still reach Lemieux on that point...Anyway, he has never had a career that he should have, but I'm sure he has inspired many younger hockey players, and I think it's something many Pros will never succeed at... Kovalev was amazing in the 1994 cup run, especially considering how young and inexperienced he was. That said, he's either got nothing or too much between the ears. He's a very well rounded person, thats for sure. Apparently he was playing saxophone duet with some saxophone star in concert in Russia a few years back. Sax is not an easy instrument to play by any means When did he learn to play it at pro level, when he's been so involved in hockey all his life?! Kudos to Kovalev B) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kovy_Ribs_Fedo 3 Report post Posted January 19, 2005 Thats all fine and good, but you don't win games and championships like that. In 94 when Keenan was a hardass on him, we won and he played great both ends. Steve Yzerman made a decision to either dominate the NHL in points through the 90's or to fill out his game. He made the right decision and now teh wings are 2 cups richer, I believe. Great players make the best of their skills. Kovalev has not. Kovalev is a a great skill, but I will never see him as an awesome player. Your skills are only as good as what you make out of them. I can't say if you're right or not because it's your point of view, so that's ok like you think. But look at Lemieux, he has never change his game, always plays offence don't care a lot on defence, I know he was scoring tons of point...Kovy is only 1 Cup behind Lemieux, so he can still reach Lemieux on that point...Anyway, he has never had a career that he should have, but I'm sure he has inspired many younger hockey players, and I think it's something many Pros will never succeed at... Kovalev was amazing in the 1994 cup run, especially considering how young and inexperienced he was. That said, he's either got nothing or too much between the ears. He's a very well rounded person, thats for sure. Apparently he was playing saxophone duet with some saxophone star in concert in Russia a few years back. Sax is not an easy instrument to play by any means When did he learn to play it at pro level, when he's been so involved in hockey all his life?! Kudos to Kovalev B) He's also a good golfer, an he can fly airplane and helicopter...He has an airplane if my memory is good. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2048 0 Report post Posted January 19, 2005 I know all those things about Kovy, which is why I said either too much or too little. It just seems like he either thinks too much or doesn't think at all when he's playing. He's usually better when he thinks just a little bit and realizes that he's on a team and isn't showing off for a bunch of scouts at a skills comp.Edit- However, when he's in a slump he tends to stay there for a while. Seems like he overanalyzes everything and turns into crap. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Borsch 0 Report post Posted January 19, 2005 He's also a good golfer, an he can fly airplane and helicopter...He has an airplane if my memory is good. Lol, I HATE golf with passion :D But anyway, according to your article he was beaten (by four strokes?) by those kids... So not so great at golf (which is a plus in my eyes haha). But anyway playing hockey (highest level possible,almost an art form), Sax ( very high level), flying a plane/chopper... Guy is a talent- no doubt about it. We all love him so much...How about converting ModSquadHockey into his fan club? ;) ;) hahha only joking :) Kovalev Rules! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kovy_Ribs_Fedo 3 Report post Posted January 19, 2005 I know all those things about Kovy, which is why I said either too much or too little. It just seems like he either thinks too much or doesn't think at all when he's playing. He's usually better when he thinks just a little bit and realizes that he's on a team and isn't showing off for a bunch of scouts at a skills comp.Edit- However, when he's in a slump he tends to stay there for a while. Seems like he overanalyzes everything and turns into crap. I'd say it's a good analyse, sometimes he think too much... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kovy_Ribs_Fedo 3 Report post Posted January 19, 2005 He's also a good golfer, an he can fly airplane and helicopter...He has an airplane if my memory is good. Lol, I HATE golf with passion :D But anyway, according to your article he was beaten (by four strokes?) by those kids... So not so great at golf (which is a plus in my eyes haha). But anyway playing hockey (highest level possible,almost an art form), Sax ( very high level), flying a plane/chopper... Guy is a talent- no doubt about it. We all love him so much...How about converting ModSquadHockey into his fan club? ;) ;) hahha only joking :) Kovalev Rules! Hey Borsch,How about to talk to this Kovalev fan club to the moderator Mack, I'm sure he will be for...lol. :lol: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Borsch 0 Report post Posted January 19, 2005 Hey Borsch,How about to talk to this Kovalev fan club to the moderator Mack, I'm sure he will be for...lol. :lol: I'm sure he will ;) :D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
this guy 0 Report post Posted January 19, 2005 This is just what we need- another Kovy stalker on the board. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chadd 916 Report post Posted January 19, 2005 His numbers went up in Pittsburgh partly because his ice time went way up. He put up more than a point a game three times in his entire career and is a minus player over his career. For all the skill he has, it doesn't seem like he has accomplished as much as one might expect. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Borsch 0 Report post Posted January 19, 2005 This is just what we need- another Kovy stalker on the board. I guess that's aimed at me Chadd, Kovalev did not achieve much in his career... he is junior world chamion, olympic champion, stanley cup champion - not a bad CV, huh? however, forget about all that - the point is I've never said that Kovalev was the best, the most complete, the perfect hockey player. I have only said that his individual skill and technique is simply phenomenal, amazing, mind boggling etc... Thats all. :) I agree with you very much that he should have achieved a lot more in his career, it is his fault for some part that he did not... It does puzzle me why his stats do not match his ability, I think that largely that is due to the fact that one skill he lacks is playmaking ala Lemieux,Gretzky,Larionov,Forsberg, or Jagr. Jagr, Lemieux and Datsyuk are similar to Alex in their love for stickhandling, commiting and beating Ds, BUT they are also consistantly able to spot an open man with a pass- through traffic, legs, skates... Kovalev can not really boast that particular skill - not consistantly anyway. Hence- less assists, points, but also more attacks coming to nothing. That is his shortcoming. All(ok not all) other offensive skills, stickhandling and most parts of his skating ( general technique, controlled relaxation, edge control, balance) are as close to perfect as hockey world has ever seen. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chadd 916 Report post Posted January 19, 2005 Good analysis, I would have to agree for the most part. I also think his confidence in his stickhandling is so high that he thinks he can beat anyone in any situation. The problem is he tries to do just that a little too often. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kovy_Ribs_Fedo 3 Report post Posted January 20, 2005 This is just what we need- another Kovy stalker on the board. I guess that's aimed at me Chadd, Kovalev did not achieve much in his career... he is junior world chamion, olympic champion, stanley cup champion - not a bad CV, huh? however, forget about all that - the point is I've never said that Kovalev was the best, the most complete, the perfect hockey player. I have only said that his individual skill and technique is simply phenomenal, amazing, mind boggling etc... Thats all. :) I agree with you very much that he should have achieved a lot more in his career, it is his fault for some part that he did not... It does puzzle me why his stats do not match his ability, I think that largely that is due to the fact that one skill he lacks is playmaking ala Lemieux,Gretzky,Larionov,Forsberg, or Jagr. Jagr, Lemieux and Datsyuk are similar to Alex in their love for stickhandling, commiting and beating Ds, BUT they are also consistantly able to spot an open man with a pass- through traffic, legs, skates... Kovalev can not really boast that particular skill - not consistantly anyway. Hence- less assists, points, but also more attacks coming to nothing. That is his shortcoming. All(ok not all) other offensive skills, stickhandling and most parts of his skating ( general technique, controlled relaxation, edge control, balance) are as close to perfect as hockey world has ever seen. Oh man, very well said Borsch, this is poetry. :oI think you cannot resume better Kovalev strenght and weekness than on this text.All what you said is so true... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hockeyman9621 0 Report post Posted January 21, 2005 Thats all fine and good, but you don't win games and championships like that. In 94 when Keenan was a hardass on him, we won and he played great both ends. Steve Yzerman made a decision to either dominate the NHL in points through the 90's or to fill out his game. He made the right decision and now teh wings are 2 cups richer, I believe. Great players make the best of their skills. Kovalev has not. Kovalev is a a great skill, but I will never see him as an awesome player. Your skills are only as good as what you make out of them. I can't say if you're right or not because it's your point of view, so that's ok like you think. But look at Lemieux, he has never change his game, always plays offence don't care a lot on defence, I know he was scoring tons of point...Kovy is only 1 Cup behind Lemieux, so he can still reach Lemieux on that point...Anyway, he has never had a career that he should have, but I'm sure he has inspired many younger hockey players, and I think it's something many Pros will never succeed at... You can not compare Kovalev to Lemieux. Not on any stand point. Ask anyone, any real fan, when we are talking about the best players, Kovalev does not fit in. Think about all the great players, Gretzky, Lemieux, Sakic, Yzerman, etc.- consistant. It counts, and Kovalev doesn't have it. Lately teams rely on the offense he doesn't produce. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kovy_Ribs_Fedo 3 Report post Posted January 21, 2005 Thats all fine and good, but you don't win games and championships like that. In 94 when Keenan was a hardass on him, we won and he played great both ends. Steve Yzerman made a decision to either dominate the NHL in points through the 90's or to fill out his game. He made the right decision and now teh wings are 2 cups richer, I believe. Great players make the best of their skills. Kovalev has not. Kovalev is a a great skill, but I will never see him as an awesome player. Your skills are only as good as what you make out of them. I can't say if you're right or not because it's your point of view, so that's ok like you think. But look at Lemieux, he has never change his game, always plays offence don't care a lot on defence, I know he was scoring tons of point...Kovy is only 1 Cup behind Lemieux, so he can still reach Lemieux on that point...Anyway, he has never had a career that he should have, but I'm sure he has inspired many younger hockey players, and I think it's something many Pros will never succeed at... You can not compare Kovalev to Lemieux. Not on any stand point. Ask anyone, any real fan, when we are talking about the best players, Kovalev does not fit in. Think about all the great players, Gretzky, Lemieux, Sakic, Yzerman, etc.- consistant. It counts, and Kovalev doesn't have it. Lately teams rely on the offense he doesn't produce. What you're not understanding is that we compare Kovalev to Lemieux not in terms of production or impact to a team, we compare Kovalev to the great players in term of skills, and in term of skills, we can easily compare Kovalev to those guys. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Borsch 0 Report post Posted January 21, 2005 You can not compare Kovalev to Lemieux. Not on any stand point. Ask anyone, any real fan, when we are talking about the best players, Kovalev does not fit in. Think about all the great players, Gretzky, Lemieux, Sakic, Yzerman, etc.- consistant. It counts, and Kovalev doesn't have it. Lately teams rely on the offense he doesn't produce. Oh yes you can! ;) If it all about stats, results etc- then why on Earth do you WATCH hockey at all??? Just read your newspaper sports page - the part where all the results, stats and team standings are haha :D <_< Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
