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About This Page: This is a discussion on LA Kings Talk within the LetsGoKings.com forums, at Los Angeles Kings Hockey Fan Forum. Originally Posted by FabulousForum
Bulking up also means that he'd be getting dirtier goals in front of the net too. But the fact that Kopitar plays on THE WEST COAST
Bulking up also means that he'd be getting dirtier goals in front of the net too. But the fact that Kopitar plays on THE WEST COAST means he plays more defensive strong teams and better goaltenders. So I wouldn't really expect him to have the same stats...just sayin' he'd have the same presence.
Don't mind me, I was just being factual which is something that I usually am not. I typically lurk in gray areas and play opinions against one another.
However, Kopitar doesn't need to bulk up. He's already 6'4" 220. People need to understand...the type of game that Kopitar players indicates that he'll probably never develop much of a physical game. He's all about the one on one confrontation and he generally avoids contact. Ovechkin literally tries to take peoples heads off and has been doing so from day one. He also has been in the neighborhood of 55/60 goals since he was Anze's age. Sure, Anze plays in a tougher conference but I personally find it more telling that he hasn't gotten his nose dirty yet. If a player is going to learn such a game this is the place and he hasn't ventured in that direction. I honestly don't think he plans too.
Don't mind me, I was just being factual which is something that I usually am not. I typically lurk in gray areas and play opinions against one another.
However, Kopitar doesn't need to bulk up. He's already 6'4" 220. People need to understand...the type of game that Kopitar players indicates that he'll probably never develop much of a physical game. He's all about the one on one confrontation and he generally avoids contact. Ovechkin literally tries to take peoples heads off and has been doing so from day one. He also has been in the neighborhood of 55/60 goals since he was Anze's age. Sure, Anze plays in a tougher conference but I personally find it more telling that he hasn't gotten his nose dirty yet. If a player is going to learn such a game this is the place and he hasn't ventured in that direction. I honestly don't think he plans too.
I agree that Ovechkin would be one of the last players I would compare Kopitar to. Even players like Crosby are easier to compare Kopitar to, Alex and Kopi don't play the same and they will never play the same way.
However I slightly disagree about the physical play. Kopitar a year ago and Kopitar today are like day and night when it comes to physical play. He plays a lot more physical, it's really an obvious difference. Can we say he is a power forward, that he plays physical? Not at all. But why would he stop developing here, I think he will actually learn to use his body more in next seasons. Forsberg was one of his favorite players.
I agree that Ovechkin would be one of the last players I would compare Kopitar to. Even players like Crosby are easier to compare Kopitar to, Alex and Kopi don't play the same and they will never play the same way.
However I slightly disagree about the physical play. Kopitar a year ago and Kopitar today are like day and night when it comes to physical play. He plays a lot more physical, it's really an obvious difference. Can we say he is a power forward, that he plays physical? Not at all. But why would he stop developing here, I think he will actually learn to use his body more in next seasons. Forsberg was one of his favorite players.
Sorry bro...I haven't noticed much development in his physical game at all. I can't even recall him putting his shoulder into anyone. The kid avoids contact plain and simple.
I have to side with OP on this one. I love Kopi, but he isn't going to be a physical presence on the ice. A young Sundin is probably the best description of him I have heard. He isn't going to throw his weight around like Getzlaf and he isn't going to protect the puck like Fro. He will use his size to muscle through/around defensemen and drive the net to make plays. He can make plays and make them beautifully, but being a physical player is not in his future as far as I see it.
North Americans in general play tougher and want it more.As for Lidstrom he is great but very very soft.When was the last time a cup winner had a Euro for a captain?
There's a reason why they call it the "sophomore slump." The first year, a really good player stuns the league with their skills and puts up stellar numbers. Teams don't really know what to expect from them.
The second year, a young player will keep up his usual workout and work ethic, but teams key in on him much more than last year, and then it's the young player who needs to learn how to make the adjustment.
By the third year, both the NHL and the player know what to expect from each other.
When it comes to physical play, Getzlaf has Kopitar beat hands down.
But when it comes to talent and cerebral play, I give the edge to Kopitar.
There's not really anything wrong with liking Getzlaf more, but ultimately I think Kopitar is and will always be the better player.
