I know I'm prone to knee-jerk reactions, but isn't that in the job description of a hockey blogger? Well, it hurts me to say this, so I'm just going to take the "rip the band aid off" approach and say it. Mikko Koivu might not be as good as we think he is.
Since the lockout it's been accepted fact in the State of Hockey that Koivu was the best player on the team and that he was significantly underrated by hockey wonks league-wide. For years I've spent countless blog entries praising the skills of our captain and wondering how freaking good he would be if he had talent around him. Koivu for Selke and whatnot. Looking back, I think I was slightly off base.
Koivu is a very good checking center, period. He's a good team leader and works harder than any other teammate, but he's not an elite player in the NHL. If I were to rank the Top 20 centers today I'd have to leave #9 off of the list. He's not that skilled offensively and rarely makes his line mates great. On a Cup-contending team he'd be a 2nd or 3rd line center, truth be told. Now that's not to say "he sucks", clearly he doesn't. He does what he does very well, he's just not on the level with the best.
Personally it is very hard for me to admit this and I'm sure I'm in the minority around here. I just think it's time we all took a realistic look at this roster and realize what we have.
9 comments:
You're not alone in this sentiment. I think a lot of Minnesota fans want to believe that Mikko is every bit as great as his brother, Saku; however, that's just not the case. Mikko will never be a game-breaking superstar. Anyone who truly believes he has that ability is either:
A) A total homer of a fan or
B) Delusional
Duh
Truth be told, As a Montreal fan, It was the same with Saku. He was a great leader, a good checking line center but on a contending team would be a 2nd or 3rd line center, even in his prime. I personally think Mikko is a better center then Saku was/is.
Mikko is already a better hockey player than Saku (Hence Saku not wanting to play with Mikko in fear of losing ice time to little brother). and not skilled on offense? It's only been a month where he has finally had scoring wingers to play with, This would be an article better written in december not october... Boo urns blog writter, boo urns
Doesn't make his linemates great? So I guess Miettinen was a 20 goal player on his own?
This blogger is a moron. Mikko is an underated star and bloggers sit at home in there moms basements not knowing about puck
Koivu's wingers are better now, but here in Finland people wondered 4 years what the hell did Miettinen do in the NHL in the 1st place?? Setoguchi is ok but Heatley is rubbish as always. He's at his best in the WHC, a second tier tournament at best. Mik's a HARD working team player, a leader. Not the most skilled center. But I'd go with Mikko when the game is on the line.
I agree.
I think Mikko is a good leader, and a hard worker, but I would leave him outside the top 20 centers as well.
He's one of those guys that's better with certain players, but hasn't proven every situation is right for him.
I'm glad he's in Minnesota, but some of the praise is simply over the top.
Agree 100%. Even with the press was praising him, I've never thought he was an elite player.
More of a grinder, journeyman type.
Faceoff losses are hurting the Wild badly too.
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