[Jake Virtanen | #18 | RW]

6 minutes ago, TU90 said:

I think his game struggles when he focuses on physicality. We need to figure out what it is we want from Jake. Do we want a physical force, or do we want a 20 goal scorer who isn't pushed around? Not many players can bring both.

It may take a number of years yet before he puts the whole package together, but Jake can and will bring both in his prime, you can bank on that. 

[Things that annoy you.]

I don't enjoy looking at people who walk with their feet angled outwards. 

[YouTube Thread 2.0]

 

[confessions]

[Xbox One Thread]

Here's some 18 features that have come out from a survey.

 

NHL Threes in NHL 18 delivers the intense action of the 3-on-3 overtime hockey with a faster pace, bigger hits and more open ice to score insane goals. New audio commentary, broadcast presentation and over-the-top arena designs deliver a fresh new feel to every game. No matter how you play, NHL Threes stays fresh with multiple game modes, including cooperative or competitive play with friends, online versus against other players, or the new Circuit Mode where you battle through leagues and complete challenges to make it to the big show.

NHL 18 introduces new dekes that give players creative freedom to freeze goaltenders and create space around defenders. Players can also string together deking combinations into fluid dangles that give every attack the potential to be a creative masterpiece. On defense, the new Defensive Skill Stick delivers full control over your stick to target poke checks, keep sticks extended, or sweep sticks back and forth for zone coverage. Finally, the new Creative A.I. system lets AI teammates leverage the same new deking, passing, and defensive tools that you do, making for smarter plays in every zone.

NHL 18 introduces draft expansion to the acclaimed Franchise Mode, letting you take on the front office role of the 31st NHL team: the Vegas Golden Knights. Play as the authentic Golden Knights before their first NHL game, or draft your very own 32nd team in your hometown and reshape the league entirely, complete with a unique roster, arena, jersey, logo, and even a custom mascot. Expansion gives you the power to bring the excitement of professional hockey to your hometown on a quest to capture the Cup.

NHL 18 introduces new dekes and playmaking combinations that let you light the lamp with insane speed and dozens of jaw-dropping skill moves, including between-the-legs dekes, passes, and shots that make every moment memorable. Take control of the most skilled players in the NHL and experience the sport that was meant to be a videogame with the fastest pace, biggest hits, and most insane goal-scoring of any sports game out there.

 

 

Edit: Sorry, wrong thread. Mods feel free to delete.

[Xbox One Thread]

Project Scorpio reveal (probably just specs) tomorrow at 6am. Should be interesting

 

https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/04/xbox-scorpio-reveal-coming-on-thursday-morning-with-technical-emphasis/

[PlayStation 4 Thread]

1 hour ago, Xbox said:

I was more hoping for a real solution

You can replace it with a larger one.

 

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=how+to+replace+playstation+4+hard+drive

[Dmitry Zhukenov | C]

16 minutes ago, Cowardrobertford said:

And 6th overall.

And mans body. Kid looks like he's 12 still. 

[Jake Virtanen | #18 | RW]

I like Virt but he's just not ready.  Watching the game in the third period last night there was about 4-5 plays in a row that died on his stick over several shifts. He just doesn't process the game at an NHL level yet.

He has good individual skill and will make good passes and will make skillful plays with the puck but he's never going to be a high hockey sense, high hockey IQ player. He is a player that will rely on his physical attributes, his size, his speed, his shot.  

The rest of his game will come with time and experience but there's no need to rush him. I think he should be sent down, dominate offensively for Calgary, play a bigger role for Team Canada. It's been said before but I don't know of any player who's career was stunted by having to play an extra year of junior or by even playing a year or 2 in the AHL before playing a regular shift in the NHL. The same can't be said the other way around though. 

Look at a guy like Gaunce last night. He looks like a pro. Not flashy, but he makes the right plays, gets the puck deep, doesn't force bad passes. He played an extra year of junior, he's played a year in the AHL. He's been developed the right way and it shows in his game. 

Not every player is the same but there is absolutely no harm in sending Jake back to junior this year. He's had a taste now, he knows what it takes. He'll come back a year older and a better player. 

 

 

[Jake Virtanen | #18 | RW]

Then we wouldn't have had the chance to draft him.

You're right, I was thinking that too haha.

[Jake Virtanen | #18 | RW]

I like Virtanen, I wouldn't be surprised if he stay up with the team this year. He is physically ready, he is already crushing NHLers and that is going to pump up the crowds in the library. But man, if he had even 1/3 of the offensive IQ/vision that McCann has it would be an absolute no brainer to keep him up. He has the individual offensive skills and shot to be a good goal scorer but his slight lack of ability to truly play well/give and go with his linemates leaves you wishing for more offensive IQ.

He's going to be a great player for the canucks but it's hard not to think how good he would be if he had the vision/playmaking skills like McCann to go along with his speed/physical play/shot.

[Jake Virtanen | #18 | RW]

No one can predict his ceiling, but 3 things are for sure with his speed and strength, JV is going to be steamrolling opponents and scoring Evander Kane like goals for years to come and actually making that arena cheer in the process.

[[Report] Nucks to name new head coach following GM hire - Barry Trotz leading candidate]

For those in favour of hiring Trotz: We'd better hope we're at the top of HIS list because he'll have his pick of teams to go to.

He frickin lives in Vernon, he better want to coach the Canucks if they offer him the job. The only reason he wouldn't is because the damn fans are bat sheet crazy.

[Jason Garrison potential buyout candidate]

Why buy him out? He's leading the Canucks D in scoring by 8 points with 32. If this team even had a semi decent power play he could easily be at 40+ points. Sure he's -5 but on a team that is collectively -22 on goal differential -5 isn't that bad. Just look at Edler (-32).

[Niederreiter's hit on Burrows]

Does anyone have the NHL's explanation video for the Edler suspension?

[Niederreiter's hit on Burrows]

He clearly hit Burrows centre mass. It wasn't a glancing hit that only made contact with his head. It was unfortunate that contact was also made to the head, yes, but this is a hockey hit, shoulder to centre mass. Typical homer fans trying to make a mountain out of a molehill.