Because nothing screams "cutting edge" quite like The Triple Deke, we'll be passing on the typical season preview for 2009-10. Instead, we will bring you this: a highly scientific forecast of each player's performance, which will be calculated by using an updated copy of a 13 year old video game -- Sega's NHL '97. Each statistical output will be treated as an irrefutable premonition, and anyone who challenges the accuracy of our system will be burned alive in front of their families.
*****
Ville Leino | #21 | Left Wing
Strengths:
* Silky smooth with the puck on his stick.
* Offensively versatile; can make plays for linemates or score goals.
* Possesses the sort of cockiness that earned him the nickname "A.C. Slaternen" back in Finland.
Weaknesses:
* Is small (6'0 / 180 lbs) and doesn't make up for it in the speed department.
* Judging by this picture, it's only a matter of time before he overthrows the Red Wings front office and takes control of the NHL with a giant laser.
NHL '97 Season Recap: 19 goals, 39 assists, 58 points
He came to the Wings last season as an established player from Finland's SM-Liiga, having been named the top Finnish player in 2008. Among his many traits and skills, the thing that stands out to me is this comment from his former coach Doug Shedden: "he probably led the (Finnish SM-Liiga) in practice fights." Awesome. Gotta love having a guy that's such a competitive psycho that he drops the gloves at fucking practice. That's hardcore. Plus, if this hockey thing doesn't work out for him, he would fit right in with the Detroit Lions.
He got off to a flying, twirling start with the Wings this past season with a nifty goal against the Capitals. He played well in 13 regular season games, posting a 5-4-9 stat line in just 12:42 average ice time, which would seem like an excellent sign if you're looking for a guy to fill Hudler's role. He's not physical and seemed like a defensive liability at times, but that only helps him fill out the Hudler role ever more. Now he just needs to develop a disturbing clucking routine with Ozzie after victories and the transformation will officially be complete.
Video game-wise, this dude's a stud. And I'm normally against calling other guys "studs" unless I'm feverishly pounding them in the ass, but that's what Leino is. He already displays signs of wizardry in the offensive zone, and things will improve as he settles in. His virtual season projection had him post an impressive 39 assists while mainly playing 3rd line minutes and getting some power play time.
There's plenty of pressure on him to succeed this season with the offseason losses, but also because of his anxiousness to play NHL games as opposed to sulking in Grand Rapids. I'm not going to worry about him -- Sega says he's going to have a productive year.
*****
Ville Leino | #21 | Left Wing
Strengths:
* Silky smooth with the puck on his stick.
* Offensively versatile; can make plays for linemates or score goals.
* Possesses the sort of cockiness that earned him the nickname "A.C. Slaternen" back in Finland.
Weaknesses:
* Is small (6'0 / 180 lbs) and doesn't make up for it in the speed department.
* Judging by this picture, it's only a matter of time before he overthrows the Red Wings front office and takes control of the NHL with a giant laser.
NHL '97 Season Recap: 19 goals, 39 assists, 58 points
He came to the Wings last season as an established player from Finland's SM-Liiga, having been named the top Finnish player in 2008. Among his many traits and skills, the thing that stands out to me is this comment from his former coach Doug Shedden: "he probably led the (Finnish SM-Liiga) in practice fights." Awesome. Gotta love having a guy that's such a competitive psycho that he drops the gloves at fucking practice. That's hardcore. Plus, if this hockey thing doesn't work out for him, he would fit right in with the Detroit Lions.
He got off to a flying, twirling start with the Wings this past season with a nifty goal against the Capitals. He played well in 13 regular season games, posting a 5-4-9 stat line in just 12:42 average ice time, which would seem like an excellent sign if you're looking for a guy to fill Hudler's role. He's not physical and seemed like a defensive liability at times, but that only helps him fill out the Hudler role ever more. Now he just needs to develop a disturbing clucking routine with Ozzie after victories and the transformation will officially be complete.
Video game-wise, this dude's a stud. And I'm normally against calling other guys "studs" unless I'm feverishly pounding them in the ass, but that's what Leino is. He already displays signs of wizardry in the offensive zone, and things will improve as he settles in. His virtual season projection had him post an impressive 39 assists while mainly playing 3rd line minutes and getting some power play time.
There's plenty of pressure on him to succeed this season with the offseason losses, but also because of his anxiousness to play NHL games as opposed to sulking in Grand Rapids. I'm not going to worry about him -- Sega says he's going to have a productive year.
2 comments:
A.C. Slaternen = superduperinsider nickname. Pure awesome.
If you can make a post that includes Zack Morris' epic cell phone, I'll call you a stud.
Ville Leino calls Val Filppula "Preppy" in the locker room.
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