Being an average NHL player isn’t an insult, these guys are all solid and have had all impactful seasons. The word “average” is more for the title and I hope you understand what I was going for in the video, I don’t mean to offend.
Those Armia shorthanded goals are crazy. There was a lot of hype around him in Finland before he was drafted. Never figured out why he didn't thrive as a top 6 forward as he seems to have great hands and shot
I think it's all about the mental aspect that he had trouble with. I mean with the Montreal media and just trouble believing in himself. I think I remember him mentioning that he received a lot of help this season from the new staff regarding that aspect and he's definitely improved accordingly. Don't take my word for it though I could be spreading misinformation, this is just off the top of my head and I ain't no psychologist
Armia has very underrated offensive skills. He lacked a lot on defensive side of the game so he had to play a lot in 3-4 lines, but someone forgot him there. Nowadays he is just not a top scoring prospect but a very solid two-way player who can play in any role. If he stays healthy, I am not surprised if he makes the Olympic roster.
He has thrived as a top 6 forward. With team Finland, that is, where they believe in him. Obviously he is not a top 6 scorer for a whole 82 games NHL season, but he can definitely fill that role for a 10-game stretch easily. And the great thing is, if he is not required in the top 6 he also excels in the bottom 6. And we must remember, Winnipeg and Montreal BOTH have a gruesome history of ruining European prospects... (or drafting overhyped ones... that's a possibility too)
i remember him so much from when i was younger i never saw his stats i used to think he was a consistent all star lmao and every highlight of him was disgusting
So many Sabres players but no Ristolainen. I swear this guy would score like 4-6 goals per season but half of those would be absolute beauties and topped with some sick cellies as well.
What this video actually demonstrated, is the fact the media only hypes up plays that the star players makes. Look at the goal at 5:08 like litterly that goal is up there or if not better than any McDavid or Matthews goal I have ever seen. Yet never seen that goal before, getting so sick media bias. Most goals here are totally insane, yet not even in the top 5 goals of the season.
Andreas Anthinasiou (sorry if I spelt that wrong) also has an amazing highlight reel. It’s funny how these “average” players often have skills that are equivalent to the best players, but for some reason whether it be hockey IQ, mental awareness, bad luck, etc., don’t show it game in and game out like the Crosby’s and McDavid’s of the world. Even Wayne Gretzky acknowledged he was never the most skilled player in the NHL at any point in his career, but it was his mind that separated him from the rest.
Whenever Joel Armia's career is over, I want to know what percentage of his career goals were short-handed. Carey Price and the penalty kill carried the Habs to a cup final, and he was a huge part of that.
I wouldnt call chris drury an average player, but he had some of the sickest goals ive ever seen in the early 2000s. Based on his point totals then you wouldn't suspect it
In Zdeno Chara's final years, the highlights of the year for me were the 4-7 goals a season that he would have, especially the huge slap shots, AND ESPECIALLY the one in his LAST GAME. Unbelievable. Chara was the only reason for me to watch a single highlight of a New York Islander game.
Carter Hutton had one of those elite saves every season, otherwise he just a decent backup. But great commentator, hopefully the NHL hires him for broadcasts.
The thing all these players have in common is that they show incredible work ethic. All of these pretty plays are off of 2nd and 3rd efforts which is exactly what it takes to make it in the NHL when you're not as naturally gifted as the McDavids and Mackinnons of the world.
