Base Malkin Review
Hey boys, I'm back with my first review of the new season, will try to do this as often as possible, lacking big name players right now though so I'm gonna start with some lower end guys first. The exception to this will be Malkin, the first card I pulled this year out of the RUB packs, so let's get on with this heavily debated card.
Line: Forsberg-Zetterberg-Malkin
Skating 9/10 For a big guy, Malkin can move. I find that he skates really smoothly this year and can cut through defenders pretty well. He's not clunky like many large players are and has speed that can start breakaways if he gets a step on the defenseman. What I've been most impressed by this year has been his ability to stay on his feet. Last year I felt that he would get bumped off the puck rather easily, this year is a lot different. Despite hitting being a much better tool on defense, Malkin does stay on his feet more often, allowing him second and even third chances to power by the defense.
Shooting 9/10 This is where I've seen a decline in Malkin's game, last year his shot could overpower goalies, that short side snipe was in full effect and it was deadly. This year goalies have gotten better at taking it away, and thus Malkin lost a tool which he was money for me last year. That's not to say he's been the only one affected, it's been across the board. Still though, when he gets his shot off, it's still pretty damn hard, both his slapper and wristshot are viable options to use in the offensive zone. He can still pick his corners, it has just gotten more difficult to do that this year.
Hands 9/10 Malkin maintained his silky smooth mitts from last year, all his dekes land and he's able to perform them with speed as well. He can make defenders look absolutely foolish regularly and create scoring chances by himself. His puck control also sticks out to me, as he can hold on to the puck even if he gets bumped or poked away from him, making him a menace in zone for opposing teams. His playmaking ability isn't quite as good as last year, he can make routine passes easily but don't expect him to make dazzling passes through the sticks and bodies of the opponents.
Checking 8.5/10 Malkin doesn't deliver punishing blows like he's been accustomed to do in previous games, I find that he does enough to separate the player from the puck, but not blow them up. His balance, as mentioned earlier, has gotten better, and is a good tradeoff for what he's going to be used to do.
Defense 7.5/10 Malkin should not be used on the draw, period. His weak face-off skills make him susceptible to losing often and diminishes his value if he does not get as much possession time. His poke checks are good, but without the stick lift and a weaker body checking ability he can't make many plays to regain possession, despite having good positioning in the defensive zone.
Overall... I hear a lot of complaints about Malkin, and rightfully so, he has gotten worse and I wouldn't consider him an elite forward option like he's been in the past, as of now he's more of a complimentary player in a top-6 role rather than the premier force we usually see. I think it's tougher for me to see mainly because I packed him for free, but from what it sounds like, barring any future patches, he's not a superstar I would splurge on if I was given a choice of 100k players, he's good, just doesn't live up to the expectations of the past.
If you like this let me know, I have some other players to review, some 87+ right now but as the year goes on I'm sure I'll gather some higher quality players to critique.
NHL 16 Player Reviews:
Posted Sep 26, 2016, 8:47 PM UTC