r/NHLHUT•10 yr. ago

Base Tavares Review

Other

Yo back again with another player review, S/O to u/macincos for the card, today I'm gonna review Johnny T, the captain of the New York Islanders, let's get it.

Line: Wheeler-Tavares-Malkin

Skating 8/10 Tavares does not have exceptional speed, straight away, he can get caught easily and does not have the ability to burn defenders in transition. His decent acceleration does not help the cause either, forcing him to be a more in zone player than someone who can generate off the rush. His agility and balance, however, play to this strength. He can make cuts with the best of players to maneuver and create space, and can take hits without getting knocked off the puck.

Shooting 9/10 Tavares has a wicked shot, his wrister can pick corners with the best of them with excellent power. I find that even if the goalie gets a big piece of the shot, it will sometimes overpower the goalie and find its way into the net. Tavares' slapshot is also pretty good as an option, it has very good power and accuracy, giving him range throughout the zone to create chances just by putting the puck on the net.

Hands 9/10 Tavares has very good hands, I find that he has good control and can perform his dekes proficiently, but he isn't able to throw moves around the quickest. He doesn't lose the puck often, if he's bumped or poked he will maintain control and be able to keep driving possession. I find that Tavares can thread pucks through defenders and setup scoring chances for his teammates.

Checking 7.5/10 Tavares is not gonna lay the body, he can make contact and bump players off the puck, but in no way will he consistently destroy the opposition. He can take contact as well, he doesn't get destroyed by players, unless up against a Chara or Myers.

Defense 8.5/10 Tavares is a very good defensive player. He has great stick checking, and can easily force turnovers from the opponent. He's in good position majority of the time and will pick off passes in his path. He's also a viable option on draws, his skills at the dot are on the lower end of what I would allow to play center, but he will win a good amount of face-offs nonetheless.

Overall... Tavares is a very good player that can be a difference maker on the ice. He quietly racks up assists when he's not putting the puck in the net, and when he is scoring he's unbelievable. For a player that drives possession and scores off in-zone offensive play he's a great option to at a top-six center position, but I could see him being a bulkier winger for players who want more security at the dot, though he has a strong two-way game to support his position. He might not be a centerpiece for a team, but he has the potential to make a very good duo or go to line for most clubs.

Let me know who you would like me to review next, this will help me focus on the player I need to look at for the week leading up to the review, plus I would love to get your input.

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