07/08 Player Profile - #21 John Pohl
# 21
John Pohl
6' 1" 196lbs Rochester, MN, US
6/29/1979
2006/07
GM G A PTS PIM PPG SHG GWG SH SH% +/-
74 13 16 29 10 3 0 1 105 12.4 -4
As a fourth line center, playing roughly 5 min a game, this guy was just brutal to watch. Continuously getting burned on the counter attack, or being caught watching his mark score a goal from the slot. It worsened by each game, battles for the puck were non-existent, and when Pohl obtained possession, he was easily pushed of the disc in mere seconds.
Then something happened, Peca’s leg shattered. Pohl was bumped up in the depth chart and immediately contributed to the Toronto Maple Leafs. His speed became very noticeable, both on offence and on the back check. This speed associated more minutes and responsibility, a greater focus on positioning, not to mention more creative wingers, enabled Pohl to put numbers on the board. He does have good offensive ability and a great ability to make a great pass. As the season progressed, he did have tendencies of getting burned by a goal or two as a result of a counter attack. This primarily would occur in road games when the opposition would have the last change, thus targeting Pohls line.
It is very difficult for a center of John Pohls size and style to sustain himself in the NHL. Due to his lack of reach, his positioning, instinct and speed has to be that much better. For the Toronto Maple Leafs this feat is even more difficult due to this teams lack of toughness and especially since the Leafs are going with Wellwood at center, they are very similar in stature.That said, Pohl can get better, and if a greater tenacity for the puck occurs this season, he could compete for a spot. I do not think he is a fit for the 4th line center, then again, I do not think any player could succeed playing 5 min a game, it again is paramount this Leafs team moves to a 4 line unit, but that is another argument for another time.
For the upcoming year I would like to see Pohl as a great 13th forward, keeping Wellwood on his toes all season, and being a solid contributor when called upon.
John Pohl
6' 1" 196lbs Rochester, MN, US
6/29/1979
2006/07
GM G A PTS PIM PPG SHG GWG SH SH% +/-
74 13 16 29 10 3 0 1 105 12.4 -4
As a fourth line center, playing roughly 5 min a game, this guy was just brutal to watch. Continuously getting burned on the counter attack, or being caught watching his mark score a goal from the slot. It worsened by each game, battles for the puck were non-existent, and when Pohl obtained possession, he was easily pushed of the disc in mere seconds.
Then something happened, Peca’s leg shattered. Pohl was bumped up in the depth chart and immediately contributed to the Toronto Maple Leafs. His speed became very noticeable, both on offence and on the back check. This speed associated more minutes and responsibility, a greater focus on positioning, not to mention more creative wingers, enabled Pohl to put numbers on the board. He does have good offensive ability and a great ability to make a great pass. As the season progressed, he did have tendencies of getting burned by a goal or two as a result of a counter attack. This primarily would occur in road games when the opposition would have the last change, thus targeting Pohls line.
It is very difficult for a center of John Pohls size and style to sustain himself in the NHL. Due to his lack of reach, his positioning, instinct and speed has to be that much better. For the Toronto Maple Leafs this feat is even more difficult due to this teams lack of toughness and especially since the Leafs are going with Wellwood at center, they are very similar in stature.That said, Pohl can get better, and if a greater tenacity for the puck occurs this season, he could compete for a spot. I do not think he is a fit for the 4th line center, then again, I do not think any player could succeed playing 5 min a game, it again is paramount this Leafs team moves to a 4 line unit, but that is another argument for another time.
For the upcoming year I would like to see Pohl as a great 13th forward, keeping Wellwood on his toes all season, and being a solid contributor when called upon.
posted by LEAFER at
1:17 PM
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