Fire in the Ice: Kirill Kaprizov Learning English & to Outsmart NHL Stars
Fire in the Ice: Kirill Kaprizov Learning English & to Outsmart NHL Stars. to know more, read more …
‘The fire’s been lit (ignited),’ Kaprizov says to Wild in any language. Kirill Kaprizov was busy this summer.
He traveled to Italy for the first time, Turkey with his parents, and Florida with other Russian players.
Oh, and there’s the theater.
Picking up terms from movies is how the Wild forward has learnt more English.
Kaprizov watched “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3” just days before the Wild’s training camp began on Thursday at Tria Rink in St. Paul.
“No invite yesterday,” teammate Joel Eriksson Ek joked.
After the first exercise of camp, a cheerful Kaprizov recapped his offseason with ease and mostly in English, even delivering a critique of his recent viewing.
“I enjoy it. “It’s funny,” he stated of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3,” before adding (through an interpreter) in Russian that the film was heartfelt.
The talk highlighted how much time has passed since Kaprizov traveled from Russia to make his debut with the Wild, the then-23-year-old a seasoned player but a rookie in the NHL and a newbie to America, much alone Minnesota.
What hasn’t changed since Kaprizov, now 26, joined the Wild is the team’s record on the ice.
The Wild have not gone past the first round of the playoffs in three seasons in which he has destroyed franchise records and cemented his status as a superstar scorer.
And losing has fueled Kaprizov’s desire to win even more.
“I’m staying calm,” he remarked, speaking via an interpreter. “But for sure, he’s extremely motivated, extremely hungry, and the fire’s been lit, for sure.”
While the conclusion has been consistent, Kaprizov’s seasons have undoubtedly varied.
The epidemic cut short Year 1, which turned out to be simply a taste of Kaprizov’s talent. He was a near-unanimous Calder Trophy winner as the NHL’s finest rookie, but the Wild lost a hard-fought series in seven games to Vegas.
When he returned for his first full-season, Kaprizov was even better, setting team records in goals (47), assists (61), and points (108) while finishing top-five in league scoring. The Wild, though, wilted once more in the playoffs, this time losing in six games to St. Louis.
Last season, Kaprizov scored 40 goals (40-35-75) and appeared in his second All-Star Game, but he sustained a calf injury in March that kept him out until the playoffs began. He scored in Game 1 against Dallas, but that was it; the Wild were ousted in six games.
“Don’t play for a month,” Kaprizov said after being wounded during an uncomfortable tumble to the ice from a check. “It was the first time like this because I don’t remember not playing in the KHL for four or five weeks.” I only miss one or two games a year.
“Playoff hockey is always different than regular season hockey.” Play quicker, harder, and more tactically. PK, you have the advantage. We’ll see what happens. I strived to be better, like not making the same mistakes I did in the previous playoffs.”
During his season-ending meeting, Kaprizov expressed disappointment “that he wasn’t able to do what Kirill Kaprizov can do.”
“He tried, obviously,” remarked coach Dean Evason. “But it’s difficult when you’re thrown into that level of intensity and haven’t ramped up with your group.”
On Thursday, Kaprizov talked about learning from mistakes and setbacks, but he also stated that “last year happened last year” and that “I’m ready for this year.”
The left winger didn’t change up his offseason workout routine, and he still doesn’t like setting goals.
“I’m going to show up and do the best I can, and I expect the team to do the same, to be the best that we can, and that’s what I expect from myself and the team,” he said before bringing up the playoffs.
“Obviously, the goal is to make the playoffs and do really well in the playoffs,” Kaprizov added, “and that’s what we’re going to strive for.”
Kaprizov has records and accolades about halfway through his five-year, $45 million contract.
What he lacks is postseason success, but he is anxious to alter that.
“He’s irritated,” said alternate captain Marcus Foligno. “It wasn’t a happy finish for any of us. He had to be frustrated by his season-ending injury. Kirill is terrifying when he’s angry and wants the puck, so I expect to see a lot of battles.
“That’s what we discuss with our team, the culture and work ethic.” It everything begins and ends with him. He’s our most talented player.”
