Kronwall the next Konstantinov?

Question

It seems like Kronwall has changed his role from being a bit of an offensive-defensemen to a big hitter. It reminds me a bit of Vladdy back in the day before his accident, except Kronwall needs to practice not leaving his feet on his hits. Check out some of these clips.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=6BdgnVNxVmk

http://youtube.com/watch?v=d7U3MYd5Rcw

http://youtube.com/watch?v=xj4fljgkxeE

http://youtube.com/watch?v=UkaFByI9EY4

Answer 1

The other thing being missed here is that Konstantinov is one of the last masters of the hip check.  most of those hits that Kronwall got a penalty on Vladdy wouldn't have due to delivering the nice clean hip check.

Answer 2

I was not a Hockey Fan when Konstantinov played, but from the clips that I have seen, Kronwall does play a bit like him. Like you said, he needs to stop leaving his feet on some of his hits, but he is still a force, he had many big hits in Game 1 against the Pens.

Trombass - I like that idea, the Swedish Five. Perhaps Franzen could be like Larionov.

Answer 3

That's a plausible theory

Answer 4

as far as the open ice hits... very similar, except the players will tell you Konstantinov's were more bone crunching, and seldom would he loose his footing. After the hit he was standing straight and the opponent down! kons was tougher in his own end but Kron a better outlet passer. but definitely a good comparison.

Trombass;   Tomas Holmstrom #96 not like Larionov but who is ?

Answer 5

Now that Kronwall has a capable defender to his right (Stuart) we will see now see the real Kronwall. He has stepped up his game tremendously this post-season and a big hit is expected every game.  The last player that threw his body around like he did was in fact Konstantinov. Not to mention he's only 5'11 but plays like he's 6'4.

Like he said he would still like to be considered the "soft swede".

Answer 6

No, never will be that kind of player. Remember Konstantinov was always looking to take out the best players.  Kronwall has that capability, but seldom does he do that. Kronwall has stepped up as we've seen, however on a daily basis, believe it or not his background is more offensive. Having Lidstrom, it is hard for Kronwall to focus on offense. I believe he will take over Lidstroms role after retirement (If Nick ever retires???) but never put up Nick's kind of numbers..

Answer 7

Someone get that kid a seatbelt!

He's doing pretty well with his hits.  Maybe if we get another Swedish forward into the line-up, we could have the Swedish Five.  Lidstrom would be the old veteran defenseman, Kronwall the hard hitting defenseman, Zetterberg the flashy star, Samuelson the occasional scorer, and someone that plays like Larionov.

heavysoviet: Yeah, and I'm thinking about putting in Homer for Samuelson.