41 replies to this topic

[Aussie_Wing]

After page after page of 'who is Ritola' and 'he has no toughness' when he was initally recalled, I thought it's only fitting now that he's been sent down to GRand Rapids we give him a bit of credit. He certainly didn't look out of place in the NHL and he's enhanced his reputation as having a future in this league. Didn't register any points but played strong every night; he was prepared to hit, he drove hard to the net, he had some beautiful moves that led to scoring chances and most importantly, he wasn't at all a defensive liability.

Good job Mattias on your brief stint here, hopefully you're a full time Red Wing next season.

[Z and D for the C]

The NHL.com stats page shows he hasn't play at all this year (except for his time here). Is that just a mistake or why isn't he playing?

[Feldmarschall]

He's been playing in GR. 32GP 8G 7A 15P -6

He did look very good in NHL action, though. He'll be back next year.

[titanium2]

“He played really well, we like him a lot,� Babcock said. “He’ll play in the NHL for sure, if he wants to.�

http://www.mlive.com...ias_ritola.html

[Miller Brew]

Ritola reminds me of a more physical Filppula 2.0.

[ben_usmc]

for some reason I thought he had an assist, oh well he did look great out there.

[thedisappearer]

Ritola reminds me of a more physical Filppula 2.0.

That's like saying "a defensive Gretzky".

Anyway, he looked good, lots of potential. Now go back to the AHL, realize where you need to improve, and do so. Hope to see you next year.

[Miller Brew]

That's like saying "a defensive Gretzky".

I disagree, but carry on.

[Z and D for the C]

I do too. While Filppula is no helm or Abdelkader in terms of physicality, Filppula has definitely been using his body, checking well and often initiates contact when someone is trying to check him.

Overall Filppula is looking like a seriously complete, 2 way forward. The next few years should be very exciting for him.

[cupforwings]

I liked how he shot the puck, controlled the puck aggressively, was assertive in the play, backchecked hard, and wasn't afraid to play physical... Leino should take a few pointers from Ritola

[zackmorris]

“He played really well, we like him a lot,� Babcock said. “He’ll play in the NHL for sure, if he wants to.�

http://www.mlive.com...ias_ritola.html

I just laugh to myself when I read these types of comments from Babs. None of those words are random or lazily chosen. He has a subtle message behind all of them. I think he liked Rittola but wasn't as impressed with him as he was guys like Helm and Ericsson. The "if he wants to" part is obviously him saying he needs to keep working to get a little better and he'll have a spot. Work hard and you'll make it to the show, but you're not ready right now.

[jollymania]

I wasn't convinced he was that good till I saw him live at the Avs game, he was genereating chances and making a lot of hits and playing tough in the corners

[Aussie_Wing]

I just laugh to myself when I read these types of comments from Babs. None of those words are random or lazily chosen. He has a subtle message behind all of them. I think he liked Rittola but wasn't as impressed with him as he was guys like Helm and Ericsson. The "if he wants to" part is obviously him saying he needs to keep working to get a little better and he'll have a spot. Work hard and you'll make it to the show, but you're not ready right now.

Disagree, I think his play was more than acceptable. The "if he wants to" comment relates to his poor attitude before he came to North America and his struggles this season. Babcock knows that it's been one knock on him throughout his career (not during his stay with the Griffins though) and so he wants to send the message that if he keeps playing hard, he'll eventually have a spot in Detroit.

[Drake_Marcus]

The NHL.com stats page shows he hasn't play at all this year (except for his time here). Is that just a mistake or why isn't he playing?

He's still a prospect. He was drafted and developed by the Wings, so if he isn't playing in Detroit he's playing in Grand Rapids.

[russianswede919293]

I liked him. I've never been to big on Ritola before this year. Preferred Mursak.

But Ritola looked very good. I think he needs to move his legs a bit more and work on his scoring touch, but he could be a solid 3rd liner on this team.

Looked good Mattias, I'll see you play tomorrow in Rochester.

[toby91_ca]

The NHL.com stats page shows he hasn't play at all this year (except for his time here). Is that just a mistake or why isn't he playing?

I think nhl.com only keeps current "NHL stats" player stats from games they've played in other leagues are only updated at the end of each season, so you you won't find anything in the 09/10 season from other leagues yet.

I think you'll notice the same thing from any other player splitting time between the NHL and the AHL.

[dat's sick]

I was surprised by him, he looked a lot more NHL ready than I thought he would. Also has more skill than I expected. Some really nice moves and he's patient and careful with the puck, not just throwing it away.
If we have to drop Miller when guys get healthy, Ritola should be able to perform on the same level as him when called upon.

[Green Wing]

He initially came in and replaced Leino, and did all the things Leino was wussing out of. Finished checks, went into hard areas, skated hard. He didn't look uncomfortable being up.

Yeah, pleased with him. Babcock's comment was just a reminder that if he keeps up his good attitude he will get up.

[Travis]

Would've loved to see him in a Griffins jersey last night. They could've used him.

[Miller Brew]

When does Ritola have to play in the NHL full time before lose him? Is this his last year in GR or does he have 1 more to go?