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Head to Head: Milan Kraft Vs. Kris Beech
Written by: Marc Lapointe on 01/06/2002 
Overall Offensive Game:
If you look at Milan Kraft's stats this season you're probable gonna conclude that he was struggling badly. But stats aren't everything in this wonderful sport, he was actually one of the most dangerous forward for the Pens for some games. Kraft is able to get alot of scoring chances but he has the unfortunate tendency to not capitalize on them. If Kraft can finally find the back of the net regularly, he will become the forward the Pens saw in him at the 1998 draft. As for Kris Beech, he came in Pittsburgh with great expectations after being traded for arguably the most skilled player in the world, Jaromir Jagr. In my mind Beech hasn't been a disappointment so far. He has showed some really good skills and hockey sense for a youngster. But nothing has been easy for the Penguins this year and appearing on the score sheet is sometimes "mission impossible". If Beech would have played with offensive system that was utilized by the Penguins the past couple years, he would have twice as many points. Beech creates a lot of scoring chances with his incredible offensive assets but he took awhile to score his first NHL goal.
Both potential future stars have seen Ice-time during the struggling Penguins Powerplay this year. Result? They simply did like the rest of the team: struggle very much! They sometimes have shown some good moves and some good hockey-sense but nothing really outstanding stands out. So far Beech has scored four goals and 12 assists, and Kraft has five goals and only two assists. Milan also was able to score two goals and one assist in two games with the baby Pens.
Grade: Beech : C, Kraft : D+
Overall Defensive Game:
The main reason why the Canadian is still in Pitsburgh and the Czech at Wilkes-Barre is their overall defensive game (and physical presence). Beech has been consistent in his own end in helping his defense, He makes simple decisions and was good on break-outs. Beech has shown maturity for his age and shows the potential of being a first line, 2-way center. However, He still has to work on his decision-making overall.
Kraft is about the opposite. He was way too much inconsistency in the neutral and defensive zone. Kraft can surprise you with a good poke-check or simply watch you skate by. Hustle is the key for the 6-foot-2 center.
Grade: Beech : B-, Kraft : C-
Skating:
Back with the Calgary Hitmans, Pavel Brendl and Kris Beech were teammates. Brendl was describe as the pure sniper and Beech as the complete player, fast as the wind. At the Pro level, both ex-WHL players still benefit from their #1 asset. Beech has the wheels and the quickness but his agility and footspeed are in need of some improvement.
Kraft, once again is quite the opposite. Kraft is not the fastest skater in the NHL but he can turn around, make pivots and change direction very well.
Grade: Beech : B+, Kraft : B
Physical Play:
As long as Kraft doesn't use his 193-pound frame to his advantage, he will never become a dominant player in the big league. Kraft doesn't hit, doesn't neutralize opponents, and he doesn't play physical.
Beech wasn't expecting to be a big physical presence either. After all, with his effective defensive and physical game, many parts of his game were unknown. In fact, Efficient is how you can describe Beech's physical game. He isn't the guy who can smash you like a Darius Kasparaitis or Scott Stevens but he can hit hard and make his opponent lose the puck. Beech is also awesome around the board, he has protected the puck excellently and wins most of his battles. His good strength will be an asset for playing and staying in this league.
Grade: Beech : B, Kraft : D-
Passing Skills:
Like almost every potential superstar, Kraft and Beech both possess an incredible vision of the ice, and this asset makes them excellent play makers. Kraft and Beech pass the puck more than often, right on the tape and at the right moment. By watching their passing game you see why they are considered top prospects in the NHL. Little note: Kraft should shoot more.
Grade: Beech : B+, Kraft : B+
Puck Control:
Kraft controls the puck really well for a rookie. He can deke out some defensemen and has really impressed a lot of people. Beech isn't too bad either but he loses the puck too often.
Grade: Beech : B-, Kraft : B+
Others: Both have the same percentage for face-offs, hovering around 45%. If we take in consideration that 50% on face-off is good and that both are in their first full year against the big and experienced opposing centers, that's not bad at all.
Final:
Right now Beech is obviously the best Penguins prospect on offense BUT, the Europeans usually need more time to develop and Kraft COULD become a better player in the future. This is definitely arguably, but it's my opinion.
Stats : (taken Friday, January 4)
Kris Beech
GP G A PTS +/- PIM PPG SHG GWG GTG Shots 38 4 12 16 -7 31 1 0 0 0 70Playing time:
Average per game : 14:16
Total in Penalty Kill: 00:05:34
Total in Power Play : 01:22:16 (2.1 minutes per game)
Face-Off:
Face-off taken: 326
Face-off % : 45%
Hits: 35br>
Giveaways: 20
Takeaways: 19
Milan Kraft
GP G A PTS +/- PIM PPG SHG GWG GTG Shots 36 5 2 7 -6 10 0 0 1 1 58
Playing time:
Average per game : 13:26
Total in Penalty Kill: 00:08:21
Total in Power Play : 01:03:54 (1.7 minutes per game)
Face-Off:
Face-off taken: 460
Face-off % : 45%
Hits: 9 Giveaways: 6 Takeaways: 16
Copyright 2002 Hockey’s Future. Do not reprint or otherwise duplicate without permission of the editorial staff.
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