In "Tip Top" Shape
07/Nov/07 08:35 PM Filed in: Player
Profile
He
doesn't have the flare or panache as some scorers,
but Mike "Tip Top" Taylor is getting things done
again this season, quietly and under the radar.
After a few years off, Taylor returned to the ice with the Prowlers last season and after a slow start was second in team scoring. But unlike last season, it hasn't taken Mike Taylor two months to find his scoring touch. Centering the twins, Trevor Hay and Jeff Buder, the "Pro Shop" line is a credible threat out of the gate this year.
With 7 goals and 3 assists in 8 games so far this year, Taylor is on pace to equal or better last season's total of 38 points. But if he hits a hot streak in the second half of the campaign like he did last year, the 50 point mark is not out of the question.
"I think not only myself, but our entire line has had a way better start this year." says Taylor "We keep our game really simple and don't try to complicate things, and it seems to work well for us."
Simple is an understatement, as it's more about the "how" than the "how many" in Mike's game. Most of the flare and rangle dangle has been replaced with solid fundamentals and smart plays. But that's not to say that the skill is completely absence from Taylor's game as he proves from time to time with highlight reel plays.
"You need to play the percentages and try to minimize the risks. If you get a little greedy or too fancy and you lose the puck, those are the plays that turn around and bite you in the ass. Essentially it involves a lot of shots, and digging the puck out and getting it back in front of their net."
One thing is for sure, if he keeps playing at this level, Tip Top will be heading to the tailors to grab a suit for the end of year awards dinner.
After a few years off, Taylor returned to the ice with the Prowlers last season and after a slow start was second in team scoring. But unlike last season, it hasn't taken Mike Taylor two months to find his scoring touch. Centering the twins, Trevor Hay and Jeff Buder, the "Pro Shop" line is a credible threat out of the gate this year.
With 7 goals and 3 assists in 8 games so far this year, Taylor is on pace to equal or better last season's total of 38 points. But if he hits a hot streak in the second half of the campaign like he did last year, the 50 point mark is not out of the question.
"I think not only myself, but our entire line has had a way better start this year." says Taylor "We keep our game really simple and don't try to complicate things, and it seems to work well for us."
Simple is an understatement, as it's more about the "how" than the "how many" in Mike's game. Most of the flare and rangle dangle has been replaced with solid fundamentals and smart plays. But that's not to say that the skill is completely absence from Taylor's game as he proves from time to time with highlight reel plays.
"You need to play the percentages and try to minimize the risks. If you get a little greedy or too fancy and you lose the puck, those are the plays that turn around and bite you in the ass. Essentially it involves a lot of shots, and digging the puck out and getting it back in front of their net."
One thing is for sure, if he keeps playing at this level, Tip Top will be heading to the tailors to grab a suit for the end of year awards dinner.
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