I guess you could make the argument that Michael Latta was a bit of a non-factor this season, but I think what we saw in 2014-15 presages a great career ahead for ol’ Steamboat.
By the Numbers
| 53 | Games played |
| 8:23 | Average time on ice per game |
| 0 | Goals |
| 6 | Assists |
| 51.9% | Shot attempt percentage during 5v5 |
| 60.0% | Goal percentage during 5v5 |
Latta’s on-ice shot-attempt percentage in 10-game running segments, according to War on Ice:
Peter’s Take
With just 53 games at 8 and a half minutes per night, Latta’s rookie season held a relatively light load. He saw less ice, worse competition, and precious few offensive zone deployments. Consequently, Latta didn’t have a ton of time to shine, but what he did was pretty encouraging overall.
Latta himself didn’t score at all this season, but he made plays. At 5v5, Latta assisted on goals at a higher rate than Ovi, Johansson, and Fehr. For a fourth liner, he had a surprisingly strong relative possession score– improving shot attempts by 0.73 percent. If you’re into controlling the pace of the game, which I’m not, Latta was the stringiest on the team– making him the kind of guy you might want if you’re trying to protect a lead/infuriate RMNB readers.
It’s easy to think of Latta as a throw-in on the Erat-Forsberg deal who will toil in obscurity on Washington’s bottom line. I used to think that. I don’t anymore. Latta plays a competent game in all three zones. He’s too small to get lured into mindless Heavy Hockey, but he’s still tough enough to keep up with that crew. He’s a solid player, and I think he’s destined for the 3C spot on the Washington Capitals for years to come.
But we gotta see more than 24 shots next season, and a couple of ’em better hit the back of the net.
Steamboat on RMNB
- Latta and Wilson were the breakout stars of The Road to the Winter Classic. They have a serious case of dude fridge. Also, A1 sucks. That’s for miserable, well-done steaks.
- Dude is ripped.
- On the nickname: “I don’t even know where it came from. I’ve had a million nicknames. I’m serious, I get a new one every week.”
- Living with Tom Wilson and Andre Burakovsky seems to have been wearing on Latta in the spring. It was probably the constant wrestling.
- Jared Boll put a nasty hit on Lats in March:
- Pat is a fan. I am too.
- Is he a closet Bailamos fan?
Enrique. ^ML RT @elizabeth_a5: @washcaps what is your middle name? #CapsRoomies
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 7, 2015
- And finally, play fighting at practice!
Your Turn
We all agree Latta is gonna be good right? Okay, then let’s talk about A1. Do you use A1? If so, what are you doing to your poor steaks? Get yourself a nice cast iron skillet, get it super hot with canola oil, sear your well-salted, room-temperature, beautifully ribeye on both sides, then throw it into the oven at 400 dF for 5-15 minutes. Rest it for 10 minutes in foil and make yourself a nice wine sauce with the fond while you wait.
Read more: Japers Rink
