| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| n/a |
Posted - 09/21/2011 : 10:52:21
Who are some pre-season stars of note you think might have a good season? Who looks out of shape and out to lunch? Any surprises that look like they will make the team?
Consider this your pre-season chatter blog!
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
| 40 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Pasty7 |
Posted - 10/05/2011 : 19:08:34
I think when everyone is healthy the lines should be
Connoly centering Kessel and Lupul
Grabo Mccarthur and Kulimen
Lombardi centering Armstrong and Kadri?
Steckle centering .... you could probably fill in these blanks better than I
"I led the league in "Go get 'em next time." - Bob Uecker
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| n/a |
Posted - 10/05/2011 : 14:27:47
[quote]Originally posted by Guest2347
6 2nd line centers does not equal a first line center
[/quote
. . . and an off topic one-liner does not equal a smart comment.
Drink in moderation, kids! 
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
| Guest2347 |
Posted - 10/05/2011 : 10:39:56
6 2nd line centers does not equal a first line center |
| n/a |
Posted - 10/05/2011 : 06:26:46
[[/quote]
Is it just me or the Leafs are starting to have a lot of centers right now they have Connolly Grabovski your top 2 , then Lombardi your third line center then Steckl on the fourth line,,, then you have Bozak and Kadri who i guess will move to the wing?
"I led the league in "Go get 'em next time." - Bob Uecker
[/quote]
Just a good depth 3rd/4th line center with size and pk help, not to mention a great faceoff percentage for tight games in the dying minutes.
Connolly not playing for opening night likely, but Lombardi ready, so opening night centers are likely:
Lombardi (playing with Kessel/Lupul), Grabo, Bozak, Dupuis . . . maybe Steckel if they want to stick him in there right away (unlikely).
But you are right, Leafs are going to be full up with decent 3rd/4th line center depth. May not be a sign of a deal, however - could be just preparation for a season where 1 center is often injured and out (Connolly now, Lombardi is a risk).
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
| Pasty7 |
Posted - 10/05/2011 : 05:40:52
quote:
Originally posted by slozo
quote:
i don't think you'll see Gardiner up for very long. Aulie had a sluggish pre-season, so they sent him down to work it out. once he gets his game legs back, he'll be called back up. Gardiner may be good out of the gate, but i think the grind of the NHL schedule will eventually get to him. coming from the NCAA he's not used to so many games, so he'll need a full season in the AHL to adjust.
it may be tempting to pick him next season when he hopefully takes over Liles' spot, and gets more minutes on the PP.
I don't disagree that this is a possibility, truthfully. Could definitely happen.
What could also happen is that a defenceman like Gunnarson is dealt, in a package, for a top line center, because the Leafs do have a bunch of NHL defencemen to spare. Then Aulie comes back up anyways, and Gardiner stays because he looks good and makes the team better.
Just as distinct a possibility, IMHO.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
Is it just me or the Leafs are starting to have a lot of centers right now they have Connolly Grabovski your top 2 , then Lombardi your third line center then Steckl on the fourth line,,, then you have Bozak and Kadri who i guess will move to the wing?
"I led the league in "Go get 'em next time." - Bob Uecker
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| Guest6786 |
Posted - 10/05/2011 : 05:07:53
careful slozo, your gonna get a lot of excited discussion going with that kind of comment.
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| n/a |
Posted - 10/04/2011 : 10:30:26
quote:
i don't think you'll see Gardiner up for very long. Aulie had a sluggish pre-season, so they sent him down to work it out. once he gets his game legs back, he'll be called back up. Gardiner may be good out of the gate, but i think the grind of the NHL schedule will eventually get to him. coming from the NCAA he's not used to so many games, so he'll need a full season in the AHL to adjust.
it may be tempting to pick him next season when he hopefully takes over Liles' spot, and gets more minutes on the PP.
I don't disagree that this is a possibility, truthfully. Could definitely happen.
What could also happen is that a defenceman like Gunnarson is dealt, in a package, for a top line center, because the Leafs do have a bunch of NHL defencemen to spare. Then Aulie comes back up anyways, and Gardiner stays because he looks good and makes the team better.
Just as distinct a possibility, IMHO.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
| Guest6786 |
Posted - 10/04/2011 : 09:45:03
quote:
Originally posted by slozo
But yes Beans, to Gardiner / Aulie: it was a huge surprise.
I mean, Aulie played very very well as a rookie beside Phaneuf, and although Gardiner played his pants off . . . the contending view was that between Burke and Wilson, they'd send him back down. But, I think they made the right move in this case, and at any rate, being the players they are . . . things can still be shifted around.
Not that anyone would ever pick Aulie in a pool . . . but Gardiner? Take a flyer and draft him in your keeper, folks. Could be the next good offensive d-man coming up through the ranks.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
i don't think you'll see Gardiner up for very long. Aulie had a sluggish pre-season, so they sent him down to work it out. once he gets his game legs back, he'll be called back up. Gardiner may be good out of the gate, but i think the grind of the NHL schedule will eventually get to him. coming from the NCAA he's not used to so many games, so he'll need a full season in the AHL to adjust.
it may be tempting to pick him next season when he hopefully takes over Liles' spot, and gets more minutes on the PP. |
| just1n |
Posted - 10/03/2011 : 20:30:09
Not sure if I have it right, but Cory Schneider is a RFA after this season or a UFA? Not sure if they would need to trade him during the season or not. From the sounds of it Lack is the next backup though.
I haven't been watching the pre-season but I hope Hodgson is able to get a few points and stick with the team. It's time he does so, and with Kesler out this is a good opportunity to get some ice time. |
| n/a |
Posted - 10/03/2011 : 20:19:44
[quote]Originally posted by Guest5052
I suppose its what is meant by the term 'for real'.
He has been very good in the preseason and certainly has made the unconventional selection seem good.
Will he be an impact rookie (ala Jeff Skinner, or a Hannu Jarvenpaa... whoc scored 4 goals in one preseason game)?
Based on his play thus far, he would be a good addition to the Jets line up, and he might be for real in the sense of being a good NHL player. Frankly that could go either way. Its just whether or not he wouldnt benefit from another development year in Junior.
But in terms of being a very very good prospect he is for real.
[/quote
Thanks, and that is exactly what I meant - is he a real talent, or is he just working hard and getting lucky against mostly AHL players.
Not gonna comment on the other answer.
But yes Beans, to Gardiner / Aulie: it was a huge surprise.
I mean, Aulie played very very well as a rookie beside Phaneuf, and although Gardiner played his pants off . . . the contending view was that between Burke and Wilson, they'd send him back down. But, I think they made the right move in this case, and at any rate, being the players they are . . . things can still be shifted around.
Not that anyone would ever pick Aulie in a pool . . . but Gardiner? Take a flyer and draft him in your keeper, folks. Could be the next good offensive d-man coming up through the ranks.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
| Guest5052 |
Posted - 10/03/2011 : 12:52:07
I suppose its what is meant by the term 'for real'.
He has been very good in the preseason and certainly has made the unconventional selection seem good.
Will he be an impact rookie (ala Jeff Skinner, or a Hannu Jarvenpaa... whoc scored 4 goals in one preseason game)?
Based on his play thus far, he would be a good addition to the Jets line up, and he might be for real in the sense of being a good NHL player. Frankly that could go either way. Its just whether or not he wouldnt benefit from another development year in Junior.
But in terms of being a very very good prospect he is for real. |
| Beans15 |
Posted - 10/03/2011 : 11:48:49
I heard about a week ago that Gardiner looked good for a full time roster spot but it wasn't expected that Aulie would go down. Everything I read said that Aulie and Phaneuf looked good and that was the predicted opening day top pairing. That's a little bit of a surprise.
I also read the Leafs are looking at a few options for a package of current Leafs for a single player. The appear to have a little bit too much current talent and are stuck getting everyone playing where they should be. Perhaps Aulie will be back up in no time??
Finally, no I don't think think this Scheifele kid is for real. At least not yet. Not after 5 preseason games. If he is for real, Nugent-Hopkins will win the Hart trophy this year. He has been brilliant (but I still would like to see him go down for another year).
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| n/a |
Posted - 10/03/2011 : 08:46:59
Leafs ticker: Aulie sent down, Gardiner (rookie d-man who played outstanding hockey offensively in the pre-season) is in.
Gardiner is an offensive d-man, and if picking rookies in your draft and the top 5 or 6 are gone . . . he wouldn't be a terrible gamble. He has looked very, very good (offensively, mind you - still pretty rough defensively).
Hey guys - is this Scheifele kid for real?
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
| Utemin |
Posted - 10/02/2011 : 17:55:37
Luongo showing #1 goalie ability again.
I am a fat boy, who plays too much X box, But my opinions are my biggest health hazzard |
| Beans15 |
Posted - 10/02/2011 : 14:14:23
quote:
Originally posted by slozo
quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
Respectfully, I disagree with a 40-50 pt output from Kadri. Simply put, a 3rd line player rarely puts up those numbers. There are a few exceptions to the rule but I would suggest that of the 90 or so `3rd line`players in the NHL, fewer than 10 will put up 40 pts. There were 150 forwards in the NHL that put up 40 or more pts last season. With 30 teams and 6 forwards on each team getting 1st and 2nd line minutes, the math suggests few 3rd line playes will get more than 40. Looking specifically at the Leafs, there were 4 forwards with more than 40 pts. This is also his first full NHL season and he size is still a question.
I put a max on Kadri of 30 pts. That`s a max. If he is playing purely 3rd line and even limited PP time, I think 20-25 is more realistic. I could be wrong, but even at 30 pts I would not waste a pick on Kadri. Not yet anyway.
I see. But last year playing with Boyce and Crabb he got . . . 12 points in 29 games. You are saying that with better players, with about the same minutes (would be on 2nd pp unit for sure, trust me) he gets less points? Now that he looks a bit more solid, has experience, etc etc?
Add in that I think he gets minutes in the top two lines as well during the season if he plays well and others falter (see: Lupul), and I don't think 40 points is a stretch.
Toronto this year, I think, will be a lot like Buffalo in the past . . . no great top line, but three very decent scoring lines to roll over.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
The depth charts I have read are predicting Lombardi and Armstrong as the Leafs 3rd line. Lombardi has not played in a year and Armstrong is 3 yrs removed from a 40 pt season as a 2nd line player. How is that a solid 3rd line??
Experience?? You are joking right?? Are you saying his 30 NHL games is experience??? C'mon. Even at the math of 12 pts in 29 games, that's less than 0.5 PPG. How does that translate into 50 pts??
Slozo, for such a smart dude I am shocked at how unrealistically optimistic you are.
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| semin-rules |
Posted - 10/01/2011 : 20:10:24
Everyday im Scheifel-in
nuff said
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| n/a |
Posted - 10/01/2011 : 10:52:37
quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
Respectfully, I disagree with a 40-50 pt output from Kadri. Simply put, a 3rd line player rarely puts up those numbers. There are a few exceptions to the rule but I would suggest that of the 90 or so `3rd line`players in the NHL, fewer than 10 will put up 40 pts. There were 150 forwards in the NHL that put up 40 or more pts last season. With 30 teams and 6 forwards on each team getting 1st and 2nd line minutes, the math suggests few 3rd line playes will get more than 40. Looking specifically at the Leafs, there were 4 forwards with more than 40 pts. This is also his first full NHL season and he size is still a question.
I put a max on Kadri of 30 pts. That`s a max. If he is playing purely 3rd line and even limited PP time, I think 20-25 is more realistic. I could be wrong, but even at 30 pts I would not waste a pick on Kadri. Not yet anyway.
I see. But last year playing with Boyce anbd Crabb he got . . . 12 points in 29 games. You are saying that with better players, with about the same minutes (would be on 2nd pp unit for sure, trust me) he gets less points? Now that he looks a bit more solid, has experience, etc etc?
Add in that I think he gets minutes in the top two lines as well during the season if he plays well and others falter (see: Lupul), and I don't think 40 points is a stretch.
Toronto this year, I think, will be a lot like Buffalo in the past . . . no great top line, but three very decent scoring lines to roll over.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
| Sensfan101 |
Posted - 10/01/2011 : 09:00:04
Two guys in Ottawa that have impressed are Zbinejad and Cowen. Neither were guaranteed a spot at the start of camp but now I'm 90% sure they will both be on the opening day roster. With Cowen all but guaranteed a spot it will be interesting to see what happens with David Runblad. Runblad was listed as The Hockey News number 3 choice for rookie of the year but he has had trouble adjusting to the small ice. If he doesn't make the team I will be curious to see if he will go to Binghamton or back to Sweden.
You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take Wayne Gretzky |
| TheRC |
Posted - 09/29/2011 : 19:04:11
I just finished watching Tampa at Montreal.
Tampa looks downright amazing. 4-0 win, should have been 6-0 if we count one rolling puck the ref blew dead too early, and another that would have been seen if pre-season had video review. A dominant performance by Stamkos, St. Louis and the rookie Connoly, plus a defense that created quick breakouts and shut down everything Montreal could throw at them. Hell, even Rolloson played well enough to ease my concerns about Tampa relying on a goaltender born in the 1960's.
"If at first you don't succeed, you fail" |
| TheRC |
Posted - 09/29/2011 : 16:38:30
And he's hurt for the first couple weeks of the season... I dont think I'll be wasting anything but a VERY deep pick on Kadri this season.
"If at first you don't succeed, you fail" |
| nuxfan |
Posted - 09/29/2011 : 15:23:32
it would depend on how much PP time Kadri gets - if he gets PP time, he could be capable of more points than the average 3rd liner.
But I too think 50 is stretching it for this coming year. Its not even clear if he'll stick with the team all season yet. |
| Beans15 |
Posted - 09/29/2011 : 12:33:27
Respectfully, I disagree with a 40-50 pt output from Kadri. Simply put, a 3rd line player rarely puts up those numbers. There are a few exceptions to the rule but I would suggest that of the 90 or so `3rd line`players in the NHL, fewer than 10 will put up 40 pts. There were 150 forwards in the NHL that put up 40 or more pts last season. With 30 teams and 6 forwards on each team getting 1st and 2nd line minutes, the math suggests few 3rd line playes will get more than 40. Looking specifically at the Leafs, there were 4 forwards with more than 40 pts. This is also his first full NHL season and he size is still a question.
I put a max on Kadri of 30 pts. That`s a max. If he is playing purely 3rd line and even limited PP time, I think 20-25 is more realistic. I could be wrong, but even at 30 pts I would not waste a pick on Kadri. Not yet anyway. |
| n/a |
Posted - 09/29/2011 : 07:35:18
Injury note for the Leafers:
Kadri out 2-4 weeks with an ankle sprain.
He looked like he would have been the team's first option to play regular minutes on the third line, and still could be. In a deep draft, he's a good sleeper pick who could easily get you 15 goals, 40-50 pts.
Lombardi, on the other hand, just started contact drills . . . he is really coming back faster than expected, seems very healthy and good to go. Even if he misses the first month . . . he could be another 40-50 point guy, but maybe 30-40 is more reasonable considering concussion issues.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
| irvine |
Posted - 09/24/2011 : 12:28:40
For the Ottawa Senators, I have been impressed by Jared Cowen.
He has NHL size and then some, but has the speed and stability needed too for such a big guy.
I caught him in the game vs the Leafs. Where he battled Phaneuf, scored two goals (i believe) and a helper.
He was also solid on the back end.
Irvine/prez. |
| Oilearl |
Posted - 09/23/2011 : 12:22:26
I agree Alex I think he would fit nicely on the team but I'm a huge fan of the WJC and want him there this year!!
Another year in Jr. seems the right move for many reasons but spreading out the contracts catches my attention the most. |
| Beans15 |
Posted - 09/23/2011 : 12:21:38
Unless the Oilers have an absolutely exceptional record in those first 9 games, there is little to no value of Hopkins playing this season. Scraping into the playoffs is still a stretch dream, so what benefit would the Oilers or Hopkins get from this season?? Next year, there is definitely an expectation of the playoffs and perhaps more. That is when Hopkins would bring value and his development would go far further on a playoff team than a non-playoff team.
I think it would be a mistake for him to stay, but I'm just an arm-chair GM. I know about as much as the next guy, which is little to nothing.  |
| Alex116 |
Posted - 09/23/2011 : 11:35:31
RNH would likely have to put up some numbers AND impress overall in the 9 game trial to have a good shot at sticking with the Oilers this year. IF he doesn't stick, it sure would be a massive boost for Canada at the WJC's!!! |
| Leafs81 |
Posted - 09/23/2011 : 11:32:48
Talking about RNH, I think sometimes a guy is good enough to make the team but the team wants to hold on a little bit so when he does come with the team he's that much more of a deal considering he will play as a star for three season with a entry level contract. If they bring him up to the team now, his first 3 seasons wont be as productive as if they bring him up next season.
Does that make sense, it's hard to explain.
I think the Oilers will bring RNH next season so they don't have a big cap issue in three seasons. They will try to spread the big contracts a little bit. Especially when you have all those good forwards coming up. Edmonton will be an exciting team to watch in a couple of years that's for sure. |
| Beans15 |
Posted - 09/23/2011 : 07:30:02
Hopkins has impressed since the rookie camp. I think that the Oilers getting 2 stud #1 picks in 2 years plus the other players around them will make them a very dangerous team in the future. However, that is in the future. The word around Edmonton that is is highly unlikely that Hopkins will play with the Oilers for more than the 9 game stint a rookie can pull without counting as one of the three years of his opening deal. He will get a taste and then get send back to Red Deer. He will own the W and own the WJC. Next year, a little bigger and much better and he will slide into the #1 centre role with Hall on his wing.
That will be dangerous. But I think it is highly unlikely to happen this season. |
| Pasty7 |
Posted - 09/23/2011 : 05:40:27
quote:
Originally posted by Porkchop73
watched the Oil/Nucks game last night. Oil fans should be more excited about RNH then they were about Taylor Hall. He looked good in this preseason tilt. He looked better then Hall and if the Oil brass keep him with the big club then I would not be surprised to see a very strong rookie campaign out of him. He seems more ready then Hall was last year and he showed more hockey sense then Hall did last year. I know its only one preseason game but everyone knows the young kids bring it early to impress the coaches. Early prediction from me would have RNH winning the Calder in style and finsihes with more points then Taylor Hall. Oh wait this isn't the crazy prediction thread.
I agree he was stealing pucks from players setting up some real good chances his faceoffs got better as the game went on, all around a great showing
"I led the league in "Go get 'em next time." - Bob Uecker
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| Porkchop73 |
Posted - 09/23/2011 : 03:52:26
watched the Oil/Nucks game last night. Oil fans should be more excited about RNH then they were about Taylor Hall. He looked good in this preseason tilt. He looked better then Hall and if the Oil brass keep him with the big club then I would not be surprised to see a very strong rookie campaign out of him. He seems more ready then Hall was last year and he showed more hockey sense then Hall did last year. I know its only one preseason game but everyone knows the young kids bring it early to impress the coaches. Early prediction from me would have RNH winning the Calder in style and finsihes with more points then Taylor Hall. Oh wait this isn't the crazy prediction thread. |
| Pasty7 |
Posted - 09/22/2011 : 13:04:57
AS for the habs well its been a pretty un eventfull 2 games, happy Cole Cammalleri and Plekanec gel fairly well but in that pre season game i fear they were all that stood out and lets face it they are supose to stand out they are all vetran NHLers,
Game 2 was what pleased me the most i was very vry happy to see Pacioretty play exactly how he left off last season, lead the team in hit had 6 shots on goal and at least 3 where Miller had to make a big save to get it, not to mention his vision and chemistry seemed to be there with Gionta as he set p the Captain a couple times in the high slot, made a couple good plays in the d zone aswell
The only other player to stand out was Nathan Bealieu now the habs did not make a mistake drafting this kid this year, he made a couple turn overs early but in the second and third came back strong and threw a cople hits and moved the puck hard and fast up and out of the zone, this kid will be a force in the Q this season and next year don`t be surprised if he is a NHLer, he played 27 min last night against a Buf squad that sported 14 reglars including all their star talent
"I led the league in "Go get 'em next time." - Bob Uecker
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| nuxfan |
Posted - 09/22/2011 : 10:43:08
for starting the season as the #2 C in VAN? I'm not sure - I too thought that Hodgson would be given first chance at it, and I'm not sure how many other centres they have in the system. It may be moot though, Kesler is not supposed to miss much time, and in fact may be ready for opening night.
Frankly, the Canucks need to finally see what this kid can do, in a position that his skillset matches. He's been up and down over the last few years, but always centers the 3rd or 4th lines - and they didn't draft Hodgson to play either of those positions. I can't help but think that he does not have a future in the Canucks organization, but to increase his trade value they need to show he can play at this level. |
| n/a |
Posted - 09/22/2011 : 10:00:19
quote:
Originally posted by Alex116
Slozo.....while i don't expect huge numbers from Hodgson, making him a coin flip between a worthless pool pick and a possible ouside sleeper, it's far too early to tell what, if any, impact this kid may have.
From the rumours i hear, AV isn't high on him, but if he performs, he'll need him! The banter around here the other day was "why was he sent with the inferior lineup to play in Calgary while the other, more experienced/talented roster, played here vs the other Calgary split squad". Basically, why wouldn't they have played him here with offensive guys like Shroeder and Jensen to see what he could do, rather than ship him off with the less skilled group to Calgary to play with Oreskovish and some scrub who's name i can't recall? Not to mention, the coach was with the squad here in Vancouver, you'd think he'd wanna keep an eye on Hodgson's performance?
Anyway, it was only the first game, it was a split squad affair, with very little talent from either team in the lineups, so i'd say we'd really have to monitor his progress as the preseason unfolds. He's all but guaranteed a good chance when the Canucks begin their season without Kesler as the #2 center!
Your last bit about starting the season without Kesler . . . was my entire thought process on the possibility of him really working his way into the lineup and putting up decent numbers, even if he was only on the second line for a short time.
If not Hodgson . . . are there are any other young candidates?
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
| Alex116 |
Posted - 09/22/2011 : 09:07:31
Slozo.....while i don't expect huge numbers from Hodgson, making him a coin flip between a worthless pool pick and a possible ouside sleeper, it's far too early to tell what, if any, impact this kid may have.
From the rumours i hear, AV isn't high on him, but if he performs, he'll need him! The banter around here the other day was "why was he sent with the inferior lineup to play in Calgary while the other, more experienced/talented roster, played here vs the other Calgary split squad". Basically, why wouldn't they have played him here with offensive guys like Shroeder and Jensen to see what he could do, rather than ship him off with the less skilled group to Calgary to play with Oreskovish and some scrub who's name i can't recall? Not to mention, the coach was with the squad here in Vancouver, you'd think he'd wanna keep an eye on Hodgson's performance?
Anyway, it was only the first game, it was a split squad affair, with very little talent from either team in the lineups, so i'd say we'd really have to monitor his progress as the preseason unfolds. He's all but guaranteed a good chance when the Canucks begin their season without Kesler as the #2 center! |
| n/a |
Posted - 09/22/2011 : 04:51:30
Thanks nuxfan - keep us up to date on Hodgson, please, especially in the next week.
Surprised about his performance . . . he was such a highly touted guy for a while, and I was thinking of him and others to put on my draft list for late round surprises. The way you sound though, maybe I better leave him off.
Will have to look up this Jensen kid.
Not surprised about Smyth . . . such a fiery competitor, and such an awesome work ethic every time I see him. His skills may be diminishing, but . . . it's not like a 25, 30 goal season is impossible for him at this point.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
| nuxfan |
Posted - 09/21/2011 : 18:56:19
yeah, its a Vancouver thing. A goalie can have a Vezina-finalist regular season, and a pretty spectacular (if inconsistent) post season, taking you to game 7 of the finals, and still not live up to expectations. Such is life for Canuck goalies.
I also thought Sturm looked good, faster and better than I thought he would. |
| Oilearl |
Posted - 09/21/2011 : 18:01:42
I've liked how Ryan Smyth has stepped in with the young guys and doesn't look out of place he's going to be a great influence!!! I thought Sturm in Vancouver was impressive last night as was Calgary's Hagman.
I live on the west coast and am still amazed and shocked at the negative attitude toward Louongo?? I haven't seen him play yet but man you would hope he had a repeat of last season! if you want to be in the dance at the end he will need to have another Vezina finalist year!!
 |
| Guest2788 |
Posted - 09/21/2011 : 12:24:47
The Bruins have two holes to fill in the loss of Ryder and Recchi. Jordan Caron is a lock for one of the spots. The other is a battle between Jared Knight and Ryan Spooner. One of these two will start the season with the B's. |
| nuxfan |
Posted - 09/21/2011 : 12:15:09
Word is that Niklas Jensen, the Canucks first round pick in last year's draft, has been very good so far in the pre-season. At 18 I don't think he'll make the team, but you never know. He's already over 200 lbs so he's large enough to play with men, and the Canucks could use some scoring size depth on the wing, on either the first or second line. The most promising prospect I've seen in quite a few years.
Jordan Schroeder has also apparently impressed in his first couple of games. But at 5'9/175, he has some growing to do IMO.
Who is seemingly unimpressive - Hodgson. I don't know what the Canucks plans are for him, but so far he has not really risen to the occasion, on the many occasions he's had. He remains a mystery.
And finally, another quality goaltender in Eddie Lack, he's looked good early. If he does shine, I could see him becoming Luongo's backup after this season, and would make it much easier for the Canucks to move Schneider either late this season or in the offseason - which almost certainly will happen. |
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