Memorial Cup 2012
May 20, 2012 13:04:48 GMT -5
Post by seventeen on May 20, 2012 13:04:48 GMT -5
Wasn't sure if this deserved it's own thread, but why not? Two games in and the two 'Q' teams have zero points, despite St John being a consensus favourite to win it all again. Early days.
I haven't seen every minute of both games, but I've seen enough for some observations:
Firstly, the Sea Dogs looked rusty against London. Their transition game wasn't the best and often when they attacked London had as many guys back defending. They also seemed to get caught up ice too often. A couple of goals for London seemed lucky in that the puck bounced for them, but I suspect if St. John's players had their normal hand-eye coordination, the
'luck' wouldn't happen. Griffith's goal comes to mind, where Zack Phillips couldn't keep the puck in the London zone when it bounced over his stick. Also, the fact they 'cruised' through all their series and didn't face any adversity may bite them. Huburdeau still looked dangerous, as did Phillips and Beaulieu was trying to make a difference (end to end rush and dipsydoodling in the London end on one play) but at least to the point I've watched the game, the efforts weren't productive.
Scott Harrington of London continues his excellent play from the WJC. I wouldn't be surprised if he makes the Penguins next year. He's very sound defensively. Which brings me to Tinordi, who is a beast. Tinordi was checking Huburdeau on one play in the corner, with Huburdeau twisting and turning to find space. Tinordi followed him and then just pinned him on the boards and that was it. How often have we wished the defensemen on the Habs could do that? Gill could pin, he just couldn't follow. Tinordi has an outside chance at making the Habs next year in that 6th spot. I think I'd start him in Hamilton to get used to the pro game, but wouldn't be surprised at all if he were with the big club by the end of the season. While he's not as freakishly strong as Chara, there are similarities. He's so big, and strong enough, that he can patiently make a play while an opponent is trying to check him. It allows him to slow his game down, which means fewer mistakes and cleaner outlet passes.
Beaulieu is a different creature. He has really good offensive instincts and is a very good skater. Definitely a full year in Hamilton is needed, but he has a lot of up side. He'd pair very well with Tinordi.
I only saw about half of the Oil Kings/ Cataractes game, but both Bournival and Ellis looked good to me. Bournival made a lot of really good plays, but his teammates just didn't read them. There were two cases where Bournival carried the puck in, either deep, or around the net and centered the puck in front to wide open space because no one had the sense to go to the dangerous open areas. That kid can really skate and seems to have a very high hockey IQ, especially defensively. I'm wondering if he isn't an ideal checking centre. He's an excellent skater, smart, very good at aniticipating in his zone etc. In fact, a lot like a Carbonneau, without being as good on face-offs, but being a faster skater (which is tough, because Carbo was a good skater). The offensive potential is there, but you're wowed by the defensive responsibiity and awareness.
Ellis reminds me a lot of Gorges. He's calm, he makes a lot of plays look relatively easy, he's not big, he's always in position and makes good outlet passes. We've good some good guys coming up the pipeline, fellas, along with a plethora (always loved that word) of picks this year and next. I know Doc doesn't care for Timmins, but I think he's one of the top 5 in the league. I'd love to see his list from past drafts to see if some of the busts we had were his choices or someone else's. When you look at the kids we've picked since 2007, it's a pretty good record and gives me confidence for our choices.
I haven't seen every minute of both games, but I've seen enough for some observations:
Firstly, the Sea Dogs looked rusty against London. Their transition game wasn't the best and often when they attacked London had as many guys back defending. They also seemed to get caught up ice too often. A couple of goals for London seemed lucky in that the puck bounced for them, but I suspect if St. John's players had their normal hand-eye coordination, the
'luck' wouldn't happen. Griffith's goal comes to mind, where Zack Phillips couldn't keep the puck in the London zone when it bounced over his stick. Also, the fact they 'cruised' through all their series and didn't face any adversity may bite them. Huburdeau still looked dangerous, as did Phillips and Beaulieu was trying to make a difference (end to end rush and dipsydoodling in the London end on one play) but at least to the point I've watched the game, the efforts weren't productive.
Scott Harrington of London continues his excellent play from the WJC. I wouldn't be surprised if he makes the Penguins next year. He's very sound defensively. Which brings me to Tinordi, who is a beast. Tinordi was checking Huburdeau on one play in the corner, with Huburdeau twisting and turning to find space. Tinordi followed him and then just pinned him on the boards and that was it. How often have we wished the defensemen on the Habs could do that? Gill could pin, he just couldn't follow. Tinordi has an outside chance at making the Habs next year in that 6th spot. I think I'd start him in Hamilton to get used to the pro game, but wouldn't be surprised at all if he were with the big club by the end of the season. While he's not as freakishly strong as Chara, there are similarities. He's so big, and strong enough, that he can patiently make a play while an opponent is trying to check him. It allows him to slow his game down, which means fewer mistakes and cleaner outlet passes.
Beaulieu is a different creature. He has really good offensive instincts and is a very good skater. Definitely a full year in Hamilton is needed, but he has a lot of up side. He'd pair very well with Tinordi.
I only saw about half of the Oil Kings/ Cataractes game, but both Bournival and Ellis looked good to me. Bournival made a lot of really good plays, but his teammates just didn't read them. There were two cases where Bournival carried the puck in, either deep, or around the net and centered the puck in front to wide open space because no one had the sense to go to the dangerous open areas. That kid can really skate and seems to have a very high hockey IQ, especially defensively. I'm wondering if he isn't an ideal checking centre. He's an excellent skater, smart, very good at aniticipating in his zone etc. In fact, a lot like a Carbonneau, without being as good on face-offs, but being a faster skater (which is tough, because Carbo was a good skater). The offensive potential is there, but you're wowed by the defensive responsibiity and awareness.
Ellis reminds me a lot of Gorges. He's calm, he makes a lot of plays look relatively easy, he's not big, he's always in position and makes good outlet passes. We've good some good guys coming up the pipeline, fellas, along with a plethora (always loved that word) of picks this year and next. I know Doc doesn't care for Timmins, but I think he's one of the top 5 in the league. I'd love to see his list from past drafts to see if some of the busts we had were his choices or someone else's. When you look at the kids we've picked since 2007, it's a pretty good record and gives me confidence for our choices.
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