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Post by seventeen on Feb 5, 2018 0:22:22 GMT -5
Goalies are a real crap shoot. When judging later round picks I never include goalies because some of the very best have been late round picks. Hasek, a 10th round pick 1n 1983. Roy, a 3rd round pick in 1984, Holtby 93rd overall in 2008. There are too many to list.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 5, 2018 10:47:02 GMT -5
It is too early to sing victory and predict an NHL future, but Primeau sure looks like someone should have picked him before the 7th round. Primeau is an interesting pick for sure. He played in the USHL the season before the draft and his numbers were not anything special. His team just missed the playoffs, but was not terrible as they finished the season with a winning season (10 more wins than losses). The team split a lot of the goalie duties between Primeau, but their #1 guy was an older Czech goalie. His numbers were quite a bit better than Cayden's too. Cayden had a 14-11-2 record, 3.16 gaa, and .895 save%. For the scouting community there would have been name recognition, but the numbers did not scream "must draft", at least not in the early rounds. I agree with seventeen in that drafting goalies is a bit of a crapshoot. You really have to scout their fundamentals and do a lot of projecting on how they will develop. The Habs seem to have a decent eye when scouting goalies. I know Fucale has not quite taken the world by storm in the pro ranks, but Lindgren, McNiven, Primeau and even Hawkey seem to be solid netminders. That is a better track record than at other positions. It is just too bad that goalies trade values are not really that high, especially for prospects or unproven ones. |
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Post by seventeen on Feb 6, 2018 13:05:20 GMT -5
I watched much of the 2nd half of that game against Boston College (a 3-0 win for Northeastern). Primeau didn't have to make any spectacular saves, despite facing 37 shots. His positioning looked very solid, though and he moved with purpose. There was no 'wildness' to him going side to side as we saw at times with Price when he was having his issues. Big boy, as so many goalies are these days.
At the other side of the ice, Joseph Woll tended for BC. He was Toronto's 4th pick in the 2016 draft, at #63, just outside the 2nd round. Interesting perspective in that Primeau was the 199th pick in the 2017 draft, yet I'd say Primeau is much the better prospect of the two. The US guys picking the WJC team screwed up again this year, bypassing Primeau in favour of Woll and that got them nowhere. I'd hate to think how good the US could be in the WJC if the guys picking the team did a good job. Whew.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 6, 2018 15:35:58 GMT -5
I expect he will get a serious look for next year’s WJC team.
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Post by seventeen on Feb 6, 2018 15:43:46 GMT -5
TSN just released their (Craig Button's) list of top 50 prospects. The Habs have none in the top 50, which is in stark contrast to another earlier list by The Hockey News, I believe, which had Poehling and Scherbak in the top 50. I've never been a fan of Button's picks simply because they don't coincide with mine and I have more confidence in mine. (Bragadoccio, I know, but it will be really interesting to look back in 3 years and see how accurate Button is). Some are obvious. Pettersson is clearly a top pick, but then you find Dylan Sikura at #43. He's a Hawks pick and I watched him play yesterday. He's a fine player, but he's 22, playing with Adam Gaudette, a highly rated Canuck prospect who's 21 and Nolan Stevens, a 21 year old Blues prospect. Sikura's on a line with 2 other talented guys on a good team (Northeastern, Cayden Primeau's school). Poehling is 3 1/2 years younger, not playing with any top flight guys and is at almost a ppg. Would you trade Poehling for Sikura even up? Maybe if you had Alzheimer's. Where the hell does Button get these ratings from? There are other questionable choices, IMO. Drake Batherson at 29, Boris Katchouk at 40, Jonathen Dahlen at 31. These are all fine players, but they'll end up on the 3rd line as a checking, all around type player. If that. I'd expect more from the top 50 prospects and guys like Poehling and Scherbak should be there. It could be Button hasn't paid any attention to Scherbak, who's taken quite a leap in the last 3 months, but he should know about Poehling. There have been other ratings of his that occasionally make me shake my head. I certainly wouldn't hire him for my scouting staff, but then I have an inflated opinion of my judgement, so that factors in. Have a look, guys, www.tsn.ca/cupboard-is-stocked-for-up-and-coming-canucks-1.989909 |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 10, 2018 10:50:39 GMT -5
Poehling with an assist last night, so he now has 22 points in 23 games. He has already exceeded his assists and points totals from last year (13 in 35 games), and he is at the same number of goals he had last year. I like that his vision and passing are really developing. Some of his assists and plays show a more confident player in the offensive zone. I know a lot of folks (especially on another certain board) were concerned about his lack of production at the WJC, but he was used in a different role primarily and yes he did not produce much. His consistent play at the NCAA all season against older players is a much better measuring stick.
Josh Brook just keeps quietly building on his good season. He was moved back to the top pairing last weekend alongside offensively minded Kale Clague and also put back on their top PP unit. They had experimented with 4 forwards and Clague since trading for him, but needed to make tweaks, so they put the two D back on again. He had an assist last night and ended up the first star the night before without getting any points in a 2-0 game. Normally only goalies get that honour!
Primeau suffered a rare NCAA loss but he has a busy weekend as he also plays in the Beanpot final on Monday night. Game is on TSN2.
Hayden Hawkey did win another, he has had a good year too, and Evans popped and assist in a 2-1 win. His offence has really dried up since December but he still has managed 32 points in 29 games. He was a point per game last season and right under it the year before, so he has been very consistent through this college career.
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Post by blny on Feb 10, 2018 11:10:46 GMT -5
Poehling with an assist last night, so he now has 22 points in 23 games. He has already exceeded his assists and points totals from last year (13 in 35 games), and he is at the same number of goals he had last year. I like that his vision and passing are really developing. Some of his assists and plays show a more confident player in the offensive zone. I know a lot of folks (especially on another certain board) were concerned about his lack of production at the WJC, but he was used in a different role primarily and yes he did not produce much. His consistent play at the NCAA all season against older players is a much better measuring stick. He was definitely the closest they had to a checking center. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 10, 2018 12:20:53 GMT -5
Poehling with an assist last night, so he now has 22 points in 23 games. He has already exceeded his assists and points totals from last year (13 in 35 games), and he is at the same number of goals he had last year. I like that his vision and passing are really developing. Some of his assists and plays show a more confident player in the offensive zone. I know a lot of folks (especially on another certain board) were concerned about his lack of production at the WJC, but he was used in a different role primarily and yes he did not produce much. His consistent play at the NCAA all season against older players is a much better measuring stick. He was definitely the closest they had to a checking center. On that lineup, he was well suited for sure. And he was good on face offs. Got the tough matchups and the key defensive zone draws. I think a lot of fans expect players to play in the same way as their normal team when they play on all-star teams like the WJC. Thankfully, coaches and team scouts/managers know they need varying skill sets to win games and tournaments. I think Poehling’s versatility was one of the big reasons many saw him as close to a lock for this team prior to selection camp. In the 2016 Hlinka, he has 7 points in 5 games and also produced at last year’s U18s. Different roles. An interesting side note was that Cayden Primeau was the starting goalie for the 2016 US Hlinka team. A double interesting side note is that tourney will be played in Edmonton this August. It will now be the Gretzky-Hlinka Cup. Odd to see them brand it differently as it bounces between the two countries. Anyway, it is the best on best of U18s as a lot of kids don’t get to play in the formal world U18 championships since they are in April and lots of junior kids are still playing club games in their playoffs. Scouts love it too as they get looks at a bunch of the following year draft crop in one event. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 10, 2018 16:15:15 GMT -5
Vejdemo with a productive game tonight, going 1+1. Nice skill on the goal and slick little behind the back pass on the secondary assist.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 10, 2018 23:16:10 GMT -5
Cale Fleury is having a good season. He had a 1+1 night tonight, and has set career highs in assists in points. He is one goal from matching his career high too. He was a cumulative -115 on the Kootenay Ice, as they have been really bad during his three seasons plus a portion of this one. He is +19 since joining Regina on a much better lineup. He also can play the body as well, which opened my eyes when I saw him. Does not overdue it, but seems to be the most physical of the four WHL defenders we drafted last summer.
He turns 20 before new year, so can be signed to his ELC and play in the AHL next season. We have a small incoming class of new signees this year compared to what we might see the following, so the Habs may well be tempted.
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Post by seventeen on Feb 11, 2018 1:43:36 GMT -5
It’s early, but I’m pleased so far with Timmins’ Class of 2017. Even Scott Walford is having an ok year, though he’s not improving on his point totals. His +/- numbers are better
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 11, 2018 10:27:02 GMT -5
It’s early, but I’m pleased so far with Timmins’ Class of 2017. Even Scott Walford is having an ok year, though he’s not improving on his point totals. His +/- numbers are better It is funny. Timmins picked Walford and Fleury in a bit of a mirror image of where most draft guides had them ranked. I saw Walford live and he played a very effective two way game on their second pairing. Nothing really stands out as eye opening, but no huge red flags either. Goes about his business. I have one more game streamed that I need to watch, so looking forward to watching more of him. I am not overly worried about his production as much as they spread it around amongst three guys more this year. Last year their top RHD Reddekopp was their point producer, followed by Walford. They added mobile overager Freadrich in the offseason, and he plays with Reddekopp on the top pairing. All three of those guys are within two points of each other in offence, and then there is a big drop off. He is keeping pace statistically with both guys in the top pairing, and that is without having a partner putting up decent points at the same time. P.S. If you like our 2017 Dub defenders, two will be playing head to head on Sportsnet next Sunday. I will post a reminder closer, but it will be a chance to see Brook and Fleury head to head. Is that a Memorial Cup tourney preview too? Regina is the host and the Warriors are top of the Dub right now. Could be. Hope so! |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 11, 2018 11:10:08 GMT -5
Fleury’s goal last night. Not your typical goal from a blue liner...and short handed to boot.
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Post by Boston_Habs on Feb 11, 2018 12:02:18 GMT -5
I'm enjoying following Jake Evans this year. Notre Dame is ranked #2 in the nation and he's the best player on the team. The NCAA tourney will be a great opportunity for him.
What I like about his game is his ability to handle the puck and make plays in traffic. You watch highlights of the kid and he makes a lot of plays in tight, between the dots, and down low. Lots of poise with the puck. Of course that time and space gets taken away in the NHL but I love the instincts to go to the scoring areas. He's not a perimeter player and looks comfortable playing C or on the wing.
Could be one of those late-blooming type players you hope for in the draft and with the state of the Habs, the path for him is wide open. He'll be in Laval next year but there looks to be some promise there.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 11, 2018 17:26:49 GMT -5
Will Bitten and his 9th ranked Bulldogs had a statement game against the country’s top ranked team of SSM today. A big 5-1 win, and here is Bitten’s goal.
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Post by seventeen on Feb 11, 2018 18:14:34 GMT -5
Thomas was still suspended for that game, so Hamilton will be even stronger with him back.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 12, 2018 18:56:21 GMT -5
Cayden Primeau and Northeastern Huskies are in the Beanpot final tonight. 7:30pm ET on TSN2.
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Post by folatre on Feb 12, 2018 20:26:31 GMT -5
NW, I really like Fleury. I see a kid that is physically mature enough to play in Laval next season and from a mental standpoint he should be okay because it was just last season that his brother played in the AHL and he can help the younger brother focus on how to approach a new challenge.
Boston, I agree about Evans being skilled passer in high traffic zones and he is certainly a centre with good faceoff technique and obvious leadership qualities. I want Bergevin to get him signed and pencil him in for an offensive role in Laval. Maybe he is cerebral enough to find the time and space to make plays against bigger, harder driving opponents?
Between periods of Habs game on Saturday I watched stretches of Poehling's game and as on past occasions I am not quite sure what to make of him. Make no mistake, I like this kid. He is likely going to play a few seasons in the NHL. It more relates to what kind of player he profiles as. Along with a great work ethic, he has nice big frame and once he fills out physically, Poehling should be man who can handle whatever opponents bring to the table. He also skates better than I originally imagined when Montreal selected him. I am not yet sold on him possessing high end offensive kill. In the game Saturday against Miami University he had a partial breakaway down the left and he just could not elevate his shot to beat the blocker of the Redhawk goalie and on another chance he was served the puck alone in the slot and wristed it into the goalie's crest. One of his brothers who is not a prospect at all sniped a nice goal in this game.
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Post by blny on Feb 12, 2018 23:18:26 GMT -5
NW, I really like Fleury. I see a kid that is physically mature enough to play in Laval next season and from a mental standpoint he should be okay because it was just last season that his brother played in the AHL and he can help the younger brother focus on how to approach a new challenge. Boston, I agree about Evans being skilled passer in high traffic zones and he is certainly a centre with good faceoff technique and obvious leadership qualities. I want Bergevin to get him signed and pencil him in for an offensive role in Laval. Maybe he is cerebral enough to find the time and space to make plays against bigger, harder driving opponents? Between periods of Habs game on Saturday I watched stretches of Poehling's game and as on past occasions I am not quite sure what to make of him. Make no mistake, I like this kid. He is likely going to play a few seasons in the NHL. It more relates to what kind of player he profiles as. Along with a great work ethic, he has nice big frame and once he fills out physically, Poehling should be man who can handle whatever opponents bring to the table. He also skates better than I originally imagined when Montreal selected him. I am not yet sold on him possessing high end offensive kill. In the game Saturday against Miami University he had a partial breakaway down the left and he just could not elevate his shot to beat the blocker of the Redhawk goalie and on another chance he was served the puck alone in the slot and wristed it into the goalie's crest. One of his brothers who is not a prospect at all sniped a nice goal in this game. Similar thoughts to my own. I think there's a lot to like about the last couple of drafts. Clearly the amateur staff saw the need to select as many puck movers as possible. Fleury looks promising as a mid level pick. Evans is smart. What he lacks in speed he makes up for in work ethic, tenacity and smarts. A good combo. We'll see if it can transfer to the pro game, but he's got a shot. The thing, I think, we need to keep in mind with Poehling is that he really should be in his first year of college. He went early. His role increased this year, and he's seized it. He's faster than I thought going into his selection. At this point, if they pan out, I think Poehling projects as a good #2 and Evans a #3. Fleury could be a Petry type of player. |
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Post by seventeen on Feb 13, 2018 0:10:55 GMT -5
Primeau and his Huskies take the Beanpot tournament 5-2 over Boston U. Primeau stopped 73 of 75 shots over the two games played. It was the 3rd highest save percentage in Beanpot history so some nice work from the freshman.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 13, 2018 10:44:41 GMT -5
Primeau and his Huskies take the Beanpot tournament 5-2 over Boston U. Primeau stopped 73 of 75 shots over the two games played. It was the 3rd highest save percentage in Beanpot history so some nice work from the freshman. It was only the school's sixth win in the 66 year history, including the first in 30 years. You don't often see a team and its fans going that crazy after a Monday night game in mid-February in the hockey season. This is a pretty big historical deal for the four participating Boston based D1 hockey programs. It was fun to watch. I really like what Fleury is going this year. It is even more remarkable as a freshman. I guess he can add the ability to win under pressure to his resume. Anyway, hope the kid keeps developing. It is rather amazing that two out of top three most-talked about prospects in the NCAA are seventh rounders (Evans and Primeau). The sixth round guy (goalie Hayden Hawkey) picked right before Evans in 2014 is having a good NCAA year as well. |
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Post by Boston_Habs on Feb 13, 2018 11:23:05 GMT -5
With respect to Poehling..... to me his downside is Jacob de la Rose.
Like DLR, Poehling has the body and physical tools but, also like DLR. has yet to produce offensively at any level. He only played 9 games in the USHL (not sure why) and had 7 goals and 13 points in 35 games last year in college. His point totals are better this year, 22 points in 24 games, but still not a goal scorer.
He has a long way to go, IMO.
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Post by seventeen on Feb 13, 2018 21:15:47 GMT -5
I don't see anywhere near the offensive risk with Poehling that I did with DLR at the same age. In DLR's first WJC, he had zero points in 6 games and I was amazed at the chances he had that didn't result in any points. I made the comment at the time that it looked like there was a force field in front of the net when he had a scoring chance. It was that bad. He did better the following year, but that first year really sticks in my memory.
From some of the highlights I've seen, Poehling's instincts are much better than DLR's's. I honestly think that one of the problems with Montreal's scoring is that they don't have any role models. If we had someone who just naturally scored and the kids could see them doing it and were able to copy him, the scoring would pick up. Instead we have Plekanec's and other guys who seem to hit goalies in the crest and our kids emulate that and hit goalies in the crest. Obviously it's not that simple, but seeing a guy like Crosby or McDavid making great plays would boost their creativity.
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Post by Boston_Habs on Feb 14, 2018 8:55:24 GMT -5
The 2017 draft is important. It's not every year you get two 2nd's and two 3rd's to go along with a 1st rounder. Those picks are extremely valuable in the NHL where the talent level is pretty even once you get past the bottom part of the first round.
But you have to hit on some.
You see what's happening in Boston. Suddenly they are one if the top teams in the league and it's in part due to the guys drafted after the 1st round. Danton Heinen (4th round) and Brandon Carlo (2nd round) are rotation players. And they've hit on Pastrnak (drafted just ahead of Scherbak in 2014) and McAvoy. Ironically, the 2015 draft hasn't really panned out (they had the 14, 15, and 16 pick in the 1st round and so far Jake DeBrusk is the only success and they missed on Matthew Barzal who was drafted at #17).
But the point is you see the benefit of having a critical mass of drafted players producing at the same time. Eventually you reach a tipping point and that's what can vault you into contention. Nobody was expecting much from Boston this year because nobody projected their young drafted players to be this good..
We really need 2 of Poehling, Brook, Ikonen, Walford, and Fleury to emerge as more than just depth players.
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Post by seventeen on Feb 14, 2018 10:20:26 GMT -5
Where Boston has done better is that the guys they picked are impact players (McAvoy, Pasternak) whereas ours have been or may be NHL players. They miss out, too, as they did in 2015. You need some luck. Timmins managed it in 2007 so let's hope he can replicate that soon.
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Post by Tankdriver on Feb 14, 2018 11:11:57 GMT -5
We need another 2007 draft.
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Post by blny on Feb 14, 2018 13:42:40 GMT -5
We need another 2007 draft. With a first and three second round picks the opportunity is there. The team also has three 5th round picks - two of which have reasonable conditions that they turn into 4ths. |
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Post by PTH on Feb 14, 2018 13:50:21 GMT -5
Where Boston has done better is that the guys they picked are impact players (McAvoy, Pasternak) whereas ours have been or may be NHL players. They miss out, too, as they did in 2015. You need some luck. Timmins managed it in 2007 so let's hope he can replicate that soon. It's also just about having a lot of picks. Boston could mess up 2 of 3 first rounders in 2015 and still have things work out because they had plenty of picks. We've been selling off picks to try and contend, and over time those traded picks add up. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 17, 2018 1:58:26 GMT -5
Good WHL matchup on Sportsnet at 3:00pm ET on Sunday.
Moose Jaw (Brook) and Regina (Fluery). They have played a lot of head to head this week!
Our two best defensive prospects outside of the pro systems, IMO.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 17, 2018 13:12:58 GMT -5
Big #11 in red (Poehling) goes to the net, and bangs one in. He added an assist later on. Two point night last night.
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