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Post by blny on Dec 5, 2018 21:27:44 GMT -5
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Post by folatre on Dec 5, 2018 21:30:54 GMT -5
Bouchard is an intense guy and he wants to win. The problem is twofold: first, as NW and blny and others have said, there is not really much in the way of kids who are genuine NHL prospects in Laval; second, back in July-August Bouchard probably assumed that 22 year olds with NHL size and skating like De la Rose and Scherbak would at worst be the 12th and 13th forwards with Montreal, which would have signified the Rocket having a sizeable core of 25-27 year old AHL stalwarts who would put up points consistently and lead the team to a winning season.
It has not worked out that way. Bergevin waived the guys who were prospect age and decided that Peca, Chaput, and Agostino are all NHLers rather than fringe journeymen. For me if Bouchard had Peca, Chaput, and Agostino the Rocket would be respectable in the standings.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Dec 5, 2018 23:23:18 GMT -5
The team is also playing better hockey than last year, just not scoring. I am not sure the Bouchard impact will be felt for a bit. Our best prospects are not yet playing in Laval. I would say our best prospects there are Fleury, Evans and maybe Vejdemo. The rest are bubble prospects (McCarron, McNiven, Lernout, Sklenicka, etc.), or kids that won’t make it (Audette, Waked, etc.). Lindgren is our backup in waiting. It hurts to have your three best AHL vets playing for the big club, but that is what happens due to injuries and losing four forwards under contract since the beginning of the season.
That being said, the Rocket need to make the playoffs. They were dead last under hopeless Lefebvre last year and need to trend upwards if they want to stay relevant and get bums in the seats.
When you enter December with only 44 guys under NHL contracts, your farm team is not going to be top notch.
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Post by CentreHice on Dec 6, 2018 8:59:44 GMT -5
The team is also playing better hockey than last year, just not scoring. I am not sure the Bouchard impact will be felt for a bit. Our best prospects are not yet playing in Laval. I would say our best prospects there are Fleury, Evans and maybe Vejdemo. The rest are bubble prospects (McCarron, McNiven, Lernout, Sklenicka, etc.), or kids that won’t make it (Audette, Waked, etc.). Lindgren is our backup in waiting. It hurts to have your three best AHL vets playing for the big club, but that is what happens due to injuries and losing four forwards under contract since the beginning of the season. That being said, the Rocket need to make the playoffs. They were dead last under hopeless Lefebvre last year and need to trend upwards if they want to stay relevant and get bums in the seats. When you enter December with only 44 guys under NHL contracts, your farm team is not going to be top notch. Sounds like a systemic managerial problem that will take time to work out...i.e. hoping the newer crop is a better one. When does the buck stop at Berg's office? |
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Post by blny on Dec 6, 2018 9:28:13 GMT -5
The team is also playing better hockey than last year, just not scoring. I am not sure the Bouchard impact will be felt for a bit. Our best prospects are not yet playing in Laval. I would say our best prospects there are Fleury, Evans and maybe Vejdemo. The rest are bubble prospects (McCarron, McNiven, Lernout, Sklenicka, etc.), or kids that won’t make it (Audette, Waked, etc.). Lindgren is our backup in waiting. It hurts to have your three best AHL vets playing for the big club, but that is what happens due to injuries and losing four forwards under contract since the beginning of the season. That being said, the Rocket need to make the playoffs. They were dead last under hopeless Lefebvre last year and need to trend upwards if they want to stay relevant and get bums in the seats. When you enter December with only 44 guys under NHL contracts, your farm team is not going to be top notch. Sounds like a systemic managerial problem that will take time to work out...i.e. hoping the newer crop is a better one. When does the buck stop at Berg's office? The matter of winning AHL clubs is only going to get more difficult. 1. The addition of Seattle means a thinning of talent at the NHL level. That has a trickle down affect, as Seattle will need to create its own farm system or share with others. 2. As the league continues to get younger and younger, we're seeing more and more 18 year old kids make the league and stick. Those 18 year olds that don't are going back to junior. I often wonder if, for example, Suzuki's development would be better served in the AHL. Rules prohibit him from playing there, but at 19 he's already a kid who's had one 100pt season in the OHL. He's on pace for another. Would relaxing that rule be a good idea? Get him, and kids like him, into the AHL. Create space for more 16 year olds to play in the CHL. It would certainly be a good way to inject organizational talent into the farm system. |
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Post by BadCompany on Dec 6, 2018 10:52:37 GMT -5
I'm a little wary of Bouchard, to be honest with you. While his record as a coach in the Q wasn't necessarily terrible, it's not like a tonne of players from his teams made the NHL. Of course that could be a function of the players he had, but still.
But of more concern to me is his style. By his own admission he's intense, and hard on his players. You see it in pretty much every interview he gives, where he talks about how he's hard on somebody. That can work... or it can flop miserably. I'm not saying he's John Tortorella or Mike Keenan, but he does remind me a bit of Guy Boucher. Guys like that can have a short shelf life if players start to tune them out (star players in particular).
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Post by BadCompany on Dec 6, 2018 10:58:57 GMT -5
2. As the league continues to get younger and younger, we're seeing more and more 18 year old kids make the league and stick. Those 18 year olds that don't are going back to junior. I often wonder if, for example, Suzuki's development would be better served in the AHL. Rules prohibit him from playing there, but at 19 he's already a kid who's had one 100pt season in the OHL. He's on pace for another. Would relaxing that rule be a good idea? Get him, and kids like him, into the AHL. Create space for more 16 year olds to play in the CHL. It would certainly be a good way to inject organizational talent into the farm system. While it might help the farm system, I think it will be pretty hard on CHL teams. Who is going to pay big money to watch a 16 year old? On the other hand, guys who are stars, or end up having name recognition because they've already been drafted, or played on TV in the World Juniors, those guys people might end up paying to see. Which means more money for CHL teams, which means better facilities, better coaching, better everything. THAT in turn leads to better player development, and more NHL players down the road. If CHL teams start going under because they're nothing more than glorified Midget AAA teams with the corresponding budget then in the long run it will hurt the overall talent level. Particularly Canadian. The best solution, in my mind, would be to move the draft up to 19. More star 18 year olds in the CHL, with the added bonus that NHL teams have a better handle on the kids they are drafting, getting one more year to scout them (and watch them mature, physically and mentally). But there are probably a whole host of legal reasons as to why that's not possible. |
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Post by CentreHice on Dec 6, 2018 11:20:09 GMT -5
I'm a little wary of Bouchard, to be honest with you. While his record as a coach in the Q wasn't necessarily terrible, it's not like a tonne of players from his teams made the NHL. Of course that could be a function of the players he had, but still. But of more concern to me is his style. By his own admission he's intense, and hard on his players. You see it in pretty much every interview he gives, where he talks about how he's hard on somebody. That can work... or it can flop miserably. I'm not saying he's John Tortorella or Mike Keenan, but he does remind me a bit of Guy Boucher. Guys like that can have a short shelf life if players start to tune them out (star players in particular). Certainly is a balancing act... Competitive intensity is needed in coaching...but if bullying, berating, ridiculing, shaming, etc. are commonplace....as you say, their shelf life is shortened. Ripping into a player/team works ONLY if the coach and the player/team know it's deserved. A quality coach knows his players and how to motivate each one.....AND how to talk to the team as a whole. It'll be interesting to see how Bouchard fares. |
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Post by blny on Dec 6, 2018 11:56:39 GMT -5
2. As the league continues to get younger and younger, we're seeing more and more 18 year old kids make the league and stick. Those 18 year olds that don't are going back to junior. I often wonder if, for example, Suzuki's development would be better served in the AHL. Rules prohibit him from playing there, but at 19 he's already a kid who's had one 100pt season in the OHL. He's on pace for another. Would relaxing that rule be a good idea? Get him, and kids like him, into the AHL. Create space for more 16 year olds to play in the CHL. It would certainly be a good way to inject organizational talent into the farm system. While it might help the farm system, I think it will be pretty hard on CHL teams. Who is going to pay big money to watch a 16 year old? On the other hand, guys who are stars, or end up having name recognition because they've already been drafted, or played on TV in the World Juniors, those guys people might end up paying to see. Which means more money for CHL teams, which means better facilities, better coaching, better everything. THAT in turn leads to better player development, and more NHL players down the road. If CHL teams start going under because they're nothing more than glorified Midget AAA teams with the corresponding budget then in the long run it will hurt the overall talent level. Particularly Canadian. The best solution, in my mind, would be to move the draft up to 19. More star 18 year olds in the CHL, with the added bonus that NHL teams have a better handle on the kids they are drafting, getting one more year to scout them (and watch them mature, physically and mentally). But there are probably a whole host of legal reasons as to why that's not possible. No doubt. There are a host of trickle down affects in whichever path you take. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Dec 7, 2018 15:08:20 GMT -5
A bit of a tough stretch for Laval, who desperately need some wins and points. In addition to their lack of depth up front, Lindgren is injured and Bouchard mentioned that they have done tests and will know the results at the beginning of next week. That would sting. Interestingly enough, Etienne Marcoux (AHL contract) gets the start tonight as they have back to back games. It will be his first AHL start. Expect McNiven in net tomorrow night.
Despres will be in for his first Rocket game and Fleury is still injured, hopefully back soon.
A very telling visual about the state of the special teams in Laval.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Dec 8, 2018 19:50:08 GMT -5
The Rocket split a pair of games in Ontario this weekend. Last night they lost 7-2 in a game in which they held Belleville to just 18 shots. To say that neither Marcoux nor McNiven had a good night is an understatement.
Today, they bounced back with a 4-3 win over the Marlies. Despres scored the OT winner. Evans had a goal in both games.
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Post by BadCompany on Dec 11, 2018 13:37:38 GMT -5
I'm a little wary of Bouchard, to be honest with you. While his record as a coach in the Q wasn't necessarily terrible, it's not like a tonne of players from his teams made the NHL. Of course that could be a function of the players he had, but still. But of more concern to me is his style. By his own admission he's intense, and hard on his players. You see it in pretty much every interview he gives, where he talks about how he's hard on somebody. That can work... or it can flop miserably. I'm not saying he's John Tortorella or Mike Keenan, but he does remind me a bit of Guy Boucher. Guys like that can have a short shelf life if players start to tune them out (star players in particular). Another quote from Bouchard (in The Athletic), talking about how hard he is on a player. This time Lukas Vedejmo: “When he got here, I met him at the hotel to say ‘This won’t be easy. I’ll be demanding. In fact, I’ll be really tough on you, because I know you have potential.'”
While some players don’t react well to constant pressure and heightened expectations, Vejdemo is embracing the attention he’s getting from the coaching staff.
“I’ve never had a coach that intense,” he said. “He’s on his own level. But I like that, and it’s good for the team, too. I know he just wants me to be the best I can be and I need to remember that when he’s yelling at me.
“I need that. It’s good for me. I can’t relax for a second out there, because if I do, he’s on me. In the long run that’s really good, because I need to push hard to make it to the next level, both in practice and in games.”Doesn't sound like a country-club atmosphere down there. |
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Post by blny on Dec 11, 2018 17:51:46 GMT -5
I'm a little wary of Bouchard, to be honest with you. While his record as a coach in the Q wasn't necessarily terrible, it's not like a tonne of players from his teams made the NHL. Of course that could be a function of the players he had, but still. But of more concern to me is his style. By his own admission he's intense, and hard on his players. You see it in pretty much every interview he gives, where he talks about how he's hard on somebody. That can work... or it can flop miserably. I'm not saying he's John Tortorella or Mike Keenan, but he does remind me a bit of Guy Boucher. Guys like that can have a short shelf life if players start to tune them out (star players in particular). Another quote from Bouchard (in The Athletic), talking about how hard he is on a player. This time Lukas Vedejmo: “When he got here, I met him at the hotel to say ‘This won’t be easy. I’ll be demanding. In fact, I’ll be really tough on you, because I know you have potential.'”
While some players don’t react well to constant pressure and heightened expectations, Vejdemo is embracing the attention he’s getting from the coaching staff.
“I’ve never had a coach that intense,” he said. “He’s on his own level. But I like that, and it’s good for the team, too. I know he just wants me to be the best I can be and I need to remember that when he’s yelling at me.
“I need that. It’s good for me. I can’t relax for a second out there, because if I do, he’s on me. In the long run that’s really good, because I need to push hard to make it to the next level, both in practice and in games.”Doesn't sound like a country-club atmosphere down there. Perhaps the best public school teacher I had was also the toughest. Worked us hard. Demanded a lot. But, I knew she was in my corner and she was fair. There's nothing wrong with be tough, or administering some tough love so long as the preparation as good. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Dec 13, 2018 8:41:41 GMT -5
Laval gets some revenge on Belleville last night, after getting spanked in their last game. 3-1 final. Goals by Jevpalovs (it was a doozy), Shinkaruk, and Grenier into the empty cage. McNiven with some big saves in the win.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Dec 16, 2018 11:01:34 GMT -5
The Rocket shut out the Syracuse Crunch 4-0 last night. Marcoux gets his first AHL shutout. The Rocket have been getting good goaltending the last few games while Lindgren is out. That defence group is pretty experienced now with the addition of Alzner, Mete, Ouellet, and Despres. The really good news is Fleury came back last night after missing games due to injury.
That is 7 out of 8 possible points since last Saturday, only giving up 6 goals in those four games. McNiven played well in three of those games and Marcoux did his part last night.
They are still tied for last in their division, but are only four points out of a playoff spot as the standings are very tight.
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Post by seventeen on Dec 16, 2018 14:17:08 GMT -5
I'd think you'd class the shutout as a team one rather than a goalie one. Marcoux faces 12 shots the whole game. It was Syracuse's 3rd game in 4 nights which might explain the SOG. Still, every team has to face those situations.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Dec 22, 2018 9:23:54 GMT -5
Rocket with a big 2-1 win over the Marlies last night. They play again this afternoon before the break. McNiven with the win, and Big Mac and Fleury (GWG) with the goals.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Dec 22, 2018 13:48:48 GMT -5
I'm a little wary of Bouchard, to be honest with you. While his record as a coach in the Q wasn't necessarily terrible, it's not like a tonne of players from his teams made the NHL. Of course that could be a function of the players he had, but still. But of more concern to me is his style. By his own admission he's intense, and hard on his players. You see it in pretty much every interview he gives, where he talks about how he's hard on somebody. That can work... or it can flop miserably. I'm not saying he's John Tortorella or Mike Keenan, but he does remind me a bit of Guy Boucher. Guys like that can have a short shelf life if players start to tune them out (star players in particular). I haven't seen too many interviews with Joel Bouchard but I've seen plenty with Guy Boucher ... Boucher is pretty emotional during practices and games, but from what I see of Boucher in interviews it's almost like he's checking himself, so as to not get too emotional in front of the camera ... also, while that Uber cab footage might have been inappropriate, it was very telling feedback on what the dressing room mood might be like too ... I don't hear anything like that about Bouchard, though ... quite the contrary if you listen to Michael McCarron's remarks ... see the video of McCarron's interview after being cut from the Habs ... start watching around the 7:55 mark when McCarron starts talking about Bouchard ... I've never heard that kind of feedback from the Ottawa players on Boucher, buds ... a cut and paste from the link ... "Joel is very intense, he is here to work hard. With him, you do not have the choice to give yourself thoroughly on the ice, "he explained.
The 23-year-old American then gave a small arrow to the former coach of the CH school club, Sylvain Lefebvre.
"It's completely different from last year. Joel really wants us to behave like professionals. We do not feel like in a holiday camp. "Cheers. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Dec 28, 2018 11:43:28 GMT -5
Belleville Sens beat the Rocket 6-4 last night, but McCarron had two goals from standing in front of the net with nice redirects, and Fleury also blasted one home and added an assist. Evans with two helpers.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Dec 28, 2018 17:37:46 GMT -5
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Dec 29, 2018 1:19:44 GMT -5
Nice bounce back tonight, with a PTO goalie having one heckavu debut. The tenders are now Marcoux (AHL deal) and LaCouvee (PTO).
This is a doozie.
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Post by Willie Dog on Dec 29, 2018 13:45:58 GMT -5
Nice bounce back tonight, with a PTO goalie having one heckavu debut. The tenders are now Marcoux (AHL deal) and LaCouvee (PTO). This is a doozie. Wow... what a save... thanks for posting NWT |
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Post by blny on Dec 29, 2018 15:14:12 GMT -5
Oof. That save will be making the rounds for a while.
From rural Vancouver Island, to Notre Dame Prep for a year, to 3 years of BCHL, to 3 years of always being the bridesmaid at BU, to a year at Minnesota State annex where he put up great numbers as the starter. This is his first pro year. Bounced from Maine Mariners and Utica Comets. Be nice for the kid to get some stability somewhere and be given a shot.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Dec 30, 2018 12:28:15 GMT -5
Laval lost 5-4 in OT to the Charlotte Checkers. That was three out of four points in the two games against the AHL’s top team.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jan 2, 2019 23:30:20 GMT -5
Laval win a big divisional game 4-2 against the Belleville Sens. LaCouvee gets the win, but I expect his PTO will end soon with McNiven returning. The Rocket are depleted with some recent injuries to Juulsen, Shinkaruk and McCarron. Big Mike is coming off a great December, so hope he is back soon to keep his good play going. Goals by Belzile, Grenier, Waked and Froese.
Edit: Just added the highlights. That was a nice pass by Vejdemo on the fourth Rocket goal by Grenier.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jan 3, 2019 14:29:27 GMT -5
Looks like the Despres experiment is over. I am okay with this if it helps prospects like Juulsen, Fleury, Lernout and the two Czechs get more ice time and experience.
Next season could be a busy incoming class of rookie defenders with Brook and probably Tyszka (with seventeen leading the charge) and Walford.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jan 3, 2019 14:32:19 GMT -5
LaCouvee won both his starts under his PTO and looked solid. He gets the backup spot behind McNiven until Lindgren is back. That means that Marcoux, on an AHL contract, is the one heading back to the ECHL. I wonder if they offer an AHL/ECHL deal to LaCouvee or just release him from his PTO when Lindgren returns.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jan 5, 2019 11:28:56 GMT -5
Laval enters its third straight weekend playing a top team. They came up a tad short last night, losing 3-2 in a shootout. How about this save by McNiven?
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Jan 6, 2019 1:17:25 GMT -5
Laval win a big divisional game 4-2 against the Belleville Sens. LaCouvee gets the win, but I expect his PTO will end soon with McNiven returning. The Rocket are depleted with some recent injuries to Juulsen, Shinkaruk and McCarron. Big Mike is coming off a great December, so hope he is back soon to keep his good play going. Goals by Belzile, Grenier, Waked and Froese. Edit: Just added the highlights. That was a nice pass by Vejdemo on the fourth Rocket goal by Grenier. McCarron was our attempt at getting bigger. Experiment over, times up. What about the OHL leading scorer, Justin 6’6 and undrafted 20 year old. Size, sniper, power play Phil Esposito look alike in the crease. How bad can his skating be. 31 GM’s don’t like him but classic Bergevin low risk no return experiment? |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jan 6, 2019 14:09:10 GMT -5
Rocket beat tough Rochester 2-1 behind the solid goaltending of LaCouvee, who now has three wins in three starts. They should sign this guy for AHL depth.
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