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Post by NWTHabsFan on Mar 25, 2007 0:42:07 GMT -5
Carey Price with 32 saves, including 19 in the third alone for a 2-1 win, a first star, and a win that evens his series up. Maxwell gets an assist and three penalties in his second game back, as Kootenay ties things up against Ryan White's Calgary team with a win tonight.
Mathieu Carle has no points in his team's win, and Mikus had an assist in his loss (his team is down 2-0 now). Kosty junior was pointless in a 2-1 win giving powerful London a 2-0 lead.
Fischer's U of Minn won a tight one 4-3 to go to their regional final tomorrow. The winner goes onto the Frozen Four in St Louis.
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Post by revin5 on Mar 25, 2007 3:43:06 GMT -5
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Post by Toronthab on Mar 25, 2007 14:45:36 GMT -5
Carey Price with 32 saves, including 19 in the third alone for a 2-1 win, a first star, and a win that evens his series up. Maxwell gets an assist and three penalties in his second game back, as Kootenay ties things up against Ryan White's Calgary team with a win tonight. Mathieu Carle has no points in his team's win, and Mikus had an assist in his loss (his team is down 2-0 now). Kosty junior was pointless in a 2-1 win giving powerful London a 2-0 lead. Fischer's U of Minn won a tight one 4-3 to go to their regional final tomorrow. The winner goes onto the Frozen Four in St Louis. Thanks for the updates guys.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Mar 26, 2007 0:00:37 GMT -5
Crappy day all around for Hab prospects.
Fischer's U of Minn team lost in OT to North Dakota, so thus endeth their season and hopes for a trip to the Final Four. Mathieu Carle was scoreless and -4 (ouch) in a 5-2 loss that now evens up that series. Loic Lacasse (why did he get a contract again?) gave up 6 goals on 16 shots, and got yanked after two with his team down 6-2. Oshawa came back and won the thing scoring four in the third and on more in OT with the other goalie in net, so I am guessing Lacasse sees the bench next game.
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Post by habmeister on Mar 26, 2007 0:43:27 GMT -5
any chance fischer can play for the bulldogs, or he's probably not physically ready yet?
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Post by montreal on Mar 26, 2007 10:33:51 GMT -5
any chance fischer can play for the bulldogs, or he's probably not physically ready yet? zero chance, it's not allowed by the ncaa, so he'd have to leave the team for good. He's not even allowed to go to the development camp in the summer time unless he pays his own way. The ncaa is tough, they don't want their players to receive a dime or they lose their eligibilty.
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Post by BadCompany on Mar 26, 2007 14:18:14 GMT -5
One thing I’ve never liked (and I’m not picking on you H&C, it’s a general thing), is fans always insisting that “Player X” gets to Hamilton as quickly as possible, so that they can face tougher competition, and all that. I don’t always get the logic, as I think in many cases players just aren’t ready for that competition (as H&C asks, with regards to Fischer’s strength), and their development may in fact be stunted by forcing them into leagues they just aren’t ready for.
I am still of the opinion that Mike Komisarek was rushed to the AHL, and that it cost him a good two years of development. Komisarek, as we all know, didn’t start playing hockey until he was 11 years old, and while he was physically bigger and stronger than everyone else, he was never the star hockey player, at any level he played at. Unlike most top prospects, who are generally superstars (with the egos that come with that) from the ages of 7 up. Komisarek didn’t even opt into the draft his first year of eligibility, because he wasn’t expected to go until the fourth round or so. Little known fact, but Komisarek and Ron Hainsey should have been drafted in the same year, as they are the same age. When he played in Michigan, he was never the “go-to” guy, and while you could see the potential, he was always the #2 or even #3 defenseman, in my opinion, behind seniors with half his talent.
When he got to the AHL he had no confidence in his abilities, and always got down on himself whenever he made a mistake. He never seemed to realize just how good he was, and I really think that’s because he never had the opportunity to see it. If he had of stayed one more year in college, he would have been “the man”, would have gotten tonnes of minutes, played the penalty kill AND the power-play, been given free reign to rush when he thought he could, told to handle the puck more and he would have dominated that league. Instead, he went to the AHL, where he was told to play it safe, and where he was afraid to explore his possibilities, because he just wasn’t ready.
I haven’t seen Fischer play, but from what I have read, and given the stacked team he currently plays on, I think that it would be much better for him to stay in Minnesota, for at least one, probably two more years. Certainly until after Eric Johnson goes pro. While Fischer isn’t quite like Komisarek, in that Fischer dominated the high-school level, I still think he would be much better served by staying in college and dominating that league, before moving on up. It’s not like it’s a lousy program, after all.
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Post by seventeen on Mar 26, 2007 19:10:45 GMT -5
Took the sentences, paragraphs, novel words right out of my mouth. I wasn't quite so sure about holding Komi back, but in hindsight, you're probably right and he'd probably be where he is now or ahead, but with much less angst. Fischer, for sure. He isn't strong enough physically, so he should develop in college and get more ice time there.
H & C might have been thinking of the proverbial, 'getting his feet wet', but going back to University anyway, just having the experience of being with a pro team. Of, course, once the words are out of my mouth, I realize just how dangerous that is too. Strip bars, broken curfews, blah blah.
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Post by habmeister on Mar 26, 2007 21:56:27 GMT -5
yep that was exactly what i was thinking, give him a taste of the pace and how hard it is. of course he isn't ready to make the jump!! he's a rake isn't he?
strip bars and broken curfews, do you mean in the ncaa or ahl? i would think the leash is a lot tighter in the pros as there is a lot more travel and less free time.
forgot about the ncaa eligibility thing, look at bieksa, i believe he played 4 years of ncaa and it wasn't until last season that he got to crack the club and now he's a star on the canucks.
as far as komi being rushed, i'll leave it to timmins, gainey etc... to decide where the best place to develop is. i feel that if you're physically too big to play in the league you're in then moving up is a good idea, but if komi wasn't good enough then that's a different story too.
that can work both ways, like with chips, he had to move up because of age, but if he was in the ncaa he would still be better suited to go pro, he's smart and will absorb the information from game to game like a sponge.
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Post by seventeen on Mar 27, 2007 22:33:13 GMT -5
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Post by seventeen on Mar 31, 2007 1:20:50 GMT -5
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Post by habmeister on Mar 31, 2007 14:59:04 GMT -5
you did see who the first star was though in the game right?
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 4, 2007 9:53:46 GMT -5
Kosty junior and his London mates meet up with SSM tomorrow in the John Labatt Centre. Loic Lacasse (our spare part goalie prospect) and his Oshawa gang will take on Belleville on Friday. Mathieu Carle's CHL career is extended as his Rouyn-Noranda team plays Drummondville after upsetting Gatineau in the first round.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 9, 2007 10:01:49 GMT -5
Our lads in Hamilton and Cincy are both playoff bound. The regular season for the ECHL wrapped up and the Cyclones ended up in third in their division with 80 points in 72 games. Not incredible stats, but they are in a weak division and almost ended up in first if not for a little bit of a slump at the end of the season. It was actually a pretty impressive first year for the team and some of our prospects were key parts of that good run. Desjardins in net, Aubin/Stewart/Bonneau up front, and Gleed in the back end will all see playoff hockey soon. Urquhart did well enough to not only earn a call up with Hamilton, but also get a spot on the Playoff Clear Day Roster, so he will be sticking in the AHL through the playoffs.
Speaking of the Baby Habs, they are in third only one point back of Rochester with four to play. Those two teams are destined to meet in the the first round, with only home ice up for grabs now that they are both booked for the playoffs. Hamilton has been without a lot of callups to both the Habs and the Oilers, and will no doubt look forward to the return of Lapierre, Kostitsyn and Halak from the Habs and rough and tumble Stortini from the Oil. With the Oilers confirming their new AHL affiliation next year, this will be our last joint venture, although Stortini is the only non-Habber on the Clear Day Roster.
Two of the last four Dogs games will be broadcast on the NHL Network, so folks will have a chance to see some of the young guns play. The games are not live, and are actually going to be shown a few days after they actually take place...but it is still a chance to see the prospects as they gear up for the big dance.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 11, 2007 19:46:14 GMT -5
Loic Lacasse is struggling as is his team, Oshawa, who are down 3-0 and facing a big uphill battle to get back into their series. He is 3W 4L with a 4.92 gaa and .867 save %, hardly awe inspiring.
Sergei Kostitsyn's London Knights had their first loss against SSM earlier this week but still enjoy a 3-1 cushion. Their high flying offense is hard to contain. To that end, Kosty junior has 8gp 6g 7a 13 pts +5 23 pim.
Mathieu Carle and the Rouyn Noranda gang are in a 2-1 dog fight in their Q series that could very well go the distance. In 8 gp, he has 2g 5a 7pts +4 and 14 pim.
Ryan White's Calgary Hitmen enjoyed their rest after a tough 3 games in 4 nights stretch and bounced back with a huge 8-1 win to get back into their series, which is at 2-1. In 10gp, he has 5g 6a 11pts +4 14 pim.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 11, 2007 20:02:01 GMT -5
Our boys in Cincinnati start their playoffs this Friday night as they go up against the Toledo Storm in a best of five Kelly Cup playoff series.
Games are Fri Apr 13 and Sat Apr 14 in Toledo, Thurs Apr 19 and Fri Apr 20 in Cincinnati, and Sun Apr 22 in Toledo (last two if necessary of course). The Cyclones won the season series 6-4, but finished just behind Toledo in the North Division thus losing home ice advantage for this series. The Cyclones were 37-29-4-2 for third in the North and Toledo was 39-30-1-2 for second in the North.
We have five players of interest participating. Here is how they did all season with Cincy:
C Mathieu Aubin 38gp 12g 25a 37pts -1 32pim (17gp 5pts -3 4pim with Hamilton)
RW Greg Stewart 62gp 8g 15a 23pts -2 126pim (no games with the Dogs)
D Jon Gleed 40gp 3g 6a 9pts +4 72pim (8gp 1pt +3 4pim with the Dogs)
LW Jimmy Bonneau 46gp 2g 5a 7pts -1 89pim (9gp 0pts -1 59pim in Steeltown)
G Cedric Desjardins 44gp 24W 20L 2.54 gaa (5th in ECHL) .917 (6th in ECHL) 4 SO (6th in ECHL) (he played 3 games in Hamilton this season and did not pick up a win)
Aubin, Gleed, Stewart and Desjardins all enjoyed a decent rookie pro season. Aubin did spend a fair bit of time in Hamilton, but was used sparingly and sat a lot because of the forward depth in Hamilton, especially before all the NHL call ups that occurred. A point a game pace in his rookie season is good stuff, and he has good size and skill to develop further. Stewart is an energy forward and spent his time doing his job down in Ohio. There could be room in Hamilton next season if the Habs pull some of those guys up to replace Bonk/Johnson etc. Gleed had a good debut as well and spent some time back and forth between the AHL and ECHL. Desjardins is the only non-drafted prospect of the bunch as he was signed as a free agent after a great Memorial Cup run. He put up great numbers in Cincy, is near the top of the league in stats, was named to the All Star Game and was also honoured as part of the league All Rookie Team.
The noticeably absent name is Cory Urquhart who made the best of his mid season call up to Hamilton. This is his third pro season and the first one in which he has been able to stick in the AHL and get in more than a game or two. He put up good number in Cincy and in Hamilton this season and was rewarded with a Clear Day/Playoff roster spot ahead of ex-Rocket teammate Michael Lambert. Here were his numbers this season:
Cincy 43gp 22g 18a 40pts +0 47pim Hamilton 26gp 5g 12a 17pts +1 10pim
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 13, 2007 23:39:28 GMT -5
Cincy wins game one tonight and a number of our boys play big parts of the game. Gleed and Stewart get goals, Aubin an assist and Desjardins in net for the 3-1 victory. www.cycloneshockey.com/news_data.php?article=00202Edit: Bonneau was busy as well getting 15 minutes in penalties with a five and ten
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 14, 2007 15:10:55 GMT -5
Lacasse's Oshawa team bows out in four straight. His CHL career is done, who knows where the Habs will stick him next year.
Kosty junior's London team is up 3-2, as the SSM Greyhounds just don't want to roll over on this one.
Whitey's Calgary team bounced back with three straight wins after getting off to a tough 2-0 start in their series, and can wrap things up tomorrow in Cow Town. Ryan had a goal in last night's 5-4 OT win.
Carle's Rouyn-Noranda team are down 3-2 to Drummondville.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 15, 2007 18:13:07 GMT -5
Cincy wins another big one 7-3 in Toledo to take a 2-0 series lead in their best of five. It shifts back to Cincy on Thursday night as they have a chance to clinch the series on home ice. Stewart with his second in two games, Gleed with an assist and Desjardins with his second win in his first pro playoff series. echl.leaguestat.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1841
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Post by seventeen on Apr 16, 2007 0:42:47 GMT -5
Lacasse's Oshawa team bows out in four straight. His CHL career is done, who knows where the Habs will stick him next year. The twilight zone?
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Post by montreal on Apr 16, 2007 17:47:51 GMT -5
Lacasse's Oshawa team bows out in four straight. His CHL career is done, who knows where the Habs will stick him next year. Kosty junior's London team is up 3-2, as the SSM Greyhounds just don't want to roll over on this one. Whitey's Calgary team bounced back with three straight wins after getting off to a tough 2-0 start in their series, and can wrap things up tomorrow in Cow Town. Ryan had a goal in last night's 5-4 OT win. Carle's Rouyn-Noranda team are down 3-2 to Drummondville. I think the ECHL for Lacasse to backup Desjardins. Frankly I am still surprised he got a contract from us. When I started my website I didn't even bother to create a profile for him cause I thought he and Alex Dulca-Lemelin would not be signed. I didn't see him this year but in the past I've seen him with Drakkar and was ok at times but they were a poor team with a poor defense (Dulac was one of their top defensemen, which says a lot about the team it's self) This year he seemed to stink with the Remparts, a strange situation indeed, Roy goes and trades for Lacasse after he had recently been traded to Drummondville, then after 8 games where he was 2-4 facing 232 shots in the 6 games he got a decision in, giving up 27 goals in those games and another 8 goals on 30 shots in 2 games he was pulled playing 6 minutes in one game and 12 in his last game, he goes and releases him from the team. Granted his team turned around after they removed Lacasse but seems like he didn't get a whole lot of chances for a guy he traded for. Perhaps it would have been better for him if he had just stayed in Drummondville. But in talking with some Oshawa fans they seem to think he was ok since joining the team. That said he's got a major uphill battle just to get AHL ice time as I doubt he could take away Desjardins starting job in the ECHL, as he has been one of the top goalies in the league. On top of that the team will likely have a hard time finding a place for Danis if they keep Leighton around and still have to find a way to sign Christopher Heino-Lindberg or we lose his rights. I think it's aways good to have lots of depth in nets and the Habs do. It doens't look good for Lacasse but an injury is all it takes and then everyone moves up one spot. Good night for Mathieu Carle though, in a must win game he came out and scored 2 goals for a 3-2 win to force a game 7 with Drummondville tomorrow night. Winner gets Lewiston though. I've listened to some of the games on the radio and reports from others are that he's playing well in the playoffs. I look forward to seeing him in Hamilton next year. Ryan White's Hitmen beat Brandon last night to win the series. They now got the tough task of taking on the Hat, won't be easy but it should be a good experience for him to play against such a good team, same goes for Carle if Noranda can advance. Kostitsyn had 2 assists in the 5-4 loss, game 7 is about to start. Winner gets Plymouth, and what a series that would be if they can get there, as Plymouth might be the best team in the CHL.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 16, 2007 20:38:57 GMT -5
The London Knights show some resolve tonight and win game seven 8-4 in front of their cheering faithful. That means Kosty junior's CHL career is still alive and kicking and any hopes of joining his brother and countryman in Hamilton for their playoff run will have to wait for one more series at least. Kosty picks up one assist in the big game.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 18, 2007 19:40:06 GMT -5
Mathieu Carle and his Rouyn-Noranda boys off to the semis with a big game seven win last night as well.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 19, 2007 21:58:12 GMT -5
On a night when all kudos are headed Carey Price's way (and well deserved), Cincy pulled off a 4-0 shutout as well to sweep the Toledo Storm in three straight. Our new guy Cedric Desjardins gets his third playoff win in a row and his first pro playoff shutout as well. Kinda see why the Habs figured they could let Michaud go and pick this guy up as a free agent last season. This kid also played in two straight Memorial Cup finals in the last two seasons, so he can play.
Greg Stewart finding renewed offense this post season with a goal and a helper, his third goal in three games. Mathieu Aubin had his first of the post season.
Onto the next round for our first year players Desjardins, Gleed, Stewart, and Aubin as well as second year pro Bonneau.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 22, 2007 20:56:59 GMT -5
Cyclones win again, this time against Dayton in the first game of the best of seven divisional finals. Desjardins with his fourth playoff win and Aubin and Stewart each had a goal tonight for the boys from Cincy. Next game is Wednesday night. www.cycloneshockey.com/news_data.php?article=00210
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Post by montreal on Apr 23, 2007 11:57:13 GMT -5
Cyclones win again, this time against Dayton in the first game of the best of seven divisional finals. Desjardins with his fourth playoff win and Aubin and Stewart each had a goal tonight for the boys from Cincy. Next game is Wednesday night. www.cycloneshockey.com/news_data.php?article=00210Stewart's one of the top goal scorers in the playoffs with 4 in 4 games. I talked with some Cincy fans about the playoffs and they said after Desjardins who has been great in the playoffs, Stewart was the mvp of the 1st round. They really like his chippy play. They also said that Gleed was their top defensemen but that Aubin wasn't really noticeable, although he would find a way onto the scoresheet. These comments were from the 1st round. Nothing on Bonneau.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 23, 2007 23:11:57 GMT -5
A few of the boys in action tonight.
Ryan White and the Hitmen had their legs back and played a much better game tonight at home in the Saddledome, winning 4-2 to bring the series back to 2-1 for the Hat. Ryan picked up an assist and got lots of ice time 5 on 5, PP and PK. He really is a key part of this team, and tonight's game was no exception. He set up Alex Plante on the PP for his assist, but he really controls the puck well down low on the PP and has good vision. The Shaw cable guys also had an interview with him in the intermission, and he did make mention of how good he has been treated by the Habs since being drafted. Caught most of the game on Shaw and it was a good game.
Unfortunately, London is one game and one night away from being eliminated as Plymouth took it to the Knights 5-2 to take a commanding 3-0 lead in their semi. Kosty had a goal an assist on the two goals, but the Knights now have to win tomorrow to keep this puppy going.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 23, 2007 23:18:15 GMT -5
Stewart's one of the top goal scorers in the playoffs with 4 in 4 games. I talked with some Cincy fans about the playoffs and they said after Desjardins who has been great in the playoffs, Stewart was the mvp of the 1st round. They really like his chippy play. They also said that Gleed was their top defensemen but that Aubin wasn't really noticeable, although he would find a way onto the scoresheet. These comments were from the 1st round. Nothing on Bonneau. That type of hockey was Stewart's bread and butter in Peterborough, so it is not a huge surprise by any means. The four in four for a guy who wasn't exactly racking the points up during the regular season is quite the pleasant surprise. Gleed has bounced up and down between the AHL and ECHL, but never seems to get too much ice time in Hamilton with all those defensemen there, especially when Edmonton had Roy or Hejda down earlier on the season. This is much better for him to get loads of ice time and experience down in the ECHL. It is a far cry from a short Ivy League NCAA season, so much like what O'Byrne is going through in Steeltown, this is a big adjustment year for him as he learns the pro game. For Cincy's first year back in hockey after a few years off and with a rookie head coach, this team has pleasantly surprised. Hope they keep it going as it is good experience for our five guys there.
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Post by seventeen on Apr 24, 2007 0:40:02 GMT -5
I recall paying attention to Stewart's play in the Mem Cup (2 years ago?). I was surprised at how well he skated. He was a force in the game I saw, and I thought he'd make the Dogs. Obviously not ready at that point, but he looked surprisingly good.
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Post by BadCompany on Apr 24, 2007 8:19:08 GMT -5
I guess Pat Hickey has been transferred to the Hamilton beat... Another Kostitsyn eyes Canadiens[/b] Sergei a scoring star in junior. Younger brother of Habs' Andrei also shows he can play at defensive end of the ice
PAT HICKEY, The Gazette Published: Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Sergei Kostitsyn was disappointed when the Canadiens decided not to send him to Hamilton last fall.
Next fall, he may be disappointed if the Canadiens do send him to Hamilton.
The other Kostitsyn - he's the younger brother of Andrei Kostitsyn, who finished the season in Montreal - said yesterday that he'll be going to the Canadiens' camp next September with the idea of staying in Montreal.
"We'll see what happens, but I'm going to try my best to make the NHL," Kostitsyn said last night before the London Knights' 5-2 loss to the Plymouth Whalers in an Ontario Hockey League playoff game.
"I've played two years here in London and I think that I've gotten better," said Kostitsyn, who was the Canadiens' sixth-round draft choice (200th overall) in 2005. He was at camp in Montreal last fall.The scoop
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