|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 18, 2022 21:03:39 GMT -5
For all the Jack-eye fans out there (like me).
|
|
|
|
Post by Willie Dog on Jun 19, 2022 8:26:28 GMT -5
For all the Jack-eye fans out there (like me). Like that kid, always have... cant wait for him to be patrolling the blue line and protecting Primeau |
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 19, 2022 10:00:38 GMT -5
At first the Leskinen signing was very odd to me. The club has a glut of LHD at both the Habs and Laval levels, and even with the new D coming in on ELCs next season. I guess they are hoping to replace the offence and experience of a guy like Niku or Ouellet in Laval, and definitely get an upgrade on defensive zone play from what Niku brought. Leskinen looked very solid at the AHL level last go around, but a bit overwhelmed in his brief call ups. He has since played solid pro hockey in the KHL and Liiga (after Jokerit left the KHL due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine). He can also draw in as an injury call up too as he does play a more modern puck moving style and likely has gained some confidence since his last stint, plus the new regime likely would be more supportive of his style of play. Hughes does seem to be making some small “placeholder” moves to fill out both rosters while also leaving room for young players to move between Laval and Montreal depending on how their readiness shows in their play. He also still is in cap hell for at least this season (pending more moves which are inevitable both this summer and at the TDL). The Habs previously qualified Leskinen when he left for Europe as he is still an RFA, so his ticket back to the NHL is either through the Habs or another team via a trade as the Habs still have his exclusive rights. He could also end up as part of a package on some future deal as well. Anyway, management is paying him a very good salary at the AHL level as part of his two way deal, so they are likely pencilling him in as one of the key vets on the Laval back end to help mentor the young guys coming in, at least to start the season. |
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 20, 2022 7:56:26 GMT -5
The Memorial Cup round robin starts tonight. Every game this week will feature at least one Habs prospect as the Habs lead the way with three participating.
Saint John (host) vs Hamilton (OHL) 6:00pm ET TSN
Of course, Habs fans will want to see Myšák (still playing a bit hurt and bouncing back from that shoulder injury) and Xhekaj.
The host Sea Dogs made a big splash firing their coach, Gordie Dwyer (yup, that one), after their first round playoff exit. They have brought in long time UNB head coach (22 years there and 7 national championships) to coach them on an interim basis for the tournament. He will return to UNB in the fall. They also added Rocky Thompson (ex goon and past Memorial Cup winning coach with Windsor) as a Memorial Cup Advisor. Interesting moves.
|
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 20, 2022 20:51:21 GMT -5
Saint John play for the first time in over a month and totally smother the Bulldogs in the opener. Final score 5-3. Xhekaj did get an assist on the third goal. Full marks for the Sea Dogs as they were the better team and two late Hamilton goals made this game closer than it really was on the ice.
In a short round robin tourney like this, a loss in your first game definitely puts some pressure on the Bulldogs to get a win next game up to avoid missing out of the weekend playoffs.
Guhle in action tomorrow night.
|
|
|
|
Post by seventeen on Jun 21, 2022 1:32:36 GMT -5
Yeah, losing that first game is often a dagger. Saint John looked faster.
|
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 21, 2022 8:55:29 GMT -5
Memorial Cup action on TSN tonight at 6:00pm ET
Edmonton (Guhle) vs Shawinigan
Debut for the Oil Kings and only player in the tournament that has played in it before, Guhle. If not for Covid, the Oil Kings would have had a pretty good chance to be at one or both of the last two Memorial Cup tournaments if they had been held, but that is a different story. They loaded the team up this season and have the most enviable depth in the tourney. A key injury is Dylan Geunther, their most skilled forward. No idea if he will be back, but he was in a leg brace when they took the WHL championship pictures. Not looking good.
Shawinigan knocked off the two big QMJHL regular season powerhouses in Quebec and Charlottetown, so although they are on a bit of a Cinderella run they went through the best teams and won. Their offence has been led by some great performances from Bourgault and Bourque. They have also been stingy on defence and had great goaltending.
Edit: an interesting fact is the WHL champion participants have a very surprising and long losing streak of 13 straight games at the Memorial Cup, running back to the last win in 2015. Guhle was with the PA Raiders in 2019 (the last one held), and they did not register a win. He and the Oil Kings will look to finally end that amazing string of poor results.
|
|
|
|
Post by seventeen on Jun 21, 2022 12:57:32 GMT -5
The Memorial Cup is great, but is a really bad way to determine the best juniour hockey team in Canada. I've seen too many good teams have a poor first game and then the schedule takes over and fatigue destroys them. You get a relatively mediocre team (oh yeah, there have been more than a few of those - eg. Therrien's 96 Granby team) win that first game, get on a roll and take the Cup. Once upon a time, it was best of seven series (Remparts over St. Catherines back in 1970) after other best of 7 eliminations. But it doesn't make for good enough tv. Personally, I think the Oil Kings have the most talent of the 4 teams, but that means squat when the puck drops.
|
|
|
|
Post by BadCompany on Jun 21, 2022 14:35:41 GMT -5
The Memorial Cup is great, but is a really bad way to determine the best juniour hockey team in Canada. I've seen too many good teams have a poor first game and then the schedule takes over and fatigue destroys them. You get a relatively mediocre team (oh yeah, there have been more than a few of those - eg. Therrien's 96 Granby team) win that first game, get on a roll and take the Cup. Once upon a time, it was best of seven series (Remparts over St. Catherines back in 1970) after other best of 7 eliminations. But it doesn't make for good enough tv. Personally, I think the Oil Kings have the most talent of the 4 teams, but that means squat when the puck drops. I don't disagree that anything can happen in a short tournament and the best team doesn't always win, but that Granby team was fantastic. One of the better Q teams of all time. They may not have had a any great individual talents, but they were a dominant team that season. * 56-12-2, 114 points and 1st overall in the Q * 389 goals for, 42 goals more than the next highest scoring team * 191 goals against, 42 goals less than the next lowest team * 17 and 4 in the QMJHL playoffs, outscoring all opponents 133 to 54 * 4-1 at the Memorial Cup, outscoring their opponents 18-7 Say what you will about Therrien, but that was a great team. |
|
|
|
Post by seventeen on Jun 21, 2022 16:07:50 GMT -5
The Memorial Cup is great, but is a really bad way to determine the best juniour hockey team in Canada. I've seen too many good teams have a poor first game and then the schedule takes over and fatigue destroys them. You get a relatively mediocre team (oh yeah, there have been more than a few of those - eg. Therrien's 96 Granby team) win that first game, get on a roll and take the Cup. Once upon a time, it was best of seven series (Remparts over St. Catherines back in 1970) after other best of 7 eliminations. But it doesn't make for good enough tv. Personally, I think the Oil Kings have the most talent of the 4 teams, but that means squat when the puck drops. I don't disagree that anything can happen in a short tournament and the best team doesn't always win, but that Granby team was fantastic. One of the better Q teams of all time. They may not have had a any great individual talents, but they were a dominant team that season. * 56-12-2, 114 points and 1st overall in the Q * 389 goals for, 42 goals more than the next highest scoring team * 191 goals against, 42 goals less than the next lowest team * 17 and 4 in the QMJHL playoffs, outscoring all opponents 133 to 54 * 4-1 at the Memorial Cup, outscoring their opponents 18-7 Say what you will about Therrien, but that was a great team. I don't have much respect for that team because when you look at the roster and see who made the NHL, it's pretty sparse. Jason Doig was probably the most skilled player out of that bunch. The most recognizable name, however, was Georges Laraque, who was traded to Granby, played only 22 regular season games and accumulated 125 PIM in that short time. Francis Bouillon was also on that team, which gives you an idea of why he got as much playing time as he did under Therrien with the Habs. But the stat that stood out to me for that team was the penalty minutes. Most of the players played 20 or 21 games in the playoffs before the Mem Cup. I'll list their PIM's in order of the top regular season scorers. 31, 12, 40, 61, 32, 30, 68, 30, 110 (Doig, not Georges), 28, 49, 66, 66, 104 (there's Laraque). I'll stop there. Fourteen players. That's an average of 52 PIM per player in 21 games. They weren't a hockey team, they were thugs. And the fact their NHL alumni consisted of Doig, Laraque (695 games and not because of his hockey skills) and the Cube (776 games) as a 3rd pair defenseman says it all. I'm amazed Frankie played that many games, but he deserved it. All heart and every team needs a guy like him, despite the lack of skill. I suspect that team had a ton of time and space because it was given to them. Clearly did not work in the NHL. If I recall, that particular Memorial Cup was like the 1999 draft....nondescript. |
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 22, 2022 9:18:19 GMT -5
Shawinigan edged Edmonton 4-3 last night, but Guhle did manage an assist on the night. Not his best game nor the team’s. I think that was the worst game I have seen from him this season (maybe tied with a lopsided loss to Moose Jaw mid season). Oh well, no time to wallow in self pity. They are back at it tonight against the hosts. Must win category in this very short three game round robin.
Edmonton vs Saint John 6:00pm ET TSN
|
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 22, 2022 10:53:48 GMT -5
Nice for Biondi to get an invite as recognition for a very good sophomore season at UMD. Their leading scorer from the third line! 60 players is a lot, so I don’t expect he will make the final cut, but good experience for him none the less. Too bad Ty Smilanic is not there. He was on the team last December but was injured so did not play.
|
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 22, 2022 10:58:07 GMT -5
Kapanen on the main roster for the Finnish WJC camp. Fully expected that he makes the team again.
After the draft and as countries finalize their rosters (including which eligible kids skip the WJC to prepare for NHL camps the following month), I will update who all the Habs prospects will be. There could be a few guys from this draft on teams for sure.
|
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 23, 2022 10:58:49 GMT -5
Tonight’s Memorial Cup matchup features Myšák and Xhejak trying to help get some much needed points for their team. Note the game is on TSN5 due to the CFL coverage tonight on the main TSN channel.
Shawinigan vs Hamilton 6:00pm ET TSN5
|
|
|
|
Post by seventeen on Jun 23, 2022 13:05:38 GMT -5
3 pm Pacific. I keep forgetting NB is 4 hours ahead, not 3.
|
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 24, 2022 10:37:59 GMT -5
3 pm Pacific. I keep forgetting NB is 4 hours ahead, not 3. Yup. I am in BC right now too and it is weird watching the games at 3:00pm. |
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 24, 2022 10:47:08 GMT -5
A huge matchup involving three prospects with huge playoff implications tonight. Hamilton lost 3-2 to Shawinigan last night, so they are pointless after two games and outside looking in. Myšák was named third star and had a good game. Hopefully that bodes well for his recovery from his latest shoulder injury. It will be nice if he is fully healthy for the development camp and WJC, as he has a busy summer as well as rookie and main camp in the fall as he will be ready to join Laval. The Bulldogs need a regulation win against the Oil Kings tonight to stay alive. Any other scenario and the Oil Kings advance to the playoffs and the Bulldogs miss out. While I do hope all three prospects have a good game, I am 100% cheering for the Oil Kings tonight. I want them to win it all as a proud supporter of the team since they returned to Edmonton. Hamilton vs Edmonton 6:00pm ET / 3:00pm PT ( seventeen) TSN This can be your appetizer before Lehky raises the Stanley Cup later tonight. 😉 |
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 24, 2022 17:28:34 GMT -5
Xhekaj at it again. And an assist on the opening goal on the PP.
|
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 24, 2022 20:01:56 GMT -5
Guhle with the helper to get it close with 2:46 to go. Hamilton hang on to win as Edmonton threw a lot at them in the end.
Hamilton to the semis. Edmonton goes home empty handed.
|
|
|
|
Post by seventeen on Jun 24, 2022 23:22:45 GMT -5
Guhle with the helper to get it close with 2:46 to go. Hamilton hang on to win as Edmonton threw a lot at them in the end. Hamilton to the semis. Edmonton goes home empty handed. The Dylan Guenther injury wrecked the Oilers chances. With him, they probably carry away the Cup. |
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 27, 2022 10:00:45 GMT -5
The last two prospects playing get in action tonight in a bid to keep their season alive for one more game. Semi final night at the Memorial Cup. Good luck to Xhekaj and Myšák.
Hamilton vs Shawinigan 6:00pm ET / 3:00pm PT TSN
|
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 27, 2022 23:47:00 GMT -5
Arber down low battles on the boards to start the process for the tying goal.
|
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 27, 2022 23:48:48 GMT -5
Myšák fights in front of the net and with a great tip sends the Dogs to the final in OT.
|
|
|
|
Post by Willie Dog on Jun 28, 2022 8:13:39 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Jun 28, 2022 18:48:04 GMT -5
GOOD FIND. feel good story. Have to like the kid. All teams can use big and mean. |
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 29, 2022 8:33:36 GMT -5
Last two prospects in action for one more go. It is championship game time at Memorial Cup. Cheer on Myšák and Xhekaj as they wrap up their long season tonight.
Hamilton vs Saint John 6:00pm ET / 3:00pm PT TSN
May the best Dogs win!
|
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 1, 2022 13:32:29 GMT -5
The city of Hamilton had a big event for the Bulldogs today as they returned home after a tough loss in the final game. They are still champions and here is the last goal scored by a Habs prospect this season. Myšák with the tip (or deflection off him).
I will start up a new prospects 2022-23 thread next week after the draft.
|
|
|
|
Post by seventeen on Jul 1, 2022 14:40:46 GMT -5
This past year was a perfect example of how a short tournament (and the ever present injuries) can skew a real championship. St. John had 38 days off to rest, heal and get ready. Sometimes (Saskatoon) that can hurt you badly. But perhaps Saskatoon just wasn't that good a team (they weren't). Hamilton, meanwhile, went through a grind and had to enter the tournament very shortly after winning the OHL championship. They just ran out of gas. I noted that St. John looked faster in their games and how much of that is due to natural speed and how much to rest?
In any case, even if they stick to the current model, I wouldn't mind a 3 team tournament. Forget a home team, but pick a venue where the attendance is going to be good even without a home team connections. Each team plays the other twice, top 2 play off in a final. Allow 1 or even 2 days rest before the final. Try to negate the fatigue factor.
We've seen this in action (and I often advocate it for coaches). If an OT goes on long enough, send some schmuck off the bench (Brad May) and the likelihood is that the fresh legs will overcome any lack of skill and you could win it. It's happened more than once.
Regarding the injury factor...with Edmonton losing Dylan Guenther, their top scorer, they just didn't have enough offense. If every forward moves down one spot, I think the Oil Kings would have swept the Cup. C'est la vie.
|
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 7, 2022 13:10:29 GMT -5
Logan hanging out with the brass while rehabbing his shoulder in Montreal and getting ready for development camp next week.
|
|
|
|
Post by Willie Dog on Jul 7, 2022 14:27:02 GMT -5
Logan hanging out with the brass while rehabbing his shoulder in Montreal and getting ready for development camp next week. Great to see Logan in the mix... |
|
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/archetype/6F6VF25GCFF2HFJCOITRJSGNPE.jpg)
