Black and White game - Sun August 19

[Deer]

Very fun and drama-filled night at the rink!

Ouellet and Prokopetz, two veterans and teammates, going at it and throwing bombs...... followed by a very heated verbal exchange as they went off the ice!

Sam Finn fights even though 16 yos are supposed to be forbidden from scrapping in this camp! Dan Brown gave him no other choice, and then took a beating full of uppercuts from the kid! That one act there may have gotten Brown cut, and as for Finn......... played great, scored a beauty in the shootout, and won his scrap! Corcoran and Lamontagne ended up intervening, then almost looked like they were going to go too, and for a second it looked like we were maybe close to seeing an intrasquad line brawl!

Alex Lamontagne - what is the story on this guy? Constantly trying to goad rookies/walk ons 40 + pounds lighter than himself into fights! Is this guy playing with a full deck?

Shootout at the end was wildly entertaining, with the players and fans both extremely into it. Tons of really showy highlight reel goals in this shootout, and Black acted like they won the Stanley Cup when they eventually won it.

Add it all up, and the fans certainly got their two bucks worth; great show by a really intense bunch of kids. Great way to end the first portion of training camp before the first cuts come.

[crossbar]

deer said:

Very fun and drama-filled night at the rink!

Ouellet and Prokopetz, two veterans and teammates, going at it and throwing bombs...... followed by a very heated verbal exchange as they went off the ice!

Sam Finn fights even though 16 yos are supposed to be forbidden from scrapping in this camp! Dan Brown gave him no other choice, and then took a beating full of uppercuts from the kid! That one act there may have gotten Brown cut, and as for Finn......... played great, scored a beauty in the shootout, and won his scrap! Corcoran and Lamontagne ended up intervening, then almost looked like they were going to go too, and for a second it looked like we were maybe close to seeing an intrasquad line brawl!

Alex Lamontagne - what is the story on this guy? Constantly trying to goad rookies/walk ons 40 + pounds lighter than himself into fights! Is this guy playing with a full deck?

Shootout at the end was wildly entertaining, with the players and fans both extremely into it. Tons of really showy highlight reel goals in this shootout, and Black acted like they won the Stanley Cup when they eventually won it.

Add it all up, and the fans certainly got their two bucks worth; great show by a really intense bunch of kids. Great way to end the first portion of training camp before the first cuts come.

Can't agree more, and you hit on all the highlights except Sheppards shoot out goal that made the place erupt...very nice indeed.

- I was very surprised to see Deano and Beau go at it, and more surprised when Beau told him to go "F" himself on the way back to the bench's. Whatever disagreement they had, it was gone by the end of the intermission and they both touched gloves after leaving the penalty box...I actually thought they might go again.

- Alex Lamontagne, I can see now why some where not sorry to see him go. Aside from what Deer has alluded too, I find him very lazy back there in the defensive zone. This guy has a huge wingspan but he had the least active stick I've seen in a while. He just stands there like a big pylon. Very dissapointing thus far, and very bad decision making. He gives glimpses that get you excited, then does something absolutely dumb to cancel it.

- Speaking of dumb, Daniel Brown gets my vote. If you want to show the team you're tought, you should have asked Brad Gallant...he would have been MORE than happy to oblige. But after the way Samuel Finn manhandled you, good thing you didn't.

- Regarding that whole melee, from what I'm told Corcoran jumped the bench to stop the fight due to rule about 16 year olds fighting. Lamontagne did the same thing, but when they got there and Alex saw just how good Samuel was giving it to Brown he wanted to let them go, which created the whole thing as Spencer didn't agree. On the way back, a few on Brown's own bench were yapping at him...and Deer's right, he may have just cut himself tonight.

- Anyone else catch Piscacek nearly taking out Gallants knees with a hip check through the neutral zone? I'm noticing him more for his physical play than offensively....and if looks could kill, Gallant would be in jail right now.

- Downer looked good, and so did Bellevance-Roy. Davenport was very underwhelming, IMO.

- Gouchie isn't earning a spot as of yet. I'm just not seeing it. And the Ceccanese's and MacDonald's of the world are outplaying him and more importanlty outworking him. Hopefully he turns it around in the exhibition games.

- Can't wait for the Foggies this week, should be some really good and really physical games.

Brec...can we get some odds on Gallant vs. Graham taking place?? I'm guessing it's 100% of they're both dressed.

[Davey Boy Smith]

My notes:

- Ceccanese has been one of the stories of camp so far for my money.

- I also very much liked Brodeur's game. He improved from Saturday and appears to have very good skills. Very good skater for his size with a good shot. He certainly is a little on the thin side so we will see if he can match physically as the calibre of play goes up. Definite potential for the future though.

- Patry is smart and quick but his size and strength may be an issue as competition progresses. Deserves a further look for sure IMO.

- Piskacek appears to be one of those non-flashy steady defenseman. I like his competitve spirit from what I saw this weekend.

- Mariani may pinch A LOT but you cannot deny his skill and skating ability. Upper end skating for sure. With the Eagles not returning much offensively skilled defensemen, he could also be a very good fit.

- Anyone know why Lee-Chuck Denny wasn't playing. He played very well on Saturday and was looking forward to seeing him again.

- Sauve looked pretty good at times, pretty solid densive performance. I expect he will get a look in some exhibition games. I noticed Meilleur a few times with some nice defensive work as well.

- Amadio played a lot better tonight than on Saturday. He seemed to have much more confidence with the puck.

- We will be able to tell much more on these players and others as the exhibition games begin and the play rises in level. SO many players to try to evaluate at this stage.

- Fun night at the rink. The shootout rocked!!

[brec7]

Some general thoughts:

- I'm still liking the play of Brodeur. He was really mixing it up with Corcoran, and got the high stick up on him (accidentally I believe) which led to a good tilt, won by Corcoran but a good showing by Brodeur. He could be a good all around defenseman especially if he fills out.

- Lamontange wanted a fight and BADLY, was more or less bullying everyone on the ice smaller than him. I saw Breton approach him but nothing happened. I don't think that would have been a walk in the park for him! I did love his celebration when he scored in the shootout though (nice goal) and supposedly he fired the puck in disgust after his team lost!

- Watts still looks like he's very nervous out there. He didn't play as badly today but lost a few battles. I'm sure he'll be kept around but he's has to get his game in gear or he could be going home early.

- Meilleur & Gervais are quietly having good camps.

-I'd like to know if the coaching staff said anything to Amadio because it seemed like he played a different type of game today- more joining the rush and showcasing his fine skating ability. It was easily the best he's looked since camp started, playing more of a rushing defenseman role.

- I'd heard Denny was injured but I don't know how reliable that was.

- Another good game from Olivier Patry, even without having Culligan to play with!

- Fazzalari got walzed around on a couple of occasions.... haven't seen much from him so far.

- Mariani was playing a more stable game at the blueline, taking less chances and still looked good. His first goal in the shootout was sweet, similar to Crosby's his rookie season against Montreal.

- Speaking of sweet shootout goals, how nice was Sheppard's P-M Bouchard impression? The shootout itself was worth the 2 bucks, lots of creative moves and players playing it up to the crowd, especially Lamontange and Piskacek (who scored a nice shootout goal and had another great all around game).

- Hadn't really noticed Philippe Fontaine much this camp but tonight he had a few nice hits and two assists.

- Good see Joey Haddad was okay after getting clipped in the mouth. There was definitely blood on the play but it couldn't have been too serious as he returned shortly after.

- I think Brown was probably cut BEFORE the incident with Finn... that should just ensure it.

- I thought Davenport played fine, and has looked good all camp. Of course the tough competition has to start.

- I completely agree that Gouchie thus far has done nothing to earn a spot (although he hasn't really been hurting his team either). Where's the offense we saw last training camp, and he produced all year in AAA? There should realistically be 4 spots up for grabs up front, and with Denny, MacDonald, Chouinard and ESPECIALLY Ceccanese playing well his can't be taken for granted.

- It's going to be quite difficult to decide cuts tomorrow, especially for defensemen.

[Clubber Lang]

brec7 said:

Some general thoughts:

- I'm still liking the play of Brodeur. He was really mixing it up with Corcoran, and got the high stick up on him (accidentally I believe) which led to a good tilt, won by Corcoran but a good showing by Brodeur. He could be a good all around defenseman especially if he fills out.

- Lamontange wanted a fight and BADLY, was more or less bullying everyone on the ice smaller than him. I saw Breton approach him but nothing happened. I don't think that would have been a walk in the park for him! I did love his celebration when he scored in the shootout though (nice goal) and supposedly he fired the puck in disgust after his team lost!

- Watts still looks like he's very nervous out there. He didn't play as badly today but lost a few battles. I'm sure he'll be kept around but he's has to get his game in gear or he could be going home early.

- Meilleur & Gervais are quietly having good camps.

-I'd like to know if the coaching staff said anything to Amadio because it seemed like he played a different type of game today- more joining the rush and showcasing his fine skating ability. It was easily the best he's looked since camp started, playing more of a rushing defenseman role.

- I'd heard Denny was injured but I don't know how reliable that was.

- Another good game from Olivier Patry, even without having Culligan to play with!

- Fazzalari got walzed around on a couple of occasions.... haven't seen much from him so far.

- Mariani was playing a more stable game at the blueline, taking less chances and still looked good. His first goal in the shootout was sweet, similar to Crosby's his rookie season against Montreal.

- Speaking of sweet shootout goals, how nice was Sheppard's P-M Bouchard impression? The shootout itself was worth the 2 bucks, lots of creative moves and players playing it up to the crowd, especially Lamontange and Piskacek (who scored a nice shootout goal and had another great all around game).

- Hadn't really noticed Philippe Fontaine much this camp but tonight he had a few nice hits and two assists.

- Good see Joey Haddad was okay after getting clipped in the mouth. There was definitely blood on the play but it couldn't have been too serious as he returned shortly after.

- I think Brown was probably cut BEFORE the incident with Finn... that should just ensure it.

- I thought Davenport played fine, and has looked good all camp. Of course the tough competition has to start.

- I completely agree that Gouchie thus far has done nothing to earn a spot (although he hasn't really been hurting his team either). Where's the offense we saw last training camp, and he produced all year in AAA? There should realistically be 4 spots up for grabs up front, and with Denny, MacDonald, Chouinard and ESPECIALLY Ceccanese playing well his can't be taken for granted.

- It's going to be quite difficult to decide cuts tomorrow, especially for defensemen.

Couldn't agree more! Lamontagne is going to feel the wrath of the fans all year if he plays like he did the last two nights. He looks lazy, effortless and Sawyer like when he was 17! Not a good thing when you are 19! Mistakes were made early by Sawyer but he 2-3 more years of development. Fans are going to love riding this guy is he doesn't shake things up!

Gouchie, Chouinard nor edge impressed the crap out of me but Ceccanesse seems to be flying out there and crashing and banging at the net! Haddad looked good and shows spurts of turning up the speed when curling deep in his own zone! He may be a 20 goal scorer this year if he gets a shot on the second line.

Amadio played well carrying the puck, but more importantly controlling the play at times. Mariani played solid as well. I think Breton has a big hill to climb but experience may get him there. Finn! What more can you say! My question is would they have drafted this kid if they still had Barbeiro or would they have went for offense? At this point in the game it really doesn't matter but he is going to be a good one and based on our position for this year and next I would almost mortgage my house on a bet that he will be here for the long haul!

Mickey MacDonald?? Did he even play last night? If so he is going to be a day late and a dollar short to make this team. Fontaine and Brodeur were decent along with Piskacek.

Gervais, Dame Malka, Deruelle, Desveaux, Meilleur and both Rollands's should be the early cuts. Watts better pick up his game as well.

[hal]

Lamontagne was drafted #2 after James Sheppard ? ..........................."GO FIGURE" ? He has to show a "LOT" more to make this TEAM ! Sawyer always had the Offensive Upside that I don't think this guy has in his game,at least I haven't seen it ! Personally I didn't see a whole lot with this Bunch to be excited about Yet.........with the emphasis being on "YET" ! I'm sure it will clear up in time but it might be painful ! Not to be all negative though,I think this Brodeur kid might just be a pleasant surprise !

[hfan]

hal, I have to disagree with you to some degree because there have been several real positives so far in camp.

How could anyone not be impressed with the play of 16 year old Samuel Finn? He has shown excellent skating ability and I like his composure out there. His play reminds me of Mark Barberio's last summer.

The physical play of Piskacek has really caught my eye. His hits have come at the right time and have not created odd man rushes. He also has played more like a veteran than a rookie.

The play of both Benda and Bellavance-Roy is reassuring about our goaltending future.

The 3 non returning forwards that I like the most so far are Stephen Ceccanese, Chouinard and Edge. Ceccanese has consistently played well and has been noticed out there. Chouinard didn't stand out as much yesterday evening but overall has played really well. I've been looking for more offense from Edge but I really like his work ethic. He was 1st man back yesterday on almost every line shift. I expected more offense from his line yesterday though.

I also want to mention Alex Quesnel. He has shown some real offensive skill so far to go along with his usual physical play. He has shown me that he really wants to play and contribute more this year.

Joey Haddad showed good on ice vision and puck control down low and made 2 nice offensive zone plays yesterday and Nick MacNeil made a couple of nice passes as well.

The Eagles with their compliment of returning players don't really have that many positions to fill and several players have stepped up already to claim them in my opinion.

However, there's still a long ways to go with quite a few exhibition games to be played. Some players may have needed these early games to find their comfort level. If they survive the 1st cut, they may have more to show all of us.

[hal]

"YET" is the key word in my Post.I don't dislike Finn,he's a 1st Round Pick ! He is expected to have Talent and show some awareness........................I don't think it's wise to say his play reminds you of Barberio though,it's too early for that and not fair to the Kid.

[hfan]

hal, I certainly don't want to be unfair to or to put extra pressure on young Samuel Finn but my point was that I was very impressed so far with his skating, puck carrying ability and positioning as well as his composure out on the ice which you don't see in most 16 year old rookie defencemen at their first Q camp.

For example, on one play last night he carried the puck out from behind his net and completely lost the forechecker with a nice reverse move instead of forcing a pass up the boards through traffic showing both confidence and vision.

[crossbar]

hal said:

"YET" is the key word in my Post.I don't dislike Finn,he's a 1st Round Pick ! He is expected to have Talent and show some awareness........................I don't think it's wise to say his play reminds you of Barberio though,it's too early for that and not fair to the Kid.

I'd agree with that on Finn.

He's looked great for a rookie, but nowhere near the polish Barberio had last year at the same time, IMO.

Having said that Samuel looks to be a real good prospect and has a heart the size of Texas, but even on a rebuilding defensive core he shouldn't be seeing quality minutes until Christmas.

He's definitely a keeper though, and looks to be a really solid draft pick.