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Post by BadBruins on Aug 20, 2007 22:00:42 GMT -4
Pretty much a one sided game for the full 60 minutes. Wasn't the best game to watch, but entertaining I guess.
I came away real impressed with Kana. He's going to be a player for sure and it doesn't look like he'll need too much adjustment time either. Although he's not big by any means, he's strong on the puck and very slippery down low. Scored a pretty goal and got in on some nice plays with Morrison. Infact, I'd say those two had a little chemistry going, although Morrison was fairy dominating every time he took the ice and made everyone around him better (similar to Walker yesterday). His physical game was also outstanding, as I read he was fiesty, but he was consistantly throwing the body and knocked a few guys flat on their asses.
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Post by Score on Aug 20, 2007 22:22:50 GMT -4
Pre-season has just started and already they are dressing alot of veterans. I know that there aren't many spots available and it wasn't a big camp number wise but I don't think there is a need to be playing some of the veterans often at this stage of the pre-season. Why not give some of the newcomers a long look because there could be one or two surprises which could make some of the veterans expendable. A couple of these veterans could be swapped by Serge for some scoring help or someone that can play on one of the top 2 lines. We have our top two lines set. Morrison Walker Latal Doyle Kana Locke-(should crack top two) With last nights game, tonights, and tomorrow nights game, the coaching staff will get a good look at all the rookies... As you know, not a lot of spots open, and dont expect to see any "vets" get delt.... With our lineup, and all the returning players, we will still have a solid group of youth in the team. we may have a team like this: Kana--17 yrsMorrison Latal Walker Doyle--17 yrsLocke Paynter Lachaine McKinley These COULD be the remaining players to finish up the FW's. Cliche MacLean- 16yrs Street- 16yrsMain Manson 16yrsDman: Lessard Southorn-17 yrsGervais Clow- 17 yrsSwit Malouin-17 yrs Deighan-17yrsGoaltender: Lafleur Mosher-17yrsa line up like that, which could be possible, would give us plenty of youth on the team, to go along with our older players....
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Post by countryboy on Aug 20, 2007 23:18:39 GMT -4
Another game tonight where the Rocket took full advantage of the opportunities presented to them. Lafleur played very well but wasn't overly challenged over the night. The defence really limited the chances St. John's had.
On D, I liked Deighan moreso than Owens for the second straight night. Owens isn't physically strong and got hammered a few times in his own end. Also, I find he doesn't make the best decision with the puck in the offensive zone. A number of times in the last two nights he had chances to make a play but instead fired a floater into the zone.
I thought Malouin struggled tonight as well. I haven't seen him scrap before and the fact that he's fighting might indicate he feels he needs to make a showing for himself at this camp.
Up front, our veteran presence was the major difference thoughout the. Morrision and Latal used their vision and speed to create lots of offense and room for their linemates. Kana was strong tonight. I thought he played better tonight than last night.
DesRoches continues to make a case for himself. If he continues to produce he will make himself tough to cut. Mitchell and Burke were solid but not spectacular. I'm doubtful if either are Q players this year though. Neither looked out of place tonight, but they don't have the wheels and offense needed.
I would've liked to have seen Manson more agressive. He had a few chances to get involved during scrums, but really didn't. Right now if I was picking a 14th forward, I'd pick DesRoches at 17 rather than Manson at 16.
Props to Paynter for showing up and going with Graham. It was the first time I've seen Paynter beat, mind you, it's the first time I've seen him go with someone Graham's size. He got hit hard a couple times and managed to get back to his feet. But, he's in over his head if he had to fight the likes of Graham every night. Paynter's a great lightweight and #2 guy, but he can't fight the heavies night in and night out. I think we need a physical presence before the season starts. Hopefully we get a look at Main, though his size is similar to Paynter's . Also, I'd like to see what Manson can do, but he can't handle the enforcer role at 16. The only other body with potential for this role left at camp would be Wright, but his skating is suspect at the very best.
cb
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Post by Score on Aug 21, 2007 0:32:51 GMT -4
Rocket blasts Fog Devils Morrison and Lafleur lead the way in QMJHL pre-season victory The Guardian
SUMMERSIDE — Brett Morrison collected five points and goaltender Antoine Lafleur blocked 24 shots to lead the P.E.I. Rocket to a 9-0 victory over the St. John’s Fog Devils Monday night.
It was the second straight Quebec Major Junior Hockey League pre-season victory for the Rocket over the Fog Devils.
Sunday night, the Rocket jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the first period and coasted to a 7-4 victory at the Summerside Wellness Centre.
Monday, Morrison scored twice and picked up three assists for the Rocket (2-0).
Martin Latal also scored twice for the P.E.I. club while Jan Kana, Nathan DesRoches and Benoit Gervais each had a goal and an assist.
Chris Owens and Kristopher Schmidt had a goal apiece.
Chad Locked picked up three assists while Allan Clow had a pair.
Single assists went to Pierre-Luc Lessard, Jeremiah-Brien Coon-Come and Francis Piche.
The Rocket fired a total of 43 shots on the Fog Devils’ goaltending pair of Bradley Dyke and Andrew MacDonald.
The Rocket led 3-0 after the first period and 5-0 after the second.
The two teams play again tonight in New Glasgow, N.S. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
Owens got the scoring going early with his goal at 1:10 of the first period, assisted by Morrison.
The Rocket went up 2-0 when Schmidt tallied at 4:53 and widened the lead to 3-0 on Kana’s first of the pre-season, a power-play marker, at 8:54.
The Rocket outshot the Fog Devils 12-5 in the period.
DesRoches put the Rocket ahead 4-0 with his power-play goal at 9:06 of the second while Latal made it 5-0 with his first of the game at 15:54.
It was more of the same in the third, as Morrison notched his first at 5:25 and then added his second on the power play at 9:09.
Latal notched his second of the game at 13:14 and Gervais closed the scoring at 17:22 of the period.
The Rocket outshot the Fog Devils 14-10 in the second and 17-9 in the third.
The fourth pre-season game for the Rocket is Thursday night in Halifax against the Mooseheads.
The Rocket will open its regular season at home on Friday, Sept. 14. Game time is 7 p.m.
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Post by habh8er on Aug 21, 2007 0:49:38 GMT -4
Rocket blasts Fog DevilsMorrison and Lafleur lead the way in QMJHL pre-season victoryThe Guardian SUMMERSIDE — Brett Morrison collected five points and goaltender Antoine Lafleur blocked 24 shots to lead the P.E.I. Rocket to a 9-0 victory over the St. John’s Fog Devils Monday night. It was the second straight Quebec Major Junior Hockey League pre-season victory for the Rocket over the Fog Devils. Sunday night, the Rocket jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the first period and coasted to a 7-4 victory at the Summerside Wellness Centre. Monday, Morrison scored twice and picked up three assists for the Rocket (2-0). Martin Latal also scored twice for the P.E.I. club while Jan Kana, Nathan DesRoches and Benoit Gervais each had a goal and an assist. Chris Owens and Kristopher Schmidt had a goal apiece. Chad Locked picked up three assists while Allan Clow had a pair. Single assists went to Pierre-Luc Lessard, Jeremiah-Brien Coon-Come and Francis Piche. The Rocket fired a total of 43 shots on the Fog Devils’ goaltending pair of Bradley Dyke and Andrew MacDonald. The Rocket led 3-0 after the first period and 5-0 after the second. The two teams play again tonight in New Glasgow, N.S. Game time is 7:30 p.m. Owens got the scoring going early with his goal at 1:10 of the first period, assisted by Morrison. The Rocket went up 2-0 when Schmidt tallied at 4:53 and widened the lead to 3-0 on Kana’s first of the pre-season, a power-play marker, at 8:54. The Rocket outshot the Fog Devils 12-5 in the period. DesRoches put the Rocket ahead 4-0 with his power-play goal at 9:06 of the second while Latal made it 5-0 with his first of the game at 15:54. It was more of the same in the third, as Morrison notched his first at 5:25 and then added his second on the power play at 9:09. Latal notched his second of the game at 13:14 and Gervais closed the scoring at 17:22 of the period. The Rocket outshot the Fog Devils 14-10 in the second and 17-9 in the third. The fourth pre-season game for the Rocket is Thursday night in Halifax against the Mooseheads. The Rocket will open its regular season at home on Friday, Sept. 14. Game time is 7 p.m. O-U-C-H !!!
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Post by 1barney22 on Aug 21, 2007 3:54:40 GMT -4
A few comments about the game on Monday in Summerside:
First off........please please please let Morrison be with the Rocket this season!!! This guy makes such ans impact every time he steps on the ice!!
Based on the past 2 night's games, Clow and Kana really earned their stripes. Clow was the most consistent D on the blueline Monday night. I am extremely impressed with this kid. He plays like someone who is 19-20 already and will only get better as he adjusts to the league. Kana also stepped it up in his second appearance and made a lot happen. This Euro is gonna be an impact player with the team this season. He could have had 5 goals easily in the 9-0 victory and as far as line combinations go for the regular season, he seems to really click with Latal. I could see Latal, Morrison, and Kana as a line and put Walker with Doyle because they played really well last season together. It will be a powerful 1-2 punch.
Lafleur was calm, composed and very impressive. He is so imposing to other teams. Hes really coming into his own.
I think that Deighan was better than Owens again tonight. Hes more complete than Owens as a player.
Malouin also disappointed me in Monday's game. He does not have great puck skills and decisions made are often the wrong ones. He did show well in his fight though.
Paynter shows the same thing every shift every night. Hes a warrior and an instigator and I give him props for taking on Graham. If anyone is a team player, Greg Paynter is te guy.
Schmidt was less visible in his second game although still worth a further look. Nathan DesRoches was strong again and is earning himself a spot on this team. He has excellent puck skills and plays with some jammm. I think that Manson, Piche, Mitchell and Burke were average, and probably on the way home soon. Coon-come, like Schmidt has shown some good things and I think he also deserves a good look.
Gervais and Lessard kinda started a bit slow in the game but got better and better as the game went on, but that does not worry me as it was their first game and just needed to get the feel back.
Once the next trim is made to the roster, Yannick is going to have some tough choices to make for the last couple of roster spots.
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Post by wingman on Aug 21, 2007 5:17:43 GMT -4
Locke isn't a top 6 forward and I think are going to need another player to play on the top 2 lines. It wouldn't be a surprise if a trade is made.
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Post by 1barney22 on Aug 21, 2007 5:47:59 GMT -4
Definitely need some toughness too. Not fair to make Paynter fight the heavyweights all season
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Post by IslandersHKY on Aug 21, 2007 7:16:22 GMT -4
First off the Rocket did not dress too many veterans.
On Sunday they dressed Walker, Lachaine, Swit, and Southorn. Main, Paynter, Cliche & McKinely while technically veterans are trying to earn their spots just like everyone else.
On Monday they dressed Morrison, Locke, Latal, Lessard and Gervais.
All the real veterans only played in at 1 game and only the guys really fighting for a spot played in both. I’m not sure what you were expecting with back-to-back games.
As for the goaltending Clermont likely played the entire game because about to be cut. I was expecting to see Mosher and Wayne but there is another game tonight and Lafleur needs practice like everyone else. Don’t worry everyone is going to get their opportunity.
Onto game thoughts. For starters this game was clearly much sloppier than Sunday as fatigue was likely a huge factor. I still thought the guys played hard but especially those who played on Sunday were clearly showing the effects of too many games in a short period of time. Makes me glad that I am not watching the game tonight as the level of play will likely drop even more.
Having said that the Rocket’s offense looked very good out there with lots of pretty goals. And as strange as it may sound after a 9-0 win I thought St. John’s goalies were much better tonight. They may not have really made any spectacular saves but none of the goals were weak IMO.
As for individual thoughts.
I think anyone looking at the stats sheet knows what I am going to say about Morrison. As great as Walker played on Sunday, Morrison was twice as good. He controlled the play every shift and showed a consistent effort. He must have set up Locke and especially Kana at least a half dozen great opportunities that they didn’t score on but should have. You puck those feeds on Walkers stick and they are in the net.
Kana was the one player who I didn’t think showed as much fatigue as the rest. His effort level was still fantastic, he continued to initiate contact and lots of times took a hit to make a play. Last night he had some trouble finishing but it might have just been one of those games plus that comes with time. The important was he was not only getting the opportunities but also creating them which gives him chances to put points up.
Latal spent most of the game playing with Paynter and Desroches and didn’t hide his frustration. But the positive side is that he showed he still has a gear or two more than anyone else on the ice and he seemed to be controlling the puck a little better than last season. Plus we got our first opportunity to see Kana and Latal play together a bit in the second half and they looked great. Personally I hope they keep them together and put either Morrison (my preference) or Doyle between them.
Gervais looked like a solid 19 yr old veteran last night. He was physical, good in his own end and actually created a lot of offense. Plus near the end of the game Latal was initiating something with a Fog Devils player and as soon as Gervais saw it he was right in there to help Latal which I liked seeing.
DesRoches continues to impress. And I actually thought he showed more in this game. Last night he was more willing to work the corners and displayed some nice hands on his goal.
And apparently I saw Malouin a lot differently than the couple of people who posted on here. Maybe you were expecting something different from his game than I was because he isn’t a offensive defensemen like Southorn or Clow but he is very solid and what I saw I really liked. He skates very well, he is a big strong defensemen, he played the body more last night and was even jumping into the rush a bit which to me showed confidence. Malouin did kind of get beat a few times but not bad at all. As for the fight that wasn’t artificial, I think it was MacDougall who kind of gave him a dirty hit earlier and when Maoulin went out of his way to hit him in the neutral zone MacDougall had his hands right in Malouin’s face which would piss me off. I think that is what started it. Again Malouin isn’t a fighter (nor should he be) but I liked that he showed that aggression. Also overall I thought Malouin was much much better than both Deighan and Owens which is who I am comparing him to.
Speaking of Deighan and Owens I agree completely with what CB said earlier and I will say that both looked understandably tired out there last night (as did Clow). I think all 3 will need tonight off if possible.
Coon-Come again really impressed me and is quickly becoming a favourite of mine.
Schmidt got less ice time and was quieter tonight although he scored another nice goal.
Piche showed some good skills although he tried to pass to much and as much as I love his game I don’t think he will make it.
Locke was Locke. He made some nice plays and got some points but didn’t overly stand out, and I agree he still needs to show that he can be a second line player.
I might have been hoping for a little too much from Manson. His skating is fine but he wasn’t as involved in the play as he should have been and looked like he needs another year to develop as least he did in the one game that I have seen him play so far.
Mitchell and Burke didn’t necessarily look out of place in a preseason game but likely would in the regular season with full rosters.
Paynter did well standing up to Graham but the rest of his game wasn’t that good which I thought wasn’t even as good as Sunday’s.
Lessard was the only real disappointment. Not that he played bad and it wasn’t an issue of effort he simply looked rusty and not up to the level that I was expecting.
Finally Lafleur was rock solid, he seems to have a swagger in his stride and made the game look easy. I also noticed he was much more comfortable controlling the puck which was a weakness last season. No doubt in my mind that he looks ready to have a great season as one of the league’s top goalies.
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Post by Krang7 on Aug 21, 2007 7:41:33 GMT -4
First off........please please please let Morrison be with the Rocket this season!!! This guy makes such ans impact every time he steps on the ice!! I agree with this wholeheartedly. The further things get along though the more worried I get. I know it's just preseason and you can't really tell much from just preseason games and intrasquads, but frankly the guy just looks too good for this league at this point...
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Post by bois on Aug 21, 2007 8:08:24 GMT -4
HUSH you.. he'll be back
I'm really excited to see this team when it's finally put together.. which won't be until a few games into the regular season likely (with a few guys heading to NHL camps etc)
I also won't be shocked to see a trade made.. a 3 year vet who can't score at a half a point per game might as well be sent packing to open a roster spot for some youth IMO
we shall see
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Post by 1barney22 on Aug 21, 2007 9:54:52 GMT -4
Deighan, Desroches and Clow have the night off tonight, but Owens has to play again.
D tonight are Lessard, Swit, Gervais, Malouin, Main and Owens
Southorn also has the night off.
I think Mosher is starting tonight.
Also.....I believe there was at least one cut this morning. Pretty sure Wright was released, but not sure if there were others
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Post by peifan on Aug 22, 2007 7:57:45 GMT -4
Also.....I believe there was at least one cut this morning. Pretty sure Wright was released, but not sure if there were others Wright was not released yet as he played last night and looks like he a fight.
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Post by 1barney22 on Aug 22, 2007 8:07:43 GMT -4
Yeah.....I actually found that out yesterday afternoon and forgot to post it. Sorry everyone
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