Congrats to Latal!!

[IslandersHKY]

countryboy said:

Here's my take on Latal's recent play.....

In response to questionable defensive play, Chouinard penalized him with cutting his ice time, and limiting his PP and PK time. That's fair, and particularly fair considering that Chouinard placed much focus on forwards helping out, etc. when he took over.

The thing about taking away Latal's PP and PK time is that you're taking away his prime offensive minutes (PP) and the time where he creates turnovers (on the forecheck on the PK).

You could argue, "what has he done to earn back the ice time", but I think if he gets thrown back into an expanded role after the WJHC, we'll see his game improve. He needs PK and PP time to be at his best.

I hope the message has been sent. I think his low production will really hurt his contract negotiations with Phoenix. He needs a strong second half to redeem himself.

I'd give him top end ice time upon his return and be optimistic of seeing results.

cb

Good comments CB.

Especially since we have a glaring weakness on our secondline right now which Latal could really fill when at his best.

With all due respec to McKinley who I am a big fan of he hasn't really fit well with Doyle/Kana and for this season is better suited with Gallant to help add some offense to the third line.

I really think Latal should be put back with Kana/Doyle and see if they can build chemistry. I like Doyle at centre and Lachaine has played well with Walker/Morrison.

Desroches has also played strong and convinced me he can be a regular player in this league however if Locke isn't moved he would be the most effective in that centre role.

Here is what I am thinking:

Walker-Morrison-Lachaine
Latal-Doyle-Kana
McKinley-Locke-Gallant
MacLean-DesRoches-Paynter
CoonCome


If Latal got back to producing like he was at the start of the year he would really make our second line dangerous. Hopefully he comes back and gets his opportunity.

[rockon]

countryboy said:

Here's my take on Latal's recent play.....

In response to questionable defensive play, Chouinard penalized him with cutting his ice time, and limiting his PP and PK time. That's fair, and particularly fair considering that Chouinard placed much focus on forwards helping out, etc. when he took over.

The thing about taking away Latal's PP and PK time is that you're taking away his prime offensive minutes (PP) and the time where he creates turnovers (on the forecheck on the PK).

You could argue, "what has he done to earn back the ice time", but I think if he gets thrown back into an expanded role after the WJHC, we'll see his game improve. He needs PK and PP time to be at his best.

I hope the message has been sent. I think his low production will really hurt his contract negotiations with Phoenix. He needs a strong second half to redeem himself.

I'd give him top end ice time upon his return and be optimistic of seeing results.

cb

Hey CB, that's a very insightful account of the reason for Latal's lack of production. I hope you're right and the coach does give him a chance to show his true skill level.

[IslandersHKY]

Two questions:

First does anyone know what Latal's stats were from his games in the World Jr's? (I can't find them on TSN)


Secondly since his last game was on Thrusday does anyone know when Latal is expected to return to PEI?

(Halifax paper said Voracek is expected back in the lineup on Wed so does that mean Latal should be back and ready to travel with the team to Drummondville for Thurs?)

[Krang7]

According to IIHF.com he had 2 goals and no assists in 6 games, and was minus-1 with 4 PIMs.

stats.iihf.com/Hydra/142/IHM1420CZE_83_6_0.pdf

As for when he gets back, I think it's anybody's guess really. I just hope he's a bit more inspired when he returns.