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Post by jimmy on Sept 27, 2007 13:53:35 GMT -4
I know it is still very early, but after three home games, thought I would offer up some thoughts on what I have seen so far:
- Mangan is playing a much different game than I recall from last season ... he was always a play maker, but he seems to be playing with much more intensity this year ... and is a monster in the faceoff circle ... playing like a guy who deserves the C.
- Eagles seems to be making the transition to a consistent offensive threat - let's hope he can stay healthy this year.
- Zach Sill has been exactly as advertised ... great addition to the team.
- Brannon may never live up to the offensive expectations placed on him coming out of midget, but brings great physical presence to the team.
- Kind of feel bad for MacLellan - he should be a third liner, he would excel at this role, but with Brannon-Sill-Morehouse doing a good job, he seems destined for fourth line status until something opens up above him.
- Brenton doesn't seem to have improved much from last year ...
- Labelle has been the biggest disappointment for me so far up front - I had him pegged for a breakout, and instead, he is struggling to get in the lineup ... it seems that he is just not working as hard as some of our other forwards - I think he has to be willing to battle more.
- Flynn is going to have to find ways to get Brown and MacAusland in the lineup almost every night ... don't know how, but it is imperative for both their development, and perhaps even moreso, the Cats' ability to lure top prospects in future drafts - no amount of money is going to lure a top 16 year old to major junior to spend most of the season sitting in the stands.
- Break outs have been horrid - although they added a new wrinkle last night which seemed to work quite well ... hard to tell how much of it was a successful strategy, vs. how much was do to Drummondville being much less aggressive on the forecheck than Halifax was the previous game.
- Riopel played a great game last night ... he has the physical tools to be a dominant goalie, but I am not sold 100% on his mental makeup ... seems prone to bad goals that take the wind out of the team's sails ... needs to be a guy that can hold the fort when the team needs him. Lavigne should be more than adequate as backup ...
- Must say, I am among those puzzled by the Baca situation ... he clearly had a good enough understanding of what was going on to be one of the top d-men in camp ... now he can't even dress? Something doesn't quite add up here.
- I don't think our D is anywhere near as bad as many out-of-towners were predicitng it would be.
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Post by bois on Sept 27, 2007 14:05:01 GMT -4
Is Baca this years Martikanen?
Is Moncton becoming the new Bathurst re: Euro draft?
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Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2007 14:13:37 GMT -4
Is Baca this years Martikanen? Is Moncton becoming the new Bathurst re: Euro draft? Don't feel too bad, Bathurst will probably trade for him next year.  |
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Post by buckybuckbuck on Sept 27, 2007 14:33:10 GMT -4
I know it is still very early, but after three home games, thought I would offer up some thoughts on what I have seen so far: - Mangan is playing a much different game than I recall from last season ... he was always a play maker, but he seems to be playing with much more intensity this year ... and is a monster in the faceoff circle ... playing like a guy who deserves the C. - Eagles seems to be making the transition to a consistent offensive threat - let's hope he can stay healthy this year. - Zach Sill has been exactly as advertised ... great addition to the team. - Brannon may never live up to the offensive expectations placed on him coming out of midget, but brings great physical presence to the team. - Kind of feel bad for MacLellan - he should be a third liner, he would excel at this role, but with Brannon-Sill-Morehouse doing a good job, he seems destined for fourth line status until something opens up above him. - Brenton doesn't seem to have improved much from last year ... - Labelle has been the biggest disappointment for me so far up front - I had him pegged for a breakout, and instead, he is struggling to get in the lineup ... it seems that he is just not working as hard as some of our other forwards - I think he has to be willing to battle more. - Flynn is going to have to find ways to get Brown and MacAusland in the lineup almost every night ... don't know how, but it is imperative for both their development, and perhaps even moreso, the Cats' ability to lure top prospects in future drafts - no amount of money is going to lure a top 16 year old to major junior to spend most of the season sitting in the stands. - Break outs have been horrid - although they added a new wrinkle last night which seemed to work quite well ... hard to tell how much of it was a successful strategy, vs. how much was do to Drummondville being much less aggressive on the forecheck than Halifax was the previous game. - Riopel played a great game last night ... he has the physical tools to be a dominant goalie, but I am not sold 100% on his mental makeup ... seems prone to bad goals that take the wind out of the team's sails ... needs to be a guy that can hold the fort when the team needs him. Lavigne should be more than adequate as backup ... - Must say, I am among those puzzled by the Baca situation ... he clearly had a good enough understanding of what was going on to be one of the top d-men in camp ... now he can't even dress? Something doesn't quite add up here. - I don't think our D is anywhere near as bad as many out-of-towners were predicitng it would be. I guess I agree with most of what you have said but with less of the minus. I had Labelle pegged as breakout as well and so far has stuggled to make a difference. I do remember that every year Samson started out slowly but by Christmas he was the Samson we all know. I think that Labelle is the same way and he's not a Lincourt. I look for him to replace others higher up. MacLellan is the same player he always was and if he's on the forth line then that is just a reflection of how deep the team is. I expect to see the Labelle's and MacLellan's come up the line up and maybe Eagles down. Lastly Riopel looked confident last night and never looked out of place or unsure of anything they threw at him. It was great to see. Your right on so far with Mangan. He still smart but he's now a digger and in the end a better playmaker because of it. |
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Post by digitalman on Sept 27, 2007 14:48:19 GMT -4
I know it is still very early, but after three home games, thought I would offer up some thoughts on what I have seen so far: - Mangan is playing a much different game than I recall from last season ... he was always a play maker, but he seems to be playing with much more intensity this year ... and is a monster in the faceoff circle ... playing like a guy who deserves the C. - Eagles seems to be making the transition to a consistent offensive threat - let's hope he can stay healthy this year. - Zach Sill has been exactly as advertised ... great addition to the team. - Brannon may never live up to the offensive expectations placed on him coming out of midget, but brings great physical presence to the team. - Kind of feel bad for MacLellan - he should be a third liner, he would excel at this role, but with Brannon-Sill-Morehouse doing a good job, he seems destined for fourth line status until something opens up above him. - Brenton doesn't seem to have improved much from last year ... - Labelle has been the biggest disappointment for me so far up front - I had him pegged for a breakout, and instead, he is struggling to get in the lineup ... it seems that he is just not working as hard as some of our other forwards - I think he has to be willing to battle more. - Flynn is going to have to find ways to get Brown and MacAusland in the lineup almost every night ... don't know how, but it is imperative for both their development, and perhaps even moreso, the Cats' ability to lure top prospects in future drafts - no amount of money is going to lure a top 16 year old to major junior to spend most of the season sitting in the stands. - Break outs have been horrid - although they added a new wrinkle last night which seemed to work quite well ... hard to tell how much of it was a successful strategy, vs. how much was do to Drummondville being much less aggressive on the forecheck than Halifax was the previous game. - Riopel played a great game last night ... he has the physical tools to be a dominant goalie, but I am not sold 100% on his mental makeup ... seems prone to bad goals that take the wind out of the team's sails ... needs to be a guy that can hold the fort when the team needs him. Lavigne should be more than adequate as backup ... - Must say, I am among those puzzled by the Baca situation ... he clearly had a good enough understanding of what was going on to be one of the top d-men in camp ... now he can't even dress? Something doesn't quite add up here. - I don't think our D is anywhere near as bad as many out-of-towners were predicitng it would be. Great post, I agree with every point. Mangan played very well last night and has scored two big goals already this season. He's also a powerhouse in the face-off circle. I think Brannon's situation is comparable to Samson when he was 18 even though they're not the same type of player. He could be on a scoring line but the depth up front forces him into more of a checking role. He could probably break out next year if he has a spot on the top two lines. Labelle is also a big dissapointment to me, I had big expectations from him this year. Whereas Lessard improved tremendously, Labelle is still pretty much the same player as last year. I thought he was injured in training camp because of his lack of intensity but it seems he's just not bringing it at all this year. MacAusland is more or less the same type of player as Brenton and is probably already better so I'd scratch Brenton for Mcausland in a second. I am also frustrated by the Baca situation. The only excuse I'd find reasonable is injury and I don't think that's the case or we'd know. The whole culture shock/not able to speak English thing is weak if that's the reason he's not playing. Many europeans have played in junior without being able to speak English at first. And the culture shock is just as big for Bezak who's played every game. With Gomes playing a very shaky game last night, I certainly hope Baca will be in Friday night. |
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Post by jimmy on Sept 27, 2007 15:19:13 GMT -4
With Gomes playing a very shaky game last night, I certainly hope Baca will be in Friday night. I actually thought Gomes was okay as the game went on - he was absolutely horrid in the first, I was ready to send him packing, could have been nerves though, because I thought he looked much more steady and composed in the second and third. |
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Post by SteveUL on Sept 27, 2007 15:52:38 GMT -4
On Sill ... he should have been first star last night ... I had the stars Sill, Eagles, Riopel ... Mangan had a good game but Sill was dominant and it needed to be recognized.
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Post by Porkchop on Sept 27, 2007 17:13:22 GMT -4
The culture shock for Baca is probably worse than it should be.......he is lost in the culture, but the one thing that he is comfortable with is playing hockey...the thing that he came over here to do.......not being able to do the one thing that he is probably most comfortable with, must be a real slap in the face for the kid.
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Post by CatsFan on Sept 27, 2007 17:25:22 GMT -4
My thoughts so far ..
Riopel - Was off to a shaky start, but then again he was sick with the flu, so. Last night, I thought he was really solid and had a good outing. I'm anxious to see how he does this year.
Sill - Really like watching him play. He's a great addition to the team.
Brannon - Love watching him hit everything in site. Would like to see a little more of an offensive side of him, because he has the ability, but like what I see from him physically.
Mangan - At first, I didn't quite know what I though of him being named captain, but after what I've seen so far from him, he was a good choice. He's played hard and definitely improved since last year.
Marquardt - He's had a few good games, really helped. I hope he dominates like we all know he can. I hate to say it, but sometimes he can float. Wish he'd use his body more.
Eagles - Playing really well so far. I really hope he can stay healthy for the year, if so, I think he could have 60'sh + points.
Herr - Has shown he will drop the gloves whenever, wherever. He won't win them all, but at least we have someone like him.
Labelle - Disappointed in him. Watching him play last year, I thought he would breakout this year. He's now barely making the lineup.
Lessard - I think he'll have a good year. I could see him turning into a player like Bernier, maybe not as highly skilled, but similar.
Brenton - Meh. Same as last year. Skates a lot, just doesn't get very far.
Baca - Hasn't played yet, that I've seen. Wish he'd get in the lineup. Look forward to seeing him in action. Yea, there's some learning issues with English ( if that's even what it is !? ) .. but other European players have played ..
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Post by 2wild on Sept 27, 2007 18:19:52 GMT -4
With Gomes playing a very shaky game last night, I certainly hope Baca will be in Friday night. I actually thought Gomes was okay as the game went on - he was absolutely horrid in the first, I was ready to send him packing, could have been nerves though, because I thought he looked much more steady and composed in the second and third. Gomes was horrible in the first he was paired with Pianosi.In came the 2nd period and Gomes was paired with Herr.... if recall rigth! |
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Post by Dalkiel on Sept 27, 2007 18:26:48 GMT -4
My 2 cents
Marquart- Should put up 45+ goals this year. I find he is a little too cocky after scoring but as long as he can continue backing it up he'll be fine
Herr-I don't see any reason he is on the team with the toughness demonstrated so far, also, anyone can be a punching bag
Riopel-great game last night but that is what is expectations are. I think he'll develop greatly this year and have a solid playoff run.
Lavigne- I don't think he has adapted to the quality of shots from this league, he'll be much better in a month or so.
Labelle-Just like everyone else, I think he is dissapointing.
Brown-I like what I've seen of him so far even though it was only 1 game, I really think he should be in the line up, especially over Labelle and Brenton.
Brenton-wicked fast but thats it. Has not improved at all since the beginning of last year. Easily knocked off the puck, and cannot score. I can't remember the last time he scored off his exciting breakaways. I was very surprised to see him make the team
Brannon-Easily my favorite player, this kid is a wrecking machine that loves to hit hard. After Barbario he just sweetens the Bourdon deal.
Barbario-I think this kid is going to have a great year, he looked like an 18 year old at 16. Looks very comfortable out there. I just wish he'd use his body a little more
Eastman- Great pickup, like Jimmy said, I wish he was 18
All in all, I think we have a much better team than last year, I even think we have a good shot at maybe going to the 3rd round with the team we have but realistically I think we'll unload a player or 2 at xmas.
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Post by Penguins23® on Sept 27, 2007 18:35:33 GMT -4
Baca's culture shock must be that the legal age is 19.
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Post by buckybuckbuck on Sept 27, 2007 21:50:26 GMT -4
Heres a question: Do you think we could go for it this year?
1. Defense better than expected.
2. Riopel coming around.
3. Deep Offense
4. Solid Power Kill
If so what do we have to do. Whose the competition. Bathurst doesn't scare us, so far Halifax isn't too scary and if Vorcek doesn't return the door is open.
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Post by Dman on Sept 27, 2007 22:05:28 GMT -4
Heres a question: Do you think we could go for it this year? 1. Defense better than expected. 2. Riopel coming around. 3. Deep Offense 4. Solid Power Kill If so what do we have to do. Whose the competition. Bathurst doesn't scare us, so far Halifax isn't too scary and if Vorcek doesn't return the door is open. We are having a good start, but we would have to sell the farm to get a couple of 100 point guys (or at least one proven game breaker) and a proven PP quarterback on D. I can't see it happening this year. |
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Post by sec21critic on Sept 27, 2007 22:27:47 GMT -4
Heres a question: Do you think we could go for it this year? 1. Defense better than expected. 2. Riopel coming around. 3. Deep Offense 4. Solid Power Kill If so what do we have to do. Whose the competition. Bathurst doesn't scare us, so far Halifax isn't too scary and if Vorcek doesn't return the door is open. First off, to respond to something in your first post, Samson actually started last year quite hot and was something like Top 10-15 in scoring heading into the trade.... so there's one year he didn't get off to a slow start. The previous two seasons he was mostly in a checking role anyway... and the first of those two seasons he was a 17 year old rookie... and therefore should start off slow. When he DID start scoring a bit more regularly later on in the Mem Cup season, I looked at it as a bonus more than anything, considering his role on the team was not go to offensive guy that season to begin with. As for this post right here.... I wouldn't dare suggest any of these points five games into the season. So many tangibles and intangibles out there. EDIT - One more thing... if your "go for it" plan hinges on players on OTHER teams not returning to the league, you shouldn't be "going for it". |
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