Bridgeport and Prospect Roundup 2/27
by Mark D on Feb 27, 2011 9:06 AM EST
in Islanders in Diapers
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After the last few weeks of struggling, a 2-2 week for the SoundTigers looks pretty good. Justin DiBenedetto, David Ullstrom, Mikko Kosikinen and Rhett Rakhshani all had strong performances this week. The one worry is that Mikko might get overworked, as he started every game this week. Joel Martin has struggled ever since signing an NHL deal after his strong start. With the playoffs a pipe dream (15 points out) it's important to see the team continue to be competitive and playing tough the rest of the way.
Ullstrom on Sunday was the driving force for the team. He had a hat trick on the night [DiBenedetto, Brett Motherwell] [DiBenedetto, Mark Wotton], [DiBenedetto, Eric Castonguay]; also scoring in the 4-2 win was Brett Svendsen [Rakhshani, Rob Hisey]. Ullstrom was named 1st star and DiBebedetto was named 3rd star. A 4-1 win over Providence on Wednesday was driven by 1st star Mikko's 42 save game and 2nd star Hisey's 3 point night. Hisey [Jon Landry, Dustin Kohn], Castonguay [Robin Figren, Hisey] Jean Bourbeau [Mark Katic, Brandon Svendsen] and Hisey [Kohn] scored goals on the night.
On Friday night BP dropped a close one to Manchester 4-3, with Rakhshani being named 3rd star. Jeremy Colliton [Rakhshani], Rakhshani [DiBenedetto, Kohn] and Landry [Kohn, Bourbeau] scored for BP. Also notable is that Kohn was a +3 on the night. The 5-0 loss to Manchester involved Manchester going 4/10 on the PP and BP racking up a total of 72 PIM. I'm not sure what happened at the end of the night, as recent callup Brett Gallant got a match penalty for a deliberate attempt to injure. At the same time Wotton got an unsportsmanlike penalty, a game misconduct and a misconduct both for abuse of an official. This was at 17:33 of the 3rd period, and at the end of the 3rd Marcinko also picked up an abuse of an official penalty.
Although Rakhshani leads the team with 37 points (11 G, 26 A), Hisey is starting to catch up with 34 points (10 G, 24 A). DiBenedetto took the lead in goals on the team with 14, ahead of multiple guys at 12. Rakhshani leads the team in assists with Hisey not too far behind.[Gallant Vs Rechlicz, Amazing Fight] [Another Gallant Fight, He might be more boxer then hockey player] [One more Gallant Fight]
Natural Born Kirills
Kirill Petrov had no points in 1 game this week making his season total 8 Goals, 11 Assists for 19 points in 47 games.
Kirill Kabanov had no points this week playing in 2 of 3 games for Lewistown. Kabanov had an illness and did not finish the first game last week and sat out the 2nd game. On the season he has 8 goals and 13 assists for 21 points in 29 games.
WHL And OHL
Oshawa continues to put pressure on the division leader by winning all three games this week. Calvin de Haan had 1 goal and 2 assists in 3 games. His assists proved critical as one was on a game tying goal and another was on a game winning goal. Tony Dehart missed one game and was quiet in the other two. De Haan has 3 goals, 34 assists for 37 points in 46 games, Dehart has 3 goals, 20 assists for 23 points in 48 games.
Portland took 3 of 4 games this week, as Nino Niederreiter continued to pad his resume with another appearance on the 3 stars of the night. He had 2 goals and 3 assists in 4 games this week. In 45 games this season he has 29 goals, 23 assists for 52 points.
David Toews and Brandon continue to claw their way into playoff contention taking 2 of 3 games this week. Toews had a game winning goal and an assist this week, and was also named 1st star of the night. On the season Toews has 52 games played with 16 goals, 22 assists for 38 points and has gotten his +/- up to a -8.
Casey Cizikas had a goal and an assist this week as Mississauga dropped 2 of 3 games. With 50 games played and 61 points, Cizikas is 1 point from tying his career high (62 points in 68 games). On the season he has 29 goals (a career high already) and 32 assists.
NCAA and Europe
It appears that UND has found a beast on the PP, as Brock Nelson had 2 assists in last nights 5-2 win, both on the PP and one assist was on a Jason Gregoire goal again. Gregoire had a solid night too, potting 2 goals. Gregoire and Nelson were named 2nd and 3rd stars of the night respectively. Gregoire has 27 games played with 16 goals and 14 Assists for 30 points, Nelson has 32 games played with 5 goals and 8 assists for 13 points. [Watch all goals from 5-2 Win]
Anders Lee scores 2 goals in a 3-2 win for Notre Dame including the game winner and is named first star of the night. Just another night for Lee, although they did go on to lose the following night 2-0. With the regular season now over for the CCHA, Lee finished 6th in conference in points, 2nd in goals and tied for first in game winning goals with 6. He finished the regular season with 21 goals, 19 assists for 40 points in 36 games.
With the Islanders tending to draft players from teams they are already following, it might be interesting to keep an eye on TJ Tynan. The undersized (varies from 5'7 to 5'9 and around 160 lbs) Frosh Center led Notre Dame in points (46) and had quite the season in the USHL previously. He's eligible to be drafted, but the CSB doesn't have him listed in the top 240 skaters.
Denver split their games this weekend, and Matt Donovan netted 3 assists. Donovan has 7 goals, 18 assists for 25 points in 34 games.
Minnesota beat up on poor Michigan Tech this weekend scoring 5 goals in each game. Aaron Ness did not register a point in either game. Ness has 1 goal, 11 assists for 12 points in 31 games.
Ohio State split its games this weekend, while Shane Sims scored a goal. On the season he has 3 goals and 15 assists for 18 points in 34 games.
Corey Trivino got a power play assist as BU won one and tied another game against Vermont. He has 7 goals and 12 assists for 19 points in 30 games.
Blake Kessel had an assist in both games against Northeastern, helping UNH to a win and a tie. This year he has 5 goals and 19 assists for 24 points in 32 games
Colgate finished out the year with a tie against Yale and a loss to Brown. Brian Day did not get on the scoresheet. Day has 9 goals, 11 assists for 20 points in 30 games.
Anders Nilsson started all 3 games this week for Lulea and put together his best string of games yet, allowing only 2 goals in each game while facing 27 shots[Highlights], 27 shots[Highlights] and 25 shots[Highlights].
Cody Rosen did not play this week.
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question
Which would be considered a higher league?
WHL-OHL-NCAA
Just curious
Thanks again for a great update
DF
http://www.behindthenet.ca/projecting_to_nhl.html is about the best I can offer you along with this taken from the article
League Difficulty
NHL 1.00
WHA Final Year (1978-79) 0.89
Russian Elite League 0.83
Swedish Elite League 0.78
Czech Republic League 0.74
Finland SM-Liiga 0.54
Deutsche Eishockey League 0.52
WHA First Year (1972-73) 0.46
AHL 0.44
IHL 0.43
Switzerland National League 0.44
NCAA 0.41
Canadian Major Junior 0.29*
I recommend reading the article, as it expounds on it further. This is basically a comparison of PPG production of players compared to when they get called up. Since a player would normally be a 1st liner in the AHL with PP minutes, his production will always drop when called up to the NHL and he begins his career as a 3rd liner with no PP time.
Hopefully this helps a bit, but I would definitely read the article.
A bigger problem with comparing the WHL/OHL/CHL to the NCAA is the amount of teams in Division 1 hockey. It’s easy to rack up a lot of NCAA points against inferior competition, something football fans know about all too well. Meanwhile the OHL and QMJHL tend to be the cream of the crop of the World’s youth.
"Parenteau and Montoya proving Sather can't smell talent when it's under his nose" ~ Me
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
Different ages/bodies too
One of the issues in comparing NCAA to CHL (WHL, OHL, QMJHL) is that the guys are older in NCAA, and usually have more developed bodies — and usually playing against more developed bodies too. At 18 you might be a slight-framed freshmen in NCAA, whereas that is the age of some experienced already-star players in juniors.
So in many ways, it’s harder to crack an NCAA lineup at age 18, as well-regarded players often pay their dues first. (e.g. I tried to get another interview with Anders Lee, but was informed the coach doesn’t let freshmen do interviews.) But you’ll see more of the really elite talents in juniors, in part because that avenue is already there for them to establish themselves when they are identified at an earlier age.
Lighthouse Hockey: Send us your cold, your poor, your healthy goalies.
I tried to get another interview with Anders Lee, but was informed the coach doesn’t let freshmen do interviews
bah, half the team is Freshman. His two leading scorers are freshman. Plus he let appears to have let him do an interview with the USHL Radio guys back in December.
"Parenteau and Montoya proving Sather can't smell talent when it's under his nose" ~ Me
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
From a Canadian bias
it is pretty much a given that Canadian Major Junior Hockey is by far the largest producer of future pro-hockey players. So my bias given, the CHL is the best league in the world. You probably know that the WHL and the OHL are part of the same major Junior Hockey League, along with the QMJHL. The general view of the three leagues – and this has been out there at least all my life – is that the WHL is the most physcial – note the dyntasy Isles and a particular scout (I believe his nickname was “Tex” last name escapes me at moment) who had a near love affair with WHL prospects – the QMJHL (Quebec league) the least physical, most offensive and of course, a glutten of butterfly goalies – and the OHL somewhere in the middle. I’m generalizing here but that about sums it up. It does, however, reflect historical and cultural philosophies of the three Canadian areas very well. It wasn’t that long ago there were no American teams in the CHL. I will say this much, however, the Quality of players coming out of U.S. colleges and highschools has been noticeably increasing. If you look @ the percentage of players drafted in any given year, it is steadily increasing. It wasn’t that long ago when overage guys like Joel Otto would sign as undrafted UFAs barely heard of.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Feb 27, 2011 8:04 PM EST up reply actions
I’m a simple guy, but I like how those different CHL leagues differ and reflect the historical and cultural philosophies of their regions. Kind of like international styles in hockey and soccer, it just makes things more interesting.
I agree with your overall assessment, by the way, and don’t think it’s a Canadian bias. Not only are Canadians more likely to choose juniors, but the better players in all countries are because they can get there earlier and find a faster track to the NHL. It makes for an interesting almost “late-bloomer” dynamic with NCAA then, where the lighter schedule, academics, and older bodies all add a different wrinkle.
Lighthouse Hockey: Send us your cold, your poor, your healthy goalies.
lol
didn’t want to offend any NCAA fans out there. But I will say this, in the last few drafts in particular, a noticeable higher number of U.S. highschool and college kids are getting drafted. The Isles have been a part of this with kids like Lee, Gregiore, Donovan, Nelson among others. Here’s hoping The Scouts were on to something tapping this marktet early.
The historical/regional thing in Canada is really interesting. The Quebecois have always preferred the fluid, open game it seems. Patrick Roy really brought in a new mindset with his talent, and of course, the unheralded coaches who invented the butterfly. Unreal how many French kids wanted to be goaltenders after Patrick. The west was not settlend until after Canadian Confederation (1867) and the collapse of the fur trade (1870). A large number of the immigrants to the Canadian praires were Americans. Approximately 80% of the Canadian population lives within 100 miles of the U.S. border. The northern parts of the provinces are much like colonies. Mostly mining and raw resources, shipped and refined in the south, largely consumered by the south or exported. Ontario was predominately the English colonly – known as Upper Canada – following Seven Years War with France and the American Revolution and the War of 1812. There were/is French pockets, and Irish Catholic, but Ontario was predominantly English and protestant – multicultural in the cities now. Quebec was known as Lower Canada. The Canadas were predominantly French and Aboriginal until the American Revolution and the War of 1812 – when Canada pretty much became an English country over night with “United Empire Loyalists” who chose to remain loyal to the British Crown and came north. The largest, and one the few English settlements in Quebec is the Eastern Townships – which is on the Quebec-Vermont border. The Maritime provinces, which have their own histories, are part of the QMJHL. New Brunswick is home to the original Acadians. Many were exciled to what became New Orleans for refusing to give up French English neutrality and swear loyalty to British King. That province has large French pockets, and English. Newfoundland enterted Confederation after second world War, they’ve had an up and down history with Quebec, and to some extent rest of Canada. Their history and culture not that long ago was directly tied to fishing industry. Still is, but is much more diversified. Anywhere in Canada where there is major construction and development, you will find a large population o Newfie’s – their known for hard work, friendly ppl. Prince Edward Isles is the last Maritime province. It is an Island of about 300,000 ppl only.
I’d have to say, if you’ve ever lived and love hockey, try to catch a few games in Montreal Quebec. I never liked the Habs – but no city and no hockey fans go crazy over even a regular season win like them.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Feb 28, 2011 1:48 AM EST up reply actions
5 years of season tickets from the Forum to the Belle thanks to the in-laws
Always hated the Habs, but a great experience. Closing of the Forum and opening of the Moulson Centre (at the time) were amazing. However, I must say the steamies (steamed hotdogs)are overrated and I couldn’t believe after the ice storm that hit Quebec, the Moulson Center didn’t change out the taps and had skunked beer for over a month.
Sarcasm is my permanent font.
Not to be melodramatic, but...
after the ice storm that hit Quebec, the Moulson Center didn’t change out the taps and had skunked beer for over a month.
That’s like a crime against humanity, isn’t it?
Lighthouse Hockey: Send us your cold, your poor, your healthy goalies.
I still hold Rejean Houle personally responsible.
Sarcasm is my permanent font.
funny story
I went to graduate school at Concordia university. the two sides streets are bishop and cresent, which of course is all pubs, and St. Catherine behind with de maissoneauve in front. i ended up catching a lot of games in the nose bleeds b/c the arena was so close, and after the game starts scalpers will go bellow ticket value. Anyway, I moved to Montreal the year after the ice storm. Habs hadn’t missed the playoff in years. I lived there for three years, Habs missed playoffs every year! They made the playoffs the year I moved away, I don’t think they’ve missed since. I had a lot of fun with ppl there thanks to that one. But what a crazy city when they win, even in regular season – cops putting sirens on, downtown streets and pubs full, plus drinking age being 18 and the fact that they serve alcohol till 3 am. Great place to be a student.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Feb 28, 2011 8:12 PM EST up reply actions
Loved going to the playoffs rooting against the Habs
Really pissed people off sitting next to me when I told them I would be at all of the home games and rooting against the Habs. I just told them they were lucky to just be there once to watch them lose.
Dom might appreciate this, but when they played Buffalo in 98 I’d wear my Czech Republic jersey in honor of Hasek and then just claim I was a fan of Rucinsky if anyone gave me too much heat. Sabres sweep!
Sarcasm is my permanent font.
by Hockey1919 on Mar 1, 2011 10:36 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
OHL vs QMJHL - Couturier
I watched a few games each of the OHL as well as QMJHL when I was in Canada a couple of weeks ago and I thought that the level of the OHL games was much, much higher indeed. I guess what you’ve just mentioned here sums up the consensus regarding these two leagues, but in case someone’s got anything to add in that regard I’d be glad to hear. Obviously, I’ve never followed the leagues in detail and Gabe projects them about equally, so just wondering if my perception, based on a very small sample of course, might be wrong or at least a little extreme.
Anyway, watching these few games really got me thinking whether Couturier belongs to that exclusive group of four (or three without him) projected to be the top picks. Apparently, the scouts and experts know better on that one than me, but I really get the feel he might be the most overrated guy among these four.
Difficult to explain, but what I noticed in that one game I saw him live (yeah, just one game, I know…) was that he’d just wait for the mistakes to happen and lanes to get open. This can be pretty impressive sometimes, it looks like the player is really patient, able to hold on to the puck and make the right decisions and all the good playmakers might look like that somehow, if you know what I mean anyway… And he was successful in that game because there were a lot of mistakes. The goaltending was terrible, the defense pretty bad and everyone seemed to be intimidated when Couturier was on anyway. And, though not sure, it looked to me like the coach tried to get Couturier away from the best D of the opposition most of the time.
So, all that combined got me thinking his game might not easily translate to the next level, be overrated a bit anyway perhaps and not really fill the Isles’ needs. I’m trying to not make too much of this, but from what we can tell about the draft at this point (with the unknown draft position, etc.) I’d certainly be disappointed if the Isles ended up with Couturier.
this is exactly what I was worried about.
If the Islanders end up with the 4th overall pick, I’m going to be very disappointed if all that’s left of the top 4 is Couturier…I really don’t get what makes this guy so great.
"Seriously that's the last time you guys f#@%ing won?" -RSH (about beating the Penguins in '93)
On the Subject of prospects coming from CHL and/or U.S.A. College and Highschool
I know it’s wikipedia, but I believe the data on this is pretty accurate. In the 2010 draft, a record was set for players drafted in the first round who were trained in the U.S. (the record was set in 2006) If you scroll down to the end of the link, it provides you the percentage of players drafted per nationality. I’ll add a few quotes and a few more links for the recent draft years prior to show the “trend”. I’m not sure trend is the right word, b/c this may very well be something that is going to be the norm or increase. Anway, it demonstrates that there has indeed been a recognizable increase in the number of NCAA hockey players making the NHL. That would suggest the quality of these leagues is much better. As to what level and how much better, I think that has not yet been determined by scouts. Sweden still remains a hotbed for prospects too.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_NHL_Entry_Draft#Draftees_based_on_nationality
by CanadianIsleslifer on Mar 1, 2011 8:23 PM EST up reply actions
“The 2010 NHL Entry Draft was the 48th NHL Entry Draft, held on June 25–26, 2010 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, home arena of the Los Angeles Kings. This was the first time Los Angeles hosted the NHL Entry Draft.1 An unofficial record of 11 American-trained players were selected in the first round, starting with Jack Campbell and ending with Brock Nelson.2 The record was set in the 2006 and 2007 drafts where 10 U.S.-trained players were selected in the first round.” Quote from wikipedia link above.
2010 Draftees based on nationality Rank Country Picks Percent
North America 158 75.2%
1 Canada 99 47.1%
2 United States 59 28.1%
Europe 52 24.8%
3 Sweden 20 9.5%
4 Russia 8 3.8%
5 Finland 7 3.3%
6 Czech Republic 5 2.4%
Germany 5 2.4%
8 Slovakia 2 1.0%
Switzerland 2 1.0%
10 Denmark 1 0.5%
Latvia 1 0.5%
Norway 1 0.5% data from wikipedia link above
by CanadianIsleslifer on Mar 1, 2011 8:28 PM EST up reply actions
2009 draft % by nationality
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_NHL_Entry_Draft
First, 2009 was a record year for Swedes (seven) drafted in the first round. Below is the list of player drafted in first round…scroll down to second chart where we see the percentage of players drafted based on nationality, and the U.S.A. is in a statistical tie with Sweden.
Top prospectsSource: NHL Central Scouting Bureau Final Rankings.4
Ranking North American skaters European skaters
1 John Tavares © Victor Hedman (D)
2 Matt Duchene © Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson (LW)
3 Evander Kane © Jacob Josefson ©
4 Brayden Schenn © Oliver Ekman-Larsson (D)
5 Jordan Schroeder © Tim Erixon (D)
6 John Moore (D) David Rundblad (D)
7 Scott Glennie (RW) Carl Klingberg (RW)
8 Simon Despres (D) Marcus Johansson ©
9 Jared Cowen (D) Dmitri Orlov (D)
10 Zack Kassian (RW) Joonas Nattinen ©
Ranking North American goalies European goalies
1 Matthew Hackett Robin Lehner
2 Olivier Roy Mikko Koskinen
3 Edward Pasquale Juraj Holly data from wikipedia
2009 NHL Draftees based on nationalityRank Country Picks Percent
North America 157 74.8%
1 Canada 104 49.5%
2 United States 53 25.2%
Europe 53 25.2%
3 Sweden 24 11.4%
4 Finland 10 4.8%
5 Russia 7 3.3%
6 Slovakia 5 2.4%
7 Czech Republic 3 1.4%
8 Belarus 1 0.5%
Denmark 1 0.5%
Germany 1 0.5%
Italy 1 0.5% data from wikipedia link above
by CanadianIsleslifer on Mar 1, 2011 8:37 PM EST up reply actions
correction
that should say that the U.S.A. is in a statistical tie with Europe – while Sweden is by far the largest producer of European NHL prospects
by CanadianIsleslifer on Mar 1, 2011 8:39 PM EST up reply actions
2008 draft % by nationality
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_NHL_Entry_Draft
Draftees based on nationalityRank Country Picks Percent
North America 165 78.2%
1 Canada 121 57.3%
2 United States 44 20.9%
Europe 46 21.8%
3 Sweden 17 8.1%
4 Russia 9 4.3%
5 Finland 7 3.3%
6 Czech Republic 3 1.4%
Norway 3 1.4%
8 Denmark 2 0.9%
Switzerland 2 0.9%
10 Belarus 1 0.5%
France 1 0.5%
Germany 1 0.5%
by CanadianIsleslifer on Mar 1, 2011 8:40 PM EST up reply actions
2007 draft % by nationality
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_NHL_Entry_DraftDraftees based on
nationalityRank Country Amount Percent
North America 167 79.1%
1 Canada 102 48.3%
2 United States 65 30.8%
Europe 43 20.3%
3 Sweden 15 7.1%
4 Russia 9 4.3%
5 Czech Republic 5 2.4%
6 Finland 4 1.9%
6 Germany 4 1.9%
8 Slovakia 3 1.4%
9 Switzerland 2 0.9%
10 Denmark 1 0.5%
Africa 1 0.5%
10 Nigeria 1 0.5%
by CanadianIsleslifer on Mar 1, 2011 8:43 PM EST up reply actions
2006 draft % by nationality
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_NHL_Entry_Draft
Draftees based on nationalityRank Country Amount Percent
North America 144 67.6%
1 Canada 84 39.4%
2 United States 60 28.2%
Europe 70 32.4%
3 Sweden 17 8.0%
4 Russia 15 7.0%
5 Finland 14 6.6%
6 Czech Republic 8 3.8%
7 Germany 4 1.9%
7 Switzerland 4 1.9%
9 Slovakia 3 1.4%
10 Austria 2 0.9%
10 Latvia 2 0.9%
12 Slovenia 1 0.4%
by CanadianIsleslifer on Mar 1, 2011 8:46 PM EST up reply actions
2005 draft % by nationality
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_NHL_Entry_Draft
Draftees based on nationalityRank Country Number Percent
North America 172 74.8%
1 Canada 109 47.4%
2 United States 63 27.4%
Europe 58 25.2%
3 Czech Republic 12 5.2%
3 Sweden 12 5.2%
5 Russia 11 4.9%
6 Finland 9 3.9%
7 Slovakia 8 3.5%
8 Denmark 2 0.9%
9 Germany 1 0.4%
9 Latvia 1 0.4%
9 Slovenia 1 0.4%
9 Belarus 1 0.4%
by CanadianIsleslifer on Mar 1, 2011 8:47 PM EST up reply actions
wikipedia doesn’t seem to provide the above graphs for previous drafts, although they do provide the name and nationality of every player in their list of round per round draftees for every given year.
Anyway, we can see that for a number of years now, the U.S.A. has been, statistically speaking, equal to, and and some years higher than – continental Europe in terms of players drafted by NHL teams. Of course there are several factors to consider, including likelihood of prospect playing in Northern American, but it also shows that the U.S.A. is and has been a major contributer of NHL prospects.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Mar 1, 2011 8:56 PM EST up reply actions
Question
Given the problems at BPT, can Lee and Day be offered PTOs for a look there? I would love to see what Lee can do, and if he makes any difference, give him some money! Niño, lee, Cizikas and Dehaan sound great! Thanks Web!
"Gervais...he looks danger in the fist with his face!" JPinVA
by Keith Quinn on Feb 27, 2011 9:37 AM EST via mobile reply actions
even with the problems at BP, I don’t see the need to rush any of the youngsters to the team.
"Parenteau and Montoya proving Sather can't smell talent when it's under his nose" ~ Me
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
Once NCAA is up
I think anyone can be offered a PTO. Maybe Day and Gregoire?
Lighthouse Hockey: Send us your cold, your poor, your healthy goalies.
Yes
But they would then lose their NCAA eligibility, which would be a major issue for Lee seeing as he’s only a frosh. I know they used to do Amateur Try Outs (ATOs) but I think they were banned with the new CBA.
Formerly a part time contributor and pittier of fools, now an Emeritus at Lighthouse Hockey.
by David Hanssen on Feb 27, 2011 5:14 PM EST up reply actions
Katic looks more ...
like a #5 or #6 NHL defenseman for this team than a prospect. He’s steady and sturdy, pretty much as I recall Kohn looking last year. I want to see him up here some this year also.
At season’s start most agreed Hamonic needed another year in Bridgeport, and look what happened. Ironic that he likely would have been held back if not for the Matzo-Man injury, but it’s obvious he was ready. MacDonald and Hamonic already are close to being among the steadiest pairings in the league at a combined 46 years old. And, Hamonic has barely tapped into his offensive upside, while at 25, A-Mac plays and conducts himself like a consumate pro and leader. Those two are the best thing about this year by a long shot.
MacDonald and Hamonic already are close to being among the steadiest pairings in the league at a combined 46 years old
All of 5 years younger then Rollie.
I think it’s a bit of dumb luck for Hamonic, if he gets paired with anyone but Mac he probably looks awful. Even so his stats aren’t exactly that strong. But on the ice it’s easy to see he’s one of the best dmen still standing
"Parenteau and Montoya proving Sather can't smell talent when it's under his nose" ~ Me
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
"he probably looks awful" ????
no way i agree with that. it helps he’s paired with MacDonald, and i hope it stays that way. at this point it’s best to have at least one great pairing, than to split them up and have 2 decent or so-so ones. but even if not, hamonic would still be a solid d-man with obvious ability and poise for his age and a tremendous upside.
and of course stats for a defenseman – and in general – are always reflective of way more than just whose they are. that’s why i don’t trust them more than a little. i think that pretty much applies to all sports other than baseball. and maybe to a lesser extent nba basketball.
Its more of a knock on his possible NHL Partners then on Hamonic.
"Parenteau and Montoya proving Sather can't smell talent when it's under his nose" ~ Me
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
by Mark D on Feb 27, 2011 2:03 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
yeah he looks better than Bruno
I like his positioning his passing is good too
Any task BIG or small, Do it well or not at all
by Rickfansince76 on Feb 28, 2011 7:52 AM EST up reply actions
Bruno would look fine if he was the one paired with AMac.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Mar 1, 2011 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
Nooo!
The Rosenator didn’t play this week? Bullocks!
Awesome work
WebBard, thanks for always putting this together. I look forward to this report every Sunday.
by eye on the island on Feb 27, 2011 12:00 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Thanks Webby...
some thoughts:
1. It’s too bad that undersized pugilists are so much easier to come by in the AHL than solid playmaking RH centers.
2. Anders Lee has been getting me excited all year… and I haven’t even gotten to see him play yet. If he winds up disappointing at the NHL level I’m gonna blame you(for getting my hopes up), and you’ll probably wind up losing all of my respect!
3. Is Ullstrom playing center still? wouldn’t it be funny if they forced this kid to play a position that he wasn’t fully comfortable due to lack of depth there… and then tell him, “we’d like to give you a shot but we’re so full up at C in the NHL that Rob Schremp will probably be taking some of your minutes if he clears waivers”. Ullstrom and Rhett are going to push guys in the NHL next year…I’m looking right at you Blake and PA! What an excellent problem to have.
4. The NBK’s have really fallen off the map… It’s nice that basically Moulson, Grabner and Parenteau are proving that you can allow kids to develop through the waiver wire (and general scrap heap pickups). I bet there isn’t even much “How much will it take to get Petrov to the US” talk this summer… thank goodness we aren’t pinning our hopes on him… and basically why neither of them were worth first round picks.
5. I’m already spending too much time on a Sunday talking about hockey… now you’ve added the PR*J*CT*NG TO THE NHL article… THANKS MAN… not only forcing me into another 10 minutes of knowledge growth… but dangling the future of the organization on one PR*J*CT**N article.
6. Every Sunday I say to myself, “Man, Mike Milbury really sucked as a GM”
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
Anders Lee has been getting me excited all year… and I haven’t even gotten to see him play yet. If he winds up disappointing at the NHL level I’m gonna blame you(for getting my hopes up), and you’ll probably wind up losing all of my respect!
I’ll try not to pr*j*ctions, especially about Prospects that I haven’t seen much of. But Anders Lee is just far, far too clutch. Too many important goals (nearly 1/3 of his goals won games) along with all the Rookie of the Week and Rookie of the Month awards. If there was anyone I’d bet on out of all the prospects currently, it would be Anders. So I’d be more then willing to get lynched by the mob if he falters, but he is just looking so insanely promising.
"Parenteau and Montoya proving Sather can't smell talent when it's under his nose" ~ Me
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
2012-13? For Lee
…we can’t kill the messenger on this… especially when the NEWS is so good… and… LYNCHING is illegal.
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
3. Is Ullstrom playing center still? wouldn’t it be funny if they forced this kid to play a position that he wasn’t fully comfortable due to lack of depth there…
Yes he is, and probably will for the remainder of the year. It’s not like Bridgeport has someone they can just shift in for their de facto top center. In the long term too, I think its better for him to play as the pivot right now. I also wouldn’t worry about it affecting his attitude towards playing on the wing. Ullstrom has played wing in the past for HV71 and isn’t averse to playing there, unlike some. It’s really is a non issue right now.
Formerly a part time contributor and pittier of fools, now an Emeritus at Lighthouse Hockey.
by David Hanssen on Feb 27, 2011 5:17 PM EST up reply actions
Hisey
I guess that little fella has done what they brought him in for, but I hope as more prospects turn pro they won’t have to rely on bargain pros to fill out the BPT lineup.
Lighthouse Hockey: Send us your cold, your poor, your healthy goalies.
they won’t have to rely on bargain pros to fill out the BPT lineup.
I’ll take a thousand Hiseys over the guys like Gallant. The guys a fighter, not a hockey player.
"Parenteau and Montoya proving Sather can't smell talent when it's under his nose" ~ Me
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
Great stuff
This weekly prospect update has really become a huge part of my Sunday. Always a great read. Thank you.
Help for Bridgeport could be on the way by next season.
Anders Nilsson is tearing it up. He should be brought over for next year.
Jason Gregoire and Anders Lee could also get contracts. If Gregoire is taken from UND, it pushes Nelson up the depth chart which should help him out too.
Calvin de Haan hasn’t been what I expected but he will probably be in BP next year. Cizikas has been a great surprise and has earned an ELC.
If Niederreiter continues his strong play, he could end up with the big club next year.
Matt Donovan and Blake Kessel could also earn contracts.
FanShot'd this, but it fits here, too
A DobberHockey write-up on Nino’s season.
Lighthouse Hockey: Send us your cold, your poor, your healthy goalies.
nice to see this
Often listed as a left wing, Green says Niederreiter actually prefers playing on the right side and the Winterhawks have been using him there.
That is good hearing for the Isles, who really really need a solid RW. If he can be as advertised, then Moulson-JT-Nino with Grabner-Bailey-Okposo on the second line… fun fun fun.
Fast strikers, give the defenders difficulty!
Lighthouse Hockey - a beacon of greatness on the rocky coast of sports blog mediocrity
Non-hockey scribblings at nightflyblog
+1
When I became a fan in 92-93, I had no idea how good I had it. I can honestly say I’ve NEVER been this excited for a season as I am for next year’s Islanders.
I hate to admit it, but Mad Mike made me walk away from this team. For me the Raffi Torres trade was the last straw. I still went to a game here and there, but I wasn’t “carrying the fire.” When they drafted Tavares, I did some reading and discovered a new rebuild was in the works.
Thank you Garth. This is the way I wanted it done.
"Seriously that's the last time you guys f#@%ing won?" -RSH (about beating the Penguins in '93)
by Bryan2112 on Feb 27, 2011 8:00 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I hate to admit it, but Mad Mike made me walk away from this team.
Ha, no shame in that! I swear, it was Snow — once I realized he was more than just a backup goalie-turned-Wanghand man — that got me dreaming again. When Milbury survived the lockout, and I only just barely survived the lockout, I was at my low point.
I probably spent more time playing them “the way it should be” on NHL ’04 than watching their actual games. I was lukewarm about Smith coming in and “the committee” but happy to see LaFontaine back. Then when that was scuttled — and I learned about it while on a beach vacation — I was exasperated.
Lighthouse Hockey: Send us your cold, your poor, your healthy goalies.
Great work as always WebBard..
That line “Cody Rosen did not play this week” gotta be the most copy and pasted phrase in the entire Internet history.
Question on Nilsson
Web, I read somewhere last fall that with a newly signed transfer agreement between the NHL and Sweden, Anders Nilsson would have to be signed by Isles this off-season (as opposed to retaining his rights an additional year prior to transfer agreement signing) or the Isles would lose his NHL rights. Can you clarify/ offer any concrete conclusions on this one way or the other? Thanks in advance, and thanks again for the prospects update. It is going to be fun watching Anders Lee evolve.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Feb 27, 2011 8:13 PM EST reply actions
This is true
They will have to sign him to a contract this offseason to retain his rights. It isn’t the transfer agreement per say, its the CBA’s requirement for countries the NHL has a transfer agreement with. So any player in Europe not playing in the KHL is currently subject to this rule.
The thing is he doesn’t have to come over though as he can be loaned back to an Elitserien team. The Isles have done it in the past with Robin Figren two years ago with Djurgarden. There are a couple of things though, it does spend the first year of his ELC and the Isles have no direct control over his development. If they do this, and it probably wouldn’t be bad idea depending on the goalie depth next year, I would be surprised if he weren’t returned Lulea for the year.
Formerly a part time contributor and pittier of fools, now an Emeritus at Lighthouse Hockey.
by David Hanssen on Feb 27, 2011 8:59 PM EST up reply actions
And for a little more context on this...
…they faced the same situation and decision with Ridderwall last June. I know there was a discussion of a contract, but I’m not sure if the breaking point was the Isles not offering enough of a guaranteed opportunity (lot of goalies in camp last September) or Ridderwall not wanting to leave.
Lighthouse Hockey: Send us your cold, your poor, your healthy goalies.
Then
do you take the chance on Larsson if you get #1? What happens if he decides not to sign??? Just lose a pick?
"Gervais...he looks danger in the fist with his face!" JPinVA
Website: Lighthousehockey.com
Twitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Feb 27, 2011 11:10 PM EST up reply actions
I'm sure he'd sign
You have two years after the draft (same as junior players). So no way he’d want to delay his NHL career that long.
Lighthouse Hockey: Send us your cold, your poor, your healthy goalies.
Slightly different situation too
If a player is 20 or under and doesn’t sign after the two years he must reenter the draft. In that case Larsson would have to reenter the draft since his age at the beginning of next season will be 18 (Even though he will turn 19 shortly after) so in two years he will be 20 and required to reenter the draft if he doesn’t sign with the team that drafted him. Nilsson, since he was passed over his first year of draft eligibility and began the season after he was drafted as a 19 year old, will be 21 and therefore able to become a free agent. And yes, even in this hypothetical if he didn’t sign, the Isles would receive a compensation pick.
Formerly a part time contributor and pittier of fools, now an Emeritus at Lighthouse Hockey.
by David Hanssen on Feb 28, 2011 12:34 AM EST up reply actions
Thanks David and Dom. This sheds some light on why some pundits said this will impact a team like Detriot who draft a lot of Swedish players. If 18 year olds can only be drafted in first three rounds, rounds 4 through 7 will always be players that have passed through first three rounds twice. Might not be so enticing to draft these guys late as you can no longer “sit on them” like before, plus the 50 contract rule.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Feb 28, 2011 1:25 AM EST reply actions
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1979-80
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May 24, 1980: Tonelli to Nystrom. At long last, the steady build of the New York Islanders from expansion doormat to surprise semifinalist to annual contender reaches the promised land: Buoyed by a late season trade for Butch Goring that gave the team the depth up the middle GM Bill Torrey had been seeking, the Islanders knock off the Philadelphia Flyers in six games.
The victory justified the faith in coach Al Arbour who guided them from their second season to their first Stanley Cup seven seasons later. The Islanders would not be the first expansion team to win the Stanley Cup, but they would be the only one capable of a dynasty.
1980-81
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May 21, 1981: This time it was much easier. After falling to "only" 91 points in the 1979-80 season, the Islanders returned to their division title tradition, piling up 110 points -- a whole 13 points over second-place Philadelphia.
Between the quarterfinals (where they beat the upstart Oilers in six games) and the finals, the Islanders reeled off eight consecutive wins -- with a four-game sweep of archrival Rangers in between. As they defeated the Minnesota North Stars in five games for their second Cup, their goal difference in the final was a combined +10.
1981-82
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May 16, 1982: Another year, another landslide title. The Islanders won the Patrick Division by a whopping 26 points over the second-place Rangers, and were seven points clear of their nearest competition for the President's Trophy, the still-not-quite-ripe Edmonton Oilers.
A first-round scare against the Pittsburgh Penguins turned in the Isles' favor thanks to John Tonelli's heroics, and a true dynasty was on its way: Past the Rangers in six games, then an eight-game sweep of the Quebec Nordiques and Vancouver Canucks to run away with the Stanley Cup.
1982-83
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May 17, 1983: Not so fast, whipper-snappers. The Edmonton Oilers' steadily rising challenge for league supremacy took them all the way to the finals for the first time, where the New York Islanders summarily dispatched them in a four-game sweep. For the Islanders, the Dynasty was secured. For the Oilers, it was a powerful lesson in where talent ends and the demands of playoff hockey begin.
Four years, four Cups, 16 consecutive playoff series wins (a record that would grow to 19 until the rematch with the Oilers the following year). Mike Bossy scored 60 goals yet again, and Wayne Gretzky became acquainted with Billy Smith's crease.
