tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27575823362211602802024-03-08T05:33:48.873-08:00Ross MacLean's Hockey BlogRoss MacLeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16123245664734284259noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2757582336221160280.post-54829464076482934812014-07-03T12:33:00.003-07:002014-07-03T12:33:43.825-07:002014 NHL Entry Draft Aftermath - Best 3 Picks per Round<br />
<br />
As always, it was an interesting, entertaining and at times frustrating NHL Entry Draft this year. Here's a quick rundown of the best 3 picks per round, in my humble opinion:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_MailOriginal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><u>Round 1<o:p></o:p></u></strong></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>3 - Conner
Bleackley - COL - 23</strong> - There were three solid picks in a row with St. Louis
grabbing Fabbri at 21 and the Penguins snapping up Kasperi Kapanen at 22 but
the Bleackley pick for Colorado was a perfect pick for this organization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bleackley has the makeup to fit in well with
their young core and can play a variety of roles that will insulate their high
end offensive players.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has great
leadership potential and his maturity is very high already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look for him to be an O'Reilly type player
without as much headache for management.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He gives them a lot of options moving forward.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>2 - Josh
Ho-Sang/Michael Dal Colle - NYI 28/5 </strong>- The Islanders got a great pickup with
Dal Colle at number 5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a
consistent and reliable player who is the type of players coaches trust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That pick gave them the ability to swing for
the fences with Ho-Sang at pick 28.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ultra-speedy
and insanely talented offensive producer had a lot of questions around his character
and that scared teams away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two
picks together are a stroke of genius and a calculated risk that could prove to
pay massive dividends down the line.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>1 - Aaron Ekblad/Sam
Reinhart - FLA/BUF - 1/2</strong> - This feels almost like a cop out for me, but the
fact that these two teams did not overthink these selections and took the two
best players is huge for both organizations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With Ekblad the Panthers get a versatile all-situations defender who is
not only a weapon but the type of commodity all teams covet and have a very
difficult time finding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Reinhart, the
Sabres get a stable leader who will consistently make their team and the
players around him better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><u>Round 2<o:p></o:p></u></strong></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>3 - Josh Jacobs
- NJ - 41</strong> - With Jon Merrill fitting in nicely to the Devils lineup, Jacobs
fits a similar mould and gives them two incredibly exciting and versatile young
defenders for years to come. In a few years, we may not to be able to tell them
apart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>2 - Hunter Smith
- CAL - 54</strong> - An absolute monster who is just starting to understand his value,
Smith will be a great fit to insulate some of Calgary's younger smaller and
skilled forwards. He is tough, intimidating and has underrated hands around the
net. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>1 - Roland
McKeown - LA - 50</strong> - Snagging one of the top 5 defenders with the 50th pick
could end up being the pick of the draft. LA pulled in some tremendous value
with many picks in this draft but having McKeown fall to them here is almost
obscene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><u>Round 3<o:p></o:p></u></strong></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>3 - Dominic
Turgeon - DET - 63</strong> - Son of Pierre, Dominic is a versatile player with great
two-way potential. In terms of players with late bloomer potential Turgeon
could be a great value pick at this point of this draft. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>2 - Jack Glover
- WIN - 69 </strong>- Big versatile defender could thrive around a player like Jacob
Trouba. He was considered a top round candidate before the season start and
although he struggled through the year, he finished strong and if he can
continue to trend up, he'll <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>1 - Brayden Point
- TB - 79</strong> - Point is an incredibly intelligent playmaker who if not for his
lack of size would have been on every team's first round wish list. At pick 79
Tampa Bay may have found themselves an incredible potential secondary offensive
weapon. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><u>Round 4<o:p></o:p></u></strong></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>3 - Ville Husso
- STL - 94</strong> - Anytime you are taking the first Finnish goalie of the draft, odds
are it's a solid pick!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>2 - De Leo - WIN
- 99</strong> - With Nic Petan already in the organizational fold, adding De Leo his
Portland Winterhawk teammate allows the two to continue to work together and
bring some comfort into camps and their quest to make it to the next level. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>1 - Brent Moran
- DAL - 115</strong> - His long term potential is extremely high and the pick solidifies
a very strong lineage of puck stoppers in their organization. They look set for
the next 10-15 years in the crease with Lehtonen, Campbell, Desrosiers and now
Moran. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><u>Round 5<o:p></o:p></u></strong></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>3 - Daniel
Audette - MTL - 147</strong> - The kid has great ties in his home province and has
tremendous skill. He's worth the risk at this point in the draft and could pan
out very well for the Habs. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>2 - Jaedon
Descheneau - STL - 124</strong> - Small but speedy, that seemed to be the theme of this
round.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has the head and reaction time
to succeed in fast pace environments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some tie his success to Reinhart but he held the fort on his own while
Reinhart represented Canada.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He's a very
underrated scoring forward.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>1 - Anders Bjork
- BOS - 146</strong> - This kid has never received the credit he has deserved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has great wheels and quick hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He makes things happen on the ice and plays
with great pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has excellent
potential as he bulks up to be a capable secondary scoring threat at the next
level.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u><strong>Round 6<o:p></o:p></strong></u></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>3 - Adam Ollas
Mattsson - CAL - 175</strong> - A big bruising defender who has room to improve his
technical skills, he's a bit slow footed right now but his feet aren't heavy,
just not quick yet. Great use of a late pick on a long term prospect with very
good upside. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>2 - Chase Lang -
MIN - 167</strong> - Lang is a hidden gem in this draft. He was buried on a deep Calgary
Hitmen team but showed significant improvement and poise as the season went on.
He is a smooth player who has potential to put up big numbers as his WHL career
continues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>1 - Jaden Lindo
- PIT - 173</strong> - This ranks among the best picks of the entire draft. Lindo gives the
Penguins something they have been missing since letting Max Talbot walk away.
He will play a role, add energy, consistency and positive leadership and could
do so within 2 years. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u><strong>Round 7<o:p></o:p></strong></u></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>3 - Spencer
Watson - LA - 209</strong> - The Kings had some very savvy picks in this draft and took
some calculated gambles. Watson is just that, a calculated gamble who has great
speed and skill but is on the smaller side which scared the rest of the league
off. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>2 - Kelly
Summers - OTT - 189</strong> - He has good size can skate and has produced offense at a
torrid rate. He's a project who will likely go the college route and reappear
on the scene 4-5 years from now as a legitimate prospect with PP distribution
potential. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>1 - Jacob
Middleton - LA - 210</strong> - Potentially the best pick of the entire draft and it
just happened to be the very last one, the Kings hit it out of the park in
rounds 2 and 7 and got two of the best versatile defenders out of the OHL
significantly later than they should have. Middleton skates well and can play
in a variety of roles. He is underrated tough as well. He will play in the NHL
at some point. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
Ross MacLeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16123245664734284259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2757582336221160280.post-91421489618961933542014-04-07T20:25:00.003-07:002014-04-07T20:25:42.147-07:00Congratulations to Bob NicholsonI met Bob Nicholson in the summer of 2007. Even before knowing him I understood his presence and power. I have always been fascinated with leaders and with hockey and no one has combined the two like Bob.<br />
<br />
I was a student at the Vierumaki Sports Institute in Finland, studying ice hockey coaching. I had returned to Finland that summer to take part in the IIHF Development Camp. I had just had the best year of my entire life and I finally felt like I had some direction in my life. It was no coincidence that that summer I would meet one of the most influential people I will ever know. I became fast friends with a lot of my classmates at Vierumaki and I felt like I fit in with the Finns more than I did in my own hometown. The closest of these friends, who will remain one of my best friends until the day I die, was Petteri Hietanen. Yes, this is a story about Bob and how proud I am to work in an office about 20 steps from his for another couple of months, but it would never have been possible without Petteri Hietanen. <br />
<br />
Petteri was a couple years younger than I was but equally as ambitious and he had a way with people (especially those of the opposite sex) that most people believe only exists in fictious characters. Petteri is one of the most passionate hockey people you could ever expect to meet. It turns out that Petteri's father happened to be Heikki Hietanen, and at that time Heikki was the executive director of the Finnish Ice Hockey Association. <br />
<br />
The Hietanen's treated me like a son and made Finland a home for me. I would visit them in their home town of Hameenlinna (or H-town as Pete called it) often. Petteri and I would pile into a small car with some of his friends, our classmate Josh Andrews (Canoe Cove, PEI) and our Spanish exchange student sidekick Miguel and go to concerts, hockey games, night clubs and other events all over Finland. Often we would find ourselves waking up in the Hietanen home (later on Bob would share similar stories with me about the Hietanen family).<br />
<br />
Upon my return to Finland in the summer of 2007, after 2 months back in Canada for summer break, Heikki and Petteri greeted me at Vierumaki. Heikki, as important and powerful of a man as he was, always made me feel like he had nothing but time for me and he fed my ambition at every turn. Earlier that spring, Heikki recruited me to manage the Scout Lounge as Finland hosted the IIHF U18 World Championships in Tampere (another moment that changed the course of my future). Heikki had another life changing and future altering plan in mind for me on this day in sunny Vierumaki. FIHA and Hockey Canada were going to be having meetings in the days leading up to the IIHF Development camp and Heikki needed someone to greet the Hockey Canada staff at the airport in Helsinki and to shuttle them the hour and a half back to the Finnish sports paradise in the middle of the forest. <br />
<br />
I have so much respect for all of the Hietanen family that they could ask me to pick up a grizzly bear and shuttle it somewhere in a smart car and I wouldn't hesitate. So, I was given the keys to a 12 passenger van and sent on my way.<br />
<br />
Driving in Europe is an interesting experience...Most vehicles I had ever driven were automatics....this van was not. I had some minor experience driving stick and felt fairly confident doing so but this van had what seemed to be several more gears than I had ever experienced. I managed to make it to the E75 South and eventually to the bus parking lot at Helsinki Vantaa Airport. I waited at the international arrivals gate and was eventually met by a small army of men I would soon come to know much better. There were 7 staff and a couple of family members, if memory serves me correctly. This was my first meeting with Johnny Misley, Paul Delparte, Scott Smith and Bob Nicholson.<br />
<br />
We piled into the van and headed for Vierumaki. I think the first time my driving came into question was the third or fourth time I tried to reverse out of our parking spot....I stalled the van several times before getting onto the highway. At this point the van was pretty quiet...<br />
<br />
We eventually got moving and once we were on the highway and I managed to squeak out that it would be about an hour and a half before we got to Vierumaki everyone started to relax a bit. Scott Smith sat up front with me and chatted with me for most of the way with the rest of the boys interjecting from time to time. They were surprised to have a Canadian greet them and (sort of) know where he was going. They asked me a ton of questions and were very curious about what I had learned and what my experience had been like up to this point.<br />
<br />
We arrived at Vierumaki on time and I proceeded to stall the van several more times while dropping everyone off...eventually just leaving the van in the middle of the parking lot...<br />
<br />
Bob was the last to leave the van. Before he left he thanked me for the ride and noticing perhaps how embarrassed (and somewhat nauseous even I now was) he said "You know what Ross? This is going to be a story I can tell some day when I'm presenting an award to you" He patted me on the back and got out to hug Heikki.<br />
<br />
There are moments in ones life where emotions can turn on a dime. In the 5 seconds it took for him to say that I went from the most embarrassed and disheartened with myself I had maybe ever been to feeling like I could do anything in the world. Bob Nicholson is a man who can make anything seem like a reality.<br />
<br />
In the years since, I would run into Bob all over the place. As my presence and experience in the sport grew, I found myself at the same events, in the same room and sometimes at the same table as Bob more and more. I was fortunate enough to coach his son, Grant and spend some time with the Nicholson boys and the Hietanen boys jumping in lakes after marathon sauna sessions. He always made time for me when I came to Calgary and gave me great advice. On one occasion I had just gone through a fairly intense end of what I considered a serious relationship and I ran into Bob in the middle of a crowded concourse during a World Junior game. I obviously wasn't myself, and I feel like he tuned into that immediately. He pulled me aside and gave me what I know now as a classic "Bob pep talk". As hard as my outlook on life was at that time, he managed to somehow inspire me. Funny enough, it wasn't the last time he would find me in such a situation.<br />
<br />
Three years ago, I had applied for a few jobs with Hockey Canada and had come up just short every time. Again, Bob brought me in for a meeting and pumped my tires and told me my time would come. A few short days later, Paul Carson sent me an email saying he and Bob had talked and were wondering if I would be willing to go to Bosnia or Poland for an international development project. Paul and Bob fall into a similar category of decision making as the Hietanen family does when it comes to personal requests. So, off to Sarajevo I went.<br />
<br />
Bosnia changed me. It gave me something I could have never obtained in Canada or on my own. I was there for close to 6 months and it was incredible. Before I left for Bosnia, Bob again pulled me aside at a hotel bar in Penticton, BC. He once again showered me with advice and told me that Bosnia is an opportunity that doesn't exist that often in sport. It was the chance to build something, to help some people who were open to ideas and to put my own spin on the sport for that country. He warned me that it was a difficult situation and it could be frustrating but if I went in determined and open-minded I would be able to accomplish something that very few people will ever get to experience.<br />
<br />
Bob is a captivating man. He has a tremendous ability to hit your soul with his words and he can swap from a fun, seemingly carefree, easy to be around guy at a party to an inspiring and motivating leader in the blink of an eye. He's the guy everybody wants to be around and he handles that with incredible poise and optimism.<br />
<br />
At the end of my Bosnian adventure, Haris Muhic, the Bob of hockey in Bosnia, invited me to the World Championships in Bratislava, Slovakia as a guest of Bosnian Ice Hockey. I was given accreditation to attend IIHF Congress, something that for most people isn't that exciting, but for me it was as exciting as game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals. During one of the breaks, Haris asked me what I wanted to do next, and I told him I wanted to work for Hockey Canada. Haris pulled Bob over and told Bob he wanted to know what it would take to convince him to assign me to Bosnia for longer. I wasn't fully prepared for that question, but I was even more unprepared for Bob's response. "Sorry Haris, we have plans for Ross back in Canada". The conversation continued for some time but I heard nothing after Bob said that...Haris gave me a wink.<br />
<br />
That September I started working for Hockey Canada.<br />
<br />
Since then, I've had hundreds more interactions and have had the privilege of seeing the day to day attention to detail and personality that makes Bob such a valuable and cherished leader. I've watched him handle difficult situations, bring staff together and provide guidance to countless sport leaders from countless other countries. I've stood on the sidelines as he spoke to the media and watched him tease and joke with some of the most powerful people in sport. The video for his 60th birthday was an amazing collection of people with outstanding stories and inside jokes.<br />
<br />
The impact Bob has had on so many people is incredible.<br />
<br />
When Bob made his announcement to the staff and then to the world, there were misty eyes among our staff. Looking around the office I could see the almost hundred other people with stories and experiences like mine. We were as glued to his press conference in Toronto as we were to the Olympic final. It was bittersweet. I'm extremely happy for Bob and his family and I know it won't be the last time he influences some direction for my future. I just really like having a desk a few steps away from Bob Nicholson's...Ross MacLeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16123245664734284259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2757582336221160280.post-52414881773477015662013-06-30T11:58:00.000-07:002013-06-30T11:58:11.914-07:00My Draft Team
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In 2007 I was a newcomer to the
scouting scene and the NHL draft was very much a mystery to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every year, regardless of how much I believe
I have learned or what new experiences I believed were shaping to me to better
understand the sport, projecting players and developing elite players, the NHL
Draft always puts me back in my place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It can be the most exciting, shocking and frustrating weekend of the
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2007, the Draft took place in
Columbus, Ohio but I watched it from my summer apartment in Halifax, Nova
Scotia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been living in Finland at
the time and had just recently decided I wanted to give scouting a go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided that year I would take the final
pick of every round to see what sort of team I could build.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have done so every year since then and have
built a very interesting roster.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we lead into my 7<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
NHL Entry Draft as a scout, here is a rundown of how my drafts have gone over
the years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2007 – Columbus,
Ohio<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I remember sitting down to watch the first round of this
draft on tv, with lists upon lists and almost all of my notes from the previous
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My favorite players that year were
Jakub Voracek, Kevin Shattenkirk, Niclas Lucenius, Mikael Backlund and Jonathan
Blum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had admittedly not seen a very
broad range of hockey, scouting mostly the Finnish junior leagues that season
but I had been back to Canada where I did see games in Halifax and Vancouver
that year and I was also a volunteer at the 2007 U18 World Championships in
Tampere, Finland, a tournament where my role was to manage the scout lounge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup> round – pick 31 – PK Subban (actual pick 43<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup>
overall) – I made this pick without really having seen him play, but two years
earlier Pittsburgh had picked Kris Letang in the 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> round, and I
could not get enough of him that year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had spoken to a scout in Finland about my man-crush on Letang and he turned me
on to PK Subban.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember debating
this pick between Subban and Oscar Moller (who I had seen and loved at the U18
World Championships that year) but ultimately took Subban completely based on
the comparison to Letang.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> round – pick 61 – Jamie Benn (actual pick 129<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
overall) – I was fortunate enough to see Benn play with Kelowna that year…the
only WHL game I saw all year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Benn blew
me away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t look pretty but was
always in the right place to make something happen and played with great
fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had really wanted to take
Niclas Lucenius with this pick but didn’t think Benn would hang around (I was
wrong).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> round – pick 92 – Niclas Lucenius (actual
pick 115<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> overall) – He was the top offensive prospect in Finland
that year and I got to see a ton of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I remember crossing off the teams watching him come up to the end of the
3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> round and felt like a genius when he fell to my spot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> round – pick 122 – Jake Muzzin (actual pick
141<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup> overall) – I took Muzzin on a whim and based on reports I had
read out of Sault Ste. Marie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really
wanted to take Niklas Torp with this pick but because of my earlier choice of
Subban, I went after a steady two-way guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I didn’t know much about the guys I was reading about but Muzzin seemed
to be the best player in the mould I wanted at that time in the draft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember laughing with my roommate because
we loved his name too….yes I did take him because of his name….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> round – pick 152 – Niklas Torp (actual pick
163<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> overall) – I had thought about taking Torp as high as the 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup>
round but kept convincing myself otherwise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was one of my favorite players during the U18 World Championships
that year but I let other people’s fears about his size get to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was starting to really struggle for picks
at this point and he was still there, so I wrote his name down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">6<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> round – pick 182 – Carson MacMillan (actual
pick 200<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> overall) – I read about 50 profiles of players I knew
nothing about and had never seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
knowledge of this particular draft pool had pretty much reached its peak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were several Europeans that I didn’t
mind after having seen them play at U18s that year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MacMillan’s physicality and leadership were highlighted
in one report I read and that appealed to me, so I took another blind
shot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A couple years later, when I moved
to Calgary, MacMillan was the captain for the Calgary Hitmen and it was evident
right away that he really actually was my type of player.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">7<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> round – pick 212 – Lukas Stoop (actual pick
Undrafted) – Stoop was able to showcase himself well at U18s that year and I
thought he would have gotten drafted mid-draft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was self-conscious about how many offensive D I had already
taken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was still there at the end of
the draft which surprised me, so I added him to my list.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Looking back at this year, I started that draft out very
strong and wish I had actually been the semi-prevalent blogger that I tell
myself I am in the mirror every day…I may have skipped some steps and become a
GM by now…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2008 – Ottawa,
Ontario<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This was the first draft I actually attended in person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been lucky enough to be invited to the
NHLCA coaches conference and was brought around by then ISS head scout Mike Oke
and GM Matt Ebbs to see what it was all about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My favorite players going into this draft were: Erik Karlsson, Colin
Wilson, Jacob Markstrom, Cody Hodgson and Nikita Filatov.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup> round – pick 31 – Jakob Markstrom (actual
pick 31)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> round – pick 61 – Adam Henrique (actual pick 82)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> round – pick 91 – Braden Holtby (actual pick 93)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> round – pick 121 – Andrei Loktionov (actual
pick 123)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> round – pick 151 – Teemu Hartikainen (actual
pick 163) - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">6<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> round – pick 181 – Nick Pryor (actual pick 208)
- <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">7<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> round – pick 211 – Ilmari Pitkanen (actual
pick Undrafted) – I once watched Pitkanen score 6 goals in a U17 national team
tryout against the best players in Finland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2009 – Montreal,
Quebec<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My favorites for this draft were Brayden Schenn, Toni
Rajala, Kyle Clifford, Tomas Tatar and Cody Eakin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup> round – pick 31 – Ryan O’Reilly (actual pick
33) - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> round – pick 61 – Brayden McNabb (actual pick
66) - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> round – pick 91 – Toni Rajala (actual pick 101)
- <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> round – pick 121 – Markus Kruger (actual pick
149) - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> round – pick 151 – Jerry D’Amigo (actual pick
158) - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">6<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> round – pick 181 – Tommi Kivisto (actual pick
208) - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">7<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> round – pick 211 –Radko Gudas (actual pick
Undrafted until 2010) – I remember seeing Gudas during U18s and 5 Nations that
year and thinking, this kid is tough as nails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He blocked shots, could shoot well and didn’t back down from any
situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still don’t believe I’ve
seen as fearless a player out there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
didn’t get selected in this draft and that surprised me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had considered taking him the round before
but had a fondness for Kivisto I couldn’t shake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was very happy when he finally got the
recognition and shot he deserved the following year in Los Angeles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His development the years after this draft
were even more impressive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need
players like this to win and he will be a solid piece for his team every time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2010 – Los
Angeles, California<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In LA, I had decided to mix things up a bit and see how I
would do with the 10<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> pick in every round instead of the 31<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In retrospect, as fun as this was, I wish I
had of just stuck to the plan or at the very least done both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year gets an asterix .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1st round – pick 10 – Vladimir Tarasenko (actual pick 16) - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2nd round – pick 40 – Johan Larsson (actual pick 56) - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3rd round – pick 70 – Stephen Silas (actual pick 95)- <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4th round – pick 100 – Teemu Pulkkinen (actual pick 111) - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5th round – pick 130 – Brendan Gallagher (actual pick 147)- <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">6th round – pick 160 – Mark Stone (actual pick 178) - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">7th round – pick 190 – Brendan Ranford (actual pick 209) - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2011 –
Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1st round – pick 31 – Boon Jenner (actual pick ) - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2nd round – pick 61 – Anthony Camara (actual pick ) - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3rd round – pick 91 – Reid Boucher (actual pick ) - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4th round – pick 121 – David Broll (actual pick ) - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5th round – pick 151 – Dillon Donnelly (actual pick ) - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">6th round – pick 181 – Zach Laraza (actual pick ) - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">7th round – pick 211 – Jeremy Boyce-Rotevall (actual pick )
– <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2012 – Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1st round – pick 31 – Oscar Dansk (actual pick ) - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2nd round – pick 61 – Adam Pelech (actual pick ) - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3rd round – pick 91 – Andreas Athanasiou (actual pick ) - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4th round – pick 121 – Valeriy Vasiliev (actual pick ) - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5th round – pick 151 – Gianluca Curcuruto (actual pick ) - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">6th round – pick 181 – Peter Quenneville (actual pick ) - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">7th round – pick 211 – Anton Slepyshev (actual pick ) - </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><u>2013 - Newark, New Jersey</u></strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I will update this blog after the draft today!</span></div>
Ross MacLeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16123245664734284259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2757582336221160280.post-29399390393846792272013-05-29T16:43:00.003-07:002013-06-17T12:43:12.853-07:003 Year Draft Outlook for Non-Playoff Teams<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> We have seen
great examples of teams building (and lucking out) in the draft in recent
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not making the playoffs is never
the goal of any team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hockey is an
incredibly competitive sport bursting with pride-filled athletes who hate
losing, period.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> For the teams that didn’t make the playoffs
this year, there is always the optimism that the draft can bring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought I would be interesting to outline
the potential optimism for each of the 14 teams that didn’t make the playoff
this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is the potential hauls
for those teams should their position remain the same over the next 3 years
(yes, I know it won’t, but play along):<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Colorado <o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2013 – Seth Jones (other options: Nathan
MacKinnon, Jonathan Drouin)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2014 – Aaron Ekblad (other options: Sam
Reinhart, Willy Nylander)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2015 – Connor McDavid (other options:
there aren’t any if McDavid is a possibility)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A core built with these three
exceptional players would immediately make Colorado a powerhouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A one-two punch of Jones and Ekblad on the
point would be near impossible to match.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Up front Colorado is doing just fine with O’Reilly, Duchene and
Landeskog already wearing their uniforms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>McDavid will be a player who steps right in and has the potential to
take over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this rate Colorado could
be more potent than ever in just 3 years.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Florida<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2013 – Nathan MacKinnon (other options:
Jonathan Drouin, Valeriy Nichushkin) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2014 – Sam Reinhart (Willy Nylander,
Anton Karlsson)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2015 – Matthew Barzal (Jack Eichel, Zack
Werenski)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Florida is already brimming with
talented young prospects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are set
in goal long term with Jacob Markstrom, they have good building blocks on
defense and they have a versatile group of competitive young offensive
prospects as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another big time
defender could be a priority for the Panthers but if they maintain this course
they could end up with one of the most gamebreaking groups of forwards in the
league, a group comparable to that of Edmonton, Chicago and Pittsburgh.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Tampa</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Bay</b><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2013 – Jonathan Drouin (other options:
Valeriy Nichushkin, Darnell Nurse)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2014 – Willy Nylander (other options:
Anton Karlsson, Leon Draisaitl)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2015 – Zach Werenski (other options:
Oliver Kylington, Jack Eichel)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The rich could get much richer
here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With St. Louis getting up there
age wise, he could really find the perfect protégé to pass the Stamkos set-up
torch to with Drouin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nylander would
give them another very exciting offensive playmaker to build a secondary unit
around, and the massive and versatile Werenski could really give them a strong
one-two punch with potential twin-tower partner Victor Hedman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t forget they have Koekkoek, (edit) Kucherov, Panik and
potential franchise goaltender Andrei Vasilevski on the horizon as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nashville <o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2013 – Darnell Nurse (other options:
Sasha Barkov, Sean Monahan)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2014 – Anton Karlsson (other options:
Leon Draisaitl, Jake Virtanen)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2015 – Jack Eichel (other options:
Oliver Kylington, Aleksi Saarela)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nashville has a very interesting future
ahead of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nurse could become the
extra valuable, versatile defender under Shea Weber’s wing and could really
boost the opportunities for Josi, Blum and Ellis offensively.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would go a long way in returning Nashville
to the pedestal of most desirable defense corps in the league.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Filip Forsberg will be an excellent addition
to Nashville long term and should begin to carry the bulk of the offense with
Colin Wilson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add an ultra-competitive
player like Karlsson who can add both offense and grit and an exceptional young
offensive goal scorer and Nashville all of a sudden is a very scary team in
almost every regard.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Carolina<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2013 – Valeriy Nichushkin (other
options: Sasha Barkov, Sean Monahan)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2014 – Roland McKeown (other options:
Jack Glover, Leon Draisaitl)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2015 – Aleksi Saarela (other options:
Oliver Kylington, Noah Hanifin)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Picking at this spot for 3 straight
years could prove to yield a pretty spectacular bounty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is some strong talent available and it’s
where the risky or forgotten about talents in the top 4 would fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A team could build a very strong core at this
spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carolina, who already has a strong
core would be able to improve their depth significantly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nichushkin, McKeown and even Saarela all have
the potential to be cornerstone players at their positions, adding all three
would be scary for other teams to consider and could push a team to the top of
their conference rather quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t
expect Carolina to be picking at 5 in 2014 and 2015 but if they did
somehow….the results could tip the balance of power in the league very fast.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Calgary <o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2013 – Sean Monahan (other options:
Sasha Barkov, Bo Horvat)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2014 – Leon Draisaitl (other options:
Jack Glover, Jake Virtanen)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2015 – Noah Hanifin (other options:
Oliver Kylington, Dylan Strome)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Calgary is one of the most likely teams
to end up having their position and projection on this list come true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have finally committed to a rebuild and
Flames fans can rejoice in the fact that these drafts could give them a
plethora of exciting young talent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
idea that Monahan (who reminds me of Eric Staal) and Draisaitl (who reminds me
of a slightly less productive Evgeni Malkin) could end up on the same team is
almost reason to go out and buy a Flames jersey right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add to that the possibly of adding a
franchise defender in 2015 with Hanifin, Kylington or Pilon or grabbing another
electrifying forward like Strome and the flicker the Flames have right now gets
very bright very fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also of note is their
2 other 1<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup> round picks in this year’s draft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By 2015/2016 the Flames could possess one of
the most exciting organizations in the entire sport.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Edmonton <o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2013 – Nikita Zadorov (other options:
Sasha Barkov, Rasmus Ristolainen)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2014 – Jack Glover (other options: Jake
Virtanen, Brycen Martin)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2015 – Oliver Kylington (other options: Ryan
Pilon, Dylan Strome)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Edmonton has done well for themselves
building a strong core of exciting young forwards, but their fan base will
quickly tell you they need to improve their d-corps if they are going to meet
their potential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Schultz was a solid
signing and Klefbom is on the horizon but the Oilers can really meet their
needs by using their next picks to build that solid stable on the backend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good news for Edmonton, there’s a ton of
defenders coming up that fit their needs near perfectly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Buffalo<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2013 – Sasha Barkov (other options: Bo
Horvat, Elias Lindholm)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2014 – Jake Virtanen (other options:
Brycen Martin, Michael Dal Colle)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2015 – Ryan Pilon (other options: Dylan
Strome, Jansen Harkins)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Sabres will not be out of the
playoffs for much longer, they have a very competitive young pool of talented
prospects and are in line to get even deeper after this year’s draft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have grinders, goal scorers, playmakers,
hitters and solid two-way defenders already in their system and if they stick
to their path, they could become one of the deepest teams in the league in a
matter of a couple seasons.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">New Jersey<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2013 – Elias Lindholm (other options: Bo
Horvat, Curtis Lazar)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2014 – Jakub Vrana (other options:
Brycen Martin, Sonny Milano)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2015 – Dylan Strome (other options:
Jordan Greenway, Jansen Harkins)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This almost seems unfair to do using New
Jersey considering they will have to forfeit their 1<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup> round pick in
2014 due to the Ilya Kovalchuk cap-circumvention ruling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New Jersey has done well building a nice new
stable of young defenders but has also run into some trouble with some of their
prospects off the ice as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are
an organization that most of us should have learned not to count out, but the
odds are stacked against them and the vision of “what could have been” is
already a bit haunting for the Devils.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dallas<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2013 – Bo Horvat (other options: Rasmus
Ristolainen, Curtis Lazar)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2014 – Brycen Martin (other options:
Jacob Middleton, Michael Dal Colle)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2015 – Jansen Harkins (other options:
Jordan Greenway, Gustav Franzen)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Amazing that a team picking in the 10
spot will have such a strong shot to grab these type of players as they could
all turn a team around quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Stars have an interesting prospect pool and could build themselves a very
gritty and competitive team while still competing for playoff spots year after
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Horvat and Harkins could both end
up being the steal of their drafts and Martin could prove to be one of the best
puck distributing defenders of his draft class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not bad big D….not bad at all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Philadelphia<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2013 – Rasmus Ristolainen (other
options: Ryan Pulock, Steven Santini)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2014 – Jacob Middleton (other options:
Michael Dal Colle, Nic Ritchie)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2015 – Jordan Greenway (other options:
Ryan Gropp, Erik Cernak)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of the least likely teams to be on
this list going forward, the Flyers have the opportunity to finally nab a
franchise defender.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something they have
coveted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ristolainen/Pulock/Santini
/Zadorov would be excellent targets for Philly depending on what they want from
that defender.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pulock has the offensive
ability, Santini the shutdown defensive ability, Zadorov the physicality and
Ristolainen the nice mix of all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
draft position will likely have some significant size and toughness available
at it all 3 years, which works well Philly fans, wouldn’t you say?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Phoenix <o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2013 – Curtis Lazar (other options:
Steven Santini, Hunter Shinkaruk)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2014 – Nic Ritchie (other options: Michael
Dal Colle, Kaspari Kapanen)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2015 – Gustav Franzen (other options:
Matthew Spencer, Evgeny Svechnikov)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A haul like Lazar, Ritchie and Franzen
for a bubble playoff team really speaks to the strength of the early portions
of the next 3 drafts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is a top tier
first line in the not too distant future, one that reminds of the top line from
the LA Kings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just missing the playoffs
for a couple of years doesn’t seem so bad with this kind of talent still
hanging around at this spot in the draft. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Winnipeg<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2013 – Ryan Pulock (other options:
Steven Santini, Josh Morrissey)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2014 – Michael Dal Colle (other options:
Kaspari Kapanen, Jared McCann)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2015 – Pavel Zacha (other options: Erik
Cernak, Evgeny Svechnikov)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The excitement in Winnipeg of having the
team back is starting to turn into expectation and the Jets faithful can taste
the post-season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Jets core and
prospect group is an interesting mix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They have strong leadership and decent depth with some good talent on
the horizon including Mark Scheifele, Paul Postma and Jacob Trouba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ryan Pulock is a great target for the Jets
this go around, as he’s a (semi) local kid and fits their long term needs
perfectly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the Jets continue to take
the baby steps they could really have a shot at building a good, deep and
versatile core that will continue to push the Jets and their faithful fans to
their ultimate goals.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Columbus<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2013 – Andre Burakowsky (other options:
Hunter Shinkaruk, Max Domi)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2014 – Kaspari Kapenen (other options:
Jared McCann, Marcel Godbout)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2015 – Rasmus Andersson (other options:
Erik Cernak, Ryan Gropp)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A surprise team at the end of the
non-playoff team draft list this year, Columbus has that feel about them that
they should need to take a step back before being able to take another one
forward…but with that being said, they are quickly becoming the most surprising
organization in the league and under the leadership of Jarmo Kekkalainen and
John Davidson this team could be headed for bigger things than we can predict.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially if Sergei Bobrovsky continues to
develop the way he has. Either way, the amount of talented players that could
really add to any organization that will still be available at this draft
position over the next few years is impressive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Teams will be able to build depth at whatever capacity they deem most
important without having to sacrifice their shot at the playoffs and selling
the farm at the trade deadline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It could
be a nice consolation for a heartbroken team.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Ross MacLeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16123245664734284259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2757582336221160280.post-15597851810152268812012-06-24T17:05:00.004-07:002012-06-24T17:05:37.691-07:00So, You Didn't Get DraftedWhile it's an amazing time of year, and in the lives of 211 of hockey's best young players, it is also a day of crushing disappointment for countless others. The NHL entry draft represents an opportunity for teams to improve their depth, change their fortunes and map out their future. Yet the same cannot be said for the young players involved or just on the outside. Sure, it certainly helps to get drafted but other than a great honor and some free team swag, the benefit and advantage that those players seem to have vanishes pretty quickly. <br /> <br />The fact of the matter is this, the sport of hockey is one of if not the most dynamic and demanding sport that human beings play. Yes, I'm somewhat biased here but what other sport requires you to learn every single necessary skill? Hockey possesses no natural skills, every skill is learned or acquired through countless hours of practice, repetition, instruction and hard work. I say this because hard work is the key. <br /> <br />Telling a player they are good is the worst possible thing you could do for their development. Hard work is referred to in the way that it is because it is not for everybody, it is rarely enjoyable and only a select few can push the boundaries of its very definition. <br /> <br />A good player does possess skills that are inherent to them through their upbringing. Very few of those skills vary that much from one hard working player to another. That is where we find special players. The elite. These players don't only train, they work. They don't only study, they absorb. They are always thirsty for more and aren't willing to take no for an answer. <br /> <br />The NHL draft always has players like this, players who have achieved a dream. They are satisfied. Satisfaction is development's natural enemy and very few of draft picks are actually at a level that warrants satisfaction. <br /> <br />I do not mean to take away from accomplishment or celebration, as I look at getting drafted as one of life's ultimate accomplishments and something that I failed to ever achieve. <br /> <br />The other side of satisfaction is acceptance. Acceptance in development is the same as giving up. There is a number of players drafted this weekend who have already become satisfied and a number of players who did not get drafted who are teetering towards acceptance. Yet the draft, as a benchmark, is meaningless. The players are all still in the same boat and share similar levels of opportunity. <br /> <br />The best players never stop working hard, they are never satisfied and they never accept defeat. Everything is a test, a challenge, a mission. <br /> <br />Drafted or not, the players involved in this weekend's process are going to have endless opportunities to prove their worth. And while the draft doesn't mean that much in the grand scheme of things, they are professionally eligible players as of now. That has meaning. If you want to be a pro, act like a pro, eat like a pro, work like a pro. <br /> <br />Motivation is one of the most curious elements of human life. It comes and it goes. Sometimes it is easy to acquire, sometimes it completely abandons us. Inspiration breeds consistent motivation. If you haven't achieved your goals or dreams, don't look for motivation to try again, seek inspiration to chase something you'll never catch. Perfection. <br /> <br />Drafted players: enjoy your accomplishments. Undrafted players: today is just a day off work for your competition. <br /> <br />Frown at those who tell you you are good. Follow the people who ask you for more and notice your work ethic. <br /> <br />We will see you in the NHL one day, drafted or not. Your time is only just beginning. Don't let anything stop you. And when I say work hard, I mean watch how hard everyone else is working, and work harder. The feeling you have today, on either side of the equation, is the reason why it is all worth it.<br />Ross MacLeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16123245664734284259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2757582336221160280.post-24265558049438880622012-06-24T17:03:00.004-07:002012-06-24T17:03:48.503-07:00Drafting for a 31st TeamDuring the draft I thought it would be fun to see how I would do if I were the GM for a fictional 31st team. And of course, those of you who know me and my giant ego, I just assume this team would have beat LA for the cup giving me the last pick in each round. <br /> <br />I wanted to live tweet this but was so busy trying to keep up with the pace and different media that I just jotted down names and promised myself I would write the blog on the plane. Instead I've at least started it while watching the Detroit Tigers and Pittsburgh Pirates have at it at the gorgeous PNC park and am now posting it as I arrive back home.<br /> <br /><u>Round 1</u><br />Pick 31 - Oscar Dansk (Actrual draft position - 31 - Columbus) - I chose Dansk because I felt he was the best goalie in the draft and at this pick it is tough to pass over someone you consider to be the best player at their position. Even as a "cup winning" team, it's nice to have the best goaltender from a year in my system moving forward. <br /> <br /><u>Round 2</u><br />Pick 62 - Adam Pelech (Actual draft poistion - 65 - NY Islanders) - I considered taking him or Dalton Thrower at the end of the first round but couldn't pass on Dansk. When Thrower went and Pelech was still around, it was an easy pick. He's big, plays a versatile style, can be mean and is the kind of player a team could mould into whatever they need long term. <br /> <br /><u>Round 3</u><br />Pick 92 - Andreas Athanasiou (Actual draft position - 110 - Detroit) - I feel good drafting someone that the Red Wings ended up taking, makes me feel like I somewhat know my stuff. But then again, his inconsistency throughout the year did give me pause. However, his skill level and ability to play that game at high speeds is something that with some minor development and addition of strength/power makes him a great addition right here. A little risk, but good chance of reward. <br /> <br /><u>Round 4</u><br />Pick 122 - Valeri Vasiliev (Actual draft position - 201 - Philadelphia) - Hard hitting physical defender with good technical ability, his bruising style will have opponents scared for their lives in a few years. He is hard to play against and has a warrior's mentality. I was hoping to hold off longer but with thoughts about taking him the 3rd, he's a must have for me, so I'm nabbing him now. <br /> <br /><u>Round 5</u><br />Pick 152 - Gianluca Curcuruto (Actual draft position - 182 - Columbus) - I loved this guy the first few times I saw him. He has a good head for the game and shows good technical skill with some promising offensive potential. I'm surprised he's still around and while I'm happy with my drafted D to this point, I'm intrigued with what I can turn this guy into. I have a good feeling he's going to get a lot better and he's worth a 5th in my mind right now. <br /> <br /><u>Round 6</u><br />Pick 182 - Peter Quenneville (Actual draft position - undrafted) - More than shocked that a kid who won his league MVP, committed to a good University program and who is as mature as this kid is still available at this point. Quenneville has loads of development left and with his shot and and outside scoring presence he is worth the wait. I'd look to improve his skating and defensive game but overall he's a project that has a lot of potential to turn out to be a massive steal here.<br /> <br /><u>Round 7</u><br />Pick 212 - Anton Slepyshev (Actual draft position - undrafted) - I always think the cup champ should just give this pick away to the host team. It's a nice champion-like gesture. However, might get me fake fired from my fake team so I had to make a fake pick. Apart from Quenneville I was most shocked that Slepyshev and Max Iafrate were not selected. Having done well with defenders so far in the draft and Ebert going right before, Slepyshev makes sense. He was hot and cold all year but projects as a good depth forward that is worth the risk of a 7th round selection.<br />Ross MacLeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16123245664734284259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2757582336221160280.post-57607886064167319472012-06-15T14:10:00.003-07:002012-06-15T14:10:56.659-07:00Canadian Ivan Hlinka Selection Camp RosterHockey Canada has released their list of their top candidates for this summer's U18 Ivan Hlinka team. The full list can be viewed here: <a href="http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/195782/la_id/1.htm">http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/195782/la_id/1.htm</a>. <br />
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Last week Hockey Canada started the process by holding their Goaltending Development Camp. This is an event that I attend yearly and usually have mixed feelings about the decisions that come out of it but this year, I have to say the 4 goaltender's who have emerged from camp were the correct decisions. The 1995 age group has perhaps one of the best goaltending crops in recent years for Canada. Any combination of the 4 will be one tough duo to compete with but I would peg Jarry and Fucale as the favorites at this point with Martin and then Comrie very tight behind them. All 4 goaltenders have tremendous potential but are also capable of stealing games already at elite levels. Goaltending will certainly be a major strength for Canada.<br />
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Last year's squad boasted one of the deepest and most talented Canadian defense squadrons perhaps ever. This year's crop will not be far off as Canada continues to develop high end, dynamic defenders with spectacular skill levels. The list will most likely be lead by U18 World Champ vets Josh Morrissey and Darnell Nurse as well as the only 1996 born player on the roster, Aaron Ekblad. From there you have 9 players competing for 4 spots and the competition should be superb. I would give my edge to Heatherington, Bowey and Murphy at this point but can't count any of the other defenders out. Of particular interest are Kayle Doetzel of the Red Deer Rebels who is a very intelligent and versatile defender, Samuel Morin who has great size, something this group might need some more of, and Jordan Subban, the younger brother of Montreal Canadien's defender P.K..<br />
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Up front it could be the deepest entry Canada has had in this event in years. The group will no doubt be lead by Nathan MacKinnon, who is a potential 1st overall candidate for 2013. Other players with near lock status would be Curtis Lazar, Max Domi, Anthony Duclair, Ryan Kujawinski and Sam Reinhart, Nick Ritchie, who are not eligible for the NHL draft until 2014 because of their late 1995 birth dates. Reinhart, along with defender Ekblad are early favorites to be in the 1st overall debate for 2014. This would leave 6 spots for the remaining 17 forwards invited. There is a very good chance that MacKinnon's Halifax teammate, Jonathan Drouin will find himself in one of those spots. Other interesting players for me at this point would be Nick Baptiste, Bo Horvat, Morgan Klimchuk, Matt Needham, Nic Petan and Jason Dickson. This list is likely going to change significantly as camp starts up on August 3rd in Toronto, mostly due to the fact that the team will likely need to find some players willing to change their role slightly from that of which they play in their club teams. <br />
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Hockey Canada has done a tremendous job identifying the talent in the deep 1995 age group and has assembled an excellent group of young players that should be considered a favorite in what could prove to be one of the most exciting and competitive international U18 age groups in recent memory. And while there are always some omissions (in my mind Lethbridge Hurricane forward Jay Merkley is the one that sticks out most), the fact is, it is one of the deepest years for Canadian talent, making for some very difficult decisions for the Hockey Canada staff. This list of invitees would indicate they are up for the challenge and looking primed for another championship quality team heading to Breclav, Czech Republic and Piestany, Slovakia in mid August. No matter who makes this team, it is going to be a very exciting group to watch.Ross MacLeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16123245664734284259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2757582336221160280.post-65832163481306946562012-05-28T00:12:00.001-07:002012-05-28T00:12:12.225-07:00Memorial Cup ReviewThe Memorial Cup made the trip to Shawinigan and the Cataractes decided it needed a little more than the week it was to spend there. As predicted, it was a very competitive and intense week of action. My predicted finishes didn't quite work out, but that just made it better in my mind. It was a week of great passion, sacrifice and heroics, and truly honored the namesake of the trophy that was presented to the victors.<br />
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As far as the one ice performances go, here are some notes from my perspective:<br />
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<strong><u>Edmonton Oil Kings</u></strong><br />
- <em>Stephane</em> <em>Legault</em> doesn't get much credit but there certainly is a lot to like to the steady forwads approach to every shift. I was impressed with him as a midget player but he got lost in the shuffle a lot of the time in his WHL games that I scouted. He's reliable with a strong work ethic and a team first menatlity. While not one of the most exciting prospects on the Oil Kings, he deserves a shout out and I think he has a bright CIS future ahead of him and could turn that into a very good professional playing career as well.<br />
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- <em>Henrik</em> <em>Samuelsson</em> did a great job of showcasing his professional appeal. He really parlayed playing this late into the season and the extra exposure it grants into a very strong performance that will boost his draft stock, less than a month before the draft. He also earned himself a spot on the tournament All Star team.<br />
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- <em>Griffin</em> <em>Reinhart</em> really impressed with his development yet again. I've had the pleasure of watching go from bantam to midget to the WHL and it's obvious that he has a long career ahead of him at the next level as well. This is a kid who still has a lot to show and will be a major reason why the Oil Kings could come back to this event again next year, this time as the favorite.<br />
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<strong><u>Saint John Sea Dogs</u></strong><br />
- <em>Jonathan</em> <em>Huberdeau</em> is so dynamic and entertaining to watch. His neutral zone goals during the tournament were another indication of just how dynamic and intelligent he can be with the puck. He can brush it off as luck but it's obvious he has that extra sense and can react to that "thinking without thinking" phenomena so well. As technically and physically talented as he is, his mind is the true appeal and the true reason he will succeed at the NHL level very soon.<br />
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- <em>Ryan</em> <em>Tesink</em> was such a good pest, he was even driving me nuts as I watched the games. So easy to hate a player like this in the moment, but very wise to think about how having a weapon like this can benefit you. As long as I'm not looking at him, I love him.<br />
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- <em>Zack</em> <em>Phillips</em> and <em>Tomas</em> <em>Jurco</em> were up and down for me at this event. I'm a big <em>Phillips</em> fan, he can do so much good around the puck and has really improved his two-way game but it felt like he was trying to do too much a little too often. <em>Jurco</em> and Coyle were in a similar boat to me. I refuse to peg any blame on them as I still believe they represented their team, league and individual talent levels well but was a bit surprised they weren't as spot on as they could have been.<br />
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<strong><u>London Knights</u></strong><br />
<em>Max Domi </em>always draws attention from scouts and fans, usually from a curiosity or admiration due to his famous father but Max is a very dynamic talent who builds his fan base with very different skill set than his father. Tie was no offensive slouch in his junior days, but he never possessed the abilities of his son. Max will get a lot of attention next year as he heads into his draft year, where he is already projected to be a 1st-2nd round prospect.<br />
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<em>Jared Tinordi </em>is the kind of player that scouts drool over. He's huge, fairly mobile and will go through the wall for his team. His skating still needs some work and he has a ton of room to build on his massive frame but Tinordi's development is something that Montreal fans have to be excited about. I give him another 2-3 years before he's pro ready, but Tinordi looks like he could be one of the first in a new trend of hybrid 90's-2000's defenders. Skilled, tough, intelligent and will spear you in the throat if he doesn't like you.<br />
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<em>Austin Watson</em> was one of the top 5 most ready to play in the NHL prospects in the entire event. A big bodied player with good skills, his pro appeal on the offensive side is only minor at this point, but his defensive play has his appeal skyrocketing. Watson was arguably the best two-way forward in the whole tournament, along with Shawnigan gunner <em>Michael</em> <em>Chaput. </em>His faceoff presence and shot blocking ability had me thinking he had already played several seasons under Barry Trotz in Nashville. I have a feeling those two will get along nicely.<br />
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<strong><u>Memorial Cup Champion - Shawinigan Cataractes</u></strong><br />
<em>Michael Chaput</em> was selected in the dispersal draft after Lewiston folded in the summer of 2011. The Cataractes knew they got a top notch offensive player at that point, but little did they know just how much of an impact he would ultimately make. The 3rd round pick of the Flyers in 2010, his rights were traded to Columbus the next season. Chaput was dominant all week long in all three zones of the ice, winning faceoffs, scoring goals, starting and finishing plays from a variety of areas and situations. He was the perfect and easiest choice for MVP of this year's Memorial Cup and looked like the most ready NHL player during the week.<br />
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<em>Brandon Gormley</em> is a player that I have been extremely high on for several years now. The PEI native was an Andrews Hockey School mainstay, who the Andrews (Al and Josh) lit up to talk about. To me, he is pro ready already. He was the best defender at the World Juniors and looked like the most ready to step up the NHL player on any roster at that event and if it weren't for the possessed play of Chaput during this event he would have struck me in the same way again. Either way, he is not far from being an NHL blueliner and already seems to have the maturity of a player several years his elder.<br />
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<em>Kiriil Kabanov</em> wasn't the Russian who scored the heroic overtime winner, that honor belonged to Anton Zlobin, but Kabanov was an absolute beast in the final and was hands down the most consistently dangerous player on the ice. This is the glimpse of the Kabanov that could turn into a seriously impactful professional player. I was impressed with his drive, team play and consistency and the taste of the championship should reinforce the behaviors we want to see more of from the talented Russian.<br />
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With that the major scouting season comes to an end. The final touches will be put on the ISS draft guides and they will be sent out shortly. Focus for me will now turn directly to the NHL draft and media interviews (maybe a little golf too...) while the teams soak in their season triumphs and prepare for next year.<br />
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Congratulations to all of the participants (players, coaches and staffs) of all 4 teams, who made this a memorable and exciting Memorial Cup tournament and a huge congratulations to the champion team and city of Shawinigan.<br />Ross MacLeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16123245664734284259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2757582336221160280.post-68863413805997752562012-05-18T08:40:00.003-07:002012-05-18T08:52:37.672-07:00Top 25 Players to Watch at the 2012 MasterCard Memorial CupWith the Memorial Cup set to kick off tonight, I thought I would offer a small primer of my top 25 players to keep an eye on during the tournament.<br />
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This year's field is stacked with 4 extremely quality teams that have deep rosters and should prove to be one of the most competitive and entertaining tournaments in recent memory.<br />
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25 - Henrik Samuelson - Edmonton - Son of Ulf, Henrik has inherited the family sandpaper but is also a capable offensive weapon as well. Likely a 2nd round pick in June's NHL entry draft.<br />
24 - Kirill Kabanov - Shawinigan - Slick offensive Russian can be a bit Jekyll and Hyde, but when he's on he can really take over a game. He will be a major wildcard in this tournament. Kabanov is a 3rd round choice of the New York Islanders.<br />
23 - Max Domi - London - The son of legendary NHL tough guy, Tie Domi, Max Domi is a slick offensive dynamo with explosive scoring talent. He is not eligible for the NHL draft until 2013.<br />
22 - Morgan Ellis - Shawinigan - Versatile defender will need to be on top of his game. He has come a long way in his Q career and will need to provide steady defending with some offensive contribution as well if the Cataractes are going to steal some wins. He's a 4th round pick of Montreal.<br />
21 - Travis Ewanyk - Edmonton - Ewanyk can really make a difference in a game with his strong two-way play. He will be relied on to kill penalties, shut down top offensive opponents and create energy for the Oil Kings. A 3rd round pick of the Oilers, he's a very unsung and underrated prospect.<br />
20 - Tyler Maxwell - Edmonton - A smaller, speedier and opportunistic offensive forward, Maxwell can be easy to underestimate but finds open ice very well and is the kind of player you can't ignore. His production is crucial to the Oil Kings attack.<br />
19 - Scott Harrington - London - He has developped into a very reliable two-way defender. He has some offensive upside but is most succesful in shutdown roles. He is a very likeable player who does his job well and will be key to London's hopes in this tournament. Harrington is a 2nd round selection of the Pittsburgh Penguins.<br />
18 - Mark Pysyk - Edmonton - Smooth skating defender who moves the puck well, Pysyk is the Oil Kings captain. A 1st round pick of the Buffalo Sabres, Pysyk is very good at strating transitional rushes and can skate with anyone. He will need to be a factor for the Oil Kings in every game.<br />
17 - Austin Watson - London - A 1st round pick of the Nashville predators, Watson is a big power forward who has a serious knack for showing up when the games have higher value. His prowess in short term competitions should not be ignored. With all their firepower, Watson could prove to be the most difficult Knight to contain in this setting.<br />
16 - Seth Griffith - London - Undrafted diminutive playmaker always seems to find a way to get it done around the puck. He can set up, he can finish and he can start. Dangerous from a variety of areas around the ice, he can burn you a lot of ways.<br />
15 - Nathan Beaulieu - Saint John - The offensive minded defender is relied on to launch a lot of the Sea Dog's transitional attacks and QB their PP. He's a 1st round selection of the Montreal Canadiens.<br />
14 - Michael St. Croix - Edmonton - Talented offensive player will need to live up to his billing and will be the likely head of the Oil Kings attack. St. Croix is a 4th round pick of the New York Rangers.<br />
13 - Vlad Namestnikov - London - A 1st round choice of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Namestnikov has been one of the best playmakers for London all playoffs long. His speed and quickness can really get opponents in a frenzy.<br />
12 - Tomas Jurco - Saint John - Dazzling puckhandler with scorers touch, when he is on and moving he is extremely difficult to contain. Opponents need to limit his space around the net or they will pay. Jurco's talented mits are property of the Detroit Red Wings via their 2010 2nd round pick.<br />
11 - Laurent Broissoit - Edmonton - One of the front runners to be Canada's starter for the next WJC, Broissoit could get a lot further in that bid with a solid performance on this stage. He is a 6th round pick of the Calgary Flames.<br />
10 - Stanislav Galiev - Saint John - Speedy winger often takes a back seat to some of the other top tier talents on the Sea Dogs roster but Galiev has really put his stamp on this team so far during the playoffs and could again be a major factor in their offensive production. He is a 3rd round choice of the Washington Capitals.<br />
9 - Michael Bournival - Shawinigan - Very skilled two-way centreman is going to have to be on top of his game as he will likely see major minutes against top opponents and if he can outmatch them, that could be key to the Cataractes chances. Bournival is a 3rd round pick of the Avalanche (EDIT: since traded to the Canadiens de Montreal).<br />
8 - Griffin Reinhart - Edmonton - Big two-way defender can do a bit of everything and is a potential top 10 pick in this year's NHL entry draft. He has the benefit of another week of top tier exposure going for him and should be a standout for the Oil Kings.<br />
7 - Jarred Tinordi - London - Playing in the province of the team that drafted him (Montreal) in the 1st round could prove to be some added motivation for the Knights leader. Tinordi is big, physical and mean. An intimidating combination of skills that can really afford the Knights some dangerous transition attacks.<br />
6 - Zack Phillips - Saint John - Phillips has had a tremendous season and continues to show very strong development. He has great hands, sees the ice well and plays a reliable two-way style. He is one of the most talented technical players in this event and is a 1st round pick of the Minnesota Wild.<br />
5 - Jonathan Huberdeau - Saint John - He was dominant and electrifying in this event last year and is back and poised for a repeat performance. He has the star power around him to afford him a little extra space here and there which could be the undoing of a lot of teams in this tournament. Huberdeau is the 3rd overall pick of the Florida Panthers in the 2010 NHL draft and is expected to crack their roster next season.<br />
4 - Charlie Coyle - Saint John - A 1st round selection of the San Jose Sharks whose rights were traded to Minnesota, Coyle has dominated the QMJHL since defecting from the US ranks. The Sea Dogs have a ton of weapons but none have been firing as effectively as Coyle during the playoffs.<br />
3 - Curtis Lazar - Edmonton - 2013 eligible playmaker led Oil Kings in WHL playoff scoring with 19 poitns in 20 games. Will be counted on again to make an impact. Ranks among the best forwards available in 2013.<br />
2 - Olli Maatta - London - Perhaps a bit of a surprise this high on the list, Maatta has been lights out in the playoffs so far for the Knights. Reliable two-way defender whose offensive intelligence has really shown in the playoffs. A likely 1st round pick in this year's draft, his stock continues to sore and will explode if he keeps it up in this tournament.<br />
1 - Brandon Gormley - Shawinigan - The 1st round selection of the Phoenix Coyotes is steady and intelligent. Host Shawinigan is a major underdog but they do boast Gormley who can really make a difference for a team. The Coyotes look like they could use him right about now.<br />
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Honorable mentions: Jonathan Racine (SHA), Micheal Chaput (SHA), Yannick Veilleux (SHA), Alex Dubeau (SHA), Mitch Moroz (EDM), Stephane Legault (EDM), Martin Gernat (EDM), Charles-Olivier Roussell (SJSD), Mathieu Corbeil (SJSD), Ryan and Matt Rupert (LDN), Andreas Athanasiou (LDN), Greg McKegg (LDN), Jared Knigth (LDN), Michael Houser (LDN)<br />
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This tournament will be almost too close to predict, but where's the fun in that! Saint John has to be the favorite having one it last year and with most of their core players returning for a second run. London looks to be the deepest and most versatile team which gives them a real shot at beating anyone. Edmonton is versatile, deep and gritty and have some unheralded game breakers as well as a solid defensive corps and should produce the most competitive games with every team. Shawinigan lacks the firepower but they do have some reliable and intelligent players that are capable of frustrating opponents and outthinking them on the ice.<br />
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My prediction: Saint John defeats London in the final game. London just barely gets there in a barn burner with the Oil Kings and Shawinigan puts up a great effort but just can't match the depth or offensive talent of the three league champions.<br />
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Should be a great tournament, can't wait for the puck drop tonight!Ross MacLeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16123245664734284259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2757582336221160280.post-32611673387774967442012-05-15T03:29:00.003-07:002012-05-15T03:29:21.165-07:00World Championship Thoughts, Notes and StandoutsThis year's edition of the IIHF World Championships has really displayed the narrowing gap between the elite ice hockey playing countries. Sure the likes of Canada, Finland, Russia, Sweden, USA, Slovakia and the Czech Republic remain firmly at the top of the elite echelon of teams in this event but they have faced stiffer and stiffer competition from nations that used to provide less of a test than a morning skate would. That has created some tense and tightly contested games but has also managed to show which teams are contenders and which are pretenders. It has been obvious which teams have enjoyed the nightlife a little too freely on some nights, and that is not a knock against anybody, because the players should be able to take in the local sights, sounds and flavors, especially in amazing cities like Helsinki and Stockholm, just not too much!<br /> <br />Here are some thoughts from the Helsinki group as the stage comes to an end Tuesday: <br />
<strong>Belarus</strong> - Belarus has been a very interesting team to watch so far during this tournament. Of all the teams playing in Helsinki they seemed to bring the most consistent game plan game in and game out but have also produced some of the best performances from individual players in the event as well. They are a nation that is capable of putting together team's to compete with the highest caliber opponents but generally need to rely on the bounces falling their way to win or knock off the bigger teams, and that just hasn't happened for them in Helsinki.<br />
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Standouts - From their first game against Finland, goaltender Vitali Koval stood on his head. He has made highlight reel save after highlight reel save and has given Belarus a chance to win almost every game he has played in. His glove has been lightning quick all tournament long and his focus has been razor sharp. In front of him 23 year old Dmitri Korobov has been a pleasant surprise as well. The young defender has proved very good at finding the weakside lane during zone play and has found the net on multiple occasions so far in the tournament. The forward group has some NHL firepower but it has been the veteran presence of KHLer Alexei Kalyuzhny that has paced their attack. Kalyuzhny sees the ice well away from the puck but is also adept at dishing off to his speedier linemates before finding outlets for them around the net.<br /><br />
<br /><strong>Canada</strong> - The favorite on paper, Canada has taken a bit of time to gel as a team but after two tough tests against Finland and Switzerland, they seem to have rebounded and found an identity, something that was clearly lacking in their OT loss to the USA. Many of the Canadian players are getting a serious lesson in how serious the Finns take their hockey as they haven't been able to do much around Helsinki without it making the papers, and while most of these players are used to such attention, this tournament usually provides some sort of relief from that, but not this year. On the ice it seems the team is capable of beating any of the other top countries but has also shown a bit of sleepiness at times. It will be interesting to see how focused the group is heading into the playoff stage.<br />
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Standouts - John Tavares has really raised his game, his skating stride and overall speed seem much improved and he has looked like a man who is really taking this opportunity to win some support for an Olympic team spot seriously. Tavares and Jeff Skinner have been the two players who have displayed the most consistency throughout the event for Canada and have been very exciting to watch.<br />
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Ryan Murray, the lone non-NHLer on the Canadian roster has not looked out of place. The 19 year old, projected top 5 pick in this year's NHL draft, has not seen a ton of ice time but has made the most of the ice time he has received, including time on the team's 2nd PP unit. It's clear that he is capable of playing against men and while he hasn't made much of an impact, he has been reliable and has looked mature beyond his years.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Finland</strong> - Finland started off the tournament very strong with great team play wins but it was evident this was going to be a team that struggled to score. Their performance dipped a bit with the pressure and media coverage they have received and it cannot be easy to get over the frustration hurdles that present themselves in a tournament like this when every on and off ice moment is scrutinized so harshly. <br /> <br />Standouts - Valtteri Filppula has been sensational. His skill level and speed are pacing his team. We've known for a while that he is a talented player but Detroit has done a magnificent job cultivating his puck management skills but has also created a ton of evident confidence. He looks poised to knock up his NHL performances a notch and has been one of the most consistently impressive players in the tournament. <br /> <br />Some none NHL players that have stood out for Finland are Leo Komarov, Antti Pihlstrom and Juuso Hietanen. Komarov might be the new worlds best pest. He has good speed, decent hands and applies great physical pressure. He loves to get under the opponents skin and often has at least three or four of the opponents players leaning over their bench yelling at him. He has the tools to be effective at the NHL level in his role very soon. Pihlstrom is another player who can play an intense and energetic physical style. His work ethic is off the charts and he has also shown some excellent offensive timing around the net as well. A very good penalty killer, he is looking like he is due for a return to the NHL. Juuso Hietanen is a relative unknown on the international circuit but after several stints watching the national team from the stands or press boxes, Hietanen has carved out his place this season. A smallish puck moving defender, Hietanen has great vision with the puck and is a quick decision maker. He isn't a physical force and isn't going to win many battles against bigger stronger opponents but he is very good positionally, anticipates well and as mentioned before really gets things started around the puck. Hietanen has been one of Finland's most used players during the tournament and has been very good QBing their top PP. <br /> <br />Also worth noting has been the play of Petteri Vehanen. Finland's backup goaltender has been touted as perhaps the best goaltender outside the NHL at the moment and showcased his skills well when called upon during this event. A very quick and athletic keeper, Vehanen finds loose pucks quickly and can prove very difficult to deceive in shooter vs goalie situations. <br />
<br /><br /><strong>France</strong> - I brought it up before the tournament and France has really proven that I sometimes know what I'm talking about...or at least get lucky once in a while! The French have deep squad sprinkled with good offensive talent, committed defenders and a strong team work ethic. They have managed to upset top group mainstays, Switzerland and Belarus and continue to earn more and more respect as an elite hockey development program. <br /> <br />Standouts - Yohann Auvitu has been getting lots of attention from the Finns and not just because the second half of his name is pronounced the same as one of the more unfortunate Finnish words. Auvitu won a Finnish championship in the SM-Liiga this year with JYP and has been a steady offensive presence for the French, helping launch their attacks from the backend. Auvitu skates well, has very good puck presence and vision and is still very young.<br />
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Up front the French boast a deep and versatile forward group that has shown some serious confidence. It helps having NHLer Stephane Da Costa in the mix but the most consistently noticeable and effective forward on the French team has been Yorick Treille. Treille plays for Sparta Prague of the top Czech league and is a big bodied power forward with good playmaking ability and net presence. His puck protection skills have allowed the French to spread out the opponents defensive zone schemes and create some varied offensive attacks. He hasn't put up huge numbers but make no mistake he has been vital to the French success in this event.<br />
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<br /><br /><strong>Kazakstahn</strong> - Over-matched and outplayed for much of the tournament, the Kazaks return to the top group has them predictably facing relegation again, but this team has proven they are not the pushovers they once were on the international stage and are one of the best examples of the improvement of the quality of this sport outside the more known hockey playing nations. <br /> <br />Standouts - Vitali Kolesnik has been extremely reliable for the Kazaks facing a constant barrage of shots yet controlling the quality of any rebounds he's offered and often challenging the angle well enough to limit the effectiveness of most shooting lanes. Talgat Zhailauov has been one of their most noticeable skaters. He's not the biggest player but he is a smooth and fast technical skater with good hands. He has been a good presence on the forecheck and has been able to match the tempo of some of the higher skilled nations with his play. <br /> <br /><br /><strong>Slovakia - </strong>The Slovaks have gone through the tournament with relative predictability so far. They have competed well in every game and have beat a top tier team, something they always seem to do in international play. They have gotten strong goaltending, stellar defence and some balanced scoring from their versatile group of forwards but will need to do more than rely on Chara's ability to keep opponent's top guns at bay if they are going to make any more noise in this event.<br />
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Standouts - Apart from Chara, young sniper Tomas Tatar has been another fine example of the Detroit Red Wings development system. Tatar is looking like another of their European "steals" already. He has great speed, tremendously quick hands and always seems to be in the right place at the right time. Watching him buzz around the ice has been one of the tournament's early pleasures and judging by his performance in Helsinki thus far, it shouldn't be long until that is an NHL fan's pleasure.<br />
<br /><br /><strong>Switzerland</strong> - Not the typical style of Swiss hockey we have seen in the past this particular group has some real sandpaper to them and it has made them a very interesting team to follow. Their aggressive and gritty style helped them push the Canadians and Finns but also proved to be their undoing in arguably the tournament's biggest upset when they lost to France. <br /> <br />Standouts - Damien Brunner has had Swiss hockey fans buzzing all season long. Brunner has emerged as one of the Swiss A League's most dynamic offensive forces and has carried that play into this tournament. A very quick and agile skater, Brunner has good hands but is most effective because of his ability to streak into open lanes and find holes in coverage away from the puck. The jury is still out on whether his style would translate to the North American game as he is fairly slender and doesn't have the ideal skill set for winning space in small contested areas. There have been plenty of NHL pro scouts keeping tabs on him though. <br /> <br />That sandpaper I mentionned has been most evident in the play of Switzerland's youngest player, Nino Niedereitter. El Nino has been playing with some serious fire and seems to be in some sort of skirmish after every play. Nino is looking more and more like a man and is showing good strides in improving his diversity and versatility. His scoring still needs some improvement in terms of consistency but the excitement keeps growing around the young prospect. <br />
<br /><br /><strong>USA</strong> - Much like the Canadians, the US squad has been wildly inconsistent with their efforts, looking undefeatable at times and just plain bad at others. They have good team speed and a well rounded energetic young roster that can score and grind it out if need be. Their goaltending has been lackluster so far during the tournament and could prove to be their undoing but both goaltenders are also capable of stealing games and they may just be waiting for the right time to do so.<br />
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Standouts - No US player has impressed more than young Carolina Hurricanes defender Justin Faulk. Faulk has been incredible so far and teams continue to struggle to find an answer for his big shot from the point on the powerplay. Ryan Lasch is not a household name, but the diminutive American speedster led the Finnish league in scoring this year and has made himself comfortable playing top 6 minutes for a US team loaded with NHL talent. He is very quick and extremely opportunistic around the puck. His energy level has been noticeably higher than many of his NHL caliber teammates.<br />
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I'm getting ready to head back to Canada from Helsinki, and while I will continue to monitor this tournament closely my attention will shift a bit to the Memorial Cup tournament, stay tuned for my thoughts on that and some closing thoughts from this event throughout the playoff round.Ross MacLeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16123245664734284259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2757582336221160280.post-4055437209637021942012-05-03T00:10:00.000-07:002012-05-03T00:12:37.719-07:002012 IIHF World Championship PreviewFor those of you who don't me that well, or at all, I am a passionate fan of the sport of hockey with a background in coaching and scouting. I tend to write about all sorts of topics from scouting prospects and junior leagues to ideas for rule changes and opinions on NHL issues. What most people don't know, is that my biggest passion is the international hockey scene. Having been fortunate enough to see a lot of the hockey playing world and experience the love for the game in so many different cultural settings has only amplified this love.<br />
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When I was younger, I looked at the World Championships as most Canadian hockey fans do. It's almost a second thought, no one seems to care if we win or lose, although we expect to win but if we don't oh well we didn't send our best players. Internationally, the game has come a long long way in my experience with it. The major hockey playing nations such as Russia, Canada, Sweden, Finland, didn't have to send their best players to be competitive or even challenge for medals. Those days are gone and the gap between the relegation teams or Division 1 teams and the top group is substantially smaller than it has ever been.<br />
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The World Championships is a gift to hockey fans every year, a gift that is still uncherished in North America. I leave for Finland tomorrow afternoon and I can't express how fond of and excited for this tournament I now get every year. Sure, part of that is that I get to adventure off to European cities, but that isn't anything new in my life since I ventured down this path. What really gets me going is how these European cities are flooded with hockey tourism. The life, the atmosphere, the passion. When I moved to Finland in 2006, they had only ever won the World Championships once, in 1995. You couldn't go in a bar in the entire country that didn't have some sort of recognition of that glorious victory. The players, coaches and staff of that team were legends and revered by the younger generations who grew up with aspirations of matching this achievement. Well, that generation did just that last year and the party that ensued was epic at a level that only the Finns could pull off.<br />
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People in North America don't realize how much this tournament means to the rest of the world, but we're starting to grasp it. Ask the people of Halifax about Latvians and every single one will have a hilarious story about a run in with a boistorous and excitied Maroon-cladded fan from the 2008 World Championship. Or the people of Quebec City who saw their Collisee flooded with Russian hockey fans. Hockey fans are amazing people who breed outstanding legends all over the world. Get caught up in that passion, keep a close eye on this event, even the countries you don't think can play hockey, can, and play it very well. Last year's tournament has one game that sticks out in my mind as being something I wasn't prepared for and it was the intensity of a budding hockey rivalry between the two emerging hockey nations of Austria and Slovenia. Neither squad boasted an NHL player, but both were loaded with passionate and talented young professionals and the game was more than worth the price of admission.<br />
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With all of that being said, here are some predictions and players to keep an eye on (keep in mind teams can continue to add players or remove from their roster at this point):<br />
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<strong><u>Belarus</u></strong><br />
Not considered an elite hockey nation, Belarus has a strong hockey playing population and with the addition of the KHL to Minsk, the popularity of the sport continues to gain momentum. It has been 10 years since Belarus stunned Sweden in the quarterfinals of the Salt Lake City Olympics but the goaltender that stole that show, Andrei Mezin, is back. Add explosive offensive talent Mikhail Grabovski of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Belarus is once again an absolute wildcard with the potential to beat anyone if they put it all together again.<br />
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Keep an Eye On: Sergei Drozd<br />
Potential Young Star: Roman Graborenko<br />
Prediction: 8th<br />
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<strong><u>Canada</u></strong><br />
Always the powerhouse and always in the mix as far as favorites for this event go, Canada has not been great in recent years but a young, hungry roster and the promise of potential Olympic team positions (should the NHL agree to send players) could be a winning combination for Hockey Canada brass. A gold medal may be tough to come by, but you can bet this roster will showcase the Canadian product well and should contend for a medal. A tournament win and a Finland failure to medal would leave Canada as the top seed for the Sochi games.<br />
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Keep an Eye On: Too many to mention but Jordan Eberle and Jeff Skinner seem ready to make a mark on this event.<br />
Potential Young Star: Ryan Murray - a likely top 5 pick in this year's NHL draft.<br />
Prediction: 2nd<br />
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<strong><u>Czech Republic</u></strong><br />
This is a very good offensive entry for the Czechs but they are lacking a bit on the other side of the puck. David Krejci and Tomas Plekanec will lead the charge in creating that offense and Milan Michalek is a prime target to finish off some of those opportunities but the they will need to rely on strong systems play with a relativley defensive minded group on the backend and not a lot of puck movers. Somebody always seems to step up for the Czechs though and it could very well be the grizzled old vet himself, Petr Nedved. Yes, that Petr Nedved. Nedved is actually making his Czech team debut after having difected to Canada in the early 90s. Nedved has completed his 5th straight season in the Czech league, making him IIHF eligible to represent his home country. It will be great to see him at this stage again.<br />
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Keep an Eye On: Petr Caslava<br />
Potential Young Star: Tomas Vincour<br />
Prediction: 5th<br />
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<strong><u>Denmark</u></strong><br />
One of the true emerging hockey nations, Denmark's program has come a long way and they are no longer the push overs of old. Denmark boasts a ton of technical skill and speed which could make them one of the more exciting teams to watch during this tournament. Frans Nielsen, Jannik Hansen and Lars Eller are the big names that will lead the way for the Danes, but don't overlook the young and talented Philip Larsen on defence. The Danes have learned a lot from the Swedes and Finns when it comes to developing talent and with two goaltenders working in the "Finnish goaltending factory", Denmark could make some noise.<br />
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Keep an Eye On: Jesper Jensen (there's two of them, so he/they should be everywhere!)<br />
Potential Young Star: Philip Larsen<br />
Prediction: 10th<br />
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<strong><u>Finland</u></strong><br />
The main host of this year's event, Finland is also the defending Champion, and the hype for this event has been off the charts in Suomi. Finland has a love for sport that few countries can match, and the crown jewel of sports for the Finns is jaakiekko (ice hockey). Helsinki will be rocking and the Koskenkorva will be flowing. The roster is loaded with players with National team experience. Finland should play a similar two-way gritty style that helped them win last year's title. They have exceptional goaltending, reliable defence and a versatile forward group. They should be able to match up against everyone and could prove to be a tough team to knock off during the elimination stages of the tournament. Finland should compete for a medal.<br />
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Keep an Eye On: Antti Pihlstrom<br />
Potential Young Star: Mikeal Granlund...not a potential star....already a star<br />
Prediction: 3rd<br />
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<strong><u>France</u></strong><br />
Many would be surprised by the growing talent base in France. Their program from the grass roots up has made huge strides in the past 5 years and they continue to show potential to be a breakout power in the not too distant future. A strong international result could be a huge boost to the program that continues to find momentum without one. They are producing top level professional talent and cultivating it well. Their proximity to countries like Switzerland has also helped their competition levels. They may even boast a first round NHL prospect this year if Timothe Bozon hears his named called in June in Pittsburgh.<br />
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Keep an Eye On: Cristobal Huet (yup, he's still there)<br />
Potential Young Star: Stephane Da Costa<br />
Prediction: 14th<br />
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<strong><u>Germany</u></strong><br />
Germany used to have to rely on strategy to compete with the top teams in international play. They would trap up and play a very boring and frustrating style. They have ventured away from that and it has paid major dividends with their youth systems. While other countries have caught up to them, Germany continuously produces top level talent, and they are starting to reap the rewards of this. This team will still be led by the veterans that always seem to represent their country but will be sprinkled with glimpses of the future, a future that is very bright and a long time coming. The time might not be now for them, but it's not far away and they will impress and surprise.<br />
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Keep an Eye On: Philip Gogula<br />
Potential Young Star: Dennis Reul<br />
Prediction: 11th<br />
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<strong><u>Italy</u></strong><br />
Italy has benefited from some good decision making, an organized professional structure and the 2006 Olympics. The country known for their soccer players has started to see some of those athletes move over to hockey. Their community is tight and they have gained a lot from having import professionals come over and raise the level of their leagues. They can know put together very competitive national teams at multiple age groups and are starting to forge a style and reputation for their players that is almost the polar opposite of how we see their soccer players. The gritty and rugged Italians (weird right?) aren't intimidated anymore and are on the road to producing a higher and higher calibre of player domestically. Not likely a threat to the major nations for some time yet, they are on the hockey map and will not be going anywhere anytime soon.<br />
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Keep an Eye On: Andreas Bernard<br />
Potential Young Star: Marco Insam<br />
Prediction: 15th<br />
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<strong><u>Kazakhstan</u></strong><br />
The Kazaks will actually have one of the most experienced rosters coming into this tournament. After a few years out of the top group, they return with a group that is very familiar with the task at hand. It will be an uphill climb for Kazakhstan to avoid the relegation stages but they will be capable of winning games if taken lightly.<br />
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Keep an Eye On: Dmitri Upper<br />
Potential Young Star: Konstantin Savenkov<br />
Prediction: 16th<br />
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<strong><u>Latvia</u></strong><br />
Latvia has become the pride and joy of this tournament in recent years, not just because of an improving level on the ice and certainly not because of their results, but because of the passion the team and their fans bring to the host cities every year. They don't quite have the star power to rely on that they did in the days of Sandis Ozolinsh, Arturs Irbe and the late Sergei Zholtok but their depth is much improved and that star power isn't far away form returning with the young prospects such as Zemgus Girgensons and Teodors Blugers waiting in the wings. They will have the experience of former NHL top coach, Ted Nolan and some young faces ready to take over the reigns. They likely won't be able to knock off any of the top teams, but they will try and they always prove to be one of the most entertaining and likeable aspects of this yearly event.<br />
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Keep an Eye On: Kaspars Daugavins<br />
Potential Young Star: Roberts Bukarts<br />
Prediction: 12th<br />
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<strong><u>Norway</u></strong><br />
It has always boggled the mind how Sweden and Finland can be so good at this sport and how Norway lags so far behind. Norway finally seems to be serious about the sport and they now prove to be a serious opponent for every nation. In the 90s Norway was regarded as a stat padding opponent, but now Norway competes well at every level. Their professional leagues are outstanding and improving year after year and their youth system continues to impress with the quality of their young prospects. Norway has leap frogged a ton of nations into becoming one of the next nations on the cusp of hockey's elite group.<br />
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Keep an Eye On: Jonas Holos<br />
Potential Young Star: Andreas Martinsen<br />
Prediction: 13th<br />
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<strong><u>Russia</u></strong><br />
Their likely isn't another nation, other than perhaps Finland, who will be more fired up to win at this tournament than Russia. The push for Sochi is becoming very clear, and like Vancouver was for Canada, a gold in hockey would mean a success for the hosts. That push is clearly amplifying and the Russians will come out swinging. They have the goaltending with Semeon Varlamov, they have the scoring forwards with arguably the most exciting and most productive offensive players in the world in Pavel Datsyuk and Evgeni Malkin but they also have a ton of players with something to gain, and that's what makes them scary. <br />
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Keep an Eye On: Datsyuk and Malkin (apart they are pretty good, together they can melt your mind)<br />
Potential Young Stars: Evgeni Kuznetsov has gotten a ton of love and hype but Vladimir Tarasenko might just be better. Either way that's an excellent one-two punch of talented youth.<br />
Prediction: 4th<br />
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<strong><u>Slovakia</u></strong><br />
For such a small nation, the Slovaks have one of the best percentages of developing players for elite professional hockey than anywhere else. Slovakia is in hockey's elite group of nations and always seem to ice competitive and dangerous squads. Having big Zdeno Chara anchoring their team will certainly help. Their has been a gradual changing of the guard for Slovakian ice hockey and they will have to without the big offensive guns they used to threaten with but their replacements are on the way and this could prove to a very big moment for some of those players. Slovakia always seems to impress when they shouldn't and this is a year where they shouldn't be able to play with the top teams, but I think they will do so anyways. Mark them down as a wildcard and potentially the most underrated as well.<br />
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Keep an Eye On: Anyone you can see around Zdeno Chara...<br />
Potential Young Star: Tomas Tatar<br />
Prediction: 7th<br />
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<strong><u>Sweden</u></strong><br />
The other hosts of this event, Stockholm will host the B pool this year before taking over and switching with Finland for next year as the main host. The home cooking should be a welcome boost to a team that has complimented its aging stars with examples of their world class development system. The Alfredssons, Franzens and Zetterbergs will still lead this team, but it will be the Landeskogs, Karlssons and Hedmans that will hold the fate of the Swedes successes. If Sweden has one weakness it will be in goal, but calling Jhonas Enroth a weakness would not be wise. The diminutive netminder has been stealing games for his country for years, and let's not forget he almost stole a job from Ryan Miller. The Swedes are deep, versatile and dangerous, how they mesh could be the biggest obstacle. They will be looking to give back some of the torment the Finns subjected them to after losing 6-1 in last year's gold medal game, what better place to extract that revenge than the Finnish capital. Anything less than a medal for Sweden would be shocking.<br />
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Keep an Eye On: Jonas Brodin<br />
Potential Young Star: Calle Jarnkrok<br />
Prediction: Gold<br />
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<strong><u>Switzerland</u></strong><br />
The Swiss are still a couple years off from being able to capitalize on their young stars like Nino Niederreiter and Sven Bartschi but they still boast an very good transitional defensive group, led by New York Islanders captain, Mark Streit. Nino will continue to rake in the experience but shouldn't expect a fairy tale just yet. The Swiss will be a force to be reckoned with in the not too distant future but for now they are going to grind some games out and force opponents to play their style. They should float around the middle of the pack all tournament long and will not be a push over by any stretch of the imagination but also lack the depth to beat any of the top nations, especially if those nations are firing on all cylinders.<br />
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Keep an Eye On: Roman Wick<br />
Potential Young Star: Nino Niederreiter and Luca Sbisa<br />
Prediction: 9th<br />
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<strong><u>USA</u></strong><br />
The US program does a very good job of fielding young competitive teams every year but they, like Canada, use this program to tryout players for the Olympic and World Cup events. It is tough with so many of the top talents from your system playing in the NHL playoffs still or recovering from the grueling season. They are not lacking for talent but only have 6-9 of their top players on this roster. With that being said, they are deep, young and they do have some emerging talents on their roster. They might not be the big bad Americans we saw in the 2010 Olympics, but there is some of that element present and some new dimensions that could prove to be very beneficial in the international style of play.<br />
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Keep an Eye On: Cam Atkinson, Bobby Ryan, Paul Stastny<br />
Potential Young Star: Justin Faulk<br />
Prediction: 6th<br />
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As much as I love junior hockey, top level professional hockey and the NHL, I have learned to love this event like a European. As exciting as the NHL playoffs are, they don't do as much for hockey worldwide as this event does. However, the fact that both are going on simultaneously and will this year be broadcast to more countries than ever is huge and will only make for better quality of the game and more opportunities for players, coaches and fans. Some may disagree with me, but my experience has led me to believe that International hockey truly is the game at its purest.<br />
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I will continue to blog from Helsinki on the games and from the Coaching Symposiums over the next couple of weeks. I promise they will be shorter and easier to read, haha!<br />
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Follow me on twitter @rossmaclean for less wordy updates!Ross MacLeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16123245664734284259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2757582336221160280.post-79769537290061298962012-04-20T07:40:00.000-07:002012-04-20T07:40:08.883-07:00CHL league semifinal pre-series thoughtsIn what was arguably one of the most exciting playoff rounds in recent memory for all three CHL leagues (7 game 7s), the hype around the remaining teams is sky high. Here are some thoughts on those that remain:<br />
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Starting out west - WHL<br />
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<strong>Edmonton Oil Kings vs. Moose Jaw Warriors</strong><br />
Both teams have deep deep rosters with high end talent. Both teams have young stars that have been electrifying so far in the playoffs as well. Both teams have goaltenders that have proved very reliable thus far in the playoffs. We are likely to see the return of Morgan Rielly which could prove to be a great boost for Moose Jaw.<br />
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Key Players<br />
Edmonton - Curtis Lazar, Michael St. Croix, Mark Pysyk<br />
Moose Jaw - Quinton Howden, Cam Braes, Dylan McIlrath<br />
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Prospects who Could Make an Impact<br />
Edmonton - Curtis Lazar, Griffin Reinhart<br />
Moose Jaw - Morgan Rielly, Brayden Point<br />
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Wildcard<br />
Edmonton - Travis Ewanyk - Very good two way player is the kind of player who steps up well in playoffs.<br />
Moose Jaw - Eric Arnold - Unheralded Swiss import has come to life in the playoffs, did the same in Swiss league playoffs last year. He loves playing this time of year.<br />
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Prediction: Oil Kings win in 6<br />
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<strong>Tri-City Americans vs. Portland Winterhawks</strong><br />
Both teams have aging core rosters (hilarious to say when talking about junior hockey) and the time to win is now. These two teams are both capable of playing high-octane offensive styles and this series should be an offensive showcase.<br />
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Key Players<br />
Portland - Ty Rattie, Sven Bartschi, Joe Morrow<br />
Tri-City - Adam Hughesman, Brendan Shinnimin, Patrick Holland<br />
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Prospects who Could Make an Impact<br />
Portland - Derrick Pouliot, Brendan Leipsic<br />
Tri-City - Brian Williams, Connor Rankin<br />
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Wildcard<br />
Portland - Brad Ross - Can absolutely drive other teams insane with rage with aggressive and antogonistic play but can also put up big numbers.<br />
Tri-City - Ty Rimmer - Has been very strong in the playoffs so far and will need to be on his game to try and frustrate Winterhawk attack.<br />
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Prediction: Portland in 6<br />
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OHL<br />
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<strong>London Knights vs. Kitchener Rangers</strong><br />
Kitchener showed some great depth and character in knocking off the Plymouth Whalers in round 2 and are rewarded with trying to do the same to the top seeded London Knights. London has a relentless attack and a strong backend. Kitchener can launch attacks from anywhere on the ice. This should be a very fun series to watch.<br />
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Key Players<br />
London: Jarred Tinordi, Seth Griffith, Vlad Namestnikov<br />
Kitchener: Ryan Murphy, Tobias Rieder, Michael Catenacci<br />
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Prospects who Could Make an Impact<br />
London: Olli Maatta, Max Domi<br />
Kitchener: Radek Faksa, Max Iafrate<br />
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Wildcard<br />
London: Scott Harrington - Needs to showcase his two-way ability but also be strong at holding off Kitchener's big forwards and any rushes from Ryan Murphy.<br />
Kitchener: John Gibson - Has the ability to steal games, he will need to show that a couple times in this series.<br />
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Prediction: London in 7<br />
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<strong>Ottawa 67s vs. Niagara IceDogs</strong><br />
The top 2 seeds in the OHL East collide in what could be a runaway win in either direction or a very tight and highly contested series. Both teams have the potential and firepower to run up the score on each other. Both teams have very good puck moving defenders that can turn transitional rushes up ice very quickly and both teams have high impact, reliable goal scorers.<br />
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Key Players<br />
Ottawa - Tyler Toffoli, Shane Prince, Petr Mrazek<br />
Niagara - Ryan Strome, Freddie Hamilton, Dougie Hamilton<br />
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Prospects who Could Make an Impact<br />
Ottawa - Sean Monahan, Cody Ceci<br />
Niagara - Jesse Graham, Joel Wigle<br />
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Wildcard<br />
Ottawa - Tyler Graovac - Will need to be strong in both directions to keep pace with deep Niagara forward group.<br />
Niagara - Tom Kuhnhackl - The German import and draft pick of the Penguins is a very good goal scorer who is really starting to find his stride, which could spell trouble for Ottawa.<br />
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Prediction: Niagara in 6<br />
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QMJHL<br />
<br />
<strong>Saint</strong> <strong>John Sea Dogs vs. Chicoutimi Sagueneens</strong><br />
The defending Memorial Cup Champions are maybe even a better team than the one that won last year and have had no challenge so far in the playoffs. That changes with Chicoutimi, who are one of the only teams to hold a winning record vs. Saint John in a year over the past two seasons.<br />
<br />
Key Players:<br />
Saint John - Jonathan Huberdeau, Zack Phillips, Charlie Coyle, the list goes on...<br />
Chicoutimi - Guillaume Asselin, Christian Ouellet, Christopher Gibson<br />
<br />
Prospects who Could Make an Impact<br />
Saint John - Stephen MacAuley, Oliver Cooper<br />
Chicoutimi - Charles Hudon, Jeramie Gregoire<br />
<br />
Wildcard<br />
Saint John - Nathan Beaulieu - The offensive blueliner could see an increased reliance on him if Chris Gibson is able to stall the Sea Dog attack. Powerplay could be a major factor in this series and Beaulieu will need to launch those attacks.<br />
Chicoutimi - Lukas Sedlak - He has been a tremendously reliable and consistent offensive contributor in the second half of the season and will need to raise him game even more to push Saint John.<br />
<br />
Prediction:<br />
Saint John in 5<br />
<br />
<strong>Halifax Mooseheads vs. Rimouski Oceanic</strong><br />
After an epic comeback from being down 3 games to zip and winning a thrilling game 7 overtime against Quebec, the Mooseheads find a familiar playoff foe in the Rimouski Oceanic. Rimouski has had a very succesful playoff past against Halifax, including a 2004 QMJHL championship victory when they were led by a Halifax kid named Sidney Crosby. Halifax has the highly touted Cole Harbour prodigy this time and should put up a much better fight this time around.<br />
<br />
Key Players<br />
Halifax: Martin Frk, Nathan MacKinnon, Jonathan Drouin,<br />
Rimouski: Alexandre Mallet, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc, Alex Belzile<br />
<br />
Prospects who Could Make an Impact<br />
Halifax: Read Key Players again and add Zachary Fucale and Andrew Ryan<br />
Rimouski: Alexis Loiseau, Ryan MacKinnon<br />
<br />
Wildcard<br />
Halifax: Cameron Critchlow - After a 4 goal game 7 performance vs. Quebec, the Moosehead captain is the steady beat that keeps Halifax's potent young attack rocking. Crithlow is a heart and soul character player who can turn around Halifax's fortunes if they start to go the wrong way.<br />
Rimouski: Scott Oke - He has the playoff experience, winning with Saint John last year, and could be relied on to match up against Halifax's top guns. The bigger impact he makes on this series, the better chance Rimouski has of winning.<br />
<br />
Prediction: Halifax in 6<br />
<br />
<br />
It should be another very interesting round of games around the CHL. If you live anywhere near these cities, get out and support team or take in some of the best and most competitive hockey going. Unless you are in Halifax where 10,500 tickets have sold for games one and two and are being resold at 100$ by scalpers. That's an 83$ mark up in some cases! That's what a crazy comeback can do!<br />
<br />
Best of luck to all the teams still battling it out for their Memorial Cup dreams!Ross MacLeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16123245664734284259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2757582336221160280.post-8618015740351375422012-04-18T22:43:00.000-07:002012-04-18T22:43:42.540-07:00Looking forward to U18 Quarter Final MatchupsThe playoff round gets set to begin for the U18 World Champs after a day off. Here's what you can likely expect:<br />
<br />
<strong>Finland vs. Germany</strong><br />
<br />
The winner of this game gets to play Sweden in the semifinals. Germany is a bit of a surprise to have made it this far, and on paper this looks like it could be an easy win for Finland. But Germany is anything but an easy opponent. Germany is well coached by Jim Setters and has a versatile lineup with capable goaltending. They have shown good discipline, work ethic and commitment to their gameplans. Finland has some potent offensive talent and some good strong physical forecheckers. The Finns biggest asset is their powerplay which has created relentless scoring chances for them every game except their first. This game will likely come down to special teams. If Germany can stay out of the box they can likely keep the score tight and compete, possibly even upset the Finns but if they give the Finns any space, the Finns are tough to stop once they get running.<br />
<br />
Key Players<br />
Finland: Teuvo Teravainen, Ville Pokka, Sasha Barkov<br />
Germany: Leon Draisaitl, Marcel Kurth, Marvin Cupper<br />
<br />
Prediction: Finland pulls out a 6-3 win but the game is closer than the score indicates. (How can you bet against a Finland vs. Sweden semifinal?)<br />
<br />
<strong>Canada vs. Russia</strong><br />
<br />
The winner of this match of bitter rivals gets another bitter rival in the USA as a semifinal opponent. Russia does not play like the stereotypical Russian entries in past years of this tournament. They have a gritty, well rounded team that plays hard in both directions but also boasts some extremely dangerous offensive talent. Canada has a similar team, with a bit more grit but not as much offensive firepower. This game could come down to which team can figure out the opposition goaltending first. Both Russia's Vasilevski and Canada's Murray have been strong so far in the event but have both also given up some goals they probably shouldn't have. If that happens in this game, it could prove costly. Canada will need to attempt to work down the Russian defence and get pucks to the net front. This is where Kerby Rychel, Scott Laughton and Hunter Shinkaruk come in. All three will need to be on and winning battles down low for Canada to optimize their chances for victory. Russia has great speed and creativity. If they can push Canada's defence low and get some good shots from motion they will improve their chances of winning dramatically. This game has potential to be a hard battle or an all out run and gun shootout.<br />
<br />
Key Players<br />
Canada: Matt Dumba, Brendan Gaunce, Hunter Shinkaruk<br />
Russia: Valeri Nichushkin, Bogdan Yakimov, Anto Slepyshev<br />
<br />
Prediction: Canada gets their rematch with the US with a 4-3 win.<br />
<br />
(Don't forget to catch this game on TSN in Canada or on fasthockey.com)Ross MacLeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16123245664734284259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2757582336221160280.post-46152407124731588032012-04-17T06:49:00.001-07:002012-04-17T06:51:56.550-07:00U18 Thoughts - Day 5Day 5 of the IIHF World U18 Champs saw some decisive victories surrounding one highly entertaining and competitive matchup that again contained those crazy Latvians! Here are some thoughts on the fifth day of action:<br />
<br />
CAN - CZE<br />
- Canada came out with a strong effort that really displayed some of the depth they have on their roster and rode it to a comfortable victory.<br />
- Brendan Gaunce who has been a terrific and unheralded player so far for Canada really got the ball rolling. His PK play and defensive zone responsibility have been better than any other forward in the tournament so far and he proved he has the offensive touch to go with it. He seems highly motivated and could prove to be the driving force behind any potential Canadian success. I'm very pleased with what he has shown so far.<br />
- Matt Dumba and Kerby Rychel continue to be consistent and determined players for Canada. Rychel is oozing confidence and has shown tremendous focus. Can't say enough about him. Dumba has been a true leader and has toned down his (at times) risky play in favor of opportunistic and intelligent aggression.<br />
- Scott Laughton has been a beast in the faceoff circle for Canada. Very aggressive and determined in the dots. Wins a lot of draws clean, but almost always wins draws that begin contested. Very good small area battle in this kid.<br />
- Felix Girard made his tournament debut to round out Canada's roster. An energetic defensive forward, his presence will be a big boost as the competiton heats up.<br />
- Petr Sidlik has been very strong and reliable all tournament long. He has proven very good at calming the play down and leading the Czech breakout. He is smooth and intelligent and while not overly flashy, his decision making has really stood out in a positive way.<br />
- Patrik Machac made his tournament debut for the Czechs after his Brampton Battalion team was ousted from the OHL playoffs. While he seemed a little subdued at times, Machac has blazing speed and can really push defenders wide opening up middle lanes for teammates. He connected on a brilliant pass with Dominek Volek for what was arguablly the nicest goal of the game.<br />
<br />
FIN - DEN<br />
- The combo of Teuvo Teravainen and Arrturi Lehkonen was too much to handle for the Danes, who have put up good fights against top competition in all their games but just haven't shown the depth or team play ability to upset anybody.<br />
- Teravainen looked like a man playing against boys and was able to dazzle around the puck all game long.<br />
- Lehkonen has great hands and always seems to find holes in coverage while Teravainen has the puck. Lehkonen has a nose for the net and is deadly with the puck in any sort of space in the offensive zone.<br />
- Danish defender Bjorn Uldall, who has been a strong player internationally for the Danes all year long, displayed some very good two-way potential in this game and seemed to finally be settling in to a comfort zone in this tournament after some inconsistent play early on.<br />
- Finland seems to adapt their gameplan to their opponent, something that has helped them gain success so far in the tournament, but you can't help but get the feeling that it could be playing with fire come the playoff rounds. They do however have the talent to back it up.<br />
<br />
RUS - SUI<br />
- Switzerland has been a bit of a disapointment so far and the effort they needed in this game was nowhere to be seen.<br />
- Russian Captain, Anton Slepyshev, who is a top rated prospect and is highly under the microscope in this event had a breakout game. He had been overshadowed by Yakimov and Nichushkin in previous games but managed to steal back some of his thunder in this game.<br />
- Daniil Zharkov continues to impress, showing great puck presence in this game. His shot is lightning quick and if it doesn't go in, it either misses the net or creates some sort of rebound, and he doesn't miss the net often.<br />
- Yegor Malenkikh has been a very interesting player for the Russian's, he seems to be gaining confidence with each game and has shown some good rushing ability in the past two games.<br />
- Sandro Zangger was really the only Swiss player worth mentioning in this game. His effort level and energy have been consistent in both directions all tournament long, and while not the flashiest or smoothest player, he is highly effective and shows some strong potential for development moving forward. He certainly has a good head for the game.<br />
<br />
LAT - GER<br />
- This game was the crown jewel of the day. A back and forth seesaw affair that had a bit of everything.<br />
- Latvia continues to play a very entertaining and likeable style of hockey that is both bold and passionate. Characteristics that international hockey fans know Latvians hold in abundance.<br />
- Germany has countered with a silent, strong work ethic mixed with some dazzling speed and very good technical team play.<br />
- Dominik Tiffels had a great game for Germany and his stretch passes were some of the first of the tournament that have managed to create consistent breakins on the aggressive and physical Latvian defenders.<br />
- Leon Draisaitl is one of the best perimeter passes in the tournament. He has a big powerful frame, protects the puck well and makes accurate passes with great poise and crispness. The young German has a ton of potential, especially if he can acknowledge the minor defensive deficiencies and lack of consistent two-way effort in his game.<br />
- Latvia's Robert Lipsbergs was possessed in this game and wowed with his determination to follow up on original shots. His constant motion after shooting led to 2 of 3 goals on the game, while his above average shot led to the winner.<br />
- While Lipsbergs, Bluegers and Jevpalovs have been the most dangerous offensive weapons for Latvia, their supporting cast has shown very well also. Edgars Kulda is one player that always seems to be doing something positive for his team and while he hasn't put up big numbers he has been a catalyst for good on his team and has proven to be one of their most consistent workers.<br />
- Latvia has made some serious noise in this tournament but Germany still has a very real shot of moving to the quarterfinals as well. A German win against winless Switzerland combined with a Russian loss to the undefeated Swedes would cause a 3 way tie for the final spot, and the resulting tiebreakers could sink the Latvians hopes of moving on. One thing is for sure, it will be a very interesting finish in group B.<br />
<br />
Day 6 brings some of the most anticipated matchups of the entire tournament. Sweden vs. Russia and USA vs. Canada headline a very important day of action. Russia is in a must win situation unless they feel comfortable leaving their fate to the result of the Germany vs. Switzerland game which could have major implications in both the quarterfinals and relegation games. Also on top is a very important game between the host Czech Republic and Finland. This game has major tournament implications as well as both teams need a win to dictate their quarterfinal fate. A Czech win combined with a Canadian loss would create a log jam for the playoffs and the tie-breaker could end up being decided by the actual scores of these games.<br />
<br />
Also of note, the U18 Div1 will be decided today as Norway and Slovakia do battle in Piestany, the winner will gain promotion to the top group for the 2013 U18 World Champs.<br />
<br />
What a great time of year!Ross MacLeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16123245664734284259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2757582336221160280.post-80791946518577742672012-04-15T22:44:00.000-07:002012-04-15T22:44:43.690-07:00U18 Thoughts - Day 4Only 2 games on the schedule yesterday and here are my thoughts:<br />
<br />
USA- DEN<br />
- Jared Rutledge got his chance to keep USA's shutout streak alive and didn't disapoint his team. Although not challenged too much he did have to make a few saves in the first that really set the tone for the rest of the game.<br />
- The US defense was stellar once again. Their ability to move the puck up ice off transition has been the key to the US success so far.<br />
- Up front Matt Lane and Quentin Shore had good games. Shore has shown some strong ability to fire the puck from the circles and picks his spots well.<br />
- Denmark's Magnus Povlsen was again a pleasant surprise for his team. He really gets around the ice well and proved he can skate and deny space well against a grittier North American opponent.<br />
- There is also quite a bit to like about Danish captain Kristoffer Lauridsen. Strong on skates, was unintimidated by big US defenders Jones and Trouba and fought well to earn space in the net front area.<br />
- US is quickly earning respect and I might need to revise my pre-tournament predictions as they are emerging as the favorites thus far.<br />
<br />
SWE-LAT<br />
- The Swedes seemed generally shocked by the speed and physicality the Latvians offered early on in this game. They really struggled to get much offensive zone pressure early and had an equally hard time breaking the puck into the zone against a very underrated and defensively sound Latvian D group.<br />
- As the game wore on, Swedish captain started to assert himself and was a force in all 3 zones. He threw some good hits, unleashed a couple rocket shots and was a strong defensive presence as well.<br />
- Top goaltending prospect, Oscar Dansk had the night off for Sweden and the game was no picnic for his backup, Magnus Hogberg. Hogberg was forced to come up with some very tough saves in the 3rd period to keep a determined Latvian attack from equalling the game.<br />
- Elias Lindholm, a late 94 birthdate, was also very strong for the Swedes. And while that's easy to say, considering he was given credit on two goals in the 3rd period for the Swedes, it was his faceoff presence and consistency that really helped push his team to victory.<br />
- Swedish 95 born Andre Burakowsky was the other member of Sweden's top line and really showcased his quickness and outside rush ability during this game. He is a real gem and will be a highly coveted offensive player in the 2013 NHL draft.<br />
- Teddy Bluegers had another strong showing for the Latvians. He was creating offensive chances all game long in the playmaker role but also had a strong rush in the 2nd period but was robbed after a very nice move to backhand on partial breakaway.<br />
- Rihards Bukarts was also in fine form for most of the game and can prove extremely elusive with the puck on the rush. He is very good at making last second cuts to avoid checks and continune on with the puck.<br />
- Defender Rinalds Rosinskis was again an impressive physical force for the Latvians. A defence first player, he can really take away space well and was difficult to get around all night for even the most elusive Swedish forwards. He is really carving out a name for himself so far at this event.<br />
- Latvian goaltender Ivans Punnenvovs was spectacular. This was first viewing of the young Latvian, and what I say was an impressive display of competitiveness and skill. He answered the call almost every single shot and had to make some ridiculous saves with his glove. If he can show effort like this consistently, we just might have something to talk about as far as pro potential is concerned.<br />
<br />
<br />
Random Notes:<br />
- The scouts section was packed for the Sweden vs. Latvia game and included a few GMs as well. Steve Tambellini was in attendance, as was Steve Yzerman. Yzerman, always the class act, posed for a ton of photos with Czech fans on the concourse after the game. I remember when I was on the organizing committee in Halifax for the World Championships and Yzerman and Shane Doan would stop to sign every shirt, pose in every picture. It was tough when it was your job to move them around undetected and on time, but I always had a ton of respect for them for making that time.Ross MacLeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16123245664734284259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2757582336221160280.post-76765393623769345012012-04-15T01:24:00.000-07:002012-04-15T01:24:39.779-07:00U18 Thoughts - Day 3Day 3 of the U18 Champs had me running around the country to catch the games I wanted to see, got to enjoy the backroads of southern Czech Republic, experienced a 5 man accordion band in the lobby of my hotel when I got back and saw some old friends.<br />
<br />
As far as the games went here are my thoughts from a busy day 3:<br />
<br />
USA- CZE<br />
- Another shutout for Collin Olson, people don't understand how difficult it is for a North American to come to Europe for a short term competiton. The adjustments and fatigue really effect focus, which most positions can get away with. Goaltenders not so much.<br />
- The US kept the Czechs to 17 shots on goal with most of those coming in the 3rd period with the game firmly in their control.<br />
- The stable of US defenders led by Jones and Trouba is exceptional, they play a smart team game and the transitional attack option they provide is deadly.<br />
- Daniel O'Reagan has been a nice addition to the team and has seen a lot of crucial offensive minutes up front, including PP minutes. His ability to play the perimeter has made life easy for Nicholas Kerdiles who is getting more chances from the middle ice to shoot.<br />
- Young Czech forward Jakub Vrana had a great game agasint Denmark but was not able to match his performance agains the US and really struggled to win space against the big, mobile US defenders.<br />
- It was a tough showing for most of the Czech players as not many were able to get much going.<br />
<br />
RUS - GER<br />
- Germany pulled off arguably their biggest upset win at this tournament in recent memory. They were a surprising team last year and look to repeat that situation again this year.<br />
- Germany is well coached, play a very disciplined team style and pick their spots.<br />
- 95 born Frederik Tiffels was the catalyst for Germany in this game. His lightning quick speed and full ice work ethic was contagious after he put it together for Germany's first goal of the game.<br />
- The combination of Marcel Kurth and 95 born Leon Draisaitl was potent on the powerplay. Draisaitl is a very good playmaker in the offensive end and showed off some tremendous vision, with Kurth battles hard for space and can make things happen around the net.<br />
- German goaltender Marvin Cupper was beyond stellar keeping Russia frustrated in the 3rd period and was the main reason Germany was able to hold on for the win.<br />
- Russia has great young talent up front. Late 94 birthdate Bogdan Yakimov is a very appealing offensive player. He has great size, moves well and his technical ability with the puck is impressive.<br />
- Valeri Nichushkin, who plays every shift with Yakimov in all situations, is explosive and has seemingly endless talent. Great with the puck, he showed outstanding poise and patience on Russia's first goal and sprinkled in strong displays of defensive and physical play throughout the game for a very complete performance.<br />
- Anton Slepyshev is one of Russia's top prospects for this year's draft but has been seriously overshadowed by his younger linemates.<br />
- Andrei Vasilevski, who has a shot to be the first goaltender drafted this year, was unimpressive. He didn't have a bad game, but wasn't able to come up with the saves he really needed to. He continues to show holes on his blocker side. He wasn't bad, by any stretch, but he needs to be better to justify his hype.<br />
<br />
SWE-SUI<br />
- Sweden continued their dominance of this event so far with a convincing drubbing of Switzerland.<br />
- The game was never really in doubt for Sweden and their big guns had little trouble creating chances on the Swiss.<br />
- Again, leading the way it was the line of Sebastien Collberg, Alexander Wennberg and Gustav Possler, with Possler taking his turn to score a hat trick in this game. The 3 are at the top of the tournament scoring chart so far.<br />
- Hampus Lindholm had a strong showing and displayed some of the offensive flare that has him flying up the draft board for most teams.<br />
- Swedish netminder Oscar Dansk, who is my personal vote for top goaltending prospect this year had a mediocre showing. He was never forced to do too much and went long stretches without much action.<br />
- The Swiss did not have much working for them in this game. They relied heavily on their top line of Lukas Balmelli, Lukas Sieber and Dario Simion but the trio was not able to muster up many chances. Sieber's frustration was evident in the 3rd period and he resorted to using his stick a little freely on the defensive side of the puck.<br />
<br />
CAN-FIN<br />
- The game started out with a fast pace and some good physical play. Both teams had some good chances to score but both Korpisalo and Murray proved up for the task<br />
- Canada got on the board with under a second to play in the 1st period as Matt Dumba hammered a one timer off the faceoff to open the scoring.<br />
- Canada had Ryan Pulock and Hunter Shinkaruk dressed and playing even though they only arrived in Breclav slightly over an hour before the game. Pulock showed the fatigue a bit, struggling to control the puck early and was relegated to mostly PP duty for the game with the odd shift here or there. Shinkaruk on the other hand didn't seem to miss a beat and was more and more prevelant as the game went on.<br />
- Scott Kosmachuk's work ethic really stood out. He flies around the ice and always seems to be in the action.<br />
- Darnell Nurse had a rough game, getting called on some tough situations where he was perhaps a bit too overzealous physically.<br />
- Kerby Rychel was arguably Canada's best player in this game, showing great work ethic and desire to get the puck at the net.<br />
- Teuvo Teravainen and Juuso Ikonen were also making their tournament debuts as both just arrived in the Czech Republic. Teravainen was hands down the best player on the ice for either team and showcased his ability to do a bit of everything. His stock will continue to climb if he can keep up the efforts like this one.<br />
- Ristolainen and Pokka had very average showings but Niklas Tikkinen was exceptional. He is a very smooth moving defender with great deceptive skills and tremendous puck distribution ability.<br />
- Arrturi Lehkonen is a 95 born Finnish forward wearing an A. He played on the top line with Teravainen and Ikonen and had a very strong showing. He is dynamite around the net and shows great ability to pick up pucks in scrambles and rebounds. His hands and goal scoring ability are high end.<br />
- Canada's Matt Murray actually kept the score from being a lot worse than it was. Finland moved the puck extremely well on the PP and managed to find shooting lanes from side to side. Murray was excellent at getting across and denying chance after chance. As strong as he was, I felt he was making saves he shouldn't have but didn't make a couple he should have. All in all though an impressive performance that should help his draft stock.<br />
<br />
<br />
Today there are two games on tap: Denmark vs. USA in Brno and Latvia vs. Sweden in Znojmo. Both games are set to start at the same time, so I will likely take in the fun loving Latvians vs. the uber talented Swedes, which could prove to be a more competitive game than it appears on paper.Ross MacLeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16123245664734284259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2757582336221160280.post-20874507635906739222012-04-14T01:20:00.001-07:002012-04-14T01:22:43.703-07:00U18 Thoughts - Day 2Day 2 wrapped up with some surprisingly entertaining games.<br />
<br />
CZE vs. DEN<br />
- After a couple down years, the Czechs have a very well rounded squad with a lot of underrated and talented players.<br />
- Jakub Vrana was the best player on the ice all game long, significant because he's the only 96 born in the tournament.<br />
- The Czechs were very good at creating scrambles and capitalizing on the bounces around the net.<br />
- Eusthasious Soumelidis is very good at timing his net front attacks and has strong hand eye coordination.<br />
- The Danish offense has some weapons but their top gun Oliver Bjorkstrand was far too selfish in this game. Sure he scored 2 goals, but I didn't count a single pass made or even attempted after the first period. Troubling trend if it continues.<br />
- Soren Martensen and Magnus Povlsen both displayed tremendous skill and ability for the Danes during the game and while both aren't the biggest players they were quite effective in this game and deserve further attention.<br />
- The Czechs need better performance from their goaltending but they have the capability to run with the best of this event.<br />
<br />
SUI vs. LAT<br />
- This was one of the best games I have ever watched at this tournament...honestly.<br />
- The pace from the start of the game was intense and physical with both teams dishing out a ton of punishment and playing at a speed for a long duration. The flow slowed a bit once the refs got involved but picked up again in the 3rd.<br />
- The Latvian group is a fun loving, hard hitting, run and gun style team that is very entertaining to watch.<br />
- Latvia's Teddy Bluegers really showed why his name is being bounced around the mid rounds of NHL draft talk and was a prominent player in this game even though he failed to register a point.<br />
- Young Edgars Bukarts is maybe the fastest player in the entire tournament. Great quickness in hands and feet.<br />
- The Latvian defense must have thrown 40 hits on their own, including some huge open ice crunches by Rinalds Rosinskis and Edmunds Augstkalns.<br />
- Goaltender Elvis Merzlinkins was wired all game long and made some incredible desperation saves, earning him player of the game for Latvia.<br />
- Karlis Ozolins blocked a shot off his chest in the 3rd and was being attended to by paramedics on the bench. They even called for the paddles at one point, but they were not used and he was conscious and seems to be recoring fine. Something to keep an eye on as I beleive he went to hospital after the game.<br />
- Swittzerland is really missing that playmaking star they've had in years past but boast some great young power forwards in Lukas Balmelli, Dario Simion and Lukas Sieber. Balmelli was particularly impressive in this game and just missed two shots late in the game, by the slimmest of margins.<br />
- 95 born Phil Baltisberger plays like he is 5 years older than he is. Strong, physical and intelligent.<br />
- Julian Schmutz was one of the best offensive players for the Swiss but almost left the game early after getting hammered at centre ice and coming off favoring his right shoulder. He missed a couple shifts but then scored on his first back and had a fairly good showing after, except for giving up the puck as the last man back on Latvia's second goal.<br />
- Tough loss for the Swiss who will likely have to battle it out with Germany and Denmark in relegation unless they can upset one of the big dogs.<br />
- A huge win for Latvia, which has without a doubt iced it's most competitive U18 team ever, an amazing feat considering their best player in the age group isn't participating. They are a fun team to watch, on and off the ice. When the girls who present the Tissot watches came on the ice they all raised their sticks and slapped them down to salute them and then erupted in laughter. Great to see kids having fun at a hockey tournament!<br />
<br />
Day 3 will see 4 games on tap, I plan on taking the Germany-Russia game in Znojmo and then moving over to see Canada and Finland play in Breclav in the evening. Other games see the Czechs battle the US in Breclav and the Swedes and Swiss locking up in Znojmo in the evening. Games are moved from Brno to Breclav today as Brno's senior team is still in the Czech league playoffs.Ross MacLeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16123245664734284259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2757582336221160280.post-3220267424916612392012-04-13T00:59:00.000-07:002012-04-13T00:59:38.782-07:00U18 Thoughts - Day 1After a day long hike, I've finally arrived in Brno, Czech Republic for the Under 18 World Championship tournament.<br />
<br />
Day 1 saw some fairly predictable results but none the less here are some thoughts:<br />
<br />
USA vs. FIN<br />
- Seth Jones is wearing the C for the US and was easily the best player on the ice in the first game. He is a favorite to go #1 overall in 2013 and with good reason. I honestly believe he would go over Yakupov if he were available this year. Best U18 defenseman I think I have ever watched.<br />
- Nicholas Kerdiles has taken a bit of heat for the fact that his offensive numbers don't seem to justify his top prospect status. If last night was any indication Kerdiles is looking to shoot the lights out here in the Czech Republic. Really liked what I saw, especially his aggressive box attacks from the half wall on the PP.<br />
- Finnish defender Rasmus Ristolainen is about as likeable of a prospect as you could ask for. There doesn't seem to be anything he can't do insanely well. I would be scared to play against him.<br />
- The Finns really need Teravainen, there net presence was not strong and they need a player who can create space to the outside so others can penetrate.<br />
- The Finns overused Ville Pokka, who did not show well in the first game of the tournament and underused Ristolainen.<br />
- The Us defense is scary good and Olson is a very underrated goaltender who does not give up rebounds very often.<br />
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CAN - DEN<br />
- Oliver Bjorkstrand is the only Danish player who seemed to be able to consistently play against the Canadians<br />
- Matt Dumba is a machine<br />
- Kerby Rychel always seems to improve on each shift, it's amazing<br />
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RUS - LAT<br />
- Osnovin and Zharkov have shown instant chemistry and could be the dynamic duo for the Russian offense all tourney long<br />
- Vasilevski looked bored<br />
- Born on the last day of the year 1995, Latvia's Rihards Bukarts has some serious potential<br />
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SWE - GER<br />
- Surprised not to see Cupper in nets for Germany<br />
- With all the big guns in Sweden's lineup it was Alexander Wennberg who stole the show, scoring a hat trick and really capitalizing on the space that his linemate Sebasiten Collberg created for him<br />
- Filip Forsberg scored the 8th goal for Sweden but was a two way force all game long and was dominant at times.<br />
- Calle Andersson outshined Ludvig Bystrom, his puck movement skills and quick reactions are tremendous. I picked him to be one of the biggest movers after this tournament as far as draft stock is concerned and if he keeps this up, even I may be surprised with just how far he climbs.<br />
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Games are moved from Brno today, so I will be taking in the CZE - DEN and SUI - LAT games in Znojmo. Another adventure on the seemingly ruleless Czech highways...Ross MacLeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16123245664734284259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2757582336221160280.post-83766482974539655802012-04-11T16:17:00.000-07:002012-04-11T16:17:55.110-07:00NHL Playoff PredictionsWe're about an hour from puck drop for the first games of round 1 and I can't contain my excitement much longer, so I figured I'd unleash some predicitions for the first round.<br />
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East<br />
<br />
New York over Ottawa in 6 games - The Sens won the season series 3-1 and are not an easy opponent by any means, but Henrik Lundqvist is too much and seems focused and poised to carry the Rangers deep. Erik Karlsson keeps scoring, Spezza will struggle a bit, Gaborik launches a huge assault but Ryan Callahan does it all for the Rangers en route to a series win.<br />
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Boston over Washington in 7 games - Washington seems to have been written off by many, but I remember watching Braden Holtby in junior, he is a future star goaltender and he has a prime opportunity with a strong supporting cast, but the Big Bad B's style will eventually prevail. Caps make it a series though. Ovechkin steals some hype but the bottom 6 are the ones that pace the Caps to a couple victories but Krejci and Seguin are one of the best duos around and outduel the Caps dynamic combinations.<br />
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New Jersey over Florida in 6 games - I think we will all be surprised by the Florida fan support and that could go a long way in carrying the Panthers to a couple wins. Florida's team play style is also one that is proven effective. New Jersey has a lot of interesting characters but also the offensive muscle to push aside the surprising push the Panthers should give. Zach Parise takes over and doesn't look back, Adam Larsson shows off some offense, Stephen Weiss finally gets some of the credit he's due.<br />
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Pittsburgh over Philadelphia in 5 games - This could be my heart speaking a bit, as Mario Lemieux was the reason I got into hockey at all but the other part of this prediction is how far out of their way Philadelphia went to try and get under the Penguins skin. They don't have the intimidating brutes to scare the Penguins skill and the words directed at their players and coaches will only serve as white board material. We all want this series to go 7 as the entertainment value could be off the charts but I think Philly has already shot themselves in the foot. Staal makes a huge difference, Fleury outduels Bryzgalov and the Pens actually "out-tough" the Flyers. Hartnell still goes off and Sean Couturier makes a bigger name for himself.<br />
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West<br />
<br />
Vancouver over Los Angeles in 6 - LA has the goaltending and defensive strategy to try and shut down the higly skilled Canuck attack but as capable as they are at beating a team like Vancouver, try will be about as much as they can muster. LA has Mike Richards, and come playoff time, Richards is an absolute beast, he could completely neutralize the Sedin factor and maybe even eclipse. I think Luongo comes to play and regains a bit of his old dominant form while Quick struggles to keep the pace he set for himself in the regular season.<br />
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St. Louis over San Jose in 7 - This series has the potential to be the best of the first round. San Jose even has the potential to win but I think the Blues disciplined team style will prevail. Many expect St. Louis to keep the scoring down, this series they may not be able to control that and we could see some surprisingly offensive style games. I think David Backes and Ryane Clowe have the potential to pace this series while David Perron, Kevin Shattenkirk, Joe Pavelski and Logan Couture could be poised to run wild offensively.<br />
<br />
Chicago over Phoenix in 6 - Mike Smith finished the year hot, but Chicago has the guns to wear him down. Phoenix has underrated talent and could surprise but the safe bet here is a Blackhawk victory, especially with the likelihood of captain Jonathan Toews returning. Not enough credit is given to the secondary scoring of the Hawks either, I expect Shaw, Kruger and Nick Leddy to make a difference in round 1.<br />
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Nashville over Detroit in 6 - A difficult call, especially considering I loaded up on Red Wings in the mid rounds of my playoff pool but Nashville has tremendous depth and can play a very frustrating calculated physical style that could beat up the aging Wings enough to get on. The Wings do hold the wildcard in Pavel Datsyuk and if he gets going, my prediciton could be done, but my playoff pool could look very very good.Ross MacLeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16123245664734284259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2757582336221160280.post-27342051728050541112012-04-10T18:05:00.000-07:002012-04-10T18:05:56.858-07:00Draft Lottery Mock DraftThe Oilers have won the draft lottery and will pick 1st overall for the 3rd straight year. You have to feel for Columbus who desperately needed this pick. While it might not be the deepest or most talent-laden draft in recent years, there is still some high end skill available and some hidden gems. Here is a look at how I see the first 14 picks going...right now....<br />
<br />
1. Edmonton - Nail Yakupov - The rich get richer. Oilers have the option to trade this for the stud defender they require (Shea Weber perhaps?) but the likelihood is they hang on and add an equally as talented goal scoring winger as Taylor Hall to the mix. The Oilers are like the Penguins of wingers.<br />
2. Columbus - Filip Forsberg - Forsberg is the safest pick at this point for the Blue Jackets, along with Ryan Murray. Either of those two picks makes sense and helps Columbus establish a new identity...again....Intersting though as Grigorenko could be a possibility for them and would be that style of centre they have sought for Rick Nash....if they don't move him.<br />
3. Montreal - Mikhail Grigorenko - An easy transition for the Quebec Remparts star, he has a style similar to Joe Thornton and can amplify the skill sets of those around him.<br />
4. New York Islanders - Ryan Murray - Loaded with good young forwards, Murray would be a steal for the Islanders here, they will be watching the Columbus pick intently and if Murray falls he fits perfectly for the Isles.<br />
5. Toronto - Matt Dumba - The Leafs have the chance to do it right, Dumba has future captain written all over him, he is loved everywhere he plays and his style is the kind of style that fans love. This would be the start of the that rebuild we've heard of for so long, done the right way. Galchenyuk is another potential pick at this point, but as talented as he is, would just be more of the same for the Leafs.<br />
6. Anaheim - Morgan Rielly - Smart pick at this point, a year or two away but as intelligent as they come from the backend.<br />
7. Minnesota - Jacob Trouba - High end defender gives them some good stability to compliment one of the best stables of forward prospects in the NHL.<br />
8. Carolina - Radek Faksa - They have good young D, Faksa is a very good offensive player that could flourish with some of the speed they have in their organization.<br />
9. Winnipeg - Alex Galchenyuk - This could be a stretch to see him fall to this spot. Personally, I'm not as high on him as most. The Leafs could jump on him, so could Carolina, but I'm slotting him in here for now as he definintely won't fall past Winnipeg. Galchenyuk is a bit polarizing at times and his injury status is something that has hurt his stock a bit, but he is one of only a handful of players who truly have elite offensive pro-potential. That being said, he's the riskiest of that small group.<br />
10. Tampa Bay - Griffin Reinhart - Tampa's defensive depth is actually quite strong, players like Barberio and Gudas are very promising prospects in the not too distant future, but passing on Reinhart here just isn't something they should do.<br />
11. Washington - Brendan Gaunce - Gaunce is what Washington is missing, he is a very competitive player with excellent two-way potential and good grit. He has the energy and fire to fuel a change in the US capital.<br />
12. Buffalo - Cody Ceci - They keep finding good value in the mid 1st round, Ceci is just that and one of the most underrated players in the draft.<br />
13. Dallas - Sebastien Collberg - Speedy outside presence that can score a nice fit for Stars. Teravainen another potential pick at this point as is Peterborough defender Slater Koekoek. <br />
14. Calgary - Zemgus Girgensons - Has the offensive skill the Flames need and the grit and physicality that fans in souther Alberta have grown to expect from their team.Ross MacLeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16123245664734284259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2757582336221160280.post-41221195894253286792012-04-08T16:23:00.000-07:002012-04-08T16:23:25.772-07:00U18 PredictionsThe Under-18 World Championship kicks off Thursday, April 12th but teams begin their exhibition schedules this weekend. Here is a look ahead, some players to watch and some "bold" predictions on how the event could unfold:<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Canada</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> – Always an interesting blend of talent from teams no longer participating in the CHL playoffs, Canada is hit or miss at this event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The team should be deep and hard working with strong mobile defense and quality competitive goaltenders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Canada has assembled a strong roster that should be able to compete with all teams during the tournament and while lacking a lot of star power up front the group they have should build strong chemistry and rely on a score by committee strategy that could take them very far.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prediction – Gold <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prospect to Watch: Matt Dumba – A potential top 5 pick in this year’s NHL draft, Dumba captained the Canadian U18 team to victory at this past summer’s Ivan Hlinka Memorial and will look for a repeat performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A very dynamic and explosive defender, Dumba can dominate the ice with his physical play but is also a very exciting offensive player as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Watch for Canada to rely on his massive one timers from the point on the PP.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keep an eye on: Sam Reinhart – Reinhart is the youngest of the 3 sons of former NHLer Paul Reinhart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reinhart was one of the youngest players in Canadian Major Junior hockey this season but still managed to score at a near point per game pace and should take home the WHL rookie of the year award.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is not eligible for the NHL draft until 2014 and is already projected at being a top pick.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Czech</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Republic</b> – Their marquee talent, Radek Faksa remains entrenched in the CHL playoffs with Kitchener and is likely not going to be available for this tournament (barring a quick exit and recovery from a concussion sustained in round 1).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Czechs have some skill up front and some very good puck moving defenders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In goal, Marek Langhamer is capable of stealing some wins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Depth is what holds the Czechs back right now, but expect them to matchup surprisingly well with just about everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prediction – 6th<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Player to Watch: Petr Sidlik – A slick and intelligent defender, Sidlik has great instincts and while not overly blessed in the size department he is very good at breaking up plays and starting his own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sidlik should anchor a decent defensive group for the Czechs that also includes promising 95 born defender Jan Kostalek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sidlik should devour ice time for the Czechs and will be a major reason for any success they achieve during this event.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keep an eye on: Martin Prochazka – He has great size, protects the puck well and can be near impossible to intimidate physically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prochazka isn’t always the most consistent player but when he’s on he is a very appealing power forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A strong performance at this event would help him showcase his very good pro-potential.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Denmark</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> – A consistently improving program, this tournament is another great step in the right direction for Danish hockey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They continue to produce well rounded rosters with more and more top level talent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Denmark is doing a lot right with their hockey program but will continue to require patience as they aren’t quite ready to solidify their top group status at this level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Expect them to go to the wire with a competitive Latvian team for relegation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prediction – 10<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup> - relegation<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Player to Watch: Oliver Bjorkstrand - A 1995 birthdate, Bjorkstrand has been a mainstay with the U20 team this year and has produced goals at that level as well as in Denmark’s top men’s league.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will be heavily relied on to produce offensive chances for the Danes if they have any hope of being competitive and avoiding relegation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speedy and dynamic, he has NHL draft potential for next season and continues to show strong development.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keep an eye on: Mads Eller and Bjorn Udall – Udall is a very underrated and unheralded blueliner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has good size, moves well and can add some offensive kick from the backend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He should see heavy minutes for the Danes and be relied on in all situations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will, however, need to put on a serious show to solidify any thought of him being an NHL draft pick at this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That being said, he is talented and developing very well making him worth a long hard look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eller is a 95 born player, and is the younger brother of Montreal forward Lars.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Finland</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> – Finland is in an interesting predicament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are loaded with young talent and could put together a very competitive team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem is some of their young stars are playing for teams that remain in league playoff battles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Olli Maatta (London Knights) and Teuvo Teravainen (Jokerit) both look set for long playoff runs with their club teams, meaning they will not be made available for the tournament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finland remains a country with tremendous depth of talent though and should still provide a stern challenge for the medals.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prediction – 5th<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Player to Watch: Rasmus Ristolainen – An October 1994 birthdate, Ristolainen isn’t eligible to be drafted until next year, but would garner a lot of consideration if he were eligible this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s a very intelligent and physical defender who plays the game with the maturity of a man several grizzled years his elder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has good offensive upside as well and along with Ville Pokka should run the backend for the Finns.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keep an eye on: Sasha Barkov – Another tremendously talented Finn, Barkov became the youngest player to score a goal at the World Junior Championships in December.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not eligible until 2013, Barkov is a top 10 talent at this point and could even be considered as a top pick candidate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Already playing against men, Barkov is a dynamic and powerful and should be one of the focal points of the Finnish attack, especially if Teravainen isn’t made available to join.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Germany</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> – The German program continues to grow and while still not able to get over the hump of the elite teams, the IIHF’s new relegation scenarios should prove a major benefit to Germany who suffered years of up and down promotions and relegations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year’s crop should be competitive, well coached and versatile but should also give glimpses into the bright future of German ice hockey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 1995 crop of German players has shown a lot of promise for a program that will start to reap the benefits of consistency moving forward.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prediction – 8th<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Player to Watch: Marvin Cupper – Cupper was magnificent for Germany last year during this event and was the major reason Germany was able to compete with the top teams while hosting this event last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A bit undersized, Cupper is deceptively athletic and quick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His technique is very strong and he plays a very aggressive and challenging style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Felix Potvin comes to mind when watching the young German netminder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is an underrated netminder who will need some more grooming but his development path has proved very strong.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keep an eye on: Leon Draisaitl – A late 95 born power forward in the making, Draisaitl is one of the most exciting German prospects in years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s a good skater who plays a high tempo style game and can bring a bit of an edge at times as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has excellent scoring potential and if he can continue to show good work ethic in his development he could prove to be a serious top prospect in 2014.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Latvia</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> – Latvia suffers greatly from not having Zemgus Girgensons available for this tournament as he remains committed to his USHL club as their season continues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is still reason for optimism for the Latvian’s though as three of their U20 top scorers are eligible to play in this tournament as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Teddy Blueger, Nikita Jevpalovs and Robert Lipsbergs should make a up a more than capable top line for the Latvian’s, but will have to be on overdrive to push the Latvian’s out of the bottom group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Overall their program seems to be on the up, but it’s still not enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Expect them to battle it out with Denmark for relegation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prediction – 9<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Player to Watch: Teddy Blueger – Teddy as he’s known when he suits up for Shattuck St. Mary’s, or Teodors his true Latvian name, is an intelligent and opportunistic two-way forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He prefers to be an offensive contributor and should be relied on in that role during this tournament but his draft appeal lies on his ability to play against top players from other countries and not only score but keep them in check as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Projected as a later pick for the draft, this is a big tournament for Blueger and he needs to perform well (not just number-wise) to justify the hype around him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blueger is no stranger to some of the competition having played at Shattuck with players like Nathan MacKinnon and Oscar Dansk.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keep an eye on: Rihards Bukarts – This kid isn’t eligible to be drafted until 2014 (December 31, 1995 birth date) but already has shown a nice blend of size, skill and work ethic worthy of note.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As one of the youngest players in the tournament, Bukarts will likely find himself in a secondary offensive role which should allow him to find some success and showcase his abilities.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Russia</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> – No Yakupov, no Grigorenko....no problem, Russia has a wealth of young talent that can electrify, impress and compete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely they will miss their top stars (Grigorenko still in CHL playoffs, Yakupov a late 93 who is too old this year) but they have plenty of offensive depth and young stars that have shown well internationally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chances get a serious boost if Quebec has a quick exit from CHL playoffs in round 2, but that seems unlikely.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prediction – 4th<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Player to Watch: Andrei Vasilevski – The highly touted Russian netminder is about as much of a veteran of this tournament as one could possibly be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Entering his 3<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>rd</sup> U18 championship as Russia’s starter, Vasilevski is still riding the high his WJC performance afforded him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A big and confident goaltender, Vasilevski needs to assert himself one more time as he battles with Oscar Dansk and Malcom Subban as the potential top goaltending prospect for this year’s draft.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keep an eye on: Valeriy Nichuschkin and Bogdan Yakimov – Russia continues to produce superior offensive talents and both Nichuschkin and Yakimov fit that mould.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both have been excellent contributor’s with Russia’s U18 program all year long, and while neither is eligible for the NHL draft until 2013, they should be the muscle in Russia’s offensive punch, filling the void of the aforementioned stars who can’t participate.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Sweden</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> – On paper, Sweden looks stacked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have high end talent and reliable depth at every position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They boast a plethora of potential top round NHL draft picks over the next couple of drafts and should prove to be a formidable opponent for all who stand in their way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If anything their one downfall will be how they react to playing high energy, physical and gritty opponents like Canada and the US.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If Sweden can keep opponents from dictating the pace, tempo and style of games they play, they could potentially walk through this tournament.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prediction – Silver<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Player to Watch: Oscar Dansk – Sweden has a very deep roster, riddled with talent and potential high end picks, but the success of their team will fall on the shoulders of Dansk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dansk is, in my opinion, the best and most underrated goaltending prospect available for this year’s draft but not everyone is on board with that idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If Dansk can showcase his abilities and potential and lead this very capable Swedish team to a top 2 finish, you can bet his stock will start to ease into the realm that it truly belongs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dansk has good size, great focus and excellent athleticism.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keep an eye on: Calle Andersson – Forsberg, Bystrom and Collberg are all likely first or at least early second round picks this year, but Andersson is truly interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s not far off the abilities of Bystrom and could push his way up the draft charts with a strong performance during this tournament.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Switzerland</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> – In recent years the Swiss have boasted rosters sprinkled with supreme talents such as Nino Niederreiter and Sven Baertschi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year’s squad doesn’t necessarily have that benefit, however it may be a roster with more depth than years past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Switzerland will likely be the most mysterious team in this tournament and their final standing in this event could come down to how the bounces fall.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prediction – 7th <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Player to Watch: Christoph Bertschy – Bertschy saw major minutes in crucial situations for the Swiss U20 team at the WJC and there is no reason that he won’t be in a similar situation in this event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is an offensive presence that tends to sway more towards finisher than playmaker but he does have some playmaking talent as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The name of Bertschy’s game is creation, as very few players find themselves with as many scoring chances as he does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Switzerland’s result in this tournament could be a direct result of how Bertschy executes in those situations he creates.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keep an eye on: Phil Baltisberger – Another late 95 with tons of potential, Baltisberger was a member of Switzerland’s WJC team this past December/January and while he did not see a ton of ice time, his appeal was obvious with minimal evaluation required.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A big mobile and strong defender, Baltisberger has a great head for the game, can fire the puck but is most valuable because of his quick and reliable thinking in all situations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">USA</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> – The US has dominated this event over the past decade and always seems to be the favorite coming in, however this year that’s not the case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The US will once again ice a very competitive and talented team but on paper they fail to match up to years past and with the other top nations at this event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The US will find most of their success starts with their very deep stable of defenders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trouba, Jones and Skjei will log huge minutes and will have to be on top of their games to push this team back towards glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All that being said, expect surprise performances from their forward group and a tight battle in the top 5 teams for the US.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prediction – Bronze <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Player to Watch: Jacob Trouba - Considered one of the top defensive prospects for this year’s NHL draft, the competition is tight to see who will be the first defender chosen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trouba is well in that mix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A strong mix of size, grit and skill, Trouba leads a strong American defensive unit that will be relied on heavily if the US is going to challenge for top spot in this event and has an excellent opportunity here to solidify himself as the most valuable draft eligible defender heading into the draft.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keep an eye on: Seth Jones - Jones is another prospect to keep an eye on, he will also anchor the US blueline and is a potential 1<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>st</sup> overall candidate for next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has tremendous size and proves to be tremendously athletic (as would be expected from the son of a former NBA star).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He plays a very calculated game and can be dominant in all three zones on the ice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has the potential to win the top defenseman award at this event (on paper he will likely be up against Trouba and Dumba).<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>Ross MacLeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16123245664734284259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2757582336221160280.post-39015369242946810952012-04-03T01:02:00.000-07:002012-04-03T01:02:54.666-07:00Revisiting different point systems for NHL standings - pre playoff editionThe point system in place now for the NHL is not ideal and doesn't optimally indicate who the best teams are.<br />
<br />
Since my original blog on the idea of a 5 point system I have had a ton of feedback, and I've made alterations but also included some of the other options I've discussed with people.<br />
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A 3 points system seems easiest (but not necessarily best), each game would have a 3 point value on it. A regulation win is 3 points, a regulation loss 0. An OT or shootout win would be worth 2 points, while a loss in an extra frame only worth 1. Clean, simple, easy to compute, but OT and SO being worth the same still irks me a bit. The earlier a game ends indicates which team was better on a given night, and how much better. Winning in a game should be worth more than winning in a skills display.<br />
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Hence the 5 point system. I like the idea of all games being equal in points given out, so I have made an ammendment which actually makes more logical sense. The idea of the 5 point system would be this:<br />
Regulation win - 5pts<br />
Overtime win - 4 pts<br />
Shootout win - 3 pts<br />
Shootout loss - 2 pts<br />
Overtime loss - 1 pt<br />
Regulation loss - 0 pts<br />
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This system would reward the teams for winning earlier as it takes more skill to win a game in regulation then in an extra period or shootout. On the same side, teams should be rewarded for how long they can hang in with the winning team. It is much harder and the teams are obviously more equal on that particular day the more frames are needed to decide a winner. This system would also put a huge benefit to teams who go for it in overtime as opposed to playing for a shootout. Think two division rivals in overtime, you can go for a shootout win and gain 1 extra point over your rival, or go for it in OT and gain 3 extra points.<br />
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The biggest knock on the 5 point system is how hard it would be and how much math would be required to just calculate the totals for the average fan sitting around having a beer and knocking back another slice of pizza with their friends. Records would likely have to be displayed in order of points: Regulation Wins - Overtime Wins - Shootout Wins - Shootout Losses - Overtime Losses - Regulation Losses. For example the Rangers record now would read 38-8-4-5-2-22. Which seems quite complicated, especially since now we normally display recirds as 50-22-7. That is a tough sell.<br />
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Where the 5 point system picks up steam, is in the amount of points that teams get for losing games. It is much lower. In the current system, Florida has 18.68% of their total points from losses. Carolina and Montreal are over 20%. In the current system Florida is up by 3 points on Washington. That will require wins in Washington's final 2 games to pass the Panthers. However, in a 5 point system they still only trail by 3 points. Something that is made up in a single winning game. Washington has actually won 3 more games than Florida this year, so that 18.68% points from losses could in fact get the Panthers into the playoffs over a team that has performed better.<br />
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Not trying to take anything away form the Panthers, who could still end up the better team in all 3 point systems but the standings should be a lot closer than they actually are. Buffalo who is also right behind those two teams would actually stand to get hurt the most by another system. Right now they are 2 points those very same Capitals, but with a higher percentage of their point total coming from losses, they would end up 4 points back in a 3 point system and 9 back in a 5 point system. This has massive implications, because the Sabres have a game in hand on the Capitals. A single win and they are notted up with the Caps as opposed to having to win at least 1 game plus in the other systems.<br />
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In the West, it's even more prevelent, and again, a playoff spot could be determined because of it. Currently San Jose sits 8th, a single point ahead of 9th place Dallas. In a 3 point system, they would sit tied, both with 120pts. In a 5 point system, Dallas would actually be 4 points up on San Jose. The reason for this is again the amount of points acquired by San Jose in losses as compared to Dallas. Dallas has the 3rd lowest percentage of points gained from losses in the entire NHL, at 5.62%. Only Detroit (5.05%) and Boston (4.08%) have lower scores. San Jose on the other hand, hovers just above the league average (11.04%) at 11.11%.. That translates to 5 points for Dallas, and 10 for San Jose in the current system.<br />
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Also in the West, St. Louis would be the number one seed by almost 2 wins in every system except the current one, where they are actually 1 point behind 1st place Vancouver. Might not seem like a big deal now, but what if the Blues have to put up with the Green Men in game 7 of the conference finals?<br />
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All in all it might seem like a lot of fuss to make for some very small changes in the standings, but the fact is there is a ton riding on those subtlties and the current system fails to reward the absolute best performing teams throughout the season.Ross MacLeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16123245664734284259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2757582336221160280.post-54093329395022927542012-04-02T19:24:00.001-07:002012-04-03T00:28:10.014-07:00End of Round 1 Team Canada U18 Depth ChartRound 1 is over and the pool for Hockey Canada to pick their team is now without hindrance. Here is my final update on the potential invitees to represent Canada in Brno and Znojmo, Czech Republic. Expect an announcement very soon for the roster as the players will head to Europe almost as soon as they hang up the phone after getting the official word.<br />
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1. Brendan Gaunce (Belleville just fell to Ottawa, he's a lock) <br />
2. Scott Laughton (Generals are done, he's a sure bet)<br />
3. Jarrod Maidens (Attack are out but Maidens hasn't played in a long while and likely won't start at the U18s)<br />
4. Gemel Smith (A lock to make the team now that Attack are out)<br />
5. Kerby Rychel (Windsor is now out, Rychel is a sure bet)<br />
6. Mike Winther (Already eliminated, should be on the team)<br />
7. Troy Bourke (Cougars didn't qualify for the playoffs, Bourke should be on the team)<br />
8. Scott Kosmachuk (Plymouth knocked them out, Kosmachuk is a great fit for Canada)<br />
9. Sam Reinhart (Ice are out, he's free to join, would be a smart choice but not guaranteed)<br />
10. Brandon Magee (Royals gone, but Magee remains on the injured list with an undisclosed ailment, if he's healthy he should be included, big asterix here for now)<br />
11. William Carrier (Cape Breton got thrown to the Sea Dogs, Carrier has good potential to be one of the only Q representatives on this team)<br />
12. Chris Marchese (Windsor's out, Marchese has a real shot after strong second half of OHL season)<br />
13. Matthew Campagna (Sudbury is done, Campagna a serious consideration for Canada)<br />
14. Coda Gordon (Swift Current didn't make the playoffs, his numbers turned a lot of heads this year)<br />
15. Christophe Lalancette (Acadie-Bathurst is out, Lalancette could be a consideration)<br />
16. Steven Hodges (Royals are out, Hodges deserves debate)<br />
17. Ryan Olsen (Could be anywhere from 10 to 20 on this list, Blades are out, Olsen on the bubble at least)<br />
18. Branden Troock (People love him, he's got a shot and his team is done)<br />
19. Carter Rigby (Good character player, would be an asset in short term competition, Kelowna is done)<br />
20. Chandler Stephenson (Just got knocked out, really playing with the idea of moving up the depth chrat as he has quietly been a very consistent player in the WHL this year)<br />
21. Anthony Mantha (Reports are he's already been asked to participate, nothing certain yet)<br />
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Other bubble forwards: Alex Forsberg, Garrett Hooey, Morgan Klimchuk, Connor Honey, Connor Brown, Zane Jones<br />
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Defense<br />
1. Matt Dumba (lock, likely captain as well)<br />
2. Matt Finn (Guelph is out, Finn will be a huge part of the Canadian D)<br />
3. Adam Pelech (Count him in)<br />
4. Damon Severson (Rockets are out, Severson a lock now)<br />
5. Gianluca Curcuruto (Team is out, he had a strong showing at summer U18 camp, good shot here)<br />
6. Trevor Carrick (Majors out, he has a very strong shot to be named)<br />
7. Brett Kulak (Giants are out, Kulak has some fans, could find his way onto this squad)<br />
8. Josh Morrissey (Already out, chances are slim...but you're saying there's a chance)<br />
<br />
Other bubble defenders: Nick Walters, Darnell Nurse, Matt Murphy<br />
<br />
Goaltenders<br />
1. Chris Driedger (Hitmen out, Driedger should be the starter for Canada, however not everyone is as high on him as I am)<br />
2. Matthew Murray (The Soo is out, Murray has a lot of fans since the Top Prospect Game, battle between top 4 goalies will be tight)<br />
3. Francois Tremblay (Pretty strong shot at making this team either way, team is already out)<br />
4. Daniel Althsuler (Already backstopped Canada to one U18 Gold Medal, showed very well in OHL playoffs but Niagara too strong for the Gennies) <br />
5. Brandon Whitney (Likely the odd man out of just the debate, but anything can happen, team was upset in 1st round of Quebec league playoffs....every team could use a Martimer....)<br />
Bubble Goalies: Dominic Graham <br />
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I will be in the Czech Republic covering the event and will add some blogs on here as well as for the Hockey News (<a href="http://www.thehockeynews.com/">www.thehockeynews.com</a>)<br />
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A full prospect report and import draft report will also follow and they will be available at <a href="http://www.isshockey.com/">www.isshockey.com</a>Ross MacLeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16123245664734284259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2757582336221160280.post-27538444334002864142012-04-01T22:46:00.000-07:002012-04-01T22:46:38.998-07:00End of the Weekend U18 Team Canada Depth Chart UpdateVancouver, Oshawa, Acadie-Bathurst, Guelph, and Sarnia all saw their seasons come to a close on the weekend, meaning more potential players for Canada's U18 team.<br />
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Here is an updated depth chart of the potential player pool for Canada:<br />
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1. Sean Monahan or Brendan Gaunce (Guaranteed one of these players, barring injury) - 3-2 series lead for Monahan and the 67s.<br />
2. Scott Laughton (Generals are done, he's a sure bet)<br />
3. Jarrod Maidens (Attack are out but Maidens hasn't played in a long while and likely won't start at the U18s)<br />
4. Gemel Smith (A lock to make the team now that Attack are out)<br />
5. Kerby Rychel (Windsor is now out, Rychel is a sure bet)<br />
6. Mike Winther (Already eliminated, should be on the team)<br />
7. Troy Bourke (Cougars didn't qualify for the playoffs, Bourke should be on the team)<br />
8. Scott Kosmachuk (Plymouth knocked them out, Kosmachuk is a great fit for Canada)<br />
9. Sam Reinhart (Ice are out, he's free to join, would be a smart choice but not guaranteed)<br />
10. Brandon Magee (Royals gone, but Magee remains on the injured list with an undisclosed ailment, if he's healthy he should be included, big asterix here for now)<br />
11. William Carrier (Cape Breton got thrown to the Sea Dogs, Carrier has good potential to be one of the only Q representatives on this team)<br />
12. Chris Marchese (Windsor's out, Marchese has a real shot after strong second half of OHL season)<br />
13. Matthew Campagna (Sudbury is done, Campagna a serious consideration for Canada)<br />
14. Coda Gordon (Swift Current didn't make the playoffs, his numbers turned a lot of heads this year)<br />
15. Christophe Lalancette (Acadie-Bathurst is out, Lalancette could be a consideration)<br />
16. Steven Hodges (Royals are out, Hodges deserves debate)<br />
17. Ryan Olsen (Could be anywhere from 10 to 20 on this list, Blades are out, Olsen on the bubble at least)<br />
18. Branden Troock (People love him, he's got a shot and his team is done)<br />
19. Carter Rigby (Good character player, would be an asset in short term competition, Kelowna is done)<br />
20. Chandler Stephenson (Just got knocked out, really playing with the idea of moving up the depth chrat as he has quietly been a very consistent player in the WHL this year)<br />
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Other bubble forwards: Alex Forsberg, Garrett Hooey, Morgan Klimchuk, Connor Honey, Connor Brown, Zane Jones, Anthony Mantha<br />
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Defense<br />
1. Matt Dumba (lock, likely captain as well)<br />
2. Matt Finn (Guelph is out, Finn will be a huge part of the Canadian D)<br />
3. Adam Pelech (Count him in)<br />
4. Damon Severson (Rockets are out, Severson a lock now)<br />
5. Gianluca Curcuruto (Team is out, he had a strong showing at summer U18 camp, good shot here)<br />
6. Trevor Carrick (An updated addition to this list as of the weekend, Majors are still alive though)<br />
7. Brett Kulak (Giants are out, Kulak has some fans, could find his way onto this squad)<br />
8. Aaron Ekbald (Barrie is up on the Majors 3-2, Ekbald gets serious consideration should Barrie lose out) Series over by Tuesday at the latest.<br />
9. Josh Morrissey (Already out, chances are slim...but you're saying there's a chance)<br />
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Other bubble defenders: Nic Walters, Darnell Nurse, Matt Murphy<br />
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Goaltenders<br />
1. Chris Driedger (Hitmen out, Driedger should be the starter for Canada, however not everyone is as high on him as I am)<br />
2. Matthew Murray (The Soo is out, Murray has a lot of fans since the Top Prospect Game, battle between top 4 goalies will be tight)<br />
3. Francois Tremblay (Pretty strong shot at making this team either way, team is already out)<br />
4. Daniel Althsuler (Already backstopped Canada to one U18 Gold Medal, showing very well in OHL playoffs which could make point moot if Oshawa upsets Niagara) Tied 2-2 in series, game 5 goes tonight.<br />
5. Brandon Whitney (Likely the odd man out of just the debate, but anything can happen, team was upset in 1st round of Quebec league playoffs....every team could use a Martimer....)<br />
Bubble Goalies: Dominic GrahamRoss MacLeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16123245664734284259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2757582336221160280.post-82964150733064584462012-03-31T01:22:00.000-07:002012-03-31T01:22:56.850-07:00Friday's U18 Depth Chart UpdateFriday night update:<br />
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1. Sean Monahan or Brendan Gaunce (Guaranteed one of these players, barring injury) - 3-2 series lead for Monahan and the 67s.<br />
2. Charles Hudon (unlikely, considering Chicoutimi has a 3-2 series lead at this point) - game 6 Sunday, 7 on Tuesday if necessary.<br />
3. Scott Laughton (in a tough series with Niagara, winning would be an upset, he should be here) - game 5 goes tonight, game 6 Sunday, game 7 Tuesday if need be.<br />
4. Jarrod Maidens (Attack are out but Maidens hasn't played in a long while and likely won't start at the U18s)<br />
5. Gemel Smith (Maidens teammate on the Attack is a lock to make the team now that they are out)<br />
6. Kerby Rychel (Windsor is now out, Rychel is a sure bet)<br />
7. Mike Winther (Already eliminated, should be on the team)<br />
8. Troy Bourke (Cougars didn't qualify for the playoffs, Bourke should be on the team)<br />
9. Tom Wilson or Scott Kosmachuk (Close series, one or the other likely a lock in a similar role) 2-2 series game 5 goes saturday<br />
10. Sam Reinhart (Ice are out, he's free to join, would be a smart choice)<br />
11. Brandon Magee (Royals gone, but Magee remains on the injured list with an undisclosed ailment, if he's healthy he should be included, big asterix here for now)<br />
12. William Carrier (Cape Breton got thrown to the Sea Dogs, Carrier has good potential to be one of the only Q representatives on this team)<br />
13. Chris Marchese (Windsor's out, Marchese has a real shot after strong second half of OHL season)<br />
14. Matthew Campagna (Sudbury is done, Campagna a serious consideration for Canada)<br />
15. Coda Gordon (Swift Current didn't make the playoffs, I'm not huge on him, but Hockey Canada may disagree with me....it's happened before)<br />
16. Christophe Lalancette (Acadie-Bathurst is on the bubble of elimination, Lalancette could be a consideration) Down 3-2, series will wrap up by Tuesday at the latest.<br />
17. Steven Hodges (Royals are out, Hodges deserves debate)<br />
18. Ryan Olsen (Could be anywhere from 16 to 21 on this list, Blades are out, Olsen on the bubble at least)<br />
19. Branden Troock (People love him, he's got a shot and his team is done)<br />
20. Carter Rigby (Good character player, would be an asset in short term competition, Kelowna is done)<br />
21. Chandler Stephenson (Just got knocked out, really playing with the idea of moving up the depth chrat as he has quietly been a very consistent player in the WHL this year)<br />
Other bubble forwards: Alex Forsberg, Morgan Klimchuk, Connor Honey, Zane Jones, Anthony Mantha<br />
<br />
Defense<br />
1. Matt Dumba (lock, likely captain as well)<br />
2. Matt Finn (Guelph in a serious battle with Plymouth, underdogs but too close to call so far) Series locked at 2 games a piece, resumes Saturday.<br />
3. Adam Pelech (Count him in)<br />
4. Damon Severson (Rockets are out, Severson a lock now)<br />
5. Gianluca Curcuruto (Team is out, he had a strong showing at summer U18 camp, good shot here)<br />
6. Brett Kulak (In a big series battle with Spokane, currently all knotted up, keep an eye out) Tied 2-2, game 5 goes tonight<br />
7. Jesse Graham (Niagara has their hands full right now but is favored to move on) Still locked at 2, game 5 is set for Saturday.<br />
8. Aaron Ekbald (Barrie is knotted up with the Majors 2-2, Ekbald gets serious consideration should Barrie lose out) Game 5 on the schedule for Saturday.<br />
9. Josh Morrissey (Already out, chances are slim...but you're saying there's a chance)<br />
10. Reid Gow (Spokane is tied 2-2 with Giants, in the conversation if they can't pull it out) Game 5 - Friday<br />
Other bubble defenders: Nic Walters, Darnell Nurse, Matt Murphy, Cole Wedman<br />
<br />
Goaltenders<br />
1. Chris Driedger (Hitmen out, Driedger should be the starter for Canada, however not everyone is as high on him as I am)<br />
2. Matthew Murray (The Soo is out, Murray has a lot of fans since the Top Prospect Game, battle between top 4 goalies will be tight)<br />
3. Francois Tremblay (Pretty strong shot at making this team either way, team is already out)<br />
4. Daniel Althsuler (Already backstopped Canada to one U18 Gold Medal, showing very well in OHL playoffs which could make point moot if Oshawa upsets Niagara) Tied 2-2 in series, game 5 goes tonight.<br />
5. Brandon Whitney (Likely the odd man out of just the debate, but anything can happen, team was upset in 1st round of Quebec league playoffs....every team could use a Martimer....)<br />
Bubble Goalies: Dominic GrahamRoss MacLeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16123245664734284259noreply@blogger.com0