[Tilley]

This can probably go in the Heat discussion thread, but here is my evaluation of the Heat following the two-game sweep of the Charlotte Checkers that clinched a spot in the playoffs.

Game 1 (Saturday):
Line-up:
Desbiens-Laing-Rheault
Horak-Walter-Nemisz
Kolanos-Byron-Sylvester
Estoclet-Bancks-Eddy

Breen-Wilson
Piskula-Connelly
Testwuide-Tuzzolino

Taylor
Backed up by Glover

This was a great road game by the Heat. They overcame a weak first period, took everything the Checkers could throw at them and came out for the 2nd period like a different team. Once the Heat took the lead in the third, they shut it down for the win.

Game 2 (Sunday):
Line-up:
Jessiman-Laing-Rheault
Horak-Walter-Nemisz
Kolanos-Byron-Sylvester
Leblond-Bancks-Estoclet

Breen-Wilson
Piskula-Connelly
Testwuide-Tuzzolino

Taylor
Backed up by Glover

The score really tells the tale on this one. The Heat dominated every aspect of this game. After the fourth goal the whole arena was wondering how many could the Heat get. The line of Kolanos-Byron-Sylvester toyed with Charlotte defenders and abused Murphy and Peters in net. It was tough to evaluate the team in the third period as the Kolanos line sat and the fourth line got PP time aplenty.

Special Teams:
PK:
Bancks-Nemisz
Laing-Rheault

Testwuide-Piskula
Breen-Tuzzolini

PP:
Kolanos-Byron-Sylvester
Jessiman(G2)/Horak(G1)-Walter-Horak(G2)/Nemisz(G1)

Wilson-Kolanos**
Breen-Connelly

**When Kolanos was at the point, they would have one guy on the point with Kolanos at the half boards, Byron/Sylvester at the other half boards and then a big body (Nemisz/Jessiman) or Rheault in the middle to screen or in the slot in the middle of the PK box.

Comments on Individual Players:
Kolanos: Obviously dominated the weekend. He is simply a different class of player compared to most in the AHL. He scored at will and set up his linemates for easy finishes. His tendancy to float and limited desire to work in his own zone may be the only deficiency in his game.

Byron: Also really looked good in both games. Uses his speed well and willing to instigate/take contact to make the play. He could be on the big club roster next year or be the first call up.

Sylvester: Yes, he's small. Smaller than Byron (an inch or two on skates). Plays big though. More physical than I expected, but with all the flash of a highly skilled player. Not sure if he ever makes the big club, but he could very well end up a AAAA player (Almost too good to play at the AHL level, but just not good enough to play in the NHL). He reminds me of Darren Haydar who routinely killed the Knights/QC Flames.

Nemisz: I was impressed with his play all weekend. His skating is better than I thought watching in person compared to his games with Calgary. He will never be the fastest or best skater on the Flames, but his skating is sufficient for the NHL. He played in all scenarios and played well. Doesn't dominate every shift, but does show glimpses throughout. Some shifts he shows of his excellent hands, other shifts he uses his size to get to the net. If he can consistently use his tools he's a top six player, if he remains inconsistent he will be a Moss clone with better hands.

Horak: Was a little disappointed with him this weekend. I was hoping he would be more dominant based on his solid play for the Flames. He did play well both games although he was on the wing vs center with Calgary. Charlotte looked to really take the body to him, which may have had him looking over his shoulder.

Bancks: Great bottom six player both games. He worked harder than any player on either team in both games. I could see him getting a cup of coffee next year to see if he can sink or swim. If not, he's the future captain of the Heat and will be a tremendous leader for the team for years to come.

Eddy: Didn't get a lot of time on the ice during Saturday's game but didn't look too out of place. His skating looked good and he battled but he has some adjustments to make to earn a spot at the AHL level. He was tentative and turned the puck over, but that is to be expected playing in just his third AHL game.