Quote:
Originally Posted by Jables16
As for the other guys, the good: Horak is at worst a responsible two-way player, you feel confident putting him out in any situation and if he puts up some points all the better. Byron while obviously limited by his size notched an assist. Hanowski is a big body with some good hockey sense and a nose for the net. Reinhart with a solid all-around game as usual, seems like the guy most likely to make the team out of camp next year.
The not so good: Street had a solid if unspectacular game, one of his better as a Flame but it just seems like he lacks the spark that would help him stick as an offensive type player in the NHL.
Blair Jones apparently had almost 20 minutes of ice time, I say apparently because he was hardly noticeable. In his best appearances with the Flames he was a real s***-disturber, stirred things up and got the opposition of their game, didn't really see much of that today.
Aliu definitely has the physical tools to be an NHL player but I just don't think he has the focus and smarts to stick. Most of the time it seems like he's out there running around and reacting rather than reading and anticipating. He seems destined to be a call-up fourth line player to inject a bit of energy for a few minutes a game. Although considering what he's been through he certainly could've done worse for himself.
I was worried that Bancks would come out and instigate a fight or take some sort of dumb penalty and hurt the team to make an impression but given his reputation as the ultimate team guy I guess I shouldn't have been worried. I didn't see much out of him but did only get about 10 minutes. We could certainly use a player of his ilk, fearless, willing to do whatever it takes so I'd love for him to work out.
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Byron was meh to me. Looks like an AHLer. I don't hold out much hope for him, wished we had kept the 2nd rounder and just sent Kotalik and Regehr for Butler.
Street I thought was much more impressive. Made a bunch of smart plays. Doesn't look like an offensive guy but definitely could be a tweener that can centre your checking line. He was solid for his 16 minutes.
Jones definitely didn't have his best effort. He was trying out there but not as effective as last year. He needs to be more involved. Surprised he played as much as he did.
Aliu has the size and skating to be a nice 4th line grinder but lacks some hockey sense, especially in the defensive zone. It'll be interesting to see if he continues to develop or not.
Bancks looks like he could be a Begin type player in the future. A 4th line grinder with heart. Not an upgrade on anything we've got though, Bouma/Jackman/McGrattan already ahead of him IMO.
Cundari was definitely exposed at times. Still like his upside.
Cervenka obviously showed some great hands and finish. He and Baertschi were our biggest offensive threats.
Hanowski didn't really stand to me for good or bad. His skating isn't so bad that he sticks out for it, at least on TV. Hopefully he develops next season because we could use his size down the line.
Brodie continues to show how much his skating allows him to do things. He's a real treat to watch.