Quote:
Originally Posted by fatso
whoa, didn't that see that tweet about Baertschi. I think he is right - he has done what was asked of him since last season (at least as far as I know, someone with more knowledge will surely correct me if I'm wrong). I too worry about his confidence. Hopefully he can stay the course and get rewarded with a call-up soon.
|
Yes and no.
Yes, he came into camp in unbelievable shape. Yes, he played his butt off and looked like the Sven Baertschi they drafted out of Portland. Yes, he played a 200-foot game and even added a bit of physicality. So he did do what was asked of him...
...But that was for a grand total of five pre-season games.
Last year, what I saw (and others on this forum who followed the Heat) was a lazy, weak, occasionally skilled player. Before he even went into the corner to battle for a puck it was a forgone conclusion that he wasn't going to get it. Players would skate right past him and all he'd do is swing his stick weakly as they left him in ice shavings. In his own zone, more often than not, a lamp post could've defended better.
But if this pre-season is any indication, Sven has broken out of those crappy habits and is a legitimate
complete player. Now, let's see it on a consistent basis Sven! If he does that for 15-20 games in the AHL, scores like crazy, shows Huska he's got a great attitude, then, and only then, will he be given a roster spot.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Henry Fool
That would be nice but I suspect players don't necessarily get personal time with the coaches in these situations. Maybe a former first rounder is used to receiving more attention.
|
They do get one-on-one time with the coaches and management when they're demoted. Even career AHLers and Tweeners like Cundari, Ben Walter and Krys Kolanos got one-on-one time. It's actually a vital time for players, coaches and GMs to all be on the same page.