Quote:
Originally Posted by Itse
I think it's completely unfair to say that everybody looked terrible, but one thing did stand out to me though as somewhat worrying; the new guys didn't seem to have the system down that well, outside of Wotherspoon who has been practising with the Flames. Not a great showing for the coaching in Adirondack in that sense... (Just one game of course, lots of nerves etc.)
Bennett looked like a guy we could use in the lineup, but it was pretty easy to see why Hartley & co haven't given him icetime before. I hope this cools down the hype over this kid. He is good, and the potential is easy to see, but give it some time.
Wolf I don't think will ever be ready. The guy seems to have just terrible hands and a lack of agility that's too much of an issue. Physical and quick on a straight line, but that's about it.
Not going to judge the others other than by saying that it was pretty clear these were still AHL guys.
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Sure none of them looked great, that's because they played in another league this year. Remember how Johnny started this year? He almost couldn't make the team.
If there's one thing I have learned is that Hartley is able to utilize his players strengths. He turned Ferland from a guy getting cut from the the NHL to an impact player, Jooris from a nobody to a fairly reliable player that contributes in many ways, Wideman from a guy many of us thought should be off the team to an absolutely pivotal component of the team. Don't rule anyone out yet, not with Hartley at the helm. Wolf could become a bulldozer power forward if Bob can work his magic.