Team play was messy and it is only one game but here are some observations.
Forwards
88-Mangiapane
Strong skating, created chances, around the puck, held on to the puck a bit too long at times but was trying to make plays. I am interested to see how he does against better defenders at main camp.
77-Jankowski
The best forward on the ice. Very poised and confident. Won face offs, controlled the puck, created chances and has a quick wrister that resulted in a goal and a post. Makes the players around him better.
15-Foo
At 23 he should look good and he did. Strong on the forecheck, blocked shots, offensive chances, great skating and a nice end-to-end rush.
60-Pollock
Looked quicker than I remember. Had some chances with Dube and Phillips early in the game but his play disappeared and moved down the lines.
59-Dube
Continued to drive play and you can see his 2-way ability. He creates chances with his persistence and skating. Not elite level skill or flashy but there is definitely pro potential.
47-Phillips
Used his quickness a few times.had a nice lateral cut across the crease and the goalie made a good save. A few nice passes his teammates didn't expect led to missed opportunities.
89-Dove-McFalls
Didn't stand out.
63-Ruzicka
Big centre had a pretty good game. Showed flashes of why he was ranked higher than where he was drafted. He could use some more speed in his game but seemed to have a good feel for the game.
71-Smith
Not much in the way of hands. Some plays seemed to die around him. Didn't crush anyone. Interesting project but don't see much in the way of progression.
50-Rassell
Involved in the play but not much to show for it.
80-Gawdin
Best of the tryouts. Threw a massive hit in open ice. Won some face offs and looked to be defensively responsible. Maybe an AHL depth signing?
48-Fischer
Very involved physically and in the play in general. Threw a big hit. Moved up the lineup to play with Dube later in the game. Might have a chance to play in Stockton this year.
Defence
42-Valimaki
Consistent, intelligent play from the Finn. His poise would make you think he was a 23 year old in this tournament rather than 18 as he made it look easy. Quietly used his skill to escape 2 or 3 forecheckers at a time with ease on a number of occasions. Crisp passes, smart play on the power play. Rarely, if ever gave the puck away. Scored with a solid wrister. Very impressed. He should get a long look at main camp.
54-Andersson
Some nice offensive plays, some big hits, some penalties. He is clearly head and shoulders above all the other Flames d-men in this game not named Valimaki.
68-Ollas-Mattsson
Raw potential is there. Some nice passes, good reach, long strides but still gets walked around. He still has a long way to progress and I question whether he will develop the ability to play at NHL speed so you can see why he was only given an AHL deal.
43-Doetzel
Fairly steady game, not an NHL speed player as of now, hence the AHL deal.
85-Healey
Very physical, constantly throwing hits all over the ice. Needed very little space to line up his man. A few nice defensive plays down low but not mistake-free. I am interested to see him play with a better d partner.
73-Watson
Didn't do much to stand out positively. A couple bad giveaways. I'd be surprised if he got another game.
Goalies
82-Parsons
Good quickness, tracking of the puck, competitiveness. Got beat top blocker a couple times. Hard to judge on one game where he wasn't all that busy.
|