[Cali Panthers Fan]

My notes on the game tonight:

Monahan: looks faster. Incredible hands and awareness. Guy is going to have a big year

Tkachuk: usual feistiness. Looked a little behind the play, but his effort made up for it. Needs to get some more game action to be ready for the year

Jankowski: He’s ready. Quick, good hands, good stick and reach, can contribute at both ends of the ice. He’s not going to put up a ton of points this year, but he’ll probably hit 30.

Foo: Looked rough at the start, but came around and put more effort in as the game went on. He’s got no problem getting physical, but his lack of weight puts him at a disadvantage. Add 10 pounds and he’s an NHLer

Hrivik: Great signing for some depth skill at center. He had great wheels and was solid at both ends of the ice. I’d be totally comfortable calling him up to play if needed. Quite surprising how good he is considering I’d never heard of him before.

Lazar: He looked lost to start, especially on the first goal, but got better as the game went on. He’s one of those guys that will do better the more ice time you give him. He’s a player that needs to feel his way into the game, which explains why a prolonged illness threw his game off so much. IF he plays regularly, he’ll be a good bottom 6 winger.

Hathaway: Good energy, some physicality, but little to no effect on the game.

Poirier: Like others, took a bit of time to feel his way into the game, but had a few shifts where he was after the puck like a dog on a bone. IF he is consistent with that type of play, he can be in the NHL.

Dube: He’s really good. His speed and anticipation for the play make him an ideal checking winger, and he’s got enough offense to finish a play if needed. He reminds me so much of Andrew Cogliano. He’s going to be in the NHL next year.

Cramarossa: Cut him loose. He adds nothing at all.

Lomberg: Love his heart, but he’s not an NHL caliber player. Great leader for Stockton though.

Gazdic: Wow was he bad. I hope he doesn’t have an opportunity to play much for the parent club. He did try to step up in scrums and start a fight, but I need more than that.

Valimaki: He looked overmatched against NHLers tonight. He’s got great tools, and he’s going to be an NHLer, but not this year.

Stone: Looked like a very calm veteran out there. Great gap control, defensive zone play, and good shot from the point. He looks ready for the season to start now.

Bartkowski: Not noticeably terrible. That’s as good as it has been for him in preseason. Still, not a guy I’m fond of.

Andersson: I loved his ability to be all over the ice trying to make a difference. He’s solid enough that he could be in the NHL right now and I wouldn’t lose any sleep over it. If he were a lefty he would have the #6 spot guaranteed.

Kulak: Had a few moments where he looked competent, even good, but still some egregious turnovers, was outmatched physically, and was lucky he didn’t have more goals go in while he was on the ice. He was about 50/50 good and bad tonight. Not enough to earn the #6 spot.

Wotherspoon: Looked ok to start, but got steadily worse as the game went on. Poor zone exits, lots of turnovers, and just a general lack of enthusiasm. I think his potential as an NHLer is pretty much done.

Lack: Looked just a tad slow, but I can’t fault him on any of the goals, especially Laine's. Lack will be having nightmares featuring Laine tonight. Made the saves he was supposed to, which is what you need from a backup. Rebound control could have been a little better.

Oh, and I hope that Gulutzan is going to work a LOT on the penalty kill over the next few days. That was a pitiful display tonight.

Trouba can go suck a bag of dicks. That was a dirty hit on Hrivik after a dump in. Jesus man, it’s pre-season and you've already made the team there hot shot. You don’t have to finish high on a guy who’s dumping the puck in. Just let it go. What a dirty POS. I hope he gets his clock cleaned the next time we play the Jets.