Johnny Hockey At WC

[Goriders]

Wanted to see how he'd do against the bigger bodied NHL/KHL calibre players. To see if he'd have issues with the bigger, faster guys.

From what I saw today against Belarus, I'll be super surprised if he's not on the team next year out of training camp. He does not look out of place. I also think he'll be an impact player for us next year. We don't really have any other players like him (with his tool box) except for maybe Cammy. Vison, speed, shot. Cammalleri might be gone too.

Hudler is similar. But John seems to have more of a scorers touch.

Can't wait for next season. Should be a crazy training camp.

[Yoho]

Pretty insane how decent he looked beside good NHL talent

[Goriders]

Originally Posted by Yoho

Pretty insane how decent he looked beside good NHL talent

And exciting!!

[EVERLAST]

He's the second coming of Joey Mullen.......he'll be the highest scoring American before he's done .

[AcGold]

Its like he thinks twice as fast as everyone else. He's so speedy he attacks the puck on the opposite side where his opponent expects so he takes the puck and he's gone before they even seen him.

[GoJetsGo]

I know that in the case of his first NHL game as well as today it's a small sample size... but I thought he was the best forward on the ice in both games. I know the Vancouver game was a nothing game at the end of the season, and this was just the first WC game... but either way, it's a trend that seems to continue. He's always one of the most dynamic players in the game when he's playing.

The size doesn't seem as much as an issue as I would have thought a few years back. He is small no doubt, but he's very elusive. He also has an incredible knack for sneaking away from coverage in the offensive zone and shows good awareness for a young player in getting into a defensive position. He also battles for the puck with much bigger players a lot better than I would have imagined.

I too think he's going to make the Flames next season. I think Cammy will be gone and it will allow for another spot to be filled by a smaller player. I think it will be in doubt going into camp but I'd be willing to wager he'll keep putting up points in the exhibition games next season and will force the Flames' hand. No idea how many points he'll put up in his rookie season, but I think the plesant suprise will be that he makes the NHL next season and sticks. Just my take.

[Gaskal]

Gaudreau - Monahan - Colborne next year?

[kyuss275]

Haven't seen him play in the worlds, but if he was anything like the game in Vancouver, then he has a good shot of making the flames out of camp next year.

[GoJetsGo]

He seemed to start slow in the first period today and then after his goal the look on Peter Laviolette's face was priceless. After that, I would wager he lead Team USA in ice time. He was out a lot in the third period and was making something happen every time he touched the puck. In short, he looked like he has in just about every game I've seen him in over the last few years.

[#-3]

Originally Posted by EVERLAST

He's the second coming of Joey Mullen.......he'll be the highest scoring American before he's done .

You know all those guys who are always saying, "Honestly, I see 600 goals and 1300 points out of this guy"

Lets just be optimistic that he can make the NHL as a 21 year old. It looks good right now.

[Falclore]

Originally Posted by EVERLAST

He's the second coming of Joey Mullen.......he'll be the highest scoring American before he's done .

While I hope he does get there, I think it will be Kane who passes Mullen and holds the crown.

[Caged Great]

[Geeoff]

Originally Posted by Caged Great

Hard not to be excited by skating that fast and a wrist shot that accurate.

[Roof-Daddy]

His playing style is IMO so similar to Patrick Kane.

Short quick stride, very shifty/elusive, tremendous acceleration, puck on a string, hockey IQ through the roof and not to mention that shot.

[SHOGUN]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

His playing style is IMO so similar to Patrick Kane.

Short quick stride, very shifty/elusive, tremendous acceleration, puck on a string, hockey IQ through the roof and not to mention that shot.

A lot of people like to compare Patrick Kane to small, skilled, high IQ players.. but JG is the closest player to Patrick Kane than any other player imo.

[Homeslice]

Originally Posted by Caged Great

That is just filthy dirty...I need a shower after seeing that

[Saqe]

Originally Posted by Geeoff

Hard not to be excited by skating that fast and a wrist shot that accurate.

goes of the defenders stick lol

[Red Ice Player]

There is just nothing tentative in the play of Johnny Gaudreau. I've said before that I don't think he plays a game in the minor leagues. He already has elite offensive talent and he knows what backchecking is too. He is a master of the stick lift. He's slight in stature but he optimizes every ounce of physical strength he has in playing his game. The only possible reason to send him to the American League would be to let him get a little bigger. Fair enough, but it would be a waste and his play will make sending him down impossible to justify. He's an NHLer already.

[Caged Great]

Originally Posted by Saqe

goes of the defenders stick lol

I think it misses the stick entirely although not by much.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by Saqe

goes of the defenders stick lol

No, I don't think it does.

Laugh out loud.