Quad City's first season - another Drunk Skunk retrospective

[Drunk Skunk]

As I mentioned in another post, I'm not going to have a whole lot of time coming up in the next week or two, so I decided to post this now. I don't think anything will happen in the last four games to change my mind. I'll update the "Standings" section when I get back from San Antonio though.

The Standings - With four games left, Quad City sits in seventh place in the AHL's Western division. They are two points behind Peoria for sixth place, and are four points ahead of Iowa for last place. All three teams(QC, Peoria, Iowa) are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. The Flames' 79 points would still have them within striking distance of a playoff spot were they in any other of the AHL's three divisions. I would think that the goal now would be to avoid falling into the cellar, and overtake Peoria if possible.

The Team - Little has changed from my recap of how the team played for the first half of the season. They are either hot or cold, very rarely in between. What is extremely frustrating, from a fan's point of view, is that the team does not play well at home. Unfortunately I can't find the stats right now, but the home record is well below .500. In fact, until this past Saturday, the team had not won at home in over a month, including a stretch of being held scoreless for over 200 minutes. On the road, they play as a completely different team, and are well over the .500 mark. Also, the Flames have set a league record by going into 18 shootouts so far this season.

The Coaches - My opinion of the coaching staff has changed a bit from the mid-way point of the season. McGill is a very no nonsense coach, and he always speaks his mind to the media. However, I've very very rarely, if ever, read or heard him take any sort of blame. He always hangs it on the players, and I feel as though the inconsistencies through out the season should at least, partially, fall on him. What I think is most important is how they prepare the team for the next level, and they are both doing a great job. I notice very little difference, even this late in the season, in the style of play here in QC and the style of play in Calgary. Overall, I am happy with the coaching staff. Scott Allen is very personable and is always great on the weekly radio show.

[Drunk Skunk]

The Forwards - Again, not much has changed on this front throughout the season. It has been exciting to watch several of the players grow and mature. Most of the forwards on the team are very hard working, gritty, and steady players. However, they are not an overly skilled bunch. Hard work will only get a team so far, there needs to be some skill and luck involved, which the team has been a bit lacking this season(especially the latter). The biggest issue with the forwards that I have is the inconsistency of the players that get paid to score, but I will get to that when I break then down individually.

Grant Stevenson - Stevenson has had a breakout year, proving that he can play on a number one line in the AHL. However, after his huge tear in January, he has been pretty quiet. He doesn't stand out as a defensive forward, but I take that as a good thing. He rarely makes mistakes on his own end and is quick to get back. I would not mind seeing him back, but I don't think he is essential to success next season. Contract Status - Free Agent

Krys Kolanos - Where do I start? Kolanos may be the most talented player on the team, however there is very little doubt that is plays like he is the laziest. I'm shocked when I see him make physical contact with another player, or even make his way into the defensive zone. I hope he does not return. Contact Status - Free Agent

Brandon Prust - Let me preface this by saying I like Prust and think he does a good job as a third line AHL player, however I see and hear most Calgary fans want to give him a shot ... go ahead. I don't think there is a more over-rated player on the team. I think what bothers me most is the misconception that Prust is physical. He is not. He fights, but he hits anyone. I can't recall one big check by him this season. However, is quick to drop the gloves and is always there to defend a team mate. He also takes bad penalties and then chirps at the ref about them, usually getting another two minutes in the process. I would not mind him back, but I wouldn't be broken hearted if he wasn't here. Contract Status - Free Agent

David Van Der Gulik - I'm not overly impressed with Van Der Gulik on the ice. He is very inconsistent, but is very reliable. He is one of only two players to play in every game this season. He also played in all 80 games last year. I've not noticed one thing that he does really well, but he is pretty good in general. I can see him being a middle of the road AHL player, but I don't think he could make the jump to the NHL. I would actually prefer to bring in someone younger for his role next season. Contract Status - Free Agent

Carsen Germyn - As I said in my mid-season recap, Germyn has both been a surprise and a disappointment this season. His scoring has dropped off dramatically, however he has brought a lot more then just scoring to the team. He is great in the energy role and is usually throwing his body around. I don't see him being an every day NHL player, but I have little doubt that he could be a top tier AHL player. I'm glad that he's coming back, and think that he will provide leadership for another young team next year. Contract Status - Signed

Warren Peters - He has really improved in the face off circle since the start of the season. It seemed that he had a problem listening to the linesmen, but he's gotten over that. He'll only get kicked out every fourth or fifth time now instead of every other time before. I think he is a great captain for the team. However, like much of the rest of the team, he is very inconsistent. There are times when he is a cannonball, a force on the ice, hitting everything and drawing penalties ... but he doesn't play like that all the time. If he did, then there would be no doubt he'd be in the NHL. He is also tough as nails, he took a slapshot to the face and was back on the ice about two weeks later. I'm looking forward to him being the captain next season. Contract Status - Signed

Tomi Maki - Tomi is one of the players that appears to give 100% on each and every shift. He is great on the penalty kill and is always all over the ice. I think it might take him part of another season at the AHL level, but I for see him being a Yelle type player in the NHL. Under-rated by most fans, I think he is one of the players of the year. I would really like to see him at least start the season here next year and then make Calgary's squad. Status - Free Agent

Kris Chucko - I'm not really sure what to say about Chucko. He's very popular, but I couldn't tell you why. He shows flashes of a scoring touch, but then it disappears for a long stretch. He's not overly physical and doesn't play special teams very often. There's just not really much else to say about him. He hasn't improved statistically from last season, but is the only other player, aside from Van Der Gulik, to play in every game this season. It wouldn't break my heart if he was traded in the offseason. Contract Status - Signed

Cam Cunning - Cam is another one of my favorite players from this season. Not overly skilled, like most of the forward corps, but he gives his all on every shift. He's been injured and was a healthy scratch for a few games, but I think he brings the sought-after intangibles to the team. He is a devastating body-checker and isn't afraid to hit anyone. I wouldn't be surprised to see him get a job in the NHL at some point, but I think it would be a long shot. I would like to see him back next season. Contract Status - Free Agent

Derek Couture - I think that he is another under-rated forward on the team. He doesn't do too much offensively, but has chipped in 10 goals this year - a career high for him. He excels defensively and is very physical. He has also dropped the gloves a few times this year. I don't see him as an every day NHL player, but I wouldn't be upset if QC makes a spot for him next season. However, I also wouldn't be upset if one of the incoming junior kids could do the same thing he does. Contract Status - Free Agent

Brett Sutter - I've been hard on him, on here, most of the year. Earlier, several times earlier, I said that he didn't belong in the AHL. At that point, I think I was right. However, over the past 20 games, there hasn't been a forward that has improved more. His small size is the only drawback right now, but he hasn't really let that negatively effect his game of late. If he could put on 10 or 15 pounds, but not lose his speed, I could see him in the NHL as early as late next season. That is, of course, if he keeps improving at this pace. Contract Status - Signed

Ryan Donally - He has played 10 games up here this season and hasn't registered a point. However, he's proved at the ECHL level, and the AHL level last season, that he can score pretty well for a tough guy. He hasn't fought since coming back, but that is due to his injured hand. I've heard that he'll have to have surgery on it this offseason. From the 10 games I've seen him play, I can't really make a judgment on his potential to play in the NHL, but I would like to see him up there. I also hope he's back here in QC next season as our thumper. Contract Status - Free Agent?

Eric Nystrom - Graduated
Dustin Boyd - Graduated
Adam Cracknell - Incomplete

[Drunk Skunk]

The Defensemen - For a very young blue line group, I think they have done a great job collectively. They are on pace, with four games left, to only give up another .46 goals a game compared to last year's team. I think that is a pretty impressive feat, considering the age of the defensemen and the inconsistent play of the goalies.

Tim Hambly - He started this season on fire and was the leading scorer for awhile. Unfortunately, his offensive prowess has dropped off over the season half of the season. One of only two players on AHL only contracts(Kolanos is the other), I expected a bit more out of an AHL 'ringer'. He has improved over 10 points from last season, but I think there are other defensemen out there that could do his job at least the same, if not better. Contract Status - Free Agent

Tim Ramholt - For most of the year, Ramholt was frustrating to watch. He made a lot of bad mistakes and was out of position quite a bit. However, over the past 10 games or so, I think he's played very well. He made a brutal mistake last weekend, but they are now coming every few games instead of every game. It's been cool to watch him improve over the course of the season. I look forward to seeing him get even better next season. Contract Status - Signed

Adam Pardy - I think Pardy is the second best defensive defenseman on the team, and perhaps the best all-around defenseman. He constantly improved over the course of the season. Unfortunately, his foot was broken when he blocked a slapshot a little while ago. However, he actually played on his broken foot for several games before having to go in for surgery. I'm looking forward to seeing him for at least part of of next season, before Calgary calls him up. Contract Status - Signed

Brett Palin - In my opinion, Palin is the hands down best defensive defenseman on the team. He is a +14, and on a team that has only one other player in the positive(Burke at +4), that is no accident. He is tough as nails and has an edge to his game. As I mentioned before, I think he on top of his game when he gets in the dirty shots here and there ... and he usually gets away with them. He was injured on two different occasions, but show no ill effects when he came back. If Peters wasn't the captain, I would like to see Palin wear the C next year. Contract Status - Signed

Matt Pelech - Pelech was the player that I picked out, at the start of the season, to watch very closely. He uses his size and his reach(I swear his arms are 9 feet long) very well. Over the course of the season he has really improved by leaps and bounds. His ice time has really taken off later in the year, and he has played mostly mistake free hockey. I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest to see him make the big club next season, although I think another year down here would be good for him. Contract Status - Signed

Brad Cole - Not really much has changed since my half season report on Cole. He still doesn't get much ice time, and is a healthy scratch more often than not. I rarely notice him when he's on the ice, but that's not a bad thing for a rookie defenseman. He doesn't make glaring mistakes. I look forward to seeing him get more ice time next season and improve further. Contract Status - Signed

Gord Baldwin - Baldwin is another that has really really improved over the course of the season. He rarely makes a blatant mistake and is solid on the blue line. For a rookie, he is very composed. If he continues to improve at the pace he's on, I think the NHL would be within his grasp at the end of next season. Contract Status - Signed

Gerry Burke - Burke is much like Baldwin, although he is a bit older. He uses his size well, but isn't overly physical, a lot like Baldwin. Unfortunately, his offensive prowess show in the ECHL hasn't translated to the AHL. He has, however, played a very solid defensive game. He is most often paired with Brett Palin, and his +4 reflects that. I think he'll be better after another year in the AHL. Contract Status - Signed

[beermoney]

Originally Posted by Drunk Skunk

What is extremely frustrating, from a fan's point of view, is that the team does not play well at home. Unfortunately I can't find the stats right now, but the home record is well below .500. In fact, until this past Saturday, the team had not won at home in over a month, including a stretch of being held scoreless for over 200 minutes. On the road, they play as a completely different team, and are well over the .500 mark.

J, hope this helps ya out.

On the Road

WINS: 21
LOSSES: 14
OVERTIME LOSSES: 0
SHOOT OUT LOSSES: 2


On Home Ice

WINS: 14
LOSSES: 18
OVERTIME LOSSES: 2
SHOOT OUT LOSSES: 5

[dobbles]

DS - great analysis as usual. i can't really think of any player that I disagree with you on.
I was waiting to see if you were going to offer any goalie analysis or other thoughts, but now that there are other posts i thought i would chime in.

[Vulcan]

Thanks, much appreciated Drunk Skunk. Some good news there, especially from our defence prospects.

[PIMking]

Next years D is going to be great! now if we can only get some offence help we should be okay. Is it september yet?

[killer_carlson]

I'll admit after reading the forwards I was quite concerned about the depth in our system.

I'm much happier after reading the D. That tells me there are at least a couple guys who will take Hale's roster spot - thank God.

[SparkyOne]

Great job, DS. I pretty much agree with you on all of your observations....except Ramholt. I agree that there has been some improvement since mid-season (thank goodness!), but I've seen him play in every one of those last 10 games and there have been some pretty horrible mistakes for a d-man who gets as much ice time as he does. He's not at all physical, lacks hustle, and is still taking stupid penalties. I will say, though, that his point contribution is nice!

I'm disappointed in Van der Gulik. He impressed me at the beginning of the season, but now I wouldn't be overly disappointed if he didn't return. I've been much more impressed with Maki's play...110% all the time. I love watching Donally out there and hope he's back next season. Also Peters, Cunning and Couture. And I'm so very impressed with the progress of Sutter. For one who thought very little of him until the last couple of months, I can't wait to see him back next season!

D-men....Palin, Burke and Pelech definitely lead the group. I also look forward to seeing Cole and Baldwin back. Gord has gotten better in his last few games.

[SparkyOne]

Question for whoever can answer it....

When I was looking, I noticed that Krahn is an unrestricted free agent, but the rest--McE, Pardy, Stevenson, Prust, Cunning, Donally, Maki, Couture, and Vandy--are restricted free agents.

About all I can find on this (minimal research due to time constraints!) is that the Flames must extend a qualifying offer to retain negotiating rights. And, since all of them make less than a million dollars a year, that offer has to be 110% of last year's salary.

Is that correct? And can anyone shed any more light on how this works??

[pioneer98]

Very nice summary. I agree with nearly all with maybe one or two exceptions.

I haven't been overly impressed with Pardy. Maybe my expectations were raised after the callup. But you are absolutely correct that Pelech has made excellent progress.

I think the small increase in goals allowed over last year can be partially explained by the inconsistent goaltending, but I don't think the defensemen are totally off the hook. Maybe it's just due to Ramholt's struggles, and the inconsistency of the youngsters (Burke, Baldwin, Cole).

[icarus]

Great summary, lots of hard work went into that. Many thanks.

[SebC]

Originally Posted by SparkyOne

Question for whoever can answer it....

When I was looking, I noticed that Krahn is an unrestricted free agent, but the rest--McE, Pardy, Stevenson, Prust, Cunning, Donally, Maki, Couture, and Vandy--are restricted free agents.

About all I can find on this (minimal research due to time constraints!) is that the Flames must extend a qualifying offer to retain negotiating rights. And, since all of them make less than a million dollars a year, that offer has to be 110% of last year's salary.

Is that correct? And can anyone shed any more light on how this works??

Basically that's it. RFAs can get offer sheets from other NHL teams, in which case the their team has the choice of matching, or accepting compensatory draft picks from the team that signed their RFA. RFAs can also take the team to arbitration, or can be taken to salary arbitration by the team. Don't worry about that stuff though... the guys in QC won't be getting for sheets, they wouldn't win an arbitration hearing, and they aren't paid enough for the team to take them to arbitration.

As a QC fan, you can expect all the RFAs to be back, except for those who the Flames don't want to keep and those who will make it to the big squad.