Craig Button
TSN 1260 - March 14
https://soundcloud.com/pipeline-show/craig-button-mar14
McDavid separating himself
Eichel is a heck of a player but Connor stands alone is because his speed is unprecedented
Not just skating speed but how fast he processes and executes
He slows the game down and threatens and intimidates defencemen
There is no perfect player. You assess the player and then determine if he plays to his abilities. Connor does.
In the last few weeks Connor just looks relaxed and just plays.
Has a confidence on the ice that he can change the outcome of the game and he does.
Marner vs Strome
when it is close like this, 100% of the time take the center over the winger
razor thin close between Marner and Strome
Marner poses a little bit of a challenge because he is a unique winger
Most wingers are skate up the ice with speed and shoot - Marner can shoot but he is a playmaker and a creative player.
For Button, he would default to the center because #1 centers are hard to find.
Yes the Blackhawks drafted P. Kane but that was because they had Toews in the fold.
Depends on the organization, if you have a bunch of centers then Marner is not a guy you can pass on.
C Kyle Connor - 6'1'' 183lbs
http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=177671
elite player - been in Button's top 10 since new year
his skating excellence, hands, mind quickness = dangerous player
RW Brock Boeser - 6'1'' 192lbs
http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=248381
continually shows he has big time NHL talent
he is unique in that he can create offensive opportunities in many ways
he can do it with power, he can do it with playmaking - really smart player and he has a really good finishing touch
he can score in tight, he can score from 30 feet, he can score off the rush, he can score off the cycle
players have to get their hands set to shoot. a lot of players will set their hands to shoot only after they get into position. Boeser's hands are always set to shoot. That always beats the goaltenders.
Last guy to remind Button of Boeser's hands is Mike Bossy
LW Paul Bittner - 6'4'' 194lbs
http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=216874
really seen in the last 6 weeks is a player that can play and think along with good players and can skate
Paul has good size but isn't a prototypical power rugged winger
uses his size well to gain and hold advantages but beause he thinks well and has good skill, it makes it not easy to play against
really stepped up his game up
question about whether Bjorkstrand and Petan are boosting Bittner's numbers: you still got to carry your own game, if you are not able to produce with those guys someone else will. Paul has held his ground and shown he can play with other good players.
Pavel Zacha
http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=130786
biggest thing was when you watched him when he was younger you though he was going to be a real offensive dynamo centerman
Button doesn't see an elite offensive player. Sees a player along the lines of Radek Faksa.
Nothing wrong with Faksa or Zacha, but you need to be able to distribute the puck as a center
Thinks Zacha might be better served as a winger.
Can skate, has determination and can shoot the puck when he goes around the net
Really doesn't see him as a top end center
