So does Connor do whatever they ask just because he's polite and a rookie? Or do they pay him gobs of cash to do things like this and the Katz marriage proposal? At some point you think self respect and embarassment would kick in and he would just refuse.
Who says he hasn't already? I like Connor, seems like guy. Too bad he has to play for the Oilers. I wouldn't be surprised at all these ridiculous ideas that get throw at him everyday and he just has to choose the least embarrassing one.
Imagine Ryan Smyth passing him the torch as the next Captain Canada? Katz jr asking him to grow out his hair like him? Kevin Lowe telling him one day he'll be the president of the Oilers, Gretzky asking him how he would he feel if they made a statue of him? This is probably all happening and he's going FML.
The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to Da_Chief For This Useful Post:
Sorry, late to the party since the game was rebroadcast here at 1:00 AM. Had to record it and watch this morning. This is my first full game viewing since the playoffs, so bear with me.
I know it was the Canucks "B" lineup, but here are some thoughts:
Bubble players:
First of all, how did Riley get in the game? I guess that’s one way of forcing yourself into the lineup. I found that whole situation pretty funny.
Hathaway struggled with his positioning, especially on the PK. However, he has hustle on the level of Jooris that could help him get to the NHL if he improves his game a little.
Grant looked like an AHLer. A gamer, but still an AHLer.
Sieloff still looks a little awkward out there at times, but still played his brand of game pretty well. It’s good to see that he still has NHL potential as a 3rd pairing physical defender.
Byron looked a little rusty, but got better as the game went along. I still love his speed.
Shore had some nice shifts, but wasn’t exactly exceptional. Still, I like him as one of the extra forwards simply because of his size, position that he plays, being a right-shot, and his experience.
Agostino was largely unnoticeable tonight and was a little weak physically. He needed to have a stronger game to have a chance at the opening night roster. However, I still think he’ll be one of the regular callups this year.
Ferland looks like he’s anticipating the play better, and no longer is wasting energy skating to areas he doesn’t need to be in. Hands look better, his passes are sharp, and his speed is really good. He also looked really good on the PP. This is only going to make him more effective, and I think you’ll see him develop into a 2nd line power winger this year alongside Bennett…or maybe on the RW with Gaudreau and Monahan? Might be an even better fit.
Veterans:
All look like they’re in regular season mode already
Giordano looks just fine, and he really seemed sharp tonight
Dougie Hamilton is a very cerebral player. Knows where to be and how the play is going to develop before it even happens. He already has great chemistry with Giordano. Can’t wait to see him for a full season.
Engelland looked really engaged, especially physically
Russell and Wideman look like Russell and Wideman of late last year, which is a great sign.
Gaudreau looks so much better, mostly because he is staying on his skates so much more. His starts and stops are much crisper and he can react to a quick change in puck direction much faster. He also doesn’t crumple every time he gets hit. He’s going to have an absolutely monster season.
Monahan looks ready to start the season…so does Hudler. Can’t wait for those three to play together for a full year.
Bennett is still fighting the puck offensively, but he’s so strong everywhere else on the ice that he’ll be just fine to start the year. I imagine it will be a little like Gaudreau last year, where he doesn’t put up a lot of points in the first 15-20, and then he’ll take off.
I didn’t find Frolik to be particularly exceptional most of the night, but he has great instincts on the ice, and his goal was a direct result of that. Looking forward to seeing him more.
Bouma looked a half step behind tonight, but perhaps that was because he was playing with Grant and Hathaway as linemates. Hopefully some more ice time will get him on track. I hope he doesn’t take his spot in the lineup for granted just because he got a new contract.
Hiller looked pretty solid. I’m not a huge fan of his style of play, but it’s effective most nights. I still have no idea who the odd man out is going to be.
As for the Canucks:
Virtanen can absolutely shoot the puck. If he gets chemistry with a setup man in the NHL he could have a very long career as a sniper.
Shinkaruk is talented, but he’s a more individualistic player than Eberle and Hall combined. He’ll never realize his potential unless he uses his teammates more.
I still like Brandon Prust, even though he plays for the enemy. I respect the type of game he plays.
Baertschi is still the weakest player on the ice for either team.
Sbisa is really, really bad. They’re talking about him being in their top 4. I guess that’s good news for us.
Dorsett is still a piece of ####
__________________
"You know, that's kinda why I came here, to show that I don't suck that much" ~ Devin Cooley, Professional Goaltender
The Following 14 Users Say Thank You to Cali Panthers Fan For This Useful Post:
Maybe a bit harsh to judge from tonight, when he wasn't actually in the game until after the line-up card screw up. The kid might have already had a pint in him before he got into the game!
In seriousness, I liked what I saw in NHL game action 2 seasons ago, and from all info, he was more than just SOLID at the AHL level last season.
My post wasn't based on just one performance. I just don't think he'll ever be a full time NHLer. He might get a callup or two, but I think there are better options. Personally think he's a bust. A lot of other good options though, unlike years past for the Flames.
That I don’t know. That I don’t know. I’m not sure. … All I’ve seen so far is flashes of brilliance. Flashes of brilliance are fine if you’re working in the university, but they’re not much good to people in an NHL building.
There are three zones in the ice surfaces in this league. I don’t see that he’s learned to play and compete in two of them. He’s got to learn there’s a clock in this league and there’s so many minutes in the game and that you’ve got to compete through all of it. I see this is a guy who’s focusing on one area and even then, sporadically.
__________________
Turn up the good, turn down the suck!
The Following User Says Thank You to getbak For This Useful Post:
That I don’t know. That I don’t know. I’m not sure. … All I’ve seen so far is flashes of brilliance. Flashes of brilliance are fine if you’re working in the university, but they’re not much good to people in an NHL building.
There are three zones in the ice surfaces in this league. I don’t see that he’s learned to play and compete in two of them. He’s got to learn there’s a clock in this league and there’s so many minutes in the game and that you’ve got to compete through all of it. I see this is a guy who’s focusing on one area and even then, sporadically.
That's harsh, how can you say something like that about someone, won't you think of Sven's feelings?
__________________
Calgary Flames, PLEASE GO TO THE NET! AND SHOOT THE PUCK! GENERATING OFFENSE IS NOT DIFFICULT! SKATE HARD, SHOOT HARD, CRASH THE NET HARD!
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to 868904 For This Useful Post:
What's even more hilarious is that Canucks fans were penciling Baertschi into their top-6 because of his 'stellar' AHL playoff performance last season. I'm sure he'll put up some more great AHL performances in the future.
Interesting to see that Hockey.modern isnt blowing up over Sam's game tonight....
will be interesting to see
how many threads he starts moving forward.
Hey I thought he was one one of the better forwards out there.
