Don't think it's Phillips' skating — I think they move very similarly. It's just the inscrutable fact that he's three inches shorter (and less impactful defensively).
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Last edited by TheScorpion; 11-27-2021 at 03:53 PM.
Don't think it's Phillips' skating — I think they move very similarly. It's just the inscrutable fact that he's three inches shorter (and less impactful defensively).
You know better , as you have watched a lot more games.
However, it appears that Pelletier has elite edges and a lot of power in his stride.
His hands are, also, pretty sweet.
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Completely agree, although Phillips' edges and stickwork are his bread and butter. Pelletier is also just outstanding, though — and the little things are what push him ahead of a guy like Phillips.
I could see Pelletier being a tremendous penalty killer. Don't see that with Phillips. On a team as deep as the Flames, that could be the difference.
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Don't think it's Phillips' skating — I think they move very similarly. It's just the inscrutable fact that he's three inches shorter (and less impactful defensively).
I fully acknowledge you have a much better handle on Phillips than I do - I’m basing this entirely on highlights and a viewing at the development camp a few years ago.
The skills and vision and eye hand are all there. That’s undeniable.
But he doesn’t look fast in the AHL - he looks about as quick in a straight line as anyone else. His stride seems a bit chunky, and his top speed doesn’t appear to be anything to write home about.
That’ll make it very difficult to back defenders off in the NHL if he can’t threaten them with speed.
Pelletier, just from that highlight, had a smoothness and fluidity to his movement and cornering on the ice that hopefully translates at the next level.
I dunno - the height plays a roll, for sure, and if you’re not defensively reliable, there aren’t many coaches who’ll play you in the NHL.
Small players have to be elite skaters at this level, and I just don’t see an elite skater in Phillips at this point.
Phillips' straight-line is less impressive than when he has the puck in the offensive zone. I agree — he doesn't frequently burn by guys on the wings in the neutral zone. But his skating is a big part of what makes him so elusive in the offensive zone when he has the puck, similar to how Pelletier was able to escape in overtime on that play. He's constantly in motion and can pivot on a dime.
Pelletier, though, is stronger and heavier on the puck while having similar edges. Really good combination.
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I fully acknowledge you have a much better handle on Phillips than I do - I’m basing this entirely on highlights and a viewing at the development camp a few years ago.
The skills and vision and eye hand are all there. That’s undeniable.
But he doesn’t look fast in the AHL - he looks about as quick in a straight line as anyone else. His stride seems a bit chunky, and his top speed doesn’t appear to be anything to write home about.
That’ll make it very difficult to back defenders off in the NHL if he can’t threaten them with speed.
Pelletier, just from that highlight, had a smoothness and fluidity to his movement and cornering on the ice that hopefully translates at the next level.
I dunno - the height plays a roll, for sure, and if you’re not defensively reliable, there aren’t many coaches who’ll play you in the NHL.
Small players have to be elite skaters at this level, and I just don’t see an elite skater in Phillips at this point.
Pelletier isn't an elite skater either though. I would say he is very average to be honest. He has good edges but often doesn't put himself in a position where he needs to use them.
The thing that has always set him apart is his IQ. Pelletier processes and sees everything on the ice so well. He has always had a knack for this even when he was like in midget. Guy has an elite IQ.
Phillips may be good but Pelletier has almost a zero probability to bust. He will likely carve out a career as a good versatile forward who can move up and down your lineup. I am sure Daryl is going to love the effort and mind that Pelletier brings.
Pelletier isn't an elite skater either though. I would say he is very average to be honest. He has good edges but often doesn't put himself in a position where he needs to use them.
The thing that has always set him apart is his IQ. Pelletier processes and sees everything on the ice so well. He has always had a knack for this even when he was like in midget. Guy has an elite IQ.
Phillips may be good but Pelletier has almost a zero probability to bust. He will likely carve out a career as a good versatile forward who can move up and down your lineup. I am sure Daryl is going to love the effort and mind that Pelletier brings.
Scouts would disagree. first couple I looked at and this was pre draft
"Pelletier is an excellent skater (particularly when it comes to his first step and acceleration)"
"Pelletier is another undersized playmaker with outstanding speed. His speed allows him to take a defender wide and cut to the net. Once he gets a step on his man, he can drop his shoulder and cut to the net. He pairs this with a very good first step and outstanding acceleration. Pelletier wins races to loose pucks on a consistent basis. He also has excellent edgework and agility. His ability to change directions very quickly makes him very difficult to contain, both off the rush and in the cycle game. Pelletier skates with a low centre of gravity and has a lot of power in his stride. He can fight through checks and win battles along the boards but will need to continue to add muscle to his frame before going to play against professionals."
Scouts would disagree. first couple I looked at and this was pre draft
"Pelletier is an excellent skater (particularly when it comes to his first step and acceleration)"
"Pelletier is another undersized playmaker with outstanding speed. His speed allows him to take a defender wide and cut to the net. Once he gets a step on his man, he can drop his shoulder and cut to the net. He pairs this with a very good first step and outstanding acceleration. Pelletier wins races to loose pucks on a consistent basis. He also has excellent edgework and agility. His ability to change directions very quickly makes him very difficult to contain, both off the rush and in the cycle game. Pelletier skates with a low centre of gravity and has a lot of power in his stride. He can fight through checks and win battles along the boards but will need to continue to add muscle to his frame before going to play against professionals."
I don't like going against scouting reports but his speed isn't outstanding. In the Q he wasn't blowing by people and absolutely dominating with speed. He has good acceleration I agree and good edgework but I wouldn't call him a blazer. His skating is average (for an NHLer) which isn't a bad thing. I am not calling him slow, not at all.
Last edited by Flames1217; 11-27-2021 at 05:55 PM.
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I don't like going against scouting reports but his speed isn't outstanding. In the Q he wasn't blowing by people and absolutely dominating with speed. He has good acceleration I agree and good edgework but I wouldn't call him a blazer. His skating is average which isn't a bad thing. I am not calling him slow, not at all.
I have no words, every scouting report I find says he's a great skater, every clip I see of him shows my eyes he's a great skater yet you call him average
Last edited by Snuffleupagus; 11-27-2021 at 06:07 PM.
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I don't like going against scouting reports but his speed isn't outstanding. In the Q he wasn't blowing by people and absolutely dominating with speed. He has good acceleration I agree and good edgework but I wouldn't call him a blazer. His skating is average which isn't a bad thing. I am not calling him slow, not at all.
Just curious, how many times have you watched him play?
I have hardly watched him at all. However, in that one clip, his edges, cuts and acceleration look very good to excellent.
Just curious, how many times have you watched him play?
I have hardly watched him at all. However, in that one clip, his edges, cuts and acceleration look very good to excellent.
Probably 10 to 15 times live. I live in Quebec city and this is where he is from.
Guy has NHL speed but like I don't want people to expect him to be an absolute burner at that level.
He looked fast in the Q sometimes even very fast but then again the speed is not close to NHL level.
I think right now he is about an average level NHLer in terms of top speed. He gains his top speed very quickly and can turn on a dime. His edgework is good but what should be talked about Pelletier is his work ethic and IQ.
Guy has a non-stop motor and can see plays before they develop.
Last edited by Flames1217; 11-27-2021 at 06:22 PM.
Reason: 25 was an exaggeration
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I would concur, he skates well but is not elite. The things that make him such a great prospect are his motor, and his IQ-which are both exceptional. He's relentless, and plays with no fear.
But there’s nothing to say that his skating won’t get better with work
He isn't a bad skater at all.
All I said was that he was at an average NHLer top speed. He doesn't have a choppy stride or anything it's just that he probably isn't going to have Miles Wood type top speed.
When all is said and done he will probably end up with around the same top speed as Mangaipane. His skating doesn't worry me at all. Mangipane also was known for somewhat of an average top speed when was younger but this never held him back.
Sorry if I made anyone worry or anything that wasn't the goal here. I just tried to temper some expectations when it came to his speed. He is without a doubt going to be a very effective NHL forward.
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