[GDT] Split Games vs the Canucks. Victoria 8pm MT - SN. Calgary 7pm MT - streamed

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

My hesitation is that he was also like this in the preseason last year... the question is not whether the talent is there, it's whether he can keep it up over time.

I think if Dube doesn't get clobbered in the Canuck game it's a whole different season. As it was, I thought he was a bit snake bit before he eventually got sent down and found his game again. Which he definitely did in the AHL.

[topfiverecords]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I think if Dube doesn't get clobbered in the Canuck game it's a whole different season. As it was, I thought he was a bit snake bit before he eventually got sent down and found his game again. Which he definitely did in the AHL.

It was nice to see him doing the clobbering in a Canuck game.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

My hesitation is that he was also like this in the preseason last year... the question is not whether the talent is there, it's whether he can keep it up over time.

Dube was much, much better in his first string of NHL games than Mangiapane was. Most young players don't figure the NHL out right away, and some take longer to do so than others. I am certain from what Dube has shown that he will get there, and soon.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

Dube was much, much better in his first string of NHL games than Mangiapane was. Most young players don't figure the NHL out right away, and some take longer to do so than others. I am certain from what Dube has shown that he will get there, and soon.

If we're comparing the two though, I think Mangiapane's skillset as a goalscorer is more coveted than Dube's skillset as an all-around player, especially on this roster with so many versatile pieces (Backlund, Frolik, Bennett, Lindholm, Jankowski, Ryan) and so few pure goal scorers (Monahan).

So with Mangiapane, the weak start was worthwhile to wait out, whereas I worry Dube will get lost in the mix, especially if we keep him as a winger as seems to be the case.

[Moneyhands23]

Why not both guys? Really if we are lucky Dube will replace backlund on the second line in a few years. Hopefully Eat Bread will play on his line or at least be a killer third line player (with Backlund)

[btimbit]

I liked all of the PTO guys but didn't think any were better than the guys they're battling for spots

[Itse]

Originally Posted by btimbit

I liked all of the PTO guys but didn't think any were better than the guys they're battling for spots

In my books this was the last meh effort DSP can have if he dreams of a contract. He should be more noticeable right now. Rinaldo still just kind of sucks skillwise, but then again I've always thought that and he's been around for years so...

Rieder is kind of more of what we already have. Looks like the best of the bunch, but also redundant.

One of them could get a seat in the pressbox munching popcorn I guess.

Mangiapane should be breathing a bit easier. The competition is the same as last year, and there's one more spot now without Hathaway. Maybe two to start the season if Tkachuk keeps holding out.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

If we're comparing the two though, I think Mangiapane's skillset as a goalscorer is more coveted than Dube's skillset as an all-around player, especially on this roster with so many versatile pieces (Backlund, Frolik, Bennett, Lindholm, Jankowski, Ryan) and so few pure goal scorers (Monahan).

So with Mangiapane, the weak start was worthwhile to wait out, whereas I worry Dube will get lost in the mix, especially if we keep him as a winger as seems to be the case.

Production-wise I don't know that Mangiapane is better than Dube.

Mangiapane went over a PPG in the AHL the previous season, then got called and scored nothing in 10. Then he found some NHL success in the second half of last year. Dube scored almost nothing in his NHL stint and then got sent down. He went PPG down there, but moreover, got way way better as he went along. As a centre he has more assists than goals but it's not lopsided.

I actually see them as a duo if they continue to develop.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

My hesitation is that he was also like this in the preseason last year... the question is not whether the talent is there, it's whether he can keep it up over time.

He was good last year no doubt, especially in the rookie games, but not to the level I saw last night.

Felt like he could almost do what he wanted. He wasn't in a rush to move the puck ever, speed, edges, strength ... surprising open ice hit.

But the split squad game is the worst to use as a benchmark. It's a shade below a regular preseason game which is several shades below the last preseason game, which isn't even close to the regular season.

[Enoch Root]

I too thought Dube was the best player on the ice in either game (Mr Giordano not withstanding).

I agree that Dube started strong and then faded last year. But he was 20. And as someone said, that hit derailed him.

So far this year (obviously still very early), he looks bigger, stronger, faster, and more confident than last year. If he keeps going like this, he could push his way into the top 6 as early as this year.