WC: 2016 Team Switzerland
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Untersander, Blum, Furrer...
I think the Vauclair time is over.
Speaking about defenseman, Marti was healthy the last 2 games. I still have hard time to understand how he could enter to the plan. If Switzerlandise very shorthanded regarding strong men Sbisa style, Helbling or Chiesa. But really on last resort.
I think the Vauclair time is over.
Speaking about defenseman, Marti was healthy the last 2 games. I still have hard time to understand how he could enter to the plan. If Switzerlandise very shorthanded regarding strong men Sbisa style, Helbling or Chiesa. But really on last resort.
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Furrer and Blum are locks if healthy, and as already mentioned, Untersander should get a look, he'd be an upgrade over Genazzi and Rathgeb from the current roster and I wouldn't be surprised if he outplays Loeffel, who is really weak in his own zone. Hopefully not Helbling, but he surprised everybody last year. I guess that's it, Vauclair, Hirschi and Gerber are retired, Chiesa can't skate and Kparghai is just good enough for the first half of training camp.
At forward, Brunner, Moser and Bodenmann will be called, and probably Walker as Fischer trusted him a lot when he was coaching Lugano. Maybe one of Scherwey or Rüfenacht but I don't see an opening in the bottom six. There's also Hofmann, but he looks a bit tired in the playoffs and doesn't perform as well as in the regular season. And let's not forget about Plüss, if he decides to give it a shot. I guess the centers could be Romy, Ambühl, Trachsler and one of Haas, Plüss or
i.Furrer and Blum are locks if healthy, and as already mentioned, Untersander should get a look, he'd be an upgrade over Genazzi and Rathgeb from the current roster and I wouldn't be surprised if he outplays Loeffel, who is really weak in his own zone. Hopefully not Helbling, but he surprised everybody last year. I guess that's it, Vauclair, Hirschi and Gerber are retired, Chiesa can't skate and Kparghai is just good enough for the first half of training camp.
At forward, Brunner, Moser and Bodenmann will be called, and probably Walker as Fischer trusted him a lot when he was coaching Lugano. Maybe one of Scherwey or Rüfenacht but I don't see an opening in the bottom six. There's also Hofmann, but he looks a bit tired in the playoffs and doesn't perform as well as in the regular season. And let's not forget about Plüss, if he decides to give it a shot. I guess the centers could be Romy, Ambühl, Trachsler and one of Haas, Plüss or
Untersander's really stepping out of the shade. What a shot, and a forwardlike reaction time for the first last saturday. Seems to make the smart play more often than not. Im still not sure he outplays Rathgeb, who does most things a bit quicker. I agree about Loeffel, his D zone game should keep him off the team eventually. Has Hirschi really retired offically? I know the other 2s have.
Bodenmann plays good playoffs, but I don`t think he'll make the final team. Too much talent available.
And please no Rüfenacht! I can't support thoroughly a team he's playing for
Hofmann had his ups and downs the last few weeks. He plays a bit nervous, his decisionmaking not always at best. But the pure talent (that slapper! and his wristshot is as good) and having played very convincingly in NT earlier this year should give him a good chance.
I doubt Plüss has the energy and accepts an invitation, after going all the way to PO finals. Maybe if it's finished in 4 or 5.
They probably pull 5 Cs for the 14-man attack: (not including Richard)
Ambühl and Romy, probably Haas and Trachsler. and I guess Corvi or Schäppi (for his versatility, but I hope rather not).
It could be tricky for Hofmann to get in. I can't see him in the top two lines with Brunner, Moser, Andrighetto and Hollenstein (and that's not even considering the possibility of Niederreiter or Fiala being available or Martschini having a strong camp), and he wouldn't be a better fit than Schäppi, Walker and Wieser for a 4th centered by Trachsler. It leaves the 3rd line, but there's already Suri and Bieber, and possibly Bodenmann. I guess he has a better chance if Fischer decides to go with a 4th line based on speed, but that would require Ambühl being relegated to 4th line center, which I don't see happening.
Nice to have so many possibilities at forward.
Nice to have so many possibilities at forward.
The case Hofmann has been inches away from being shut today (at least for this year).
Scherwey continues to deliver plays the hockey world tries to get rid of. Such a dirty player. And totally unnecessary as he is a well enough talent to take a pass on this****
I can see Hofmann grabbing the spot of Suri, and combine with Haas and Martschini. He is the ideal 3rd Liner right now. And Bieber- trachsler-Walker could be reunited in 4th line.
Fiala probably shoildn't be close to this team at the moment. He has to grow up first, isn't he suspended right now by Milwaukee once again?
Scherwey continues to deliver plays the hockey world tries to get rid of. Such a dirty player. And totally unnecessary as he is a well enough talent to take a pass on this****
I can see Hofmann grabbing the spot of Suri, and combine with Haas and Martschini. He is the ideal 3rd Liner right now. And Bieber- trachsler-Walker could be reunited in 4th line.
Fiala probably shoildn't be close to this team at the moment. He has to grow up first, isn't he suspended right now by Milwaukee once again?
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Indeed he seems to find the right solution most of the time. Im impressed too.
So you don't share my concerns aboutthe actual speed he makes his plays?
But Im excited anyway to see how his game translates to the higher level.
Kukan has played over 20 min. Last night for Columbus and gets already better reviews than Sbisa/ Weber over any stretch of this season...
As the Milwaukee Admirals are first in their division I don't think Fiala is a topic, they'll go for a deep playoff-run.
The Wild are also in the playoffs but struggled lately, I wouldn't mind if they get thrown out fast.
Diaz should have got a call-up from the Rangers, but is injured. As Ryan McDonagh is out for the playoffs he's probably in New York for the rest of the season.
Untersander don't has the speed of Blum, that's clear, but he's very smart, in his own zone and also in the offensive zone. He doesn't seem to get in panic and he took over the place Furrer had. He should be an option, depending on who's coming over from NA.
There is no question that Kukan is a potential NHL-defender. He seems to be a guy who's growing on possibilities. Throw him in and he delivers. That was in Sweden like this, with the national team two years ago, in the AHL this year (10 points in 29 games is very solid) and now in the NHL. His team already clinched a playoff-spot, so we also have to hope for an early out.
The Wild are also in the playoffs but struggled lately, I wouldn't mind if they get thrown out fast.
Diaz should have got a call-up from the Rangers, but is injured. As Ryan McDonagh is out for the playoffs he's probably in New York for the rest of the season.
Untersander don't has the speed of Blum, that's clear, but he's very smart, in his own zone and also in the offensive zone. He doesn't seem to get in panic and he took over the place Furrer had. He should be an option, depending on who's coming over from NA.
There is no question that Kukan is a potential NHL-defender. He seems to be a guy who's growing on possibilities. Throw him in and he delivers. That was in Sweden like this, with the national team two years ago, in the AHL this year (10 points in 29 games is very solid) and now in the NHL. His team already clinched a playoff-spot, so we also have to hope for an early out.
A bit off topic, but I really hate the way the league handles dirty play. Cases like Forster's slash or Slater's hit on Vauclair are blatant attempts to injure and should be punished with long suspensions.
I don't know about Hofmann replacing Suri, Suri is more proven and will have a longer camp to show his worth. Then Martschini isn't a lock either, last year he had a great season but it didn't work out with the national team. Haas should make it, and I would even go as far as trying him with Brunner and Moser, I think he would be a good fit there.
Amen...
Of course Suri is more proven. But on international level he's really pushed to his limits talentwise. He is a smart player and can be dangerous when put in a good position, but has ahard time creating spaceon his own. I like him as a carakter very much and he is a great teammate obviously. Plus his last tournaments after the silver medal shouldn't make him a automatic lock either IMO
Martschini is a risky pick. When he isn't able to handle the more demanding physical play at the WC, he'd be pretty much useless beside the PP. We'll see if Fischer got the guts.
If so, the speed of a line with Haas between them would be very exciting. They have shown some chemistry earlier this year. There would be some questionmarks about the defensive stability though .
Ambühl and Romy could center the 2 toplines.
When Nino would join, Moser could play 4th line e.g.
As you said. It's nice to have some options, and thus have something to discuss about.
By the way nice number. Happy anniversary!!
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As the Milwaukee Admirals are first in their division I don't think Fiala is a topic, they'll go for a deep playoff-run.
The Wild are also in the playoffs but struggled lately, I wouldn't mind if they get thrown out fast.
Diaz should have got a call-up from the Rangers, but is injured. As Ryan McDonagh is out for the playoffs he's probably in New York for the rest of the season.
Untersander don't has the speed of Blum, that's clear, but he's very smart, in his own zone and also in the offensive zone. He doesn't seem to get in panic and he took over the place Furrer had. He should be an option, depending on who's coming over from NA.
There is no question that Kukan is a potential NHL-defender. He seems to be a guy who's growing on possibilities. Throw him in and he delivers. That was in Sweden like this, with the national team two years ago, in the AHL this year (10 points in 29 games is very solid) and now in the NHL. His team already clinched a playoff-spot, so we also have to hope for an early out.
And of course Fiala is back, after my criticism yesterday, and delivers a 3-point night
But as you say is like Diaz probably no option.
I agree about Untersander. This smart plays he's pulling, he makes them in such a calm and so confidently. It lookes like he's done it for ages.
And with Kukan you even got the feeling sometimes, he does underplay his talent a bit and could risk a bit more a la Josi.
Obviously Suri shouldn't be a lock because of 2013, but on the other hand Hofmann isn't a dominant player you can't do without. If it's one or the other, I think Suri has a headstart thanks to past performances, and good games against Sweden and the Czech Republic could seal the deal before Hofmann even has a chance to join the team. But of course it's not one or the other, both of them could get a chance. And Fischer obviously likes Hofmann.
Suri-Haas-Martschini was the most dangerous line at the Arosa challenge, but I thought that Haas felt a bit out of place and wasn't much involved in the play. Maybe it's simply because it's difficult to play with two guys who already have strong chemistry.
Both also have the right skillset to play on a 3rd line. And Romy wasn't too convincing last year and at the Arosa challenge, which is the reason why I wouldn't mind trying Haas with Brunner and Moser. Romy could also work well with Hollenstein.
I think Moser should be in the top six for his physical presence around the net, even if Niederreiter is available.
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Romy had very strong playoffs and if he's playing like this he's surley our best C.
Martschini needs to deliver, the only reason to take him to Moscow are points, so he has to show in the preparation games that he can score. Last year he couldn't convince Hanlon, we'll see if he's able to convince Fischer.
Martschini needs to deliver, the only reason to take him to Moscow are points, so he has to show in the preparation games that he can score. Last year he couldn't convince Hanlon, we'll see if he's able to convince Fischer.
Like Del Curto liked him very much, and was pretty pissed, when Hofmann turned his back . Fischer and Del Curto , they both put emphasis on skating. And there aren't many who can match Hofmann in this departement. Having one of the best shots and and best set of hands in swiss hockey shouldn't harm his chances either.
And yes, when Martschini doesn't make it. They could both make it.
Yep, I looked it up and I've mixed that up badly. Hofmann was with his old buddy Pestoni at the deutschland Cup. But IIRC had some shifts wirh Martschini too, and they looked fun together.
And Martschini played with Haas in Arosa. Hofmann was on a different line.
My brain's getting old.
Maybe I put them together in thoughts, and thats what I remember.
That could work too. The skillset of Haas screams for a playmaking winger. He's probably got the best shot of all swiss centers. Bertschy is more a winger nowadays.
And as Jonas mentioned Romy had very good playoffs.
So who's out then? Hollenstein or Andrighetto?
Hopefully it carries on to next month, but club and national team are two different things.
I'm not sure what to do with Andrighetto. Maybe have him play with Ambühl to create a speed line? Then Hollenstein could play with Romy. There's also the possibility that
i has a strong camp. I'm not even sure we'll have a better idea after this week's games, the only information I expect from them is to see what
i and Martschini can do, and get a look at Suter and Praplan. The games against the Czech Republic will be a better indication of what we can expect at the WC.It was his presence, that surprised me, reminded me bit of von Arx. Haven't seen Romy so commited before. There are hopes he keeps that on NT.
I'm not sure what to do with Andrighetto. Maybe have him play with Ambühl to create a speed line? Then Hollenstein could play with Romy. There's also the possibility that
Like Simpson did with Fiala? Why not. Andrighetto might be the offensively most talented swiss player beside Brunner and Fiala. I'd put him with Nino if around. They could complement eachother pretty well.
(I even got them on the same line on my armchair's coach's longtime olyimpc roster list
)i probably knows he plays for his future in NT, once the younger centers catch him it will be too late.Im still sceptical.
I'm not even sure we'll have a better idea after this week's games, the only information I expect from them is to see what
Praplan always reminded me of Brunner, LW right shot, dangerous from the halfboards, and has the fine hands and shot plus the shiftiness to successfully cut the middle. Hasn't got the crazy self-esteem as Brunner and has a bit a history of disappering whenthe game toughens up. But could definitely be an option in the near future.
Kukan is now on pace to reach an impressive +96, projected over a full schedule...
More serious: I've watched the first 2 periods of last nights game. (Thx doc, for forcing me to stay at home...)
As Jonas said. He just grabs his game and takes it to the next level. He wasn't pulling all the attention, but played very solid. He didn't take any risks, but he had no problem, handling the puck on D, calmly reading the game well and skatess into the little areas of free ice with ease and makes the solid play. Such a naturally fluid skater. Combined with brain and hands. Very promissing.
More serious: I've watched the first 2 periods of last nights game. (Thx doc, for forcing me to stay at home...)
As Jonas said. He just grabs his game and takes it to the next level. He wasn't pulling all the attention, but played very solid. He didn't take any risks, but he had no problem, handling the puck on D, calmly reading the game well and skatess into the little areas of free ice with ease and makes the solid play. Such a naturally fluid skater. Combined with brain and hands. Very promissing.
Tonight's lineup:
Zurkirchen
Geering-Rathgeb
Grossmann-Schlumpf
Genazzi-Schneeberger
Frick
Baltisberger -i - Hollenstein
Suter - Schäppi - Herzog
Praplan - Trachsler - Bieber
Martschini - Froidevaux
A bit surprising, but it doesn't mean much for the moment.
Zurkirchen
Geering-Rathgeb
Grossmann-Schlumpf
Genazzi-Schneeberger
Frick
Baltisberger -
i - HollensteinSuter - Schäppi - Herzog
Praplan - Trachsler - Bieber
Martschini - Froidevaux
A bit surprising, but it doesn't mean much for the moment.
5-3 Switzerland
Goals by Baltisberger, Martschini,i, Rathgeb and Suter.
I hope we get some video-highlights to see.
Goals by Baltisberger, Martschini,
i, Rathgeb and Suter.I hope we get some video-highlights to see.
Some thoughts about the game:
Pretty balanced game at the start, then complete domination by Sweden late in the first period and throughout the 2nd, but Switzerland somehow managed to tie it right after Sweden took the lead and Switzerland was the better team after that.
Decent game by the defense, Schlumpf and Schneeberger were good, poor game by Grossmann, I didn't notice the others much. On offense, thei and Froidevaux lines created most of the chances, while the Trachsler line didn't do much. Martschini and i did enough to warrant further looks but didn't dominate either (Martschini scored on a set play after a faceoff, i's goal was of the "right place at the right time" variety). I would have liked to see more from Hollenstein too. Suter and Praplan were ok, Herzog a bit disappointing, and the good surprise was probably Baltisberger.
Overall, not much to take from this game. The fact that five players got their first international goal tells exactly what kind of game it was.
Pretty balanced game at the start, then complete domination by Sweden late in the first period and throughout the 2nd, but Switzerland somehow managed to tie it right after Sweden took the lead and Switzerland was the better team after that.
Decent game by the defense, Schlumpf and Schneeberger were good, poor game by Grossmann, I didn't notice the others much. On offense, the
i and Froidevaux lines created most of the chances, while the Trachsler line didn't do much. Martschini and i did enough to warrant further looks but didn't dominate either (Martschini scored on a set play after a faceoff, i's goal was of the "right place at the right time" variety). I would have liked to see more from Hollenstein too. Suter and Praplan were ok, Herzog a bit disappointing, and the good surprise was probably Baltisberger.Overall, not much to take from this game. The fact that five players got their first international goal tells exactly what kind of game it was.
torero
Registered User
Kukan is now on pace to reach an impressive +96, projected over a full schedule...
More serious: I've watched the first 2 periods of last nights game. (Thx doc, for forcing me to stay at home...)
As Jonas said. He just grabs his game and takes it to the next level. He wasn't pulling all the attention, but played very solid. He didn't take any risks, but he had no problem, handling the puck on D, calmly reading the game well and skatess into the little areas of free ice with ease and makes the solid play. Such a naturally fluid skater. Combined with brain and hands. Very promissing.
He had some very positive comments from his coach, Tortorella, who actually praised his poise.
"he is a young player, making positioning mistakes but having poise in puck possession. This you can't learn ... " ... his minutes per game rose straight behind.
i wouldn't be surprised to see him in the D3-D4 (the second line) next year and maybe even having some PK time with Jones.
