WC: 2019 - Team Switzerland

[torero]

Maybe they could put Josi on PP1. I liked how he and Hischier could keep possesion in the offensive zone for quite some time on one or two plays together yesterday. They looked really dominant on those few instances. Even if that means that PP2 would get weaker, I'd rather have one good and one bad Unit than two half baked ones.

Both are studs ... but Josi is simply stellar.

Alone, he makes a PP look like a PP. He brings the game in the offensive zone alone !! dangles through the D, cirles around the goal , and the PP is in place ! and it looks easy, natural. like water flowing down the river.
Same for Hischier in fact. More stick handling and less dangling than Josi but the PP is in place. Money in the bank.

I guess it depends of the oposing team's level. But some players are ready to take another level IMO. Like Praplan (who by the way made plenty of mistakes !!) but somehow you feel he is ready for the next step. (wouldn't be surprised if he had a real shot at the NHL next year)

 

[Nexon]

sand

You mean clay court season?

He should be, because Roger is taking part only in 2 tournaments, Madrid masters, which ends 2 days after beginning of WC and its quite likely Federer will be eliminated at the time and Roland Garros which starts at the day WC has its finals.

 

[Speyer]

Both are studs ... but Josi is simply stellar.

Alone, he makes a PP look like a PP. He brings the game in the offensive zone alone !! dangles through the D, cirles around the goal , and the PP is in place ! and it looks easy, natural. like water flowing down the river.
Same for Hischier in fact. More stick handling and less dangling than Josi but the PP is in place. Money in the bank.

I guess it depends of the oposing team's level. But some players are ready to take another level IMO. Like Praplan (who by the way made plenty of mistakes !!) but somehow you feel he is ready for the next step. (wouldn't be surprised if he had a real shot at the NHL next year)

I complely agree on everything except Praplan. I think he was a better player two years ago than he is now. He hasn't exactly dominated the AHL this year wich is pretty much a must, if you want to break into the NHL at his age. If you look at all the swiss guys who went to North America in their early to mid twenties without being drafted the track record of success is not that good. Streit made it. Brunner had success for a little while, but he was a better player than Praplan in his prime in my opinion. On the other hand you have guys like von Arx, Wick, Ambühl, Richard, Vermin, Bertschy, Kennins etc. who all only played a handful games. Florida has a solid F-corps. I don't think Praplan will break into the top 6 there, even if he improves from where he is now and we all know that he isn't excactly a grinder who can play on a checking line.

Don't get me wrong I still think he can be a very usefull player for us at he WC but I am not expecting any heroics from him.

 

[stv11]

Streit made it. Brunner had success for a little while, but he was a better player than Praplan in his prime in my opinion. On the other hand you have guys like von Arx, Wick, Ambühl, Richard, Vermin, Bertschy, Kennins etc. who all only played a handful games.

A lot of these guys left too early though. Guys like Vermin or Bertschy were just above average NLA players and had never cracked a WC roster, it was clear from the start that they'd end up buried in the AHL. Streit, Brunner, Gerber or Hiller left as dominant players and went straight to the NHL. But for some reason a lot of player got sold the idea that the way to the NHL goes through the AHL.

Praplan at least has a strong NLA season and a 7 point WC on his resume. But unfortunately he regressed inexplicably since then.

 

[filip85]

So, is the roster set ? And if Colorado and/or Columbus get out of the playoffs, will Andrighetto/Kukan join ?

 

[jonas2244]

Yeah, the roster is set. There is no official word on Kukan and Andrighetto. We'll know that when they are out. Both would be great additions.
Beside that it's a well balanced roster with (very) young guys and experienced players. Josi obviously is a player on another level.
It's amazing that with so many absent and/or injured players there is still a competitive team.

Goalkeeper (3): Reto Berra (HC Fribourg-Gottéron), Leonardo Genoni (SC Bern), Robert Mayer (Genève-Servette HC).

Defense (8): Raphael Diaz (EV Zug), Michael Fora (HC Ambrì-Piotta), Lukas Frick (Lausanne HC), Joël Genazzi (Lausanne HC), Roman Josi (Nashville Predators, NHL), Romain Loeffel (HC Lugano), Janis Moser (EHC Biel-Bienne), Yannick Weber (Nashville Predators, NHL).

Offense (14): Andres Ambühl (HC Davos), Alessio Bertaggia (HC Lugano), Christoph Bertschy (Lausanne HC), Kevin Fiala (Minnesota Wild, NHL), Gaëtan Haas (SC Bern), Nico Hischier (New Jersey Devils, NHL), Grégory Hofmann (HC Lugano), Philipp Kurashev (Québec Remparts, LHJMQ), Lino Martschini (EV Zug), Simon Moser (SC Bern), Vincent Praplan (Springfield Thunderbirds, AHL), Damien Riat (EHC Biel-Bienne), Noah Rod (Genève-Servette HC), Tristan Scherwey (SC Bern).

 

[Nexon]

Yeah, the roster is set. There is no official word on Kukan and Andrighetto. We'll know that when they are out. Both would be great additions.
Beside that it's a well balanced roster with (very) young guys and experienced players. Josi obviously is a player on another level.
It's amazing that with so many absent and/or injured players there is still a competitive team.

Goalkeeper (3): Reto Berra (HC Fribourg-Gottéron), Leonardo Genoni (SC Bern), Robert Mayer (Genève-Servette HC).

Defense (8): Raphael Diaz (EV Zug), Michael Fora (HC Ambrì-Piotta), Lukas Frick (Lausanne HC), Joël Genazzi (Lausanne HC), Roman Josi (Nashville Predators, NHL), Romain Loeffel (HC Lugano), Janis Moser (EHC Biel-Bienne), Yannick Weber (Nashville Predators, NHL).

Offense (14): Andres Ambühl (HC Davos), Alessio Bertaggia (HC Lugano), Christoph Bertschy (Lausanne HC), Kevin Fiala (Minnesota Wild, NHL), Gaëtan Haas (SC Bern), Nico Hischier (New Jersey Devils, NHL), Grégory Hofmann (HC Lugano), Philipp Kurashev (Québec Remparts, LHJMQ), Lino Martschini (EV Zug), Simon Moser (SC Bern), Vincent Praplan (Springfield Thunderbirds, AHL), Damien Riat (EHC Biel-Bienne), Noah Rod (Genève-Servette HC), Tristan Scherwey (SC Bern).

But that would mean they would have to send somebody home from final roster, right?

 

[jonas2244]

Yes, happend last year too, where Siegenthaler and a forward I cannot remember were present but not registered and then left the team and went to holidays.

 

[Speyer]

A lot of these guys left too early though. Guys like Vermin or Bertschy were just above average NLA players and had never cracked a WC roster, it was clear from the start that they'd end up buried in the AHL. Streit, Brunner, Gerber or Hiller left as dominant players and went straight to the NHL. But for some reason a lot of player got sold the idea that the way to the NHL goes through the AHL.

Praplan at least has a strong NLA season and a 7 point WC on his resume. But unfortunately he regressed inexplicably since then.

Well Vermin, Bertschy and Richard stayed there pretty long. There is no way their situation would have improved with additional seasons. Yes you could argue that Praplan is more talented than any of them but like you self said, Praplans peak so far was two years ago. I don't think he is any better than Vermin or Richard in their last season in NA right now. If you want to make the NHL right away out of the NLA you need either be young and have some draft pedigree or be in contention to be the best player in our league. Brunner was able to take that route, but he was also lucky the lockout came around and he was able to outperform players like Zetterberg and Tavares offenisvely that year. That definitley got him some extra attention.

Lets face nobody in the NHL is waiting for a 24 year old player with one good season in the 5th or 6th best league in the world and a good run in a tournament nobody cares about in NA. You have to dominate in the AHL or make a huge splash in preseason, like Malgin did, to get a shot. (And Malgin was only 19 and had a very good WJC track record). Praplan wasn't able to do either and will probably return to Switzerland at the end of next season just like Ratgheb and probably Haas if he tries. It takes a really special kind of mindset and deditcation (and a lot of luck) to stick in the NHL if you are not an absolute elite talent. Its very frustrating for the players and us fans, but thats just the way it is.

 

[torero]

A lot of these guys left too early though. Guys like Vermin or Bertschy were just above average NLA players and had never cracked a WC roster, it was clear from the start that they'd end up buried in the AHL. Streit, Brunner, Gerber or Hiller left as dominant players and went straight to the NHL. But for some reason a lot of player got sold the idea that the way to the NHL goes through the AHL.

Praplan at least has a strong NLA season and a 7 point WC on his resume. But unfortunately he regressed inexplicably since then.

I complely agree on everything except Praplan. I think he was a better player two years ago than he is now. He hasn't exactly dominated the AHL this year wich is pretty much a must, if you want to break into the NHL at his age. If you look at all the swiss guys who went to North America in their early to mid twenties without being drafted the track record of success is not that good. Streit made it. Brunner had success for a little while, but he was a better player than Praplan in his prime in my opinion. On the other hand you have guys like von Arx, Wick, Ambühl, Richard, Vermin, Bertschy, Kennins etc. who all only played a handful games. Florida has a solid F-corps. I don't think Praplan will break into the top 6 there, even if he improves from where he is now and we all know that he isn't excactly a grinder who can play on a checking line.

Don't get me wrong I still think he can be a very usefull player for us at he WC but I am not expecting any heroics from him.

Vermin had a couple (i watched a couple of) games with Tampa. Honestly he fited in the mix !! He was not perfect but their was a fit. He was fast, he was intrusive ... maybe didn't blend too well into the group ... but for a first or second game with a group ... what else you want ... but NA is NA and you do not get 1000 chances. (like Moser with Nashville ... again IMO ).

Bertschy never convined me (i watched games he had with the Wild)

Praplan i never saw him in NA but he has more presence, and what i saw in the games against Latvia ... he has presence, he is in the right spot ... and then was clumsy. We will see if the clumsiness is circumstancial and he is capable of elevating his game in the WC. I'll stay open on him.

Wick, Ambuhl should have stayed more years. Zucharello arrived on the same time than both ... with the same initial success. Today Wick would be a sure 2nd liner at least or maybe not anymore (time passed )

 

[filip85]

Lets face nobody in the NHL is waiting for a 24 year old player with one good season in the 5th or 6th best league in the world and a good run in a tournament .

Wasn't that Streit's route exactly ? Only he was little older when went to NA...

Similar (non-Swiss) path had Zuccarello...

 

[jonas2244]

Streit played a very dominant role in the NLA for quite some time before going to NA. And he played several World Championship. And he was drafted, so the Canadiens used a draft pick for him which also probably changes the conditions a little bit. Praplan gets signed and doesn't cost anything (beside the salary).

 

[jonas2244]

Watson writes that Fischer had contact with Kukan and Andrighetto and that both would like to come if they are out. With Andrighetto they probably would need to find a solution regarding insurance like with Fiala.

 

[duga]

If Andrighetto would be available, who do you think would be the odd man out? Bertaggia? Riat? Martschini? There are pros and cons for all of the 3.

One thing I noticed during the Latvia games:
Is Hofmann suddenly and out of the blue starting to mature in his all-round game? He looked like a different player away from the puck the last 2 games. Oftenly involved in puckbattles along the boards, no more alibi fore- and backchecking but with purpose, and went into the crease as well in spite of all the chrosschecks.

Not so much with Ambühl, but more so with Martschini. As if he was forced to do so playing with the diminutive Lino.

His checking technique is certainly still poor and his lack of strengh on skates limits his efficency in many ways. But he looked completely in the game because of his commitment, even when not scoring. And a Hofmann, who isn't in the game, normally is pretty much useless.

Im curious if he can keep it up.
We've been waiting for this step for ages.

Of course, it wasn't against Canada or Russia, but Latvia is physically pretty solid. And especially after the Scherwey-Indrasis incident, they didn't hold back.

Did any of you notice that too?
Or is it just me having a blind spot for my favorite player?

 

[stv11]

I didn't particularly look at Hofmann as I was more focused on Martschini during the game, but as a regular Lugano watcher I didn't notice any noteworthy evolution of Hofmann's involvement in board and slot play. It's possible Fischer had a word with him during the training camp though.

But whether we're talking about a potential odd man out or Hofmann's role at the upcoming WC, I think that the key question is: what is Fischer's plan for Martschini? Regular shift on the 2nd or 3rd line, 13th forward mostly used on the PP, or out of the lineup and to be used only in case of injuries? IMHO, there's a fair chance that the lineup that played the first game against Latvia will face Italy on Saturday, which would mean that Martschini is a regular and Hofmann plays with Ambühl. I doubt we'll see Martschini used as a PP specialist as it would mean that one of Bertaggia or Riat would get top 9 minutes, and Bertaggia has only been used on the 4th line while Riat wasn't inserted in the top 9 against Latvia. This also exclude the possibility that he'd be scratched.

Then if Andrighetto joins, someone needs to be dropped from the lineup and as the 4th line is probably set, Martschini is the most likely. But I'd rather wait for SJ to close the deal before speculating on that.

 

[duga]

It's just I still think, Hofmann has the potential to contribute much more to the team than a few PP goals despite all his shortcomings. And he's closing in in baby steps.

Im still amazed how mentally fragile he stayed over all those years, with all his talent and enthusiasm. How much his performance still depends on his first 2 or 3 plays in a game. Less on national level nowadays, but still way too much on international level. And the drop-off in his game, if he doesn't find his A-game, is normally massiv. Though I thought last year's WC was a first step into the right direction.

He always was speed>hands>brain. But at his best, the gaps between them thin out so much, that it results in an effective player, potentially even on the big stage.

But the combination of his fragile game and his oftenly a bit timid approach internationally is dangerous, for a flow player, who must be around the puck to be effective. When the game doesn't bring the puck to him and he finds time to doubt and think about positioning... it's then he's at worst, and his lack of hockey sense shines through. Constantly in the wrong position at the wrong time, forcing the plays or overplaying his cold hands, until he's so off his game, that he seems to shorten his shifts as much as possible.

I really though, last game, he found the rhythm through commitment in the board battles, winning a few inner battles, and at least tie some outter ones. And when he finally had the puck, he was already warmed up and ready to play.

It could be a very healthy approach.

 

[duga]

I don't know what to think about the Martschini situation as well. He is definitely more ready than last time, he played as courageous, as his frame allows him too. And when he finds a bit of space, he's a joy to watch. I really hope, it works out for him and that he's effective enough for a regular spot 5-on-5. But I have my doubts.

On the other hand dressing Riat as a 13th F just makes more sence, as he could play a complementary role in an offensive or defensive role. And if Martschini fails, you still could bring a
more resilient player with Riat.

Bertaggia, as you said, is abit unlucky, that the 4th line seems set. Unless you promote Scherwey to an other Line (with Haas and Moser/Maybe even Hischier, Fiala?), Bertaggia seems to be the most likely placeholder for Andrighetto. He probably made the team only because Müller injured himself anyway. As I suppose Riat and Hollenstein battle out the last ticket as a physical solid all-round player. More a ticket Hollenstein might lost than Riat acctually won.

If Andrighetto would come, one might argues, Martschini could be redundant, as Andrighetto would kick somebody out of the 2 top lines. But it would mess up the 2nd PP severly.

 

[stv11]

If Andrighetto would come, one might argues, Martschini could be redundant, as Andrighetto would kick somebody out of the 2 top lines. But it would mess up the 2nd PP severly.

Quite the opposite I would say, Andrighetto and Martschini play the same position on the PP, and Andrighetto on the left and Hofmann on the right worked pretty well in 2016 and 2018.

But as I wrote already, let's wait until SJ finishes the job.

 

[duga]

That's true, didn't think of that. It's good to might have this option.

Nevertheless, the triangle Martschini-Josi-Hofmann with the shooters on their proper side, could be deadly itself. Some fine tuning still needed. But what a shooting force.

 

[jonas2244]

At least the Bruins finished the job.

So who has to go to make room for Kukan? Moser? Genazzi?

 

[stv11]

Josi, Weber, Diaz, Fora and Frick should be set already. I think that Loeffel is safe considering that he played on the first PP unit during the training camp, so it should be between Genazzi and Moser indeed.

Moser has outplayed Genazzi in the France and Latvia games, but if you look at the defensive pairs, Moser's spot is the most logical for Kukan. On the other hand, Fischer is not afraid to mix things up to accomodate new situation, so my bet would be on Genazzi.

Another possibility is that 7 defensemen will be registred for the first game and the last two could be kept in case of an injury.

 

[jonas2244]

I'm pretty sure he'll just register 7 Defensemen for the first game to keep options open. Maybe even 6 if Kukan isn't able to be in Bratislava until Friday.

 

[Gianpaolo]

what is Fischer's plan for Martschini? Regular shift on the 2nd or 3rd line, 13th forward mostly used on the PP, or out of the lineup and to be used only in case of injuries? IMHO, there's a fair chance that the lineup that played the first game against Latvia will face Italy on Saturday, which would mean that Martschini is a regular and Hofmann plays with Ambühl.

I guess the speed of Martschini could become an important weapon against the slowly Italian defensemen in the first game.

 

[filip85]

Swiss handicap 2.5 against Italy is 1.70 ? It looks like a gift considering quality diffirences between two teams.

 

[Rillijuti]

what kind of lines they have been rolling lately? Kukan confirmed?