2021-22 Utica Comets and ECHL thread - part V

[Tao Jersey Jones]

I get it, I was half joking. They've hit a rut but I'd much rather them back their way in than be on the outside. Who knows what can happen when the playoffs start?

Playoffs are a brand new season. Mitens started the first of the last B2B and was pulled and Schmid had to finish the game where he gave up one goal on 23 shots and then gave up four the next night. I get the thinking because if Mitens wins that clinching game and Laval had lost the first of their B2B it would have put Utica in a position to clinch the division Laval won both games, Utica lost both.

Hopefully the week off helps the whole team but especially Schmid and Mitens The next four games are over two B2Bs. They finish the season on a road B2B. If Mitens is toast that's three automatic losses out of seven remaining games. I think Daws will return before the last B2B and maybe Schmid gets both of these next two games if he wins the first one. So maybe Mitens gets one more start.

 

[Tao Jersey Jones]

I posted it when it first started but I'm not really sure what direction you're taking this so I'll go with yes to see where we are going.

Sorry to take it there.

I just don't use "bad dude" to describe what Boucher allegedly did to put it lightly, it's not strong enough terminology in my book.

 

[Tao Jersey Jones]

You know full well I have to hit my quota of dad jokes or the other old guys will get mad at me when we queue up for Geritol at the nursing station.

Well you and others have poo-pooed the AHL before, so use as necessary.

 

[My3Sons]

Well you and others have poo-pooed the AHL before, so use as necessary.

Short bursts of text are not great at conveying intent or tone. I was just responding to the use of the term wet blanket. That struck me as funny since I don't know how many years it has been since I've seen anyone use that term. As for the AHL, I don't think it's fair to say I've poo-pooed it. I root for the young guys. I went to college in an AHL town. I've been to over 100 AHL games. It's important and I check on the thread regularly because I am interested, and not to denigrate it. If that's what you got from my post, my apologies, that's not what I was going for.

I just think we have to be realistic about its role. Contrary to some, I do see it as a development league. Watching the young guys on the way up is the best part of any minor league sport to me. At times that will make for some frustration for the local fans, and I well understand that a winning environment is good for the prospects to grow in. It's something of a balancing act. I'm glad that Holtz has been allowed to grow and develop and they've given prime minutes to the defense prospects and the goalies. Sure, it's not ideal from a team record standpoint, but it's been ok this season even if they are really a .500 team that just rode a goalie bender. I'll also counter that they are better than a .500 team but that through attrition and callups they've lost good players that should be supplementing the Utica lineup. But at the same time they've brought in two new college guys, one of whom should have some real talent once he adjusts.

I think that's the nature of the AHL. Remember, I've got kids the same age as some of the prospects and I want them all to succeed. I know and can appreciate that this is their chosen profession and it's hard. I'm well aware of how short their careers can be and that maybe outside of hockey they are unlikely to find a rewarding career.

If I say something you deem as snarky in the future, think of it more as tongue in cheek or gallows humor and it won't seem dismissive. That's never my intent to almost any fellow NJ Devils fan.

 

[Tao Jersey Jones]

Short bursts of text are not great at conveying intent or tone. I was just responding to the use of the term wet blanket. That struck me as funny since I don't know how many years it has been since I've seen anyone use that term. As for the AHL, I don't think it's fair to say I've poo-pooed it. I root for the young guys. I went to college in an AHL town. I've been to over 100 AHL games. It's important and I check on the thread regularly because I am interested, and not to denigrate it. If that's what you got from my post, my apologies, that's not what I was going for.

I just think we have to be realistic about its role. Contrary to some, I do see it as a development league. Watching the young guys on the way up is the best part of any minor league sport to me. At times that will make for some frustration for the local fans, and I well understand that a winning environment is good for the prospects to grow in. It's something of a balancing act. I'm glad that Holtz has been allowed to grow and develop and they've given prime minutes to the defense prospects and the goalies. Sure, it's not ideal from a team record standpoint, but it's been ok this season even if they are really a .500 team that just rode a goalie bender. I'll also counter that they are better than a .500 team but that through attrition and callups they've lost good players that should be supplementing the Utica lineup. But at the same time they've brought in two new college guys, one of whom should have some real talent once he adjusts.

I think that's the nature of the AHL. Remember, I've got kids the same age as some of the prospects and I want them all to succeed. I know and can appreciate that this is their chosen profession and it's hard. I'm well aware of how short their careers can be and that maybe outside of hockey they are unlikely to find a rewarding career.

If I say something you deem as snarky in the future, think of it more as tongue in cheek or gallows humor and it won't seem dismissive. That's never my intent to almost any fellow NJ Devils fan.

I don't like checking old posts except for my own for reference purposes, but I believe it was when Utica was down a bunch and you posted they could come back because "it's the AHL".

Others, not just here, seem to think the parent club is doing the farm club a favor so it's tough shit if the team got depleted by injury call ups and inadequate personnel just as they are preparing for a post season. Development is important. That's why I follow (it started as filling a void when @ratsgirl left to be a doctor way back in the days of Lowell or Rivers Rats Run or whenever).

I was going to post the roster numbers of each AHL team a few days ago when Birnell said 7 D is average for an AHL roster, but AHL rosters change daily, so I gave up ( I was cross-referencing the AHL.com rosters and EP rosters and then adding the emergency loans from CF, I may give it another shot after the regular season ends and just look at playoffs rosters). Another number to look at is total number of players used when you look at each AHL team's skater stats page. Before van Whye was signed today Utica was tied with Stockton (who will win the regular season if Chicago doesn't catch them) and Bridgeport (who could miss the playoffs or squeak in the last spot) for the lowest amount of players used on their roster including ECHL loans/PTOs, NCAA ATOs at 36. Van Whye makes it 37. I'll post all of the teams later but I think the most is 56 players with one or two with 55. I don't think having that many players roll through is much better, but these teams are doing their due diligence in giving guys looks.

 

[Billdo]

Sorry to take it there.

I just don't use "bad dude" to describe what Boucher allegedly did to put it lightly, it's not strong enough terminology in my book.

I'm pretty sure I was way harder on him than "bad dude". I have absolutely zero respect for anyone who is alleged to have done what he did. As far as I'm concerned jail isn't enough with regard to those types of allegations but I'm afraid if I keep going it won't end well as far as being banned, restricted on this board. Let's just say I wouldn't have internet access if it were done to my daughters.

 

[Billdo]

Playoffs are a brand new season. Mitens started the first of the last B2B and was pulled and Schmid had to finish the game where he gave up one goal on 23 shots and then gave up four the next night. I get the thinking because if Mitens wins that clinching game and Laval had lost the first of their B2B it would have put Utica in a position to clinch the division Laval won both games, Utica lost both.

Hopefully the week off helps the whole team but especially Schmid and Mitens The next four games are over two B2Bs. They finish the season on a road B2B. If Mitens is toast that's three automatic losses out of seven remaining games. I think Daws will return before the last B2B and maybe Schmid gets both of these next two games if he wins the first one. So maybe Mitens gets one more start.

I'm hopeful that Daws gets sent down so we can roll him and Schmid and have Mittens as the third. Plus getting guys like Zetterlund and Greer back will surely help.

 

[My3Sons]

I don't like checking old posts except for my own for reference purposes, but I believe it was when Utica was down a bunch and you posted they could come back because "it's the AHL".

Others, not just here, seem to think the parent club is doing the farm club a favor so it's tough shit if the team got depleted by injury call ups and inadequate personnel just as they are preparing for a post season. Development is important. That's why I follow (it started as filling a void when @ratsgirl left to be a doctor way back in the days of Lowell or Rivers Rats Run or whenever).

I was going to post the roster numbers of each AHL team a few days ago when Birnell said 7 D is average for an AHL roster, but AHL rosters change daily, so I gave up ( I was cross-referencing the AHL.com rosters and EP rosters and then adding the emergency loans from CF, I may give it another shot after the regular season ends and just look at playoffs rosters). Another number to look at is total number of players used when you look at each AHL team's skater stats page. Before van Whye was signed today Utica was tied with Stockton (who will win the regular season if Chicago doesn't catch them) and Bridgeport (who could miss the playoffs or squeak in the last spot) for the lowest amount of players used on their roster including ECHL loans/PTOs, NCAA ATOs at 36. Van Whye makes it 37. I'll post all of the teams later but I think the most is 56 players with one or two with 55. I don't think having that many players roll through is much better, but these teams are doing their due diligence in giving guys looks.

I think my point when I said that was that minor league teams by their nature are somewhat flawed. I expected the Conets to have chances. Has there been a game when they haven’t had chances? That’s not a snarky comment just the reality of minor league play. I also meant it as an optimistic comment for Utica. Again short bursts of text aren’t great for reading intent.

 

[Guttersniped]

I don't like checking old posts except for my own for reference purposes, but I believe it was when Utica was down a bunch and you posted they could come back because "it's the AHL".

Others, not just here, seem to think the parent club is doing the farm club a favor so it's tough shit if the team got depleted by injury call ups and inadequate personnel just as they are preparing for a post season. Development is important. That's why I follow (it started as filling a void when @ratsgirl left to be a doctor way back in the days of Lowell or Rivers Rats Run or whenever).

I was going to post the roster numbers of each AHL team a few days ago when Birnell said 7 D is average for an AHL roster, but AHL rosters change daily, so I gave up ( I was cross-referencing the AHL.com rosters and EP rosters and then adding the emergency loans from CF, I may give it another shot after the regular season ends and just look at playoffs rosters). Another number to look at is total number of players used when you look at each AHL team's skater stats page. Before van Whye was signed today Utica was tied with Stockton (who will win the regular season if Chicago doesn't catch them) and Bridgeport (who could miss the playoffs or squeak in the last spot) for the lowest amount of players used on their roster including ECHL loans/PTOs, NCAA ATOs at 36. Van Whye makes it 37. I'll post all of the teams later but I think the most is 56 players with one or two with 55. I don't think having that many players roll through is much better, but these teams are doing their due diligence in giving guys looks.

A reasonable number of people even on these boards don’t care very much at all about player development of non-core guys (who all suck to them unless they are scoring).

They also often underestimate the need for depth and generally hate depth forwards (because they “suck”). It is the way. People were whining endlessly about us looking at guys on PTOs, even though 1) almost every team does it 2) we needed that depth.

I think some people have a pathological hatred for AHL guys because they fear they will sully the NHL roster and “prospects good and non-prospect losers need to f*** off and die” is simply the default setting.

Which is how you can end up with people complaining about tweeners on AHL teams, even though they’re essential. (Unless you want a very terrible AHL team.)

 

[Tao Jersey Jones]

"That's why we play, what we play for, the playoffs," said Comets defenseman Kevin Bahl, who will rejoin Utica once New Jersey's season is complete.

No surprise. Bahl up for the rest of the season.

 

[My3Sons]

A reasonable number of people even on these boards don’t care very much at all about player development of non-core guys (who all suck to them unless they are scoring).

They also often underestimate the need for depth and generally hate depth forwards (because they “suck”). It is the way. People were whining endlessly about us looking at guys on PTOs, even though 1) almost every team does it 2) we needed that depth.

I think some people have a pathological hatred for AHL guys because they fear they will sully the NHL roster and “prospects good and non-prospect losers need to f*** off and die” is simply the default setting.

Which is how you can end up with people complaining about tweeners on AHL teams, even though they’re essential. (Unless you want a very terrible AHL team.)

Meanwhile Zetterlund took the long route and is getting a look on a top line in NJ. Some folks have no perspective.

 

[Tao Jersey Jones]

I'm pretty sure I was way harder on him than "bad dude". I have absolutely zero respect for anyone who is alleged to have done what he did. As far as I'm concerned jail isn't enough with regard to those types of allegations but I'm afraid if I keep going it won't end well as far as being banned, restricted on this board. Let's just say I wouldn't have internet access if it were done to my daughters.

I don't really want to delve into it any further for the same reasons. Not trying to jump on a soapbox or holier than thou high horse. I'm glad you posted that thread. I was nitpicking over the thread title for many reasons I don't want to explain right now, but the main point was some people may have had reasons to not to read the thread if they saw what it was about in the title. Other people who may be very interested in the thread topic may have skipped over it because it just said Reid Boucher like maybe he was returning to the NHL or broke another KHL record or whatever.

Anyway no reason cry over spilt beer and I hope this is milk under the bridge.

 

[Tao Jersey Jones]

I think my point when I said that was that minor league teams by their nature are somewhat flawed. I expected the Conets to have chances. Has there been a game when they haven’t had chances? That’s not a snarky comment just the reality of minor league play. I also meant it as an optimistic comment for Utica. Again short bursts of text aren’t great for reading intent.

Yeah I think you could have easily said the it's hockey and not specific to the AHL considering how this NHL season has gone.

 

[Emperoreddy]

Some of it is just things evening out. They most likely were never as good as their white hot record early on was, but they aren't as bad as their current run has been.

Getting in was the first goal. New season starts, Daws will be back, and I would prefer he get some AHL regular season games in before the playoffs start, it's not like he is just sitting around doing nothing. He is facing NHL competition right now so you hope he can use that to elevate his game come playoff time.

Plus a couple of skaters should be back by then too to help shore things a bit with Z and Bahl

I see no reason why they can have a competitive a successful postseason run here.

 

[My3Sons]

Yeah I think you could have easily said the it's hockey and not specific to the AHL considering how this NHL season has gone.

That’s the thing. There are some nights a too NHL team can shut down the opponent almost completely. We’ve seen a few games like that where NJ has 22 or 23 outside shots in a game but generates basically nothing. Again it’s not a dig at the AHL. It’s just recognition that the teams are uneven given their makeup. That’s a good thing because it allows for the growth and development of young players. Once Greer Zetterlund Bahl and Daws get back to Utica the team will look better.

 

[Tao Jersey Jones]

I'm looking at these last seven games as a playoff series. I'll be happy if they finish 4-3. I'll also look at the last five games as a playoff series, because the first two rounds are best of five, but if the division and conference are clinched then maybe rest some players that may be banged up and put Irvine, McGrath (although Sarge said Paddy and Gauthier are still banged up) in to prevent late season injuries.

Maybe more NCAA UDFA are incoming.

 

[nugg]

I'm looking at these last seven games as a playoff series. I'll be happy if they finish 4-3. I'll also look at the last five games as a playoff series, because the first two rounds are best of five, but if the division and conference are clinched then maybe rest some players that may be banged up and put Irvine, McGrath (although Sarge said Paddy and Gauthier are still banged up) in to prevent late season injuries.

Maybe more NCAA UDFA are incoming.

I'm hoping for that McKay goalie, unless he's already signed elsewhere?

 

[Tao Jersey Jones]

I'm hoping for that McKay goalie, unless he's already signed elsewhere?

Not yet. I almost posted that McKay is still out there and then deleted it because he should have multiple suitors and may have less competition with another organization. Will have to check @Brodeur 's goalie depth chart. Even if McKay (or Galajda or an ECHL G) comes in and loses a game or two it prevents Schmid from having to be in a position to relieve Mitens on any of the three B2B in the seven games remaining like he did in the last two games. I don't know if McKay would see a better shot with another team without two other rookie Gs in the way.

Another D or two would be fresh legs in the B2B. Running with 6 D at the moment. Checks AHL transactions for Theocharidis recall.

 

[Tao Jersey Jones]

I'm looking at these last seven games as a playoff series. I'll be happy if they finish 4-3. I'll also look at the last five games as a playoff series, because the first two rounds are best of five, but if the division and conference are clinched then maybe rest some players that may be banged up and put Irvine, McGrath (although Sarge said Paddy and Gauthier are still banged up) in to prevent late season injuries.

Maybe more NCAA UDFA are incoming.

Actually 4-2-1 clinches the conference without any help, so that would be ideal.

Division magic number is eight. Conference magic number is nine vs. Springfield and Providence.

 

[Tao Jersey Jones]

If you consider that Schmelzer, Zetterlund, and Groleau are the only remaining players from the 2019-20 Binghamton Devils and discount or include last year's 34 game disaster (but not developmentally), this is a Cinderella underdog team and was before the season started.

 

[Bad Goalie]

I'm looking at these last seven games as a playoff series. I'll be happy if they finish 4-3. I'll also look at the last five games as a playoff series, because the first two rounds are best of five, but if the division and conference are clinched then maybe rest some players that may be banged up and put Irvine, McGrath (although Sarge said Paddy and Gauthier are still banged up) in to prevent late season injuries.

Maybe more NCAA UDFA are incoming.

"Maybe more NCAA UDFA are incoming."

Statistically there are still some good ones out there. I'd take a flyer on McKay. Sign him for '22-'23 and get him to Utica on an ATO like they did with Halonen. Get him a lot of practice time and make some kind of assessment. Do the same with another guy known for scoring. No roster limits for the AHL playoffs. Never know when a goalie issue could crop up.

Also as you mention a big help to rest Schmid on B2Bs with no chance of being forced back in on game 2 if Mitens blows a tire like he did in his last start.

What's the situation with Cory Stillman? The guy has already signed an ELC, yes?

Peterborough starts their playoffs April 21. Best of 7.

Utica finishes their season on April 30. The Comets will get a bye for the 1st round of the AHL playoffs unless they completely fall on their faces. It's completely possible that Stillman and Peterborough will be done. However, as a 2nd seed, where they currently sit they won't be playing a league powerhouse, but their series are all best of 7 games.

If they go to 7 and win, it's likely the Comets would have to run fairly deep to even get a chance to see him.

Am I correct on all of this?

 

[Bad Goalie]

Not yet. I almost posted that McKay is still out there and then deleted it because he should have multiple suitors and may have less competition with another organization. Will have to check @Brodeur 's goalie depth chart. Even if McKay (or Galajda or an ECHL G) comes in and loses a game or two it prevents Schmid from having to be in a position to relieve Mitens on any of the three B2B in the seven games remaining like he did in the last two games. I don't know if McKay would see a better shot with another team without two other rookie Gs in the way.

Another D or two would be fresh legs in the B2B. Running with 6 D at the moment. Checks AHL transactions for Theocharidis recall.

My thoughts exactly on McKay.

 

[Bad Goalie]

If you consider that Schmelzer, Zetterlund, and Groleau are the only remaining players from the 2019-20 Binghamton Devils and discount or include last year's 34 game disaster (but not developmentally), this is a Cinderella underdog team and was before the season started.

Nail on the head!

 

[Bad Goalie]

Congrats to Zetterlund and Bahl on both potting their 1st NHL goals last night in Arizona! Will kick their confidence levels up another notch. Not that Fabian needs it. LOL

 

[My3Sons]

Congrats to Zetterlund and Bahl on both potting their 1st NHL goals last night in Arizona! Will kick their confidence levels up another notch. Not that Fabian needs it. LOL

It's great to see the young players that are unheralded make the most of their time in the AHL and really blossom. I've followed Zetterlund since he was first drafted and he's really come a long way. Since you are new to the NJ franchise I'll offer something that might surprise you as a loyal Utica watcher. Until he hurt his knee a few seasons ago Talvitie was trending significantly better than Zetterlund.