I was at the Charlotte game tonight. Here’s what I saw:
PP units:
Mamin Dalpe Heponiemi
Carrick Fleury
Hutsko Lind True Denisenko
Carlsson
Some PK units I caught:
Dalpe Fleury Olofsson McCormick
Carlsson Dalpe Wilson Carrick
Carlsson Dalpe Kiersted True
Carlsson Kiersted Mamin Twarynski
Some basic player evals. Take these with a grain of salt. I’m not a scout and it was just 1 game.
Gildon: Slow, not the best hockey IQ or anticipation of plays. In the 1st he got caught way up ice and the play went back the other way, 2-on-1 which was Hershey’s first goal. Definitely seems more comfortable in the offensive zone but doesn’t anticipate well defensively. Got absolutely rocked late in the game, he was fine though. Noticeably big out there but doesn’t seem to use it all that often.
Carlsson: At this point, a mostly proven AHLer. Played big minutes. Not sure what the official ice time was but imagine he was at or near the top. Played all situations. I can see why it’s him and Priskie that have been coming up when needed, can make some plays and the coaches seem to trust him in key situations.
Heponiemi: thought he was great. Noticeable out there, made a bunch of plays, found a soft spot and got a pass in the slot from Mamin, put in his own rebound. Relentless away from the puck, good stick defensively.
Denisenko: Honestly, mostly invisible. Skates nicely but never seemed to be very involved in any plays. Had a few shots, some missed the net. Didn’t create anything. Not really sure what to say, wasn’t bad but just didn’t stand out or do much.
Noel: Decent, seems like maybe a tiny bit of a drop off from camp. Nice pass on a 2-on-1 to create the shot for a Max McCormick goal. Wasn’t on the PP tonight which was unfortunate.
Hutsko: Pretty similar to his camp performance. Involved in most plays, good puck pursuit, doesn’t give up on plays. Secondary assist on one of the goals. If he can stay healthy he’ll be a factor eventually.
Schwindt: honestly didn’t really notice him but for the role he plays/will play, I think that’s a good thing. Wasn’t on the ice for any goals, for or against. Don’t think his line played a ton either and don’t think he was on PK.
Mamin: Nothing really new here but I think he plays a very pro style game and is basically a Lammikko replacement. He’ll put up points in the AHL but likely not a bunch in the NHL. from behind the net found Hepo for his goal.
Kiersted: Also played pretty big minutes, solid game and was rewarded with the empty-netter from the D zone corner. One of the better skaters on the team.
overall I think the standouts tonight were True and McCormick, both of which aren’t our players and with McCormick being a vet basically.
Gibson got peppered at times and overall was pretty good. Made a bunch of key saves late to keep the game tied and to keep the eventual lead. Didn’t really have a chance on any, one was flukey, another was a 5-on-3 back door and the other was a 2-on-1 one timer.