Always going to be a tough game for the Gulls after Vancouver sent down at least 4 players off their NHL roster to the AHL prior to the game. No surprise that pretty much all of Abbotsford's best players were their best players in the game too (Karlsson, Aman, Raty).
In terms of the game, Gulls started out well, don't think Abbotsford entered the Gulls zone until about the 3rd minute of the game. Not too much of note from the first (outside of the Clang injury).
Second period Gulls got an early goal from Colangelo after Bailey got tripped taking the puck to the net, and McKeown's shot went through Silovs and Colangelo tapped it in. After that it was mostly Abbotsford, Caufield went for a hit in the neutral zone and Biakabutuka was a bit out of position and that was it, seemed like he sort of gave up on the play and gave Karlsson a free wrap around attempt after Dansk overcommitted to the near side, ended up deflecting off Warren who tried to block the far side. Colangelo got gifted a second goal when he took a shot from the circles and it somehow beat Silovs on the nearside. Then Biakabutuka had another rough play, pinched all the way up to centre ice after an Abbotsford stretch pass with zero forward support, which left Bains open on goal, Warren I thought did an ok job cutting out the cross crease pass, however Pitre went to the puck carrier which left Raty free to dunk it in on the back post. Third goal was a shot that deflected off Luneau into the goal.
Big one was Meyers missing two golden chances at 2-2 early in the 3rd (one was a particularly nice dish pass from Pasta), including one where he got round the goaltender and then fired it into the defenceman who was on the goal line. After that the Gulls didn't generate much, and were probably fortunate not to go down by a second goal.
Biakabutuka got benched after the 2-2, I'd say he played maybe three shifts the rest of the game while Luneau and Heatherington got double shifted with Warren.
Colangelo, Bailey were the best Gulls for me. Then it's a lucky dip between Pasta/Luneau/Hinds/Carpenter. Really hope we re-sign Bailey, he's been such a quality addition to the Gulls.
Still think it's insane we are throwing Myatovic and Pitre out every night in the AHL, absolutely terrible player development for me (I know I've mentioned this before). But for a GM who likes to 'overripen' prospects, throwing out 19 (just turned 20 now) year olds who clearly need to add a decent amount of weight to their frame is insanity.
And Pitre being thrown out as the 3rd line centre on a heavy hitting defensive line by McIlvane is just hilarious when he's 6'1 and about 185 pounds (at best). I do think Pitre will be a handy player when he puts on some muscle, when he manages to find space he does show some skill, he just can't win puck battles to save his life and gets blown off the puck easily.....not really his fault either, shouldn't be playing at this level yet.
So disappointing that Dionicio couldn’t beat out Biakabutuka… or even worse this Bikabatuka fellow. I was hoping he would be that rare 5th round find like Terry.
Not sure why you think Dionico was beaten out by Biakabutuka. It's been talked about plenty the issues with Dionico (it's not his play which is the issue).
2 goals for Colangelo through 2 periods. Clang was also pulled early despite not allowing any goals, so I assume it's an injury.
Indeed. Scramble for the puck in the crease and one of the Abbotsford forwards fell on top of Clang when he was in the butterfly. Looked like it might have been right groin.
Thanks for your updates regarding Gaucher. As everyone here knows, I have long been a critic of the pick observing that Gaucher had little to no offensive abilities that would carry over to the NHL. That has proven true so far. My other concern is that his skating won't be good enough in the NHL to be an effective defensive specialist against the top lines of other teams. What are your thoughts on his skating based upon your viewings. I'm sure his skating is fine at the AHL level but will he be able to keep up in the NHL (as anything more than an 6-8 minute 4th line plug)?
I don't see any issues with Gaucher's skating, I'd say he's one of the better skaters on the Gulls. Seems to have good top end speed, and I don't see any issue with his edgework. Should be more then good enough for the NHL.
On a tangent, what is your take on Caulfield this season? Does he play PK? (I assume he does as he was billed as a defensive forward when we acquired him.) And if so, then is he usually paired with Gaucher? Could Caulfield also make the 4th line NHL jump with Gaucher?
Again, thx in adv for the response.
Caufield does play some PK, sometimes with Gaucher, but it's not set in stone. I don't see Caufield as an NHL'er next season personally. I think skating will hold him back a little at the next level, doesn't quite have the speed required (not yet at least). I think his best chance is 13th forward, so gonna have to wait till after Johnston's gone.
(Again I'm not a talent evaluator or scout, just my own observations and opinions from watching the Gulls so I could be completely off base).
