Half-Assed GDT: Blues - Hawks
- Thread starter Ranksu
- Start date
- Feb 12, 2008
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Kaspick was fun to watch tonight. Not sure that he has NHL future but he could be favorite down in Springfield.
He’s a higher skilled player all around including hockey IQ. It makes him more consistent every shift. I can’t see how Perunovich isn’t an everyday player but we’ll see how it shakes out
- Feb 12, 2008
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So tough to call. What if he starts red hot? He could be a valuable asset for us.
jura
booze & blues
I think Neighbours has better than 50/50 chance to break camp with club (even if he may ultimately go back to Jr.). He seems to do lots of good things out there. Reminds me a bit of Steen.
- Feb 12, 2008
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I wouldn’t be opposed to packaging Tarasenko with a couple others in a hockey trade that upgrades the team. But I’m not just dumping him for the sake of dumping him.
I could see an NHL future for Toropchenko with his size and speed as 4th liner.
Bluesnatic27
Registered User
- Aug 5, 2011
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Good game for Neighbours. Played much better than he did against Dallas.
I hope both Bolduc and Neighbours make Canada’s WJC team. They have both been impressive in camp. I also thought Dickinson looked good in the game he played in.
I wasn't overly impressed with Brown tonight. Would like to see him get in a couple more games, but feel like there is still work to be done to extract the talent that appears to be there. I don't expect he is gonna be one of our 12 best forwards. Whether we would rather keep him as extra or try to sneak him through waivers remains to be seen.
As others have mentioned, Perunovich seems far better than Walman already. He may be that top 4 LHD we are looking for. If not top 4 today, I could certainly see him there by later this season.
One more point on Bolduc. While I really liked his game, he is going to have to work on faceoffs if he is gonna be a center. He was 3/13 I think tonight. But that will come. He not only oozes skill, he seems to think game well out there. Loving that pick.
Thallis
No half measures
We're not dumping him for the sake of dumping him, we're moving him because he asked to be.
- Feb 12, 2008
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puckerdude10
Registered User
A few thoughts from the game tonight. Missed most of the first period so cannot comment on that.
I thought Thomas looked good, goal was great, and he was making good passes and handling the puck better than last year. I think the wrist really messed up his game last year. Skating was great as usual.
Buch looks awesome, really think he and Schenn could be great together. His goal was a beauty but he also had several nice hits towards the end of the game and he drives the net really well. He is everything he was advertised to be. Great compliment to our group.
I though Faulk looked really good. Moved the puck well, skated out of danger several times. Mad a lot of plays and seemed to have solid control in all 3 zones.
Perunavich also looked great, his skating is phenomenal. Picks up speed effortlessly and really opens up the game when he starts moving. He is at top speed almost as soon as he starts moving so if he catches a forechecker or defender with a bad angle he is gone. Originally I thought start him in the AHL, I am starting to rethink that. Would like to see the same for a couple more games but I think he may pass Walman as others have stated and, not so popular opinion, maybe Bortuzzo. Obviously he has more skill than both but with waiver eligibility and asset management he may still force his way on the roster. I am a big Mikkola fan so I would rather risk 1 of the other 2 that Mikkola if Perunavich requires a spot.
I agree with the posters that brought up torpochenko having potential as a solid 4 liner, I think there is an outside shot at being a number 9 forward at his peak. Depending on team depth and if he takes another step forward or not.
Was not all that impressed with Kaspick, used to think he had a shot as a 4th liner but I think he tops out at AHL 3rd liner. Great effort, kid cares and works his ass off but the skill just isn't there. Doesn't seem to bring any particular skills or attributes to add to a roster.
I didn't notice Bortuzzo or Scandella at all. You can take that any way you want. Defensive D you don't want to notice in a bad way but I didn't notice them in a positive way either. Im also half tuned into the cards game so maybe that's on me.
Clifford was all over tonight, he gave a great effort but could not finish his opportunities. I like him as a 15th forward but would rather keep guys like Brown(potential) and Neal(more skill) on the roster. He is a dime a dozen player at this point.
I liked Barbies game, he mixed it up and caused havoc. If he is on our 4th line all year due to depth we are in a great place.
Really liked both Bolduc and Neieghbours. They both look like smart players that have the skill to go with it. Neieghbours looks a little closer to NHL ready but my preference is to give him a couple games(maybe) and send him down. He isn't quite there and I rather not shatter his confidence or risk an injury due to a physical mismatch. Bolduc same feeling but even more pronounced. He needs a year to fill out and bulk up, come back next year with a true shot to make the team.
I liked some of Browns game. He looks like he is pressing a bit which I appreciate, like seeing effort and that he cares, but he defiantly feels the pressure of young guys behind him and a closing window to secure his career. His acceleration is lacking but his top speed is fine as others have pointed out. He has the skill and vision around the net. Really hope the Blues use Hitch to teach him the D zone, but don't let him touch his O zone, he has the instincts for that already. I would keep him up to not risk him on waivers and give him a few games to see how he responds but I am sure some will disagree.
My other controversial point is that I thought Tarasenko looked solid. I didn't see the first but in the second and third I saw him make some solid plays in tight spaces and find teammates with good passes. He also had a beautiful goal and even saw some physicality towards the end of the game. I also saw him engaged with teammates at times, especially after his goal with Neieghbours. I honestly think he may end up staying. I didn't think he looked checked out and I would not be surprised if he ends up playing out his contract with the Blues. Just my opinion though.
Overall a solid game from half a roster. Excited for the season and hoping the regulars can find another gear when it all starts, will be a fun year if they do.
I thought Thomas looked good, goal was great, and he was making good passes and handling the puck better than last year. I think the wrist really messed up his game last year. Skating was great as usual.
Buch looks awesome, really think he and Schenn could be great together. His goal was a beauty but he also had several nice hits towards the end of the game and he drives the net really well. He is everything he was advertised to be. Great compliment to our group.
I though Faulk looked really good. Moved the puck well, skated out of danger several times. Mad a lot of plays and seemed to have solid control in all 3 zones.
Perunavich also looked great, his skating is phenomenal. Picks up speed effortlessly and really opens up the game when he starts moving. He is at top speed almost as soon as he starts moving so if he catches a forechecker or defender with a bad angle he is gone. Originally I thought start him in the AHL, I am starting to rethink that. Would like to see the same for a couple more games but I think he may pass Walman as others have stated and, not so popular opinion, maybe Bortuzzo. Obviously he has more skill than both but with waiver eligibility and asset management he may still force his way on the roster. I am a big Mikkola fan so I would rather risk 1 of the other 2 that Mikkola if Perunavich requires a spot.
I agree with the posters that brought up torpochenko having potential as a solid 4 liner, I think there is an outside shot at being a number 9 forward at his peak. Depending on team depth and if he takes another step forward or not.
Was not all that impressed with Kaspick, used to think he had a shot as a 4th liner but I think he tops out at AHL 3rd liner. Great effort, kid cares and works his ass off but the skill just isn't there. Doesn't seem to bring any particular skills or attributes to add to a roster.
I didn't notice Bortuzzo or Scandella at all. You can take that any way you want. Defensive D you don't want to notice in a bad way but I didn't notice them in a positive way either. Im also half tuned into the cards game so maybe that's on me.
Clifford was all over tonight, he gave a great effort but could not finish his opportunities. I like him as a 15th forward but would rather keep guys like Brown(potential) and Neal(more skill) on the roster. He is a dime a dozen player at this point.
I liked Barbies game, he mixed it up and caused havoc. If he is on our 4th line all year due to depth we are in a great place.
Really liked both Bolduc and Neieghbours. They both look like smart players that have the skill to go with it. Neieghbours looks a little closer to NHL ready but my preference is to give him a couple games(maybe) and send him down. He isn't quite there and I rather not shatter his confidence or risk an injury due to a physical mismatch. Bolduc same feeling but even more pronounced. He needs a year to fill out and bulk up, come back next year with a true shot to make the team.
I liked some of Browns game. He looks like he is pressing a bit which I appreciate, like seeing effort and that he cares, but he defiantly feels the pressure of young guys behind him and a closing window to secure his career. His acceleration is lacking but his top speed is fine as others have pointed out. He has the skill and vision around the net. Really hope the Blues use Hitch to teach him the D zone, but don't let him touch his O zone, he has the instincts for that already. I would keep him up to not risk him on waivers and give him a few games to see how he responds but I am sure some will disagree.
My other controversial point is that I thought Tarasenko looked solid. I didn't see the first but in the second and third I saw him make some solid plays in tight spaces and find teammates with good passes. He also had a beautiful goal and even saw some physicality towards the end of the game. I also saw him engaged with teammates at times, especially after his goal with Neieghbours. I honestly think he may end up staying. I didn't think he looked checked out and I would not be surprised if he ends up playing out his contract with the Blues. Just my opinion though.
Overall a solid game from half a roster. Excited for the season and hoping the regulars can find another gear when it all starts, will be a fun year if they do.
Almost forgot that Ellis made his debut tonight. Other than mishap behind net didn't look out of place.
stl76
No. 5 in your programs, No. 1 in your hearts
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ezcreepin
Registered User
- Dec 5, 2016
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I was just going to make this comparison, but he might be more skilled, less defensively savvy than Steen. But I think the comparable is a good one. I was at work tonight so I didn't get to actually watch the game, but just from watching the highlights, I don't see any way Neighbours isn't at least with the big club initially. His passes are clean and the offensive awareness is incredible for a guy so young. He's tenacious and a puck hound, and I would imagine they think the defense will come with time as he exposure to tougher competition rises. I think you put him in for the last 2 games and see how he does against a full lineup and make the decision after that. People say Perunovich looks miles ahead of Walman, and if that's the case, then so be it. Kinda bummed for Walman because he looked very solid last year, but he's gotta know his position isn't guaranteed. Mikkola as well, unless his puck handling has gotten better, he's on the outside looking in.
And Steen was maybe my all time favorite Blue, so I don't say that lightly. Berube raved about Neighbours (and Bolduc) tonight in postgame interview in way I've never heard him speak about Kostin. I think Neighbours has real shot at making club. As you suggest, he can always be sent down later but if we send him down now he is unavailable for perhaps entire season.
Didn’t see the game but just watched highlights. Holy f***, Bolduc does not look like an 18 year old kid out there. He looked way more comfortable and legit than I thought he would. Definitely a great sign for the future.
