Matthews first game is against defending champs. Let him get some time to gel. But he was bad today
C Auston Matthews - USNTDP, USHL (2016 Draft)
- Thread starter sigx15
- Start date
-
Work is still on-going to rebuild the site styling and features. Please report any issues you may experience so we can look into it. Click Here for Updates
- Status
All you're doing is indulging in something with really little meaning right now. Representation is far less important than accessibility and market popularity. It's nice and all to have a little fluff story, but that's all it is. No need to shoot the idea down, because the idea is far-fetched enough right now to the point you have to ask, why are we talking about this?
Anyway, Matthews definitely looked a very talented player today. It's really hard to tell from a fan POV through a few games in a tournament dominated by older elite players about these younger players and how relate, or what they are really capable of. For most casual fans watching, i think most can just say ... there is a lot to like. No need for hype or hyperbole or jumping off a cliff.
AmericanDream
Thank you Elon!
I agree in a sense but there still was a lot of question marks about Eichell especially after that u18 tournament where he did not look that good...
Matthews is 17 years old playing in the biggest stage of his life...mind you against the defending champs off the bat. I would hold off any absolute claims one way or the other until at least next year when he is in Eichel skates.
Im not writing Matthews off at all, but I will say that Eichel, from game 1 through the rest of the tournament last year was a catalyst for the US offense every game. Every time the US had a chance on offense, Eichel was on the ice. Just like in yesterday's game when he was a catalyst and running things when he was on the ice.
Matthews showed some glimpses, but he didnt have the same impact that Eichel did last year starting in game 1. Im not going to write the kid off after 1 game, just an observation I made. Probably something Stokes noticed as well.
leafsfuture
Registered User
- Mar 30, 2008
- 6,134
- 183
watched both closely yesterday, and there is no doubt Eichel was more impressive.
That being said, Matthews showed a similar strength with the puck, and I actually thought at times his stride was a little more powerful than Eichel.
Matthews looked like what he is.... an extremely talented, big 17 year old. Emphasis on "big 17 year old". We know it takes longer for big men to put it together.
Right now, he will have his ups and downs in the tournament, and because of that, his minutes will be somewhat sheltered. That being said, in terms of NHL projection, you can see why he will likely go no 1 in 2016. Size, powerful stride. I will say this, he has the "potential" to be a better NHLer than Eichel. His skillset is amazing.
If Eichel is a Getzlaf/Malkin blend, Matthews is just Malkin.
The key is continued development. Eichel took a big step forward in the last 12 months, who knows if Matthews can do the same
That being said, Matthews showed a similar strength with the puck, and I actually thought at times his stride was a little more powerful than Eichel.
Matthews looked like what he is.... an extremely talented, big 17 year old. Emphasis on "big 17 year old". We know it takes longer for big men to put it together.
Right now, he will have his ups and downs in the tournament, and because of that, his minutes will be somewhat sheltered. That being said, in terms of NHL projection, you can see why he will likely go no 1 in 2016. Size, powerful stride. I will say this, he has the "potential" to be a better NHLer than Eichel. His skillset is amazing.
If Eichel is a Getzlaf/Malkin blend, Matthews is just Malkin.
The key is continued development. Eichel took a big step forward in the last 12 months, who knows if Matthews can do the same
weems
Registered User
- Jul 3, 2008
- 18,806
- 13,400
I only caught glimpse's of the first period and was extremely impressed with his skillset. I think it might be more usefull to scout a guy like this skillset in these first few games or even this tournament compared to his actual production.
Great size, great stride, great hands.
Really at this point thats all I needed to see to understand and buy into the hype.
Great size, great stride, great hands.
Really at this point thats all I needed to see to understand and buy into the hype.
jacobhockey13
used to watch hockey, then joined HF Boards
AmericanDream
Thank you Elon!
nanzenkills
Registered User
TSN, not Americans, were the first ones saying that Matthews is the clear favorite to go #1 overall in 2016. Blame your media, not us.
AmericanDream
Thank you Elon!
I am amazed at all the new countries I have been reading about on HF.
In a separate thread the imperial power of Canara could destroy every hockey nation....and now the amercicains, an ancient civilization from many moons ago has risen up and taken up the game of hockey...man, I bet Bettman didn't really see this type of growth when he first thought of expansion..
I am amazed at all the new countries I have been reading about on HF.
In a separate thread the imperial power of Canara could destroy every hockey nation....and now the amercicains, an ancient civilization from many moons ago has risen up and taken up the game of hockey...man, I bet Bettman didn't really see this type of growth when he first thought of expansion..
where is "canara" and "amercicains" ?
nanzenkills
Registered User
seriously, USA had nothing better than mathews and werenski ?
Well, on this US team, Eichel is better than Matthews and Hanifin is better than Werenski.
jacobhockey13
used to watch hockey, then joined HF Boards
jacobhockey13
used to watch hockey, then joined HF Boards
seriously, USA had nothing better than mathews and werenski ?
We also have a gold metal from 2013
Tasty Biscuits
with fancy sauce
I swear, threads about American prospects get troll-hijacked more than any other threads about prospects of a different nationality.
tsujimoto74
Moderator
- May 28, 2012
- 31,074
- 24,318
Some of these Canadian posters seem really upset that the US is producing talent. It's weird.
I'm hopefully going to see him play against MSU next weekend. Pretty excited to see what he can do.
Juxtaposer
Outro: Divina Comedia
- Apr 27, 2005
- 36,107
- 35,942
Americicains? You mean you don't know? You were the one that introduced us to that great nationality.
- Status
