Checkers IV: Insert Witty Title Here

[Unsustainable]

Saarela 2-0

 

[The Faulker 27]

Saarela and Necas seem to have the NHL shot that the Canes, except for a couple of players, lack. I would like to think (maybe HOPE is a better word) that the addition of a guy like Bean and one or both of those guys on the PP taking 1 timers would instantly improve the Canes PP%.

I haven't watched much of the Checkers this year to know how good Saarela's 2 way play is so it would be good to hear from fans that did see a lot of him. Zykov last year seems to have been basically a PP specialist only and thus why he's not stuck in the NHL yet. If Saarela can come into camp in top shape, show Rod he's willing to work, and commit to pay on both sides of the ice, he should get an NHL spot.

You guys are probably going to hate this, but when I see Poturalski play, he reminds me a lot of Derek Ryan. Maybe my mind is predisposed to thinking that way because they are similar size, both RH, and both undrafted.

If Poturalksi turns into a Dr Ryan I'd call that a success. That's probably going to ruffle a feather or 2, but Ryan was a solid 2 way center. He just happened to be misused from time to time, IMO, by Peters.

 

[Unsustainable]

Carrick - 3-0

 

[Navin R Slavin]

If Poturalksi turns into a Dr Ryan I'd call that a success. That's probably going to ruffle a feather or 2, but Ryan was a solid 2 way center. He just happened to be misused from time to time, IMO, by Peters.

He's got dammed near the best plus/minus in the league for Calgary.

Edit: ok, top 20, but still.

 

[Unsustainable]

Geekie 4-0

 

[HisIceness]

GOAT Checkers team.

 

[Navin R Slavin]

And the Everblades are 2nd in the ECHL. This org is just so stacked right now.

 

[Unsustainable]

Goat 5-0

 

[HisIceness]

Another W in the books.

 

[Boom Boom Apathy]

If Poturalksi turns into a Dr Ryan I'd call that a success. That's probably going to ruffle a feather or 2, but Ryan was a solid 2 way center. He just happened to be misused from time to time, IMO, by Peters.

Oh, no doubt about it. If he turns into a regular NHLr at all, it's a success.

 

[Cardiac Jerks]

Stortini got first star according to ahl.com

That must have been some fight.

 

[HisIceness]

Dustin "Martin Brodeur" Tokarski

 

[Cardiac Jerks]

Just give them the Calder cup already

 

[HisIceness]

Anything short of that is going to suck. Go get it boys.

 

[zman77]

 

[WreckingCrew]

Hell of a game, 2 fights, won 5-0, lots of puppers there to love. Could have easily had a few more goals. Saarela's shot really is quite impressive, his goal was one where he cut across in front of the net, waited for the goalie to go down, skated past, turned around, and roofed it from a harsh angle. Necas is definitely noticeable, looks like a man amongst boys at times.

 

[MinJaBen]

We are not going to have spots for all of them. Assuming Justin comes back next year, our top six is set and they don't play fourth line roles. Are we, and I mean Rod, going to cut McGinn for one of those guys? Martinook? Necas is probably pencilled into Ferland's spot and Walmark keeps his unless Necas's center game is better than I've heard. As good as they are looking, there is no room in the inn.

 

[Anton Babchuk]

what is this tweet lol. first time I've ever heard "u23" ever. I guess saying "Gauthier has 39 points as a second year pro" doesn't sound as impressive.

Gauthier is incredibly questionable to even make it as a bottom sixer but you'd never know it from media people covering the Checkers, who homer over literally every player.

Having flashbacks of Shaya signing the praises of Dalpe and Sanguinetti every five minutes.

 

[Boom Boom Apathy]

We are not going to have spots for all of them. Assuming Justin comes back next year, our top six is set and they don't play fourth line roles. Are we, and I mean Rod, going to cut McGinn for one of those guys? Martinook? Necas is probably pencilled into Ferland's spot and Walmark keeps his unless Necas's center game is better than I've heard. As good as they are looking, there is no room in the inn.

I kind of agree. I can see a case where Necas gets a role like Svechnikov did this past year. I still think Wallmark is better suited for a 4c role. Mckegg and Saku aren’t shoe ins either. If guys like Saarela shows he’s ready, they can find ways. We need more forward talent overall.

Martinook and McGinn could also play a traditional 4th line role with 3rd line minutes. not saying it will happen, but if a rookie earns it, there are options.

 

[Sens]

We are not going to have spots for all of them. Assuming Justin comes back next year, our top six is set and they don't play fourth line roles. Are we, and I mean Rod, going to cut McGinn for one of those guys? Martinook? Necas is probably pencilled into Ferland's spot and Walmark keeps his unless Necas's center game is better than I've heard. As good as they are looking, there is no room in the inn.

Then you’re going to lose players on the waiver wire... Saarela will have three years of pro experience after this season so he’d have to clear waivers next season to be sent down... no way he clears

 

[emptyNedder]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Saarela at LW and Necas at RW on the 3rd line next season. With a fourth line of Foegele/Martinook/McGinn and Mckegg as the extra. So maybe Maenalanen is added to a trade.
Playing two rookies on the third line worked this year. Staal, given his experience and playing style, might be an ideal center. Unlike most, I think Wallmark will be fine next season. So far in his professional career he has increased production at least 75% (from year 1 to year 2 and year 2 to year 3 in the SHL; from year 1 to year 2 in the AHL). Watching him in Charlotte it was obvious that he focuses on defense and technique then becomes much more comfortable and finds his playmaking creativity.
Necas and Saarela would add a lot of speed. There would be some transition challenges, but likely not as many as Svechnikov had.
Just like Ned being ready--this a GOOD problem to have.

 

[Joe McGrath]

what is this tweet lol. first time I've ever heard "u23" ever. I guess saying "Gauthier has 39 points as a second year pro" doesn't sound as impressive.

Gauthier is incredibly questionable to even make it as a bottom sixer but you'd never know it from media people covering the Checkers, who homer over literally every player.

Having flashbacks of Shaya signing the praises of Dalpe and Sanguinetti every five minutes.

U23 is pretty arbitrary, but I think 99% of the players that are 24+ are never going to make it. Probably the angle they were going for.

 

[Cardiac Jerks]

U23 is pretty arbitrary, but I think 99% of the players that are 24+ are never going to make it. Probably the angle they were going for.

I’ve been noticing that they keep moving the goal posts when reporting on our prospects, using all kinds of different age cut offs

 

[Incubajerks]

Necas is a lock and out goes Wallmark. Warren and Brock are not going anywhere, out goes Mana and out goes McKegg. Hello Gauthier and Saarela/Geekie.

 

[spockBokk]

Necas is a lock and out goes Wallmark. Warren and Brock are not going anywhere, out goes Mana and out goes McKegg. Hello Gauthier and Saarela/Geekie.

I’d be mildly surprised if they got rid of Wallmark. He was a realatively good plug in for Staal. He’s much more suited for a 4th line role imho and if Necas can handle 3C duties next year, he’s perfectly slotted. I’d like to see a 3rd line of Svechnikov-Necas-TT next year. With the established 2-way play of both Svechnikov and TT, Necas should be able to hold his own.

I’ve become more and more impressed with Gauthier this season, and think if he gets meaner, he’s the right-handed, homegrown version of Ferland in a few years.