GDT: Game 45/82 Blues Vs Flames 7PM CST FDSNMW

[LetsGoBooze]

Once a few more of these kids at forward start hitting the roster i feel like Jake will settle into the 3rd line, and PP net front presence role. I personally think he'll thrive in that spot as he wont be asked to do too much.

 

[Celtic Note]

It’s amazing how getting a young guy like Tucker more time to grow can be a good thing. It’s like patience with prospects is something we should try.

 

[TheOrganist]

It’s amazing how getting a young guy like Tucker more time to grow can be a good thing. It’s like patience with prospects is something we should try.

I don’t know who has been working with him but his feet look so much better relative to all of his pro career. And he’s clearly gaining confidence. He made a play right by me in the 3rd period to elude a forechecker that was genuinely impressive. Didn’t really see this coming with double T. Good on him.

 

[Reality Czech]

Who are all these phantoms ripping on Jake?

I've seen people commenting on his poor two way play before and how he's too one dimensional.

His goal scoring is a bit down from last year but it's clear to me he's becoming a more complete player. Coach even has him on the PK sometimes.

 

[PocketNines]

I like the Brendan Morrow comp a little better to be honest. They're much more similar in size, feistiness, and goal scoring prowess around the net.

Yes I like that Morrow comp, similar size/style for sure. Backes/Schenn are two recent Blues hardnosed examples. I was just thinking about how it took Backes a minute to grow into the way he played. Neighbours is only 22 years old and has 174 games in the league. When the Blues are in a more competitive window and he's 25, 26, 27, he's going to be a key piece that helps them win

 

[Xerloris]

Who are all these phantoms ripping on Jake?

Are they in the room with us now?

 

[ChicagoBlues]

Are they in the room with us now?

The distortions are watching.

 

[ChicagoBlues]

Once a few more of these kids at forward start hitting the roster i feel like Jake will settle into the 3rd line, and PP net front presence role. I personally think he'll thrive in that spot as he wont be asked to do too much.

Yes! I’m with you and @BlueMed. Love Jake, but forcing him to the 3rd line would spell victory. Jake will be on the 3rd line in a couple seasons and that will be a great thing.

It’s amazing how getting a young guy like Tucker more time to grow can be a good thing. It’s like patience with prospects is something we should try.

Zackly! And Lindstein and Jiricek are going to need at least three more seasons before trying the NHL full-time.

 

[Robb_K]

Yes I like that Morrow comp, similar size/style for sure. Backes/Schenn are two recent Blues hardnosed examples. I was just thinking about how it took Backes a minute to grow into the way he played. Neighbours is only 22 years old and has 174 games in the league. When the Blues are in a more competitive window and he's 25, 26, 27, he's going to be a key piece that helps them win

Good point. I'm looking forward to Jake being an effective power forward with a much more complete all-around game during his age 25-27 seasons. He seems to me to have the desire and work ethic to make himself the best player he can be. So, In think thgere;'s a good chance he'll get there.

 

[Robb_K]

I missed this game live, but was happy to see that they beat The Flames. I still have hope fort this season to not only watch positive development of the young players, but also sneak into the playoffs and give them that good experience, as well.

 

[Reality Czech]

Yes! I’m with you and @BlueMed. Love Jake, but forcing him to the 3rd line would spell victory. Jake will be on the 3rd line in a couple seasons and that will be a great thing.


Zackly! And Lindstein and Jiricek are going to need at least three more seasons before trying the NHL full-time.

Well if other players force Jake to the third line so be it, but I'd say it's more likely he sticks in the top 6. Some people wanna put Bolduc on the first line and praising his effort and two-way play while also wanting to preemptively stick Neighbours on the third line. I don't get it.

Many have underestimated Neighbours ever since he was on our prospect list a couple years ago for whatever reason. He's rounded out his game compared to last year and is already trusted defensively by the coaches more than Kyrou

 

[LGB]

I think there’s a miscommunication because a guy being “good defensively” is just too general. There are different game states that require different skill sets to defend. At the end of the game when we are trying to defend in our own zone Jake is good because he is pretty smart, competitive, and willing to block shots. However his lack of speed and agility make him generally ineffective on the forecheck and clogging up the NZ.

 

[Robb_K]

I think there’s a miscommunication because a guy being “good defensively” is just too general. There are different game states that require different skill sets to defend. At the end of the game when we are trying to defend in our own zone Jake is good because he is pretty smart, competitive, and willing to block shots. However his lack of speed and agility make him generally ineffective on the forecheck and clogging up the NZ.

I wonder if he should take a power-skating course and work on improving his skating like David Backes did? I'm guessing it should help some. It really helped bring Backes' game up to another level.