These are my brief observations about Game 4 which Laval won 4 -1 to close out their best of five series with Cleveland. The first 30 minutes of the game were probably the best I have seen the Rocket play this year and was a complete reversal from the very languid performance the team offered in Game 3. They were fast, aggressive and determined as they steamrolled to a quick 3-0 lead . They played, as the great Lawrence Taylor once implored his teammates to emulate: "Like a pack of wild dogs". The score could easily have been 5-0 or worse with a bit more finish around the net.
Here is my assessment of the play of our prospects:
Beck played a strong, intense two-way game on a line with Florian Xhekaj and Davidson. He was noticeable almost every shift. Beck showed great speed transporting the puck, on the forecheck and was around the Monsters' net all game long. Beck anticipated the play by jumping into openings on the ice and showed off his excellent shot on a number of occasions. With a little bit more finish, Beck would have scored 2 to 3 goals. This is the Beck that warranted a call up to the Canadiens this season and who will a core player for this team going forward.
Xhekaj was one of the best players on the ice and mostly played the wing on a line with Beck and Davidson which is a portend of his future role in the NHL. Xhekaj showed: above average straightforward speed, disruptive physicality (particularly on the forecheck), strength on the puck, a willingness to take a hit to make a play and a high hockey I.Q. and vision that allowed him to be effective on the penalty kill and make clever passes that created scoring chances and outlet passes that allowed Laval to exit their defensive zone. Its interesting to note that Xhekaj teamed up well with Beck. All season long I was complaining that Beck needed to play with players who could read/anticipate the play and get him the puck, or place the puck in a area where Beck could use his explosive speed. In Xhekaj, Beck was playing with such a player. Such is Xhekaj's vision and play making ability. He didn't play and key Brantford's Power Play last year because he's a mere thug. His skills are hugely underestimated just as his physicality is overrated. This kid will make the NHL because of his combination of size and skills. Xhekaj has NHL power forward written all over him and it would not surprise if he challenges for a roster spot as early as next year. If Xhekaj gains a bit more mass and gains that missing half-step of quickness he will be an important player for the Canadiens for the next decade. One criticism: Xhekaj has to show more discipline. In a game which Laval had well in hand, Xhekaj became belligerent and took an unnecessary penalty that created a 4 on 4 situation which favours offensive hockey as it creates more open ice, which is exactly what Laval didn't want at that stage of the game. He's a kid, but he has to be and play smarter at the next level.
Davidson, who was on the right wing on the Beck line, played a relentless, driving and physical game. He forechecked with urgency and his compete level kept the Monsters' defence on their heels and drew one penalty. After a bit of a lull in the level of his play, Davidson had a strong, pro-style game where he showed improved speed and was noticeable almost every shift.
After a very listless performance in Game 3, Farrell showed the same high level of play that made him one of Laval's ( and the AHL's) better players over the last 40 games of the season. Farrell showed excellent speed both with the puck and on the forecheck, played physical, blocked shots, went into the danger zone placing himself in position to receive passes creating several high quality scoring chances, and made the great pass that resulted in Laval's 4th goal. Probably the player that has improved the most this season, people shouldn't be surprised if Farrell is one of the young players that pushes for a roster spot on the Canadiens next fall. Whether with the Canadiens or with some other team, Farrell will be playing in the NHL, and playing soon.
I thought Kapanen played a very strong game, showing above average skating ability, good offensive vision and surprising strength with the puck and along the boards. Kapanen was good on face-offs and was responsible defensively. You could see the faith that the Laval coaches had in this young player as they used him extensively late in the game. I would be shocked if Kapanen doesn't make the Canadiens next year. He's already NHL ready and that readiness will give Hughes options going forward.
I don't want to rag on Roy, but he was Laval's least effective forward last night. He's simply not fast enough to be effective on a consistent basis at the AHL, let alone the NHL level. If your looking for a largely stationary forward with good offensive skills, Montreal already has Laine. I am afraid to say that the ship has largely sailed on Roy's chances of making the Canadiens. With Kapanen, Beck, Farrell, Xhekaj and Davidson pressing for roster spots, and Hughes most likely active on the trade and free agency market, there will be little or no room for this speed challenged, low intensity player.
On defence, Mailloux had one of his better , if not best games of the season, showing excellent offensive vision from the blueline, his elite stretch pass, good mobility with the puck, strong defensive positioning and his NHL level shot from the point. Mailloux was Laval's most noticeable defencemen (for good reasons) and was probably the best player on the ice other than the Cleveland goalie. While I am still concerned about Mailloux's lack of acceleration, he masked that deficiency by moving the puck quickly which allowed him to avoid Cleveland's forecheck pressure. All in all, it was a strong performance by Mailloux.
Trudeau, who again was paired with Mailloux, had a good game showing a high level of physicality and mobility. Trudeau made few errors in the defensive zone and was instrumental in Laval's first goal by attacking the net with the puck using his above average speed. Most importantly, Trudeau played a disciplined game, making the safe play and by not taking unnecessary penalties. His presence on the blue line adds a needed degree of mobility to Laval's defence.
Reinbacher played a safe, controlled but largely unremarkable game. His level of involvement (or lack thereof) in the offence was largely dictated by the fact that Laval was able to get a quick lead and Reinbacher was not needed to join the offence. Reinbacher used his good mobility to close gaps in the defensive zone and make plays at the offensive blueline. Reinbacher was strong along the boards and made few errors in the defensive zone.
Engstrom had a mixed game. He flashed his great mobility on a number of occasions in all three zones of the ice and picked his spots when to be engaged in the offence including once ringing a shot off the crossbar. This is a very talented player, but is still prone to creating grievous turnovers in his own zone through his careless handling of the puck. He sometimes eschews the safe play for a higher risk option. For those who worry about Matheson's occasional turnovers, Engstrom is going to cause you a heart attack. Twice last night, Engstrom turned over the puck creating grade "A" scoring chances for Cleveland. I almost had a heart attack.
Fowler was adequate last night, as he wasn't really overly challenged. I think the coaches have more faith in him than Primeau and, as such, the job as Laval's starting goalie is his, until he losses it.
