Laval Rocket: GDT: Laval at Rochester- North Division Finals GM1- 7:05 PM

[The Last Red]

I would not mind alternating between the goalies. As long as Fowler plays a decent amount of games and the team wins.

If you have two starting goalies you have no starting godlies.

 

[schwang26]

Primeau was fine until Fowler showed up and he seems to have wilted mentally since then. Poor guy.

There was probably 1 that he might have had. It was a sloppy game after a long break. There’s no way he’s to blame. Levi had back to back shutouts and he let in 5. Next game will probably be low scoring. That’s usually how it goes.

 

[schwang26]

No it's not. Fowler would have allowed some of those same goals. Primeau won the game.

Thank you. These are probably the same people who wanted Mailloux up at the beginning of the year and who wanted Beck to replace Dvorak.

 

[Tyson]

Thank you. These are probably the same people who wanted Mailloux up at the beginning of the year and who wanted Beck to replace Dvorak.

You and I regularly watch Laval so it isn't surprising that we both are defending Primeau.

 

[le_sean]

Thank you. These are probably the same people who wanted Mailloux up at the beginning of the year and who wanted Beck to replace Dvorak.

No, didn’t want either actually. Just know that Primeau is weak mentally. We saw it every game with the Habs. He lets an early goal in and the floodgates are opened. He’s not the type to step up, he never has been. Could not care less about the regular season, look at Hellebuyck. Some goalies just don’t have it mentally when the chips are down. Fowler has shown time and time again he is a gamer, it’s the exact reason they drafted him, just like there’s a reason Primeau went in the 7th round despite being rated for around the 3rd/4th at the time of his draft.

 

[DAChampion]

Simoneau is injured, and I think that Roy needs to sit a game. So that would mean Mesar and Tuch in next game.

Roy is maybe the most talented and highest IQ forward on the ice, at least for the Rocket. And his career is on the line. I was very disappointed by his play, he lacks urgency and hustle. On one of the goals, Primeau was being interfered with, a Rochester player went around the net, scored, and Roy just stood in the blue paint and stared off into space the whole time. Maybe there was a hot chick behind the glass at the other end of the arena that he was looking at, I don't know.

 

[le_sean]

Simoneau is injured, and I think that Roy needs to sit a game. So that would mean Mesar and Tuch in next game.

Roy is maybe the most talented and highest IQ forward on the ice, at least for the Rocket. And his career is on the line. I was very disappointed by his play, he lacks urgency and hustle. On one of the goals, Primeau was being interfered with, a Rochester player went around the net, scored, and Roy just stood in the blue paint and stared off into space the whole time. Maybe there was a hot chick behind the glass at the other end of the arena that he was looking at, I don't know.

I think Roy is showing us that he will have a lengthy professional career…in Europe

 

[Adam Michaels]

So last night, Oliver Kapanen scored the game winner in Game 1 for Laval. Also last night, his cousin, Kasperi Kapanen, scored the OT and series clinching winner for the Oilers.

Even the Oilers pointed it out:

 

[montreal]

Simoneau is injured, and I think that Roy needs to sit a game. So that would mean Mesar and Tuch in next game.

Roy is maybe the most talented and highest IQ forward on the ice, at least for the Rocket. And his career is on the line. I was very disappointed by his play, he lacks urgency and hustle. On one of the goals, Primeau was being interfered with, a Rochester player went around the net, scored, and Roy just stood in the blue paint and stared off into space the whole time. Maybe there was a hot chick behind the glass at the other end of the arena that he was looking at, I don't know.

I would be shocked if they sat Roy next game as he was way worse in game 1 and 2 vs the Monsters and didn't get benched. At this point I would be a bit surprised to see Mesar or Kidney get in since the last time they played in a game was almost a month ago. Then again they had problem putting in Gignac after a 5+ month in between games, which to me is crazy but says a lot about what they think of Mesar and Kidney.

 

[The Last Red]

Even the Oilers pointed it out:

They are first cousins.

 

[Adam Michaels]

They are first cousins.

I know. I mentioned it in the post I quoted (quoted myself because I'm an egomaniac).

 

[Tyson]

I would be shocked if they sat Roy next game as he was way worse in game 1 and 2 vs the Monsters and didn't get benched. At this point I would be a bit surprised to see Mesar or Kidney get in since the last time they played in a game was almost a month ago. Then again they had problem putting in Gignac after a 5+ month in between games, which to me is crazy but says a lot about what they think of Mesar and Kidney.

Roy showed more grit last night than in any other game I have watched him. He needs to stay in the line up.
Tuch gets on the 4th line and Xhekaj plays on Condotta's line.

 

[WeThreeKings]

Thank you. These are probably the same people who wanted Mailloux up at the beginning of the year and who wanted Beck to replace Dvorak.

Defending the Primeau starts and his subsequent play must be the same people who backed Huet starting over Halak and watched his disgraceful performance cost the Habs the playoffs

 

[schwang26]

No, didn’t want either actually. Just know that Primeau is weak mentally. We saw it every game with the Habs. He lets an early goal in and the floodgates are opened. He’s not the type to step up, he never has been. Could not care less about the regular season, look at Hellebuyck. Some goalies just don’t have it mentally when the chips are down. Fowler has shown time and time again he is a gamer, it’s the exact reason they drafted him, just like there’s a reason Primeau went in the 7th round despite being rated for around the 3rd/4th at the time of his draft.

That was just a sloppy game overall after a long layoff. Both teams were sloppy. Levi allowed 5 after a GAA under 1 in the first round. I’m a Foler fan and I heavily criticized Primeau in the past, but I don’t blame him at all.

 

[Favster]

If you have two starting goalies you have no starting godlies.

It is possible to have two starter caliber goaltenders just like it's possible to have two number 1 centermen on the same team.

 

[HabsAddict]

We need better goaltending if we want to win against Rochester. They are loaded with first rounders. Too much talent and too short a series to "try this".

I have a lot more faith in Fowler then Primeau. If someone points to his record, he was playing in front of a loaded team which hid his mistakes. Way too many times he'd be exposed on a 2 on 1 and come out the short side.

 

[Boss Man Hughes]

We need better goaltending if we want to win against Rochester. They are loaded with first rounders. Too much talent and too short a series to "try this".

I have a lot more faith in Fowler then Primeau. If someone points to his record, he was playing in front of a loaded team which hid his mistakes. Way too many times he'd be exposed on a 2 on 1 and come out the short side.

Need better defensive play or it will be irrelevant how good the goaltenders are.

 

[McGees]

Nobody was stopping the first 2 goals - the D need to clear front of net.
Goals 3 and 4 were not great.
Hope to see more of Fowler as he is the only one with a real future in MTL if we are being honest.

 

[ChesterNimitz]

I watched the game and thought it was pretty entertaining despite one team, Rochester who hadn't played in 13 days and one, Laval, that hadn't played in 8 days. Of the two teams , I thought that Laval has a deeper, more talented roster particularly on defence, where I thought the Rocket's Engstrom, Reinbacher, Mailloux and Trudeau provide much more dynamic mobility than Rochester's defence and that may well be the deciding factor in this series. It also appeared that Laval played in spurts and that when they flicked the on switch they were able to dominate Rochester.

This is my assessment of the play of our prospects, which is, at least to this writer, the only matter that is really of importance .

I thought Beck had an impressive game, showing his great speed and playmaking ability. Beck was often first on the puck, forechecked with vigour, made numerous skillful plays, created multiple scoring chances with his playmaking skills, set up two Laval goals, played physically and was very responsible defensively. You saw Beck's real talent when he played the half-boards on Laval's second power play unit, a role that he was very effective at while playing for Saginaw. His passing, vision and play making were all very impressive. This kid will be hard to keep off the Canadiens' roster this coming fall.

I also thought that Florian Xhekaj had a very impactful game. Xhekaj played his normal driving game, where he forechecked effectively, was physical, showed off his good straight forward speed, went to the net hard which resulted in multiple scoring chances and continued to display his very underrated hockey skills. He played the wing on what was a very effective line with Beck and Davidson. Xhekaj was noticeable almost every shift. If he gains a bit more strength and quickness, this kid will be an important player for the Canadiens going forward.

Davidson had a workman like game where he displayed all the traits necessary for him to succeed at the next level: hard skating, physicality, a relentless forecheck, defensive responsibility and an NHL level shot. Davidson played on Laval's second power play unit and showed that he never loses an opportunity to use his shot. This kid has an impressive pro style game and approach and never seems to take a shift off. Davidson should make the Canadiens within the near future.

Farrell had a largely quiet game. He showed flashes of speed (which was instrumental in Laval's fourth goal) but went long stretches being invisible. Farrell has talent as was shown during the last half of the regular season and the first round of the playoffs and his level of play may well have been adversely affected by the long layoff.

I though Kapanen had a mixed game: playing a largely unnoticeable game for the first two periods and then playing a pivotal role in the third period. Kapenen, who mostly played center, played a surprisingly physical, if not, feisty game where he showed his speed, skill and a high compete level (although only in spurts over the first part of the game). In the third period, Kapanen was a force and probably had more scoring chances than any other Rocket play. He went to the net hard, made a number of skillful passes, was strong on the boards and could have easily have scored a couple more goals on top of the winning goal he scored late in the game when he deflected in a shot from the point by Mailloux. This kid will be among a number of young players who will be pushing for a spot on the Canadiens' roster in 25/26. A strong playoff may well cement Kapanen's chances of making the team.

Though usually a critic of Roy's play, I actually though he had a strong game after the first period. He had multiple scoring chances and played physically and with intensity in the third period. Roy is a skillful player who can anticipate the play and has the skill to be an offensive factor if he applies himself. One shift in the second period best demonstrated Roy's skill. After stripping a Rochester player while on the backcheck, Roy was able to create multiple scoring chances that had the opponent hemmed in their zone for over a minute. In the third period he had several heavy hits (including one where he was lucky not to have been called for a penalty) which turned over the puck and resulted in Laval scoring chances. Roy will never be a swift skater (that ship has sailed) but if he can just maintain the compete level he showed in the third period, he may well be an asset for the Canadiens or some other NHL team who may come knocking.

Overall, Laval's young defencemen had an impactful game and were largely the difference between the two teams. Mailloux had a strong game, where the positives outweighed the negatives. He showed mobility in supporting Laval's offence, he had several good pinches in the neutral zone, he made multiple excellent stretch passes, was very effective in the offensive zone (particularly on the power play), showed off his superior shot which resulted in one direct goal and the Kapanen deflected goal, was around the opposing net on a number of occasions and made several passes off the rush including one play where he fed a great saucer pass to Xhekaj that required Levi to make a great save. Defensively, Mailloux had an uneven performance as he made a few poorly timed efforts to keep the puck in the offensive zone and was beaten wide on several occasions including one play that resulted in Rochester's 3rd goal. He and Engstrom were at their best during a 4 on 4 situation where Mailloux's skating style could take advantage of the fluid situation presented by the extra ice. If in motion, Mailloux's skating combined with his skill can make him a very effective player. Once the play becomes static, Mailloux's lack of acceleration can be exploited. Its the reason that I have been calling for this talented player to be converted to a forward.

I thought Trudeau also had a good game as he, similarly to Mailloux, was very active in the offensive zone. He supported Laval's forwards, drove to the net and made several excellent passes including the pass to Farrell which resulted in Laval's 4th goal. Other than one grievous give away, Trudeau generally had a strong defensive game.

Reinbacher's game mirrored Trudeau's as he showed off his mobility in closing the gap in the defensive zone, was able to support offensive rushes, made some highlight reel offensive plays (including scoring Laval's 2nd goal , was largely stout in the defensive zone other than an ill advised attempt to keep the puck in the offensive zone which failed and resulted in a 2 on 1 rush against Laval with less than a minute to go in the game.

This was probably Engstrom's best game in several months where he displayed his elite skating ability and no more so than during the 4 on 4 situation where Engstrom was able to take the puck into the Rochester defensive zone circle the net , retreat to the offensive blueline and then attack the Rochester net again and almost score. There isn’t one other player on the Laval team that could have successfully carried out that play. I'm sure Hughes and Co. took notice of that feat. As I'm sure 30 other NHL General Managers also did. But that was just one of a number of skating demonstrations that Engstrom offered confirming that the trading of this young player would be a colossal mistake. As I have preached here for over two decades you trade away the skating ability that Engstrom has at your franchise's peril.

As for the goaltending controversy, this game confirms the weakness in Primeau's technique: he plays on his knees. Two of Rochester's goals were scored while he was down. A third shot hit the cross bar. The fourth goal was a weak goal but he made a number of excellent saves. I think Laval's defence's superiority in mobility will mask any supposed deficiencies in Laval's goaltending. But going forward (meaning next year and after) I don't think Primeau will be a part of Montreal's future. I think Montembleault, Dobes and Fowler will offer much better options.

 

[HabsAddict]

I watched the game and thought it was pretty entertaining despite one team, Rochester who hadn't played in 13 days and one, Laval, that hadn't played in 8 days. Of the two teams , I thought that Laval has a deeper, more talented roster particularly on defence, where I thought the Rocket's Engstrom, Reinbacher, Mailloux and Trudeau provide much more dynamic mobility than Rochester's defence and that may well be the deciding factor in this series. It also appeared that Laval played in spurts and that when they flicked the on switch they were able to dominate Rochester.

This is my assessment of the play of our prospects, which is, at least to this writer, the only matter that is really of importance .

I thought Beck had an impressive game, showing his great speed and playmaking ability. Beck was often first on the puck, forechecked with vigour, made numerous skillful plays, created multiple scoring chances with his playmaking skills, set up two Laval goals, played physically and was very responsible defensively. You saw Beck's real talent when he played the half-boards on Laval's second power play unit, a role that he was very effective at while playing for Saginaw. His passing, vision and play making were all very impressive. This kid will be hard to keep off the Canadiens' roster this coming fall.

I also thought that Florian Xhekaj had a very impactful game. Xhekaj played his normal driving game, where he forechecked effectively, was physical, showed off his good straight forward speed, went to the net hard which resulted in multiple scoring chances and continued to display his very underrated hockey skills. He played the wing on what was a very effective line with Beck and Davidson. Xhekaj was noticeable almost every shift. If he gains a bit more strength and quickness, this kid will be an important player for the Canadiens going forward.

Davidson had a workman like game where he displayed all the traits necessary for him to succeed at the next level: hard skating, physicality, a relentless forecheck, defensive responsibility and an NHL level shot. Davidson played on Laval's second power play unit and showed that he never loses an opportunity to use his shot. This kid has an impressive pro style game and approach and never seems to take a shift off. Davidson should make the Canadiens within the near future.

Farrell had a largely quiet game. He showed flashes of speed (which was instrumental in Laval's fourth goal) but went long stretches being invisible. Farrell has talent as was shown during the last half of the regular season and the first round of the playoffs and his level of play may well have been adversely affected by the long layoff.

I though Kapanen had a mixed game: playing a largely unnoticeable game for the first two periods and then playing a pivotal role in the third period. Kapenen, who mostly played center, played a surprisingly physical, if not, feisty game where he showed his speed, skill and a high compete level (although only in spurts over the first part of the game). In the third period, Kapanen was a force and probably had more scoring chances than any other Rocket play. He went to the net hard, made a number of skillful passes, was strong on the boards and could have easily have scored a couple more goals on top of the winning goal he scored late in the game when he deflected in a shot from the point by Mailloux. This kid will be among a number of young players who will be pushing for a spot on the Canadiens' roster in 25/26. A strong playoff may well cement Kapanen's chances of making the team.

Though usually a critic of Roy's play, I actually though he had a strong game after the first period. He had multiple scoring chances and played physically and with intensity in the third period. Roy is a skillful player who can anticipate the play and has the skill to be an offensive factor if he applies himself. One shift in the second period best demonstrated Roy's skill. After stripping a Rochester player while on the backcheck, Roy was able to create multiple scoring chances that had the opponent hemmed in their zone for over a minute. In the third period he had several heavy hits (including one where he was lucky not to have been called for a penalty) which turned over the puck and resulted in Laval scoring chances. Roy will never be a swift skater (that ship has sailed) but if he can just maintain the compete level he showed in the third period, he may well be an asset for the Canadiens or some other NHL team who may come knocking.

Overall, Laval's young defencemen had an impactful game and were largely the difference between the two teams. Mailloux had a strong game, where the positives outweighed the negatives. He showed mobility in supporting Laval's offence, he had several good pinches in the neutral zone, he made multiple excellent stretch passes, was very effective in the offensive zone (particularly on the power play), showed off his superior shot which resulted in one direct goal and the Kapanen deflected goal, was around the opposing net on a number of occasions and made several passes off the rush including one play where he fed a great saucer pass to Xhekaj that required Levi to make a great save. Defensively, Mailloux had an uneven performance as he made a few poorly timed efforts to keep the puck in the offensive zone and was beaten wide on several occasions including one play that resulted in Rochester's 3rd goal. He and Engstrom were at their best during a 4 on 4 situation where Mailloux's skating style could take advantage of the fluid situation presented by the extra ice. If in motion, Mailloux's skating combined with his skill can make him a very effective player. Once the play becomes static, Mailloux's lack of acceleration can be exploited. Its the reason that I have been calling for this talented player to be converted to a forward.

I thought Trudeau also had a good game as he, similarly to Mailloux, was very active in the offensive zone. He supported Laval's forwards, drove to the net and made several excellent passes including the pass to Farrell which resulted in Laval's 4th goal. Other than one grievous give away, Trudeau generally had a strong defensive game.

Reinbacher's game mirrored Trudeau's as he showed off his mobility in closing the gap in the defensive zone, was able to support offensive rushes, made some highlight reel offensive plays (including scoring Laval's 2nd goal , was largely stout in the defensive zone other than an ill advised attempt to keep the puck in the offensive zone which failed and resulted in a 2 on 1 rush against Laval with less than a minute to go in the game.

This was probably Engstrom's best game in several months where he displayed his elite skating ability no more than the 4 on 4 situation where Engstrom was able to take the puck into the Rochester defensive zone circle the net , retreat to the offensive blueline and then attack the Rochester net and almost score. There is not one player on the Laval team that could have successfully carried out that play. I'm sure Hughes and Co. took notice of that feat. As I'm sure 30 other NHL General Managers also did. But that was just one of a number of skating demonstrations that Engstrom offered confirming that the trading of this young player would be a colossal mistake. As I have preached here for over two decades you trade away the skating ability that Engstrom has at your franchise's peril.

As for the goaltending controversy this game confirms the weakness in Primeau's technique: he plays on his knees. Two of Rochester's goals were scored while he was down. A third shot hit the cross bar. The fourth goal was a weak goal but he made a number of excellent saves. I think Laval's defence's superiority in mobility will mask any supposed deficiencies in Laval's goaltending. But going forward (meaning next year and after) I don't think Primeau will be a part of Montreal's future. I think Montembleault, Dobes and Fowler will offer much better options.

I'm torn about making Mailloux a forward. Of any defenseman we have or even had in the recemt past, he's the most capable of playing a forward or rover type of style.

Up to.the recent past that kind of play cost more then benefited the team. Core to that is that forwards wouldn't cover his position when he pinched. He's "suddenly" playing a lot better but a deeper dive into why and the core of it is the forwards, at least some forwards are more devoted to the 200ft game and the help it brings to the defenseman like M. Having his position covered by a forward allows him to take advantage of his pinching, which he's damn good at.

There is no doubt he has the vision, shot and creativity to play forward, but i rather see him get paired with Guhle and we have a 1-2 punch from the defenseman. Hutson is the first wave on PP and 5/5 and M is the second wave 5/5 and PP. That will give us an offensive punch from the defenseman that few teams have. Plus a physical presence from M/Guhle that can handle the biggest lines in the NHL. I've seen M go into fully Guhle mode and actually hurt anyone near the blue paint or the boards. The last time i can remember two players that made life uber miserable for forwards was...Weber/Chiarot.

Ms problem was and is questionable decision making. It's far better now but i still break out in multi-language curses when he chases hits and gap control. Hopefully playing with someone like Guhle can feed/ingrain into him what not to do.

I have a lot of hope pinned on M and Rein along with Guhle, Hutson, X and a few more giving us top 5 NHL defense.

 

[Guiness time]

I agree 100% with ChesterNimitz. Solid game by Laval, for sure a bit of rust, but good effort by the vets and the youngsters. I understand going with the vet Primeau but also understand the disappointment of many not seeing Fowler in net. A while back we complained we had no solid vets to help us get to the playoffs and now we have some but we need to bench them? That's the tricky part that an AHL needs to deal with, but seems to me Vincent is handling it well. He can now let Fowler play up a game with much less pressure on his shoulders. Seems pretty wise to me. Look forward to game 2.

 

[Quatre Vingt Treize]

I watched the game and thought it was pretty entertaining despite one team, Rochester who hadn't played in 13 days and one, Laval, that hadn't played in 8 days. Of the two teams , I thought that Laval has a deeper, more talented roster particularly on defence, where I thought the Rocket's Engstrom, Reinbacher, Mailloux and Trudeau provide much more dynamic mobility than Rochester's defence and that may well be the deciding factor in this series. It also appeared that Laval played in spurts and that when they flicked the on switch they were able to dominate Rochester.

This is my assessment of the play of our prospects, which is, at least to this writer, the only matter that is really of importance .

I thought Beck had an impressive game, showing his great speed and playmaking ability. Beck was often first on the puck, forechecked with vigour, made numerous skillful plays, created multiple scoring chances with his playmaking skills, set up two Laval goals, played physically and was very responsible defensively. You saw Beck's real talent when he played the half-boards on Laval's second power play unit, a role that he was very effective at while playing for Saginaw. His passing, vision and play making were all very impressive. This kid will be hard to keep off the Canadiens' roster this coming fall.

I also thought that Florian Xhekaj had a very impactful game. Xhekaj played his normal driving game, where he forechecked effectively, was physical, showed off his good straight forward speed, went to the net hard which resulted in multiple scoring chances and continued to display his very underrated hockey skills. He played the wing on what was a very effective line with Beck and Davidson. Xhekaj was noticeable almost every shift. If he gains a bit more strength and quickness, this kid will be an important player for the Canadiens going forward.

Davidson had a workman like game where he displayed all the traits necessary for him to succeed at the next level: hard skating, physicality, a relentless forecheck, defensive responsibility and an NHL level shot. Davidson played on Laval's second power play unit and showed that he never loses an opportunity to use his shot. This kid has an impressive pro style game and approach and never seems to take a shift off. Davidson should make the Canadiens within the near future.

Farrell had a largely quiet game. He showed flashes of speed (which was instrumental in Laval's fourth goal) but went long stretches being invisible. Farrell has talent as was shown during the last half of the regular season and the first round of the playoffs and his level of play may well have been adversely affected by the long layoff.

I though Kapanen had a mixed game: playing a largely unnoticeable game for the first two periods and then playing a pivotal role in the third period. Kapenen, who mostly played center, played a surprisingly physical, if not, feisty game where he showed his speed, skill and a high compete level (although only in spurts over the first part of the game). In the third period, Kapanen was a force and probably had more scoring chances than any other Rocket play. He went to the net hard, made a number of skillful passes, was strong on the boards and could have easily have scored a couple more goals on top of the winning goal he scored late in the game when he deflected in a shot from the point by Mailloux. This kid will be among a number of young players who will be pushing for a spot on the Canadiens' roster in 25/26. A strong playoff may well cement Kapanen's chances of making the team.

Though usually a critic of Roy's play, I actually though he had a strong game after the first period. He had multiple scoring chances and played physically and with intensity in the third period. Roy is a skillful player who can anticipate the play and has the skill to be an offensive factor if he applies himself. One shift in the second period best demonstrated Roy's skill. After stripping a Rochester player while on the backcheck, Roy was able to create multiple scoring chances that had the opponent hemmed in their zone for over a minute. In the third period he had several heavy hits (including one where he was lucky not to have been called for a penalty) which turned over the puck and resulted in Laval scoring chances. Roy will never be a swift skater (that ship has sailed) but if he can just maintain the compete level he showed in the third period, he may well be an asset for the Canadiens or some other NHL team who may come knocking.

Overall, Laval's young defencemen had an impactful game and were largely the difference between the two teams. Mailloux had a strong game, where the positives outweighed the negatives. He showed mobility in supporting Laval's offence, he had several good pinches in the neutral zone, he made multiple excellent stretch passes, was very effective in the offensive zone (particularly on the power play), showed off his superior shot which resulted in one direct goal and the Kapanen deflected goal, was around the opposing net on a number of occasions and made several passes off the rush including one play where he fed a great saucer pass to Xhekaj that required Levi to make a great save. Defensively, Mailloux had an uneven performance as he made a few poorly timed efforts to keep the puck in the offensive zone and was beaten wide on several occasions including one play that resulted in Rochester's 3rd goal. He and Engstrom were at their best during a 4 on 4 situation where Mailloux's skating style could take advantage of the fluid situation presented by the extra ice. If in motion, Mailloux's skating combined with his skill can make him a very effective player. Once the play becomes static, Mailloux's lack of acceleration can be exploited. Its the reason that I have been calling for this talented player to be converted to a forward.

I thought Trudeau also had a good game as he, similarly to Mailloux, was very active in the offensive zone. He supported Laval's forwards, drove to the net and made several excellent passes including the pass to Farrell which resulted in Laval's 4th goal. Other than one grievous give away, Trudeau generally had a strong defensive game.

Reinbacher's game mirrored Trudeau's as he showed off his mobility in closing the gap in the defensive zone, was able to support offensive rushes, made some highlight reel offensive plays (including scoring Laval's 2nd goal , was largely stout in the defensive zone other than an ill advised attempt to keep the puck in the offensive zone which failed and resulted in a 2 on 1 rush against Laval with less than a minute to go in the game.

This was probably Engstrom's best game in several months where he displayed his elite skating ability and no more so than during the 4 on 4 situation where Engstrom was able to take the puck into the Rochester defensive zone circle the net , retreat to the offensive blueline and then attack the Rochester net again and almost score. There isn’t one other player on the Laval team that could have successfully carried out that play. I'm sure Hughes and Co. took notice of that feat. As I'm sure 30 other NHL General Managers also did. But that was just one of a number of skating demonstrations that Engstrom offered confirming that the trading of this young player would be a colossal mistake. As I have preached here for over two decades you trade away the skating ability that Engstrom has at your franchise's peril.

As for the goaltending controversy, this game confirms the weakness in Primeau's technique: he plays on his knees. Two of Rochester's goals were scored while he was down. A third shot hit the cross bar. The fourth goal was a weak goal but he made a number of excellent saves. I think Laval's defence's superiority in mobility will mask any supposed deficiencies in Laval's goaltending. But going forward (meaning next year and after) I don't think Primeau will be a part of Montreal's future. I think Montembleault, Dobes and Fowler will offer much better options.

They playing Beck on 4th line wing with Florina. Rather have him at center during playoffs. Be better for his development. Beck has very good compete level. Built solid, decent skill, good on faceoffs, do you see him as future #3 NHL center.

Also Farrell? Does he have NHL future. I wrote him off earlier in season but he looks like different player now.

 

[ChesterNimitz]

They playing Beck on 4th line wing with Florina. Rather have him at center during playoffs. Be better for his development. Beck has very good compete level. Built solid, decent skill, good on faceoffs, do you see him as future #3 NHL center.

Also Farrell? Does he have NHL future. I wrote him off earlier in season but he looks like different player now.

Actually, Beck is playing center on the line with Florian and Davidson. It’s a very effective line as it combines Beck’s speed and play making ability with Xhekaj’s size, skill, physicality and net presence and Davidson’s high tempo, forechecking zeal, shooting anbility and tempo. With Suzuki and the presumptive arrival of the highly skilled Hage as centers, Beck may well fit in as the team’s third center. But the emergence of other options such as Kapanen and other players acquired through trade or free agency may change that calculus.

As for Farrell, I would agree that at the start of the this season Farrell’s future with the organization seemed highly unlikely. But no player witnessed greater improvement this season than Farrell who demonstrated a Debrincat-lite potential. That developmental spurt may well see Farrell play for the Canadiens or, more likely, another team, in the NHL.

 

[Adam Michaels]

Actually, Beck is playing center on the line with Florian and Davidson. It’s a very effective line as it combines Beck’s speed and play making ability with Xhekaj’s size, skill, physicality and net presence and Davidson’s high tempo, forechecking zeal, shooting anbility and tempo. With Suzuki and the presumptive arrival of the highly skilled Hage as centers, Beck may well fit in as the team’s third center. But the emergence of other options such as Kapanen and other players acquired through trade or free agency may change that calculus.

Actually, Xhekaj is listed as the center on the line. But the advantage of having Beck and Xhekaj play together, is that Beck is a right shot and Florian is a left shot. So they can both take the face-off depending on where it is.

 

[schwang26]

Defending the Primeau starts and his subsequent play must be the same people who backed Huet starting over Halak and watched his disgraceful performance cost the Habs the playoffs

Laval 5 Rochester 4.