Prospect Info: Hartford Wolf Pack/Bloomington Bison Thread: Part XV

[gravey9]

Pack win 7-3. A few observations.

1. Pack were the far superior team all night. The second period was just a lot of sloppiness.

2. 2 goals against were directly the result of poor plays specifically by Hajek. He was one the of the few players that still managed to have a bad game while everyone else looked very good. He was really frustrating and then as he went to the bench after 3rd Hershey goal I actually felt really bad for him. His game, his confidence, it's really in a bad place. I am hoping he gets traded for his sake. He needs a fresh start mentally. At the very least he needs to stay in the AHL. He's not ready to go back as an NHL extra. That's not what he needs right now.

Now for the good stuff, there was a lot of it.

3. The D. As mentioned in a previous post, Robertson and Schneider looked very good. Hershey may be really bad, but those two looked dynamic in doing what they do well. Robertson flashed really good skating and just all around solid game. Schneider made a fantastic pass on the team's first goal. Then he practically scored shorthanded and Brodzinski ended up cleaning up the rebound for the SHG. But Schneids played well. Jones had an exceptional play on the PP for an assist. He played with a lot of puck confidence as the game went on. He's very reliable in his own zone. I just love his game. Guitari was in for Skinner and i thought it helped the team steady the third pair. It's a little much when both Skinner and Hajek are in the same lineup as both can be shaky at times.

4. Forwards. Everyone looked strong. Paju had a deflection goal and a great snipe. His forecheck pressure helped create the possession that led to his deflection goal. Really involved all night. After a mediocre first game back, Reuschoff looked solid. Made a great forecheck play that led to a primary assist. And almost had a copycat assist/play later.

When this team is going well, a lot has to do with great outlet passing from our D. It allows the forwards to attack with speed.

One could come away from this game feeling very excited about the prospects and this team, but the quality of opponent was noticeably worse than the night before. As dynamic as we looked today, we looked equally as disjointed last night against the Bruins. But tonight's game was nice to experience nonetheless. I am really hoping Paju in particular continues to develop. He is pretty good on the forecheck and has the ability to drive play a bit at this level. Want him to continue to build on it.

 

[bmoak]

The AHL's screwy scheduling, where you can have 5 days off and then play Friday night, Saturday night, and then have a Sunday matinee game, make it hard to have ongoing game-in, game-out consistency and strong play.

 

[jay from jersey]

Pack win 7-3. A few observations.

1. Pack were the far superior team all night. The second period was just a lot of sloppiness.

2. 2 goals against were directly the result of poor plays specifically by Hajek. He was one the of the few players that still managed to have a bad game while everyone else looked very good. He was really frustrating and then as he went to the bench after 3rd Hershey goal I actually felt really bad for him. His game, his confidence, it's really in a bad place. I am hoping he gets traded for his sake. He needs a fresh start mentally. At the very least he needs to stay in the AHL. He's not ready to go back as an NHL extra. That's not what he needs right now.

Now for the good stuff, there was a lot of it.

3. The D. As mentioned in a previous post, Robertson and Schneider looked very good. Hershey may be really bad, but those two looked dynamic in doing what they do well. Robertson flashed really good skating and just all around solid game. Schneider made a fantastic pass on the team's first goal. Then he practically scored shorthanded and Brodzinski ended up cleaning up the rebound for the SHG. But Schneids played well. Jones had an exceptional play on the PP for an assist. He played with a lot of puck confidence as the game went on. He's very reliable in his own zone. I just love his game. Guitari was in for Skinner and i thought it helped the team steady the third pair. It's a little much when both Skinner and Hajek are in the same lineup as both can be shaky at times.

4. Forwards. Everyone looked strong. Paju had a deflection goal and a great snipe. His forecheck pressure helped create the possession that led to his deflection goal. Really involved all night. After a mediocre first game back, Reuschoff looked solid. Made a great forecheck play that led to a primary assist. And almost had a copycat assist/play later.

When this team is going well, a lot has to do with great outlet passing from our D. It allows the forwards to attack with speed.

One could come away from this game feeling very excited about the prospects and this team, but the quality of opponent was noticeably worse than the night before. As dynamic as we looked today, we looked equally as disjointed last night against the Bruins. But tonight's game was nice to experience nonetheless. I am really hoping Paju in particular continues to develop. He is pretty good on the forecheck and has the ability to drive play a bit at this level. Want him to continue to build on it.

Robertson is gonna be a beast when he’s ready. Kid is still growing into his body, but he’s already big and Rangey and moves the puck really well for a kid at his size. I’m guessing he’s at least this year and probably half of next season from sniffing NHL duty, but when he’s ready, he’s going to be a great addition to the NYR LD.
I don’t think he’ll pile on the points, but he has a very good first pass. Playing top 4 minutes this season is definitely going to pay off down the line.
Schneider is as advertised. He just needs to polish up the rest of his game this season and I’m betting he breaks in on 3rd pair with NYR at the start of next season.
Very happy Paju is looking good and lighting the lamp and playing a solid all around game. His confidence is probably sky high right now. If he can get stronger and work on his skating, he’s gonna be in the nhl at some point as well.
Happy Ruesschoff is finding his game as well. He was good for the pack last season. Hopefully he can be an everyday 4th liner there. Big kid with pretty good hands.
How did Barron look? And who was he playing with?

 

[jay from jersey]

I saw the first period so together we have the game covered!

Glad to hear that Huska had a strong game. The first goal he gave up in the first period was just awful. Someone took a weak shot from the wing and Huska kicked it out to the middle of the ice where the Providence player slammed it home. Considering how well he played in the rest of the game I'll give him a pass for one brain fart.

I did see the OT goal against and just terrible defensive coverage by Brodzinski and Greco.

Gettinger was out with an injury designated as day to day.

In the games I've seen I agree on Hajek. It's not that he's that bad but he should be dominating at this level and he is not.

I know many are high on Barron. I am a big Barron fan seeing many of his games at Cornell on ESPN+ and all his games at Hartford last year. I thought he was ready to come out of Cornell after his junior year.

And while I still think he is a good prospect I can't agree more with gravey9 about wanting to see more out of Barron. He just doesn't dominate the way I think he could, particularly on 5X5 play.

Many people look at his point total as a reason to be encouraged. I think this is somewhat misleading. This year he has 6 goals and 9 points in 12 games. But three of those goals were on the power play and a fourth was a shorthanded goal. One of his 3 assists was on 3x3 OT. So he only has 4 5X5 points in 12 games. I think he projects as a third line center. If he reaches that level he is not going to get much if any PP time and little to no 3X3 time. I really want to see him scoring more at 5X5 play.

And as gravey9 points out, the skating is OK at best. He's just not that quick on his skates.

I went back to Corey Pronman's article from September on the Rangers prospects. Pronman rated Barron as the 10th best Rangers prospect and I think really nailed the analysis: Below Average skating and puck skills, Average hockey sense, and Above Average compete level and shot. Pronman's average is the average NHL player. So being below average doesn't mean you can't play in the NHL but it does indicate an area of weakness relative to other NHL players in the same way that above average indicate an area of strength compared to other NHL players. He concluded by saying this about Barron: "he’s a center who can kill penalties, play around the net, finish and make plays. That to me is someone who can be a full-time, bottom-six forward."

I agree with the projection and so rather look at this total points I want to see him be more effective on 5X5 where he is likely to spend all of his time in the NHL.

good post. I’m most interested in how Barron looks 5v5 and on the PK as well. As you said those are likely the roles he’ll be called upon to play in the NHL.
If he does get any PP minutes, it would likely be with the 2nd unit on minimal time in front of the net.
I’m happy he’s scored a few on the PP, but it’s not where he’ll be deployed.

 

[UAGoalieGuy]

Question, looking at the AHL standings, why are some teams playing 76 games and some 72?

 

[nyr2k2]

Question, looking at the AHL standings, why are some teams playing 76 games and some 72?

It's because of the unbalanced divisions (8, 7, 7, and 9 teams in each).

 

[Mugless]

Paju snipe:

 

[Fitzy]

I'm sure Hajek can have a nice and relatively fruitful career in the Czech leagues, which I'd think is probably his next step.

There's no shame in making a career at home in a mid tier professional league. The pay isn't great but it's not a huge cut from AHL money.

 

[UAGoalieGuy]

It's because of the unbalanced divisions (8, 7, 7, and 9 teams in each).

Thanks, but even teams within the save division have different number of games. It's supposed to be like that? For example Springfield and Hersey have 76 games but Hartfors 72. Won't that have a potential impact on who makes the playoffs?

 

[nyr2k2]

Thanks, but even teams within the save division have different number of games. It's supposed to be like that? For example Springfield and Hersey have 76 games but Hartfors 72. Won't that have a potential impact on who makes the playoffs?

They go by points percentage, rather than raw points.

 

[duhmetreE]

They did. After the 2nd, Robertson took Hajek's spot on the top pair. Robertson was really good tonight. Skating and outlet passes were really solid. Schneider had two fantastic plays that became primary assists. He made a pass on a first period goal that was one of the best passes of the season for the entire team.

The more I hear this the more restless I get when watching Nemeth Lundkvist.

 

[gravey9]

The more I hear this the more restless I get when watching Nemeth Lundkvist.

Well, in regards to Robertson, I would say he's right where he needs to be. As much as I really liked his game last night in his own zone and his skating, I still think he could show more poise with the puck at times. He sometimes oversimplifies and too easily gives up possession or misses an opportunity.

I really don't think he would be a clear upgrade over Nemeth at this moment. The hope is, he will eventually be that. But I think the AHL is tailor made for a guy like Robertson to develop.

But the Wolfpack D unit in general has to be one of the best in the AHL right now.

 

[duhmetreE]

Just saw those Schneider and Jones setups... things of beauty.

Really excited for Jones, Schneider and eventually Robertson.

edit- found the video and uploaded it.

 

[Harbour Dog]

Pajuniemi continues to impress.

For those watching the games: is there an area of his game that is developing, outside of that wicked shot? I don't care what it is.

Is he out-hustling and/or out-working guys like he started doing in Liiga last year? Is he playing a strong defensive game? Has he been making some slick passing plays? Beating guys 1-on-1 with his skating or hands?

Any one of those things would be great to hear. Having something else that he can do at an NHL level could be the difference between becoming Brandon Pirri or becoming Vinni Lettieri.

 

[GettingYourMoms]

I'm sure Hajek can have a nice and relatively fruitful career in the Czech leagues, which I'd think is probably his next step.

There's no shame in making a career at home in a mid tier professional league. The pay isn't great but it's not a huge cut from AHL money.

Czech dude here. We don´t want him in ELH he was horrible, keep him in NA., thank you!

 

[gravey9]

Pajuniemi continues to impress.

For those watching the games: is there an area of his game that is developing, outside of that wicked shot? I don't care what it is.

Is he out-hustling and/or out-working guys like he started doing in Liiga last year? Is he playing a strong defensive game? Has he been making some slick passing plays? Beating guys 1-on-1 with his skating or hands?

Any one of those things would be great to hear. Having something else that he can do at an NHL level could be the difference between becoming Brandon Pirri or becoming Vinni Lettieri.

He's trying to become the next Jesper Fast. I see a kid who needs to get bigger and a bit stronger, but he's playing style is constantly improving and is trending to a guy who can one day be effective in all situations. Just have to hope his speed and strength continue to increase as he's a bit undersized to play his style. He's looking better and better in the A.

 

[Fitzy]

Czech dude here. We don´t want him in ELH he was horrible, keep him in NA., thank you!

I had heard this as well, which makes us insisting on keeping him ever more strange

 

[LeetchisGod]

I had heard this as well, which makes us insisting on keeping him ever more strange

Particularly when the regime that made that terrible trade is gone.

 

[cwede]

all 7 goals from Saturday's game

 

[egelband]

Czech dude here. We don´t want him in ELH he was horrible, keep him in NA., thank you!

George Soros, are you trying to manipulate LIBOR?

 

[egelband]

He's trying to become the next Jesper Fast. I see a kid who needs to get bigger and a bit stronger, but he's playing style is constantly improving and is trending to a guy who can one day be effective in all situations. Just have to hope his speed and strength continue to increase as he's a bit undersized to play his style. He's looking better and better in the A.

Good comparison I think. Wasn’t Fast a fairly adept scorer prior to joining the rangers?

 

[Crease]

Does Paju make the team next season? He’s trending in the right direction in any event.

 

[gravey9]

Good comparison I think. Wasn’t Fast a fairly adept scorer prior to joining the rangers?

Just looked up Jesper's stats. He was roughly a 1 ppg player in the AHL in his time there. Paju is currently at .5 ppg. Lauri has been getting better and better on the forecheck. His game has definitely improved since the start of the season. But I think he still has a ways to go. Lauri came over a year earlier than Jesper did, essentially. He just turned 22. Jesper came over a few months before turning 23. Currently Pajuniemi is listed at 183 lbs. Which is a bit light.

I think Jesper was further along when he came over. But I think a bunch of that has to do with skating. If Lauri keeps developing his game at the same pace, he has a shot at getting to the NHL next year I suppose. But his progression would need to be pretty noticeable.

One aspect of watching minor league hockey that I find particularly hard to grasp is why certain effective AHL players are seen purely as AHL while others are deemed as NHL prospects -- when they may have nearly identical abilities in the A. Lauri, in a fishbowl, is exceeding expectations, adapting and improving. But when I watch his current effectiveness in the A, it's not better than say Tanner Fritz or Anthony Greco or Ty Ronning. All three players are somewhat average or slightly undersized for the NHL. They are all top 6 AHL forwards. They are very effective in the AHL. All-Star quality in some cases. And then I look at Paju and I think he's good -- but likely not quite as effective as these similar sized vets.

What makes Lauri stand out from them is his shot and having slightly better vision. But his impact on the actual game itself is not yet better than the other three I mentioned. And the question becomes -- what does Paju need to look like for him to get the call over others? Is it merely that he's as effective at this level and his shot and vision become the thing that separates him? Or does he literally need to display that his entire game is a notch above the others?

At the end of the day, I'd guess Lauri only comes up with major injuries or if the Rangers are out of the playoffs and wanting to see what they have in some of their AHL guys. Otherwise, I see this entire season as an adjustment year. And hopefully over the summer, Lauri continues to get stronger and faster now that he understands the NA game and has the time to train even better for it. My guess is, next year is a really important year for Paju. He doens't need to crack the NHL next season, but he does need to loudly knock on the door. And he needs to be okay with playing in the A a bit longer than most euro guys prefer.

 

[cwede]

Jax came from down 1-3 in 3rd for 4-3 win.
Wall in net, Elmer was +1.
Berzolla got comeback started w primary assist on a shortie, Taylor w primary assist on game winner, was 2nd star w 2As. Sanchez not dressed

 

[SnowblindNYR]

What are the chances Jones becomes another DeAngelo?