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Laval Rocket: - Laval Rocket at Cleveland Monsters 7:00 pm | Page 2 | HFBoards - NHL Message Board and Forum for National Hockey League
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Laval Rocket: Laval Rocket at Cleveland Monsters 7:00 pm

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Is it me, or is Mailloux making like waaaaaaaay less mistakes defensively, but he's not being anywhere near as aggressive offensively.
 
schwang26 said:
That was a very decisive win against a top team. Hopefully there’s no let down tonight!
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I found the game to be quite uninteresting with both teams being largely lethargic. The Cleveland team was very flat, if not disinterested and frankly, Laval was not much. Here are my very brief comments as to the performance of our prospects.

Beck had another less than inspiring game. He was largely invisible in the first period but came on stronger as the game progressed, displaying his excellent speed and superior playmaking ability. Beck played on a line with Roy again and in this game the two showed chemistry that wasn't noticeable in the previous games that they played together. Beck set up Roy for multiple chances using Give and Gos which placed Roy in a position to use his elite shooting ability, including the goal that Roy scored on the power play on a perfect feed from Beck. Beck played on the first power play unit and used his speed to split the Cleveland defence on multiple occasions during the game and he forechecked with fury delivering a huge hit in the offensive zone. Beck was again mediocre in the face-off circle. With his level of talent, I was expecting more offensive production from this talented young player. Perhaps, as he and Roy become more familiar with each other, Beck will start scoring at the same rate he was during the first two months of the season.

After a slow start in the game, Roy was Laval's best forward. Roy showed a constant high compete level, better speed than expected (including being able to beat an icing call) and, with Beck, created multiple scoring chances including 3 prime scoring chances on one shift alone. If he can replicate his effectiveness/presence that he displayed during last night's game on a consistent basis at the next level, Roy may well have an impact in the NHL. But that is a very big if.

A valid argument could be made that Davidson, with a goal and two assists, and not Roy, was Laval's best forward last night. Davidson again played center and he did so admirably, showing surprising speed, a non-stop motor, superior play making ability, physicality and his NHL level shot/release. He was noticeable almost every shift. There is an aura to this kid's game that screams leadership, confidence and NHL potential. With a good camp next fall, this kid is playing for the Canadiens.

Mesar continued to show more confidence on the ice and that confidence went right to his feet as he appeared quicker and more engaged. Mesar made several rushes and clever/strong plays that created scoring chances including the pass that led to Laval's first goal. Like Davidson, Mesar was noticeable ( for good reasons) and was one of Laval's better forwards last night.

Tuch played the type of game that will allow him to make the NHL: strong skating and high level of physicality. Tuch was strong on the forecheck, muscled/bullied/abused the Cleveland defencemen all night and even scored a goal. I think that Tuch has now largely overcome the injury that was limiting his effectiveness for the past month and I am very anxious to see how he plays in the second half of the season. This kid has all the tools to be a very effective bottom six forward in the NHL.

Farrell had a largely unforgettable game and aside from a few bursts of speed with the puck and on the forecheck, was largely invisible.

Mailloux had a fair game. There were no grievous defensive errors and he made several good outlet passes, some effective pinches, smartly held the offensive blueline on occasions and even had a couple of offensive rushes. But there was no dynamic element to his game. He was beaten wide on a couple of occasions in the defensive zone and was largely unable to generate any speed transporting the puck and, more importantly, I didn't see him beat the opposing forecheckers once the whole game. Why he was picked for the AHL All-Star game is a complete mystery to this writer. But hey, let's not look a gift horse in the mouth. Mailloux's selection may (will) improve his market value.

Engstrom was another defender who had a less than a dynamic game. Engstrom was OK in the defensive zone, made a few rushes with the puck that showed off his good mobility and made a number of good plays in the offensive zone. However he wasn't very effective physically and made several improvident turnovers. Engstrom's game has definitely plateaued since displaying so much promise/potential in first two months of the season. I still have faith that Engstrom has true NHL potential, but if the arc in his on-ice performance doesn't start to point in the right direction, my said faith may begin to fade.

Trudeau had another impactful game: effective in the defensive zone, in transporting the puck, in supporting the offence and playing physically. Trudeau showed ever increasing levels of mobility, strength on his skates, leadership on the ice and he played in all game situations: even strength, power play and penalty killing. I strongly believe that Trudeau has now clearly passed both Mailloux and Engstrom in potential. Right now, it's not even close.
 
Rapala said:
Hopefully Hughes can find his early season form again that will go along way towards grabbing more points tonight.
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He was good against Abbotsford. If they hold them to 13 shots again, they should hopefully win. Not sure who their other goalie is but hopefully he’s not that great
 
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