Another solid game for the Moose:
Perfetti wasn't as noticable offensively as past games but still made a number of things happen. He was good with the puck on his in his end and the nz. One thing that has really impressed me lately has been his ability to physically hold off players trying to check him and then gaining some separation. Given his age, physical development and skating you would expect him to struggle there, but nope here he is able to move and shake off a player draped all over him. Just think how good he will be able to handle things once he adds some more speed and strength.
Heinola had another strong all around effort. He was rushing the puck well and his passing was generally good. Defensively I think he still needs some polish as he can run around a bit at times and sometimes try's to do too much with the puck.
Samberg has really found his game lately, just another real nice tidy defensive effort while throwing his weight around. Tried some stuff offensively but wasn't always able to pull it off. Even though its likely not going to be a strength of his I like that he is being given the green light to work on it and try things at the AHL level.
Kovacevik: Another real sound all around game. Good defense, solid breakouts and was getting his shot through. You never have to worry with him out there.
Chisholm was solid tonight but was a bit off with his breakouts. He is able to use his speed to recover when he makes an error which is a plus. Other then that wasn't too noticeable.
Gus was more involved offensively today, set up Todd for a wide open net with a nice pass on a two on one that was missed. Was also opening up well for his shot and got a few good ones away. Showed excellent positional awareness defensively and broke up a few dangerous looking plays. He is another player that I am happy that the org is working on developing different aspects of his game. He may never be a top 6 player but working on his offense will help him be able to fill many different roles on the team moving forward.
Watching the highlights of the 5-3 kill Samberg looked good. That's the kind of role he needs to fill to get to the next level.
Happy to read about Kovacevic's progression.
In the opinions of those posters who have watched a good chunk of Moose hockey who do you think are the first ones up for the playoffs?
I mean Benn, Harkins, Vesalainen seem to be the first replacements on the big squad, but who merits promotion after them?
Watching the highlights of the 5-3 kill Samberg looked good. That's the kind of role he needs to fill to get to the next level.
Happy to read about Kovacevic's progression.
In the opinions of those posters who have watched a good chunk of Moose hockey who do you think are the first ones up for the playoffs?
I mean Benn, Harkins, Vesalainen seem to be the first replacements on the big squad, but who merits promotion after them?
This might be the right side first pairing defenceman they need keep him with Heinola bring them up together. This season will be an out in the first round for the jets anyway.Man, Kovacevic just keeps getting better and better as the year goes on. Feeling a lot more confident in him being an NHL player one day than I did 3 games into the season.
Yeah Kovacevic is my biggest pleasant surprise this season for the Moose and he's on an offensive tear right now to go with his solid defensive play. In the past 8 games he has 9 points, 21 SOG, and is +11 if you're into that kind of thing.I realize that Stockton isn't much of an opponent, but Samberg, Kovacevic, and Chisholm just look dominant at that level. Kovacevic had a bit of a sluggish start this season, but he's impressed me with his mobility, defensive shutdown ability, and some decent play with the puck. Samberg looks like what Forbort would be if he was bigger, faster, and played with more pace and skill. Or maybe a Poolman, but with a very smart and organized approach. Just a smothering defensive presence, and now wheeling with the puck more. He's a really strong skater. Chisholm is a wonderful skater, and it makes him confident all over the ice because he can recover and outskate most opponents. He's also very strong with the puck. I think the Jets have 4 AHL prospects with NHL potential, with two or three of them potential top 4.
Moose win 2 - 1.
Gus is a horse. He doesn't have great wheels, but he's incredibly strong. If he can add some quickness / speed, he could be a very useful bottom-6 C. He has more offensive productivity than I expected.
AHL recognizing how good he was in April.
Sounds like Cole is progressively getting better. Gives me some excitement on a rather disappointing season for the Jets.Congrats to Cole and well deserved.
Tough news for Chisholm who was having a nice first year pro.
Coach also indicated Brent Pedersen, who didn't play a game for Manitoba this season, won't play as he just isn't able to go this year.
Apparently he got hurt during training camp and was never able to get healthy.I dont recall seeing him get hurt in a game, does anyone know when it happened?
Really good read on Eric Comrie.