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Ontario Reign 21-22 : I'm only happy when it Reigns

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Statto said:
The reality is though that Clague had a very poor camp. That seemed to be to consensus view and whilst I agree that he has subsequently done very well since his call up, let’s not pretend we were shocked that he was waived.
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I recall all three sucking at camp but I only recall one of them showing incredibly well and being able to step up into a top 4 role last season. The idea that they expected more upside than that out of Maatta or Wolanin at that stage is why I was pissed that they waived him and one reason why I feel like they look for any excuse to slap him down.

Some guys just don't have 'it' at practice/scrimmages but can do well in the games, Clague has shown he's a better NHLer than an AHLer, and if they were shortsighted enough to waive him solely because of camp after so many years in the org than color me even more worried than before...and then that they went on to waive Wolanin and leave Maatta as last man standing of that crowd is just gross!
 
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Fishhead said:
Case in point: the Vilardi line.
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Except we never actually got to see the preseason Vilardi line in the regular season.

I know it's not fair to pick and choose, but if you just isolate this example, Vilardi started the season with Kaliyev and Tkachev since Lias got hurt. I also know this can lead into a whole bunch of different arguments as to why it shouldn't matter, but most people would agree Lias was the big key to that line in preseason. Fox even alluded to his forechecking and puck retrieval which isn't something Kaliyev, or Tkachev are known for.
 
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If Lias is deemed the reason that line was clicking, all the more reason Gabe's not worth keeping up. You should be able to stand on your own two feet.
 
kingsfan said:
If Lias is deemed the reason that line was clicking, all the more reason Gabe's not worth keeping up. You should be able to stand on your own two feet.
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I knew it would come up and is the reason I said it can lead to a whole bunch of arguments on that fact alone. But is that really fair? Is Vilardi, who played 71 NHL games when the season started, expected to stand on his own two feet centering 2 rookies with a combined NHL experience of 1 game?
 
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WhatTheFox said:
I knew it would come up and is the reason I said it can lead to a whole bunch of arguments on that fact alone. But is that really fair? Is Vilardi, who played 71 NHL games when the season started, expected to stand on his own two feet centering 2 rookies with a combined NHL experience of 1 game?
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Agreed. As a rule, each person trying to break into the lineup should get at least 1 vet to insulate. Andersson is still young, but I wouldn't consider him a vet.

But Vilardi was asked to essentially carry 2 rookies (Tkachev is talented and played well, but he's still adjusting).

Vilardi has played well with Andersson, Moore, Frk in particular. He shouldn't be punished for failing to meet unreasonable expectations or circumstances.

Though frankly, I'd rather Vilardi be moved to wing and having a solid vet to play with.
 
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WhatTheFox said:
I knew it would come up and is the reason I said it can lead to a whole bunch of arguments on that fact alone. But is that really fair? Is Vilardi, who played 71 NHL games when the season started, expected to stand on his own two feet centering 2 rookies with a combined NHL experience of 1 game?
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Well I'd say yes, considering one of those two rookies is still up and standing on his own two feet himself.
 
King'sPawn said:
Agreed. As a rule, each person trying to break into the lineup should get at least 1 vet to insulate. Andersson is still young, but I wouldn't consider him a vet.

But Vilardi was asked to essentially carry 2 rookies (Tkachev is talented and played well, but he's still adjusting).

Vilardi has played well with Andersson, Moore, Frk in particular. He shouldn't be punished for failing to meet unreasonable expectations or circumstances.

Though frankly, I'd rather Vilardi be moved to wing and having a solid vet to play with.
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Exactly, and as you pointed out in your post in the other thread (which I agree with 10000%) we hoped and assumed that is how TMac would integrate the rookies. As RJ pointed out as well, our top 6 avg age is like 30 years old. LA has arguably the top prospect pool in the league. Something doesn't seem right there.
 
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kingsfan said:
Well I'd say yes, considering one of those two rookies is still up and standing on his own two feet himself.
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You mean Kaliyev who's playing on the fourth line with Lizotte and Lemiuex who are not rookies and have a combined NHL games of 316? I'm not sure I see the similarity there.
 
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WhatTheFox said:
You mean Kaliyev who's playing on the fourth line with Lizotte and Lemiuex who are not rookies and have a combined NHL games of 316? I'm not sure I see the similarity there.
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I'm saying if Kaliyev can stay up, I'd expect Vilardi to be able to as well. I'd expect Vilardi to outplay Kaliyev, never mind Lizotte.
 
kingsfan said:
I'm saying if Kaliyev can stay up, I'd expect Vilardi to be able to as well. I'd expect Vilardi to outplay Kaliyev, never mind Lizotte.
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I think the point is that Vilardi was never given a chance to play with two guys who have at least some NHL experience.
And it's not like Kaliyev is lighting it up. To me, he's barely staying afloat 5v5 even though he's been part of the 4th line's success. It's been mostly Lemieux/Lizotte who's been driving the play.
That's not necessarily a bad thing if you're looking for a 4th line plug, but he hasn't scored in a while.
And the Kings having a horrible power play isn't helping him utilize his best weapon.
 
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Master Yoda said:
I think the point is that Vilardi was never given a chance to play with two guys who have at least some NHL experience.
And it's not like Kaliyev is lighting it up. To me, he's barely staying afloat 5v5 even though he's been part of the 4th line's success. It's been mostly Lemieux/Lizotte who's been driving the play.
That's not necessarily a bad thing if you're looking for a 4th line plug, but he hasn't scored in a while.
And the Kings having a horrible power play isn't helping him utilize his best weapon.
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Exactly what I was about to type. It's really been Lizotte and Lemieux driving that 4th line. It's not the same.
 
King'sPawn said:
Agreed. As a rule, each person trying to break into the lineup should get at least 1 vet to insulate. Andersson is still young, but I wouldn't consider him a vet.

But Vilardi was asked to essentially carry 2 rookies (Tkachev is talented and played well, but he's still adjusting).

Vilardi has played well with Andersson, Moore, Frk in particular. He shouldn't be punished for failing to meet unreasonable expectations or circumstances.

Though frankly, I'd rather Vilardi be moved to wing and having a solid vet to play with.
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Vilardi sucked. Bad!
Punish him for that.
 
Aahlstroem said:
Hi guys, anyone who could give me some insight on how Fagemo and Moverare has been doing this season?
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Hello!

My opinion: Moverare is competing with Spence as the best all around defenseman. Durzi put up points, but Moverare is arguably the best "defender".

Fagemo has stagnated. Not that it's a bad thing. I see him as a middle-six volume shooter. So I think it's about letting him settle into an identity.
 
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Master Yoda said:
I think the point is that Vilardi was never given a chance to play with two guys who have at least some NHL experience.
And it's not like Kaliyev is lighting it up. To me, he's barely staying afloat 5v5 even though he's been part of the 4th line's success. It's been mostly Lemieux/Lizotte who's been driving the play.
That's not necessarily a bad thing if you're looking for a 4th line plug, but he hasn't scored in a while.
And the Kings having a horrible power play isn't helping him utilize his best weapon.
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The expectations of a fourth line are low and Lemieux and Lizotte are far exceeding those expectations. At this point, you could plug pretty much anybody onto that fourth line and they would probably play well. My guess would be that swapping Kaliyev and Vilardi would have roughly the same result.
 
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King'sPawn said:
Hello!

My opinion: Moverare is competing with Spence as the best all around defenseman. Durzi put up points, but Moverare is arguably the best "defender".

Fagemo has stagnated. Not that it's a bad thing. I see him as a middle-six volume shooter. So I think it's about letting him settle into an identity.
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I agree about Moverare and Spence, though I'd personally give the edge to Spence. I don't know who his game compares to, but he's been pretty impressive so far especially as a first year pro.

Fagemo is starting to remind me of a less physical Grunstrom which isn't a bad thing either as we don't really know what Grunstrom can do because he's never really given a chance.
 
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King'sPawn said:
Fagemo has stagnated. Not that it's a bad thing. I see him as a middle-six volume shooter. So I think it's about letting him settle into an identity.
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His offensive game is stagnated (or even regressed a little), but defensive game is better and he is more effective along the walls. He is stronger than last year, but he also seems to be a bit slower (especially first three-four steps). Maybye too much weightlighting during the summer?

In my mind Fagemo is playing better lately and I really hope that he finds his identity. Just like Kupari, he is not a natural scorer, but still one day he could be an effective and useful player.

"A middle-six volume shooter" / "a less physical Grundstrom" is very well said and I think that LW Grundström - C JAD - RW Fagemo could be a pretty reliable and effective linecombination even in the NHL (fourth/thirdline).

Grundström is underrated passer, seems to be a pretty annoying (and physical) player and drives to the net well. I don't understand why McLellan dislikes him - maybye his mind Grundström is not a good enough skater or something else is missing.
 
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Welp, ONT games have been cancelled this weekend due to a malfunction of the ice making equipment at Toyota Arena...
 
WhatTheFox said:
Welp, ONT games have been cancelled this weekend due to a malfunction of the ice making equipment at Toyota Arena...
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That's Ridiculous. Certainly was looking forward to the games. More intrigue then watching the Kings lose to the Sens tomorrow.
 
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