Ontario Reign 21-22 Thread 2: Reigndrops keep falling on my head

[Eagle Fang]

Re Spence- I think part of the buzz comes from Spence looking far better in the AHL than Durzi did and seeing Durzis play in the NHL. Given the amount of points Spence has put up and very competent defensively....not hard to think Spences ceiling higher and maybe more productive.

Not locked in stone by any means...but seeing Durzis success and how Spence looks better now than Durzi ever did the AHL- gives something to compare. Doesnt mean it will happen and a lock- but pretty rare for a 20 year to look this polished playing against vets.

At least up to this point in his young pro career, Spence doesn't have the same dynamic offensive ability as Durzi has shown (so far), but is far better defensively... though I think he's starting to show some minor kinks. I think someone else mentioned that Spence's style is more akin to Doughty which I agree with; not that he'll be that caliber of player, but more so he's not super flashy, but excels at getting the job done in all areas of the ice. His only real weakness in the AHL so far is his size, but no question he competes. He won't go out of his way to lay guys out but he won't stand there and just take a beating like a sissy either. He'll stand up for himself when needed.

Just my opinion, but I think he's a better player now than Anderson and Bjornfot. I get that's a pretty hot take, but I've become a huge fan of Spence. His done nothing but impress since being drafted and he's getting better and better. Just wish he was bigger.

 

[Sleeping Dog]

Re Spence- I think part of the buzz comes from Spence looking far better in the AHL than Durzi did and seeing Durzis play in the NHL. Given the amount of points Spence has put up and very competent defensively....not hard to think Spences ceiling higher and maybe more productive. Spence looking like a stud at 20 years old when Durzi still had some rough spots at 22.

Not locked in stone by any means...but seeing Durzis success and how Spence looks better now than Durzi ever did the AHL- gives something to compare. Doesnt mean it will happen and a lock- but pretty rare for a 20 year to look this polished playing against vets. Spence has a chance to win the Defense Scoring Title as a Rookie.....would love to know the last AHLer to pull that off.

Durzi looks to be one of those rare players that plays better in NHL than AHL. Tough to extrapolate that Spence will/won’t be like Durzi in that manner. Some players dominate in AHL, but can’t cut it in NHL.

 

[kilowatt]

At least up to this point in his young pro career, Spence doesn't have the same dynamic offensive ability as Durzi has shown (so far), but is far better defensively... though I think he's starting to show some minor kinks. I think someone else mentioned that Spence's style is more akin to Doughty which I agree with; not that he'll be that caliber of player, but more so he's not super flashy, but excels at getting the job done in all areas of the ice. His only real weakness in the AHL so far is his size, but no question he competes. He won't go out of his way to lay guys out but he won't stand there and just take a beating like a sissy either. He'll stand up for himself when needed.

Just my opinion, but I think he's a better player now than Anderson and Bjornfot. I get that's a pretty hot take, but I've become a huge fan of Spence. His done nothing but impress since being drafted and he's getting better and better. Just wish he was bigger.

The weakest defensive link on the NHL roster right now is Bjornfot, not Maatta, but this board isn't ready to have that conversation.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Durzi looks to be one of those rare players that plays better in NHL than AHL. Tough to extrapolate that Spence will/won’t be like Durzi in that manner. Some players dominate in AHL, but can’t cut it in NHL.

But if there's anything Spence has done it's grow exponentially against all odds at every level he's played at, and it's always the same questions about his size and skating that he dispels nearly immediately. Remember when he was the only non-1st-rounder on Team Canada and everyone mocked his inclusion while he walked in and looked like he should be a regular, scoring nearly immediately?

The weakest defensive link on the NHL roster right now is Bjornfot, not Maatta, but this board isn't ready to have that conversation.

What's there to talk about, though? He's a 20 year old playing the least minutes in a minimal role and isn't hurting us and is showing growth on a good team. Benching him would be dumb, promoting him would be dumb. He's exactly where he should be.

 

[cyclones22]

But if there's anything Spence has done it's grow exponentially against all odds at every level he's played at, and it's always the same questions about his size and skating that he dispels nearly immediately. Remember when he was the only non-1st-rounder on Team Canada and everyone mocked his inclusion while he walked in and looked like he should be a regular, scoring nearly immediately?

And then that brilliant coaching staff decided to not really use him again. Same with how they misused Byfield in a checking role then expected him to bail them out with goals in the Gold Medal match when Canada was trailing.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

And then that brilliant coaching staff decided to not really use him again. Same with how they misused Byfield in a checking role then expected him to bail them out with goals in the Gold Medal match when Canada was trailing.

I hope Clarke thumbs his nose at Team Canada when they come inevitably sniffing around again

 

[Fishhead]

Spence has made every jump with ease even though he's undersized, but the jump to the NHL will be the most difficult. It's not going to be the punishment he takes, it's going to be how well he can move bigger bodies along the boards. Guys like Krug and Spurgeon have figured it out, and they aren't that much bulkier if at all.

I had no idea Krug was undrafted, what he's done is really impressive. Spurgeon was a late-rounder too.

 

[bmr]

Spence has made every jump with ease even though he's undersized, but the jump to the NHL will be the most difficult. It's not going to be the punishment he takes, it's going to be how well he can move bigger bodies along the boards. Guys like Krug and Spurgeon have figured it out, and they aren't that much bulkier if at all.

I had no idea Krug was undrafted, what he's done is really impressive. Spurgeon was a late-rounder too.

Spence is putting up bigger numbers in the AHL than Krug and is doing it a year younger. Spurgeon was very effective for the Houston Aeros in the 2010-11 playoffs at the same age of Krug. You never know how any player will translate in the NHL, but Spence has done it at every level so far. Outside of Grans, he's the biggest surprise to me. It's unbelievable how much drafting success we've had in the later rounds for defensemen.

Spence = 4th Round
Anderson = 4th Round
Matt Roy = 7th Round

 

[Eagle Fang]

The weakest defensive link on the NHL roster right now is Bjornfot, not Maatta, but this board isn't ready to have that conversation.

I think he read your post pre-game. He's been activating like crazy so far vs the Bs

 

[lumbergh]

The weakest defensive link on the NHL roster right now is Bjornfot, not Maatta, but this board isn't ready to have that conversation.

Should have said Mikey Anderson instead.

 

[bland]

The weakest defensive link on the NHL roster right now is Bjornfot, not Maatta, but this board isn't ready to have that conversation.

No, Bjornfot is miles ahead of Durzi.

 

[Eagle Fang]

Should have said Mikey Anderson instead.

I'd have to agree that Anderson is the weak link. It's a difficult spot for him to be in as he's being asked to play top pairing minutes that's he's not ready for.

Still, he's stood out for a lot of the wrong reasons and in horribly spectacular fashion at times. I can't remember a Kings d-man that got danced as much as he has since maybe Aki Berg.

I get he's young and I get he's been put in a position he's not ready for but I really don't see much upside here. No real offensive upside, his outlet passes are pretty average, he's not very physical and he's not exactly a defensive stalwart. He's just kind of 'there'.

 

[kinghock]

I'd have to agree that Anderson is the weak link. It's a difficult spot for him to be in as he's being asked to play top pairing minutes that's he's not ready for.

Still, he's stood out for a lot of the wrong reasons and in horribly spectacular fashion at times. I can't remember a Kings d-man that got danced as much as he has since maybe Aki Berg.

I get he's young and I get he's been put in a position he's not ready for but I really don't see much upside here. No real offensive upside, his outlet passes are pretty average, he's not very physical and he's not exactly a defensive stalwart. He's just kind of 'there'.

In my view Mikey Anderson should be on third paring at best

 

[lumbergh]

I'd have to agree that Anderson is the weak link. It's a difficult spot for him to be in as he's being asked to play top pairing minutes that's he's not ready for.

Still, he's stood out for a lot of the wrong reasons and in horribly spectacular fashion at times. I can't remember a Kings d-man that got danced as much as he has since maybe Aki Berg.

I get he's young and I get he's been put in a position he's not ready for but I really don't see much upside here. No real offensive upside, his outlet passes are pretty average, he's not very physical and he's not exactly a defensive stalwart. He's just kind of 'there'.

Well he didn't have a good 30 minutes of hockey last night, that's for sure. Then again, nobody did.

 

[Eagle Fang]

Well he didn't have a good 30 minutes of hockey last night, that's for sure. Then again, nobody did.

He didn't and that pass up the middle was cringe. Even worse than that though was Fox saying he might've fanned on the pass...

But it's not just that game. He's not looked good since maybe his first call-up stint. I really don't see much upside with him unfortunately.

 

[Fishhead]

Mikey's metrics this year are fantastic, one terrible game doesn't mean he's a weakness. There is a reason that Drew is doing so well this year, it's who is skating next to him. Plus, he's getting better every year. He's not a prototypical top pairing guy, but he's top-4 at worst.

 

[Aki Berg]

I'd have to agree that Anderson is the weak link. It's a difficult spot for him to be in as he's being asked to play top pairing minutes that's he's not ready for.

Still, he's stood out for a lot of the wrong reasons and in horribly spectacular fashion at times. I can't remember a Kings d-man that got danced as much as he has since maybe Aki Berg.

I get he's young and I get he's been put in a position he's not ready for but I really don't see much upside here. No real offensive upside, his outlet passes are pretty average, he's not very physical and he's not exactly a defensive stalwart. He's just kind of 'there'.

You mean danced on as in...got shut down?

It's a well known fact Aki is the greatest 6th dman to ever lace up the boots.

Stop trying to re-write history. You will never win.

 

[lumbergh]

Mikey's metrics this year are fantastic, one terrible game doesn't mean he's a weakness. There is a reason that Drew is doing so well this year, it's who is skating next to him. Plus, he's getting better every year. He's not a prototypical top pairing guy, but he's top-4 at worst.

Ooh, yeah, um, I'm just going to go ahead and sort of disagree with you there. Mikey is riding Doughty's coattails and his WOWY numbers say so. He's playing the role of stay at home defenseman, but that's pretty much it. 2 goals and 4 assists playing next to Doughty, that's sub For-bore numbers.

You know who should be playing next to Doughty, is Sean Durzi. 5 goals for, 1 goal against (83% GF%) in only 37 minutes together at even strength. 29 shots for, 9 shots against (>76%). That's just absurd. Small sample size, but never the less, their WOWY numbers go way up when they're together. That's chemistry.

I like Mikey, but he's not great with the puck on his stick. Lots of panic, slap the puck to get it out kind of mentality. Maybe he figures it out someday, but I just don't see it. Not as long as he's stapled to Doughty's hip.

 

[All The Kings Men]

Ooh, yeah, um, I'm just going to go ahead and sort of disagree with you there. Mikey is riding Doughty's coattails and his WOWY numbers say so. He's playing the role of stay at home defenseman, but that's pretty much it. 2 goals and 4 assists playing next to Doughty, that's sub For-bore numbers.

You know who should be playing next to Doughty, is Sean Durzi. 5 goals for, 1 goal against (83% GF%) in only 37 minutes together at even strength. 29 shots for, 9 shots against (>76%). That's just absurd. Small sample size, but never the less, their WOWY numbers go way up when they're together. That's chemistry.

I like Mikey, but he's not great with the puck on his stick. Lots of panic, slap the puck to get it out kind of mentality. Maybe he figures it out someday, but I just don't see it. Not as long as he's stapled to Doughty's hip.

Drew Doughty disagrees with you.

 

[Eagle Fang]

You mean danced on as in...got shut down?

It's a well known fact Aki is the greatest 6th dman to ever lace up the boots.

Stop trying to re-write history. You will never win.

I mean 'danced' as in ending up in the highlight reel package for other players

 

[Aki Berg]

I mean 'danced' as in ending up in the highlight reel package for other players

Blasphemy!

 

[All The Kings Men]

Mikey is riding Doughty's coattails and his WOWY numbers say so.

Out of curiosity... where are you seeing these WOWY numbers?

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

This forum has, for over a decade, had a really really hard time evaluating guys who are just steady d-men who can play Doughty's minutes.

 

[DoktorJeep]

Drew Doughty disagrees with you.

Name one partner Drew Doughty has said he doesn’t want to play with.

 

[Eagle Fang]

Name one partner Drew Doughty has said he doesn’t want to play with.

Very true. He had great things to say about being paired with Ollie Maatta....