GDT: Preseason #1 | Flyers at Capitals | September 22, 2024 | 3:00 PM | NHLN

[Kelmitchell2]

I figure if they're close enough to being passable, you can eat into that window so they can see what everything really is and know what to work towards. Tell them no sweat if they don't stick. If they shock and blow away, then consider keeping them.

Camp and preseason is not a true NHL experience for these guys, and letting them see what it is if they can keep up is acceptable to me.

Edit: I don't think I'd do this with dmen though. Getting burned hard doesn't have value

I feel the same way on this topic, but then again, this is on the franchise to do their due diligence to see if the kid is mentally strong enough to understand that just because he doesn't stick after the 9 game tryout doesn't mean he's not good enough to make it next year, just that there are things they'd like him to work on and to fine tune his game at a lower level, that being said, I don't think he makes the team, or should make the team yet, although having him as our 3rd line center would be alot better than laughton being there, that's for sure.

However if he does stick I'd love to see them ship laughton and deslauriers out and roll with these lines

Foerster couts tk
Tippett frost MM
farabee Jett brink
Cates poehling hathaway

 

[ellja3]

For those who watched - how did Ābols look? I am not having any hopes for opening season roster, that's for sure, just curious.

 

[Kshahdoo]

For those who watched - how did Ābols look? I am not having any hopes for opening season roster, that's for sure, just curious.

He didn't make anything worthy of speaking about. For a dude who fighting for an NHL contract he sure enough could be better.

 

[Alex K]

For those who watched - how did Ābols look? I am not having any hopes for opening season roster, that's for sure, just curious.

I liked some of his moves in the 1st period, but he wasn't noticable most of the time

 

[ellja3]

He didn't make anything worthy of speaking about. For a dude who fighting for an NHL contract he sure enough could be better.

Fair enough and thanks for the reply. Let's see how things develop. Hopefully he'll get a chance somewhere along the season.

 

[Canfly]

Send Jett back to juniors after the exhibition season is over. Let him develop one more year like Cowan did last year. Besides I also have tickets for the World Juniors this year so I would like to see him on that squad.

 

[blackjackmulligan]

The Caps were lucky to make the POs last season. This year the devil is going to take his due. They’re not very good.

How many players on that roster yesterday will be in the opening night lineup?

 

[blackjackmulligan]

Missed the first two periods b/c I watched the Eagles and recorded NHL network which decided I should watch the top 50 players instead of actual hockey. WTF?

Did catch a beautiful backhand goal by Brink.
However, this was basically an AHL exhibition game.
But Brink looks more NHL ready, last season mentally there but physically AHL.

Farabee was set back by that neck injury, a guy who needed to add strength basically lost a season.

I don't think Luchanko has a chance to stick, but I think they'll give him a chance to change their minds, first excel in the later exhibition games, then in his 9 game tryout period. If by some miracle he looks NHL ready, well, he has the body, he has the two way game, at 3C you can wait a year or two while he smooths off the rough edges.

Were you saying that in the first 35 games?

 

[C0DITH]

Really solid game today. It is preseason so it is, what it is, but still some solid showings:

Top3 Today
Frost/Brink/Drysdale

1- Brink with that extra weight is having an easier time not getting out manned, those goals were super nice by him today. He was full motor the entire game

2- Frost turned it up, was really gelling with Michkov. You can tell the level of IQ both these guys have, and can only imagine what they'll be able to do with more ice together.
3- Drysdale, those 18 pounds are noticeable, but it hasn't slowed him down at all. Always noticeable.
Other Good Shout outs

• Farabee - Looked super aggressive, and always seem to make things happen in the O-zone. He will be dangerous this year if he can keep his game consistent the entire season.
• Luchanko - So smart, just always knows where he has to be, and his speed is incredible. Once he works on that shot, and gets a little more behind that, he is the type of players you put out in any situation, and I wouldn't blink and eye at that, even in the NHL at 18. Although I think he should be back in the OHL, get on Team Canada, and just dominate this year.
• Michkov - Anytime he has the puck in the O-zone, things happen. He is a chance creating monster. Isn't afraid to get into the corner, in fact got an apple for those efforts. He will just keep getting better and it will be scary for the league when he does.
• Tippett - Pretty solid typical outting for him.
• Lycksell - I'm glad he scored because he was at it all game. If this guy can finish more he is 100% an NHLer. It felt like he always is breaking up other teams plays, or part of a high danger chance.
• Bjarnason - You can tell why they like him, and I can immediately see how in a few years he could be an absolute beauty in nets. The size + always being squared, I can't see him not being an NHL goalie some day.
• Surprise / Abols - I don't know much about him, and It's hard to expect him being an NHLer at 28, but I liked everything he brought to the table today. Physical, smart, decent speed, wouldn't be shocked if he did crack the 4th line if needed later this year. Most likely just an AHLer though

 

[CerpinTaxt]

Anyone check with John about the score of the game. I am a little confused the Flyers scored 6 times and they *checks notes* won the game. I mean I know it's pre-season not post but there is something about this scoring goals thing that I think should be catching on.

 

[BernieParent]

Love it

Couts, in interview, mentioned that Brink in particular looked more physically improved than everyone else coming back to camp.

Did he put on more height?

 

[BackToTheBrierePatch]

Send Jett back to juniors after the exhibition season is over. Let him develop one more year like Cowan did last year. Besides I also have tickets for the World Juniors this year so I would like to see him on that squad.

Yep. No sense in keeping him on the roster if he is going to be playing only 7 or 8 minutes a night playing with garbage. Go back to junior and build on his game

 

[Curufinwe]

Did he put on more height?

Possibli

https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/find-a-program-or-service/penn-orthoplastic-limb-salvage-center/limb-lengthening/get-taller-with-penn-medicine/the-taller-procedure#:~:text=The%20reconstructive%20surgeon%20performs%20a,over%20a%20period%20of%20time.

 

[Kshahdoo]

How many players on that roster yesterday will be in the opening night lineup?

Not a lot, but Flyers didn't have a lot of starters either, Frost, Farabee, Tippett, Brink, Drysdale, Fedotov, Cates, Seeler. Then you can add Michkov who's still a rookie.

 

[renberg]

How many players on that roster yesterday will be in the opening night lineup?

Have you seen the rest of their lineup? Oshie and Backstrom are toast. Ovechkin and Carlson are at the end of their careers. It’s Wilson and the senior center players.

 

[blackjackmulligan]

Have you seen the rest of their lineup? Oshie and Backstrom are toast. Ovechkin and Carlson are at the end of their careers. It’s Wilson and the senior center players.

They will finish ahead of the Flyers. Neither factor into their plans this year. Not as grim as you make it by any means. They have some good prospect's.

 

[FLYguy3911]

Luchanko in the NHL this year should not even be a discussion. Reminder, Scott Laughton once played in the NHL at 18 (albeit a unique case) for much of the same reasons people want Luchanko in the NHL this year. Laughton never established himself until age 23. Not to say Jett will follow the same trajectory, but you need to do more than just skate fast at this level.

 

[Canfly]

Yep. No sense in keeping him on the roster if he is going to be playing only 7 or 8 minutes a night playing with garbage. Go back to junior and build on his game

Exactly.
He does not need fourth line minutes

 

[BernieParent]

Will he be Canadas goalie at WJHC ?

No Flyers goaltender or prospect should ever go to the WJHC again.

 

[deadhead]

Luchanko is more skilled and smarter than Laughton.

But he needs experience, and has to work on his shot so he's a viable threat so defenders can't just sit in the passing lanes.

 

[Magua]

Luchanko is more skilled and smarter than Laughton.

Smarter, yes. Better passer too, which is vital. He should make more of a positive impact. Pure skill? Laughton absolutely has better hands (and edges) than Luchanko. I don’t think Luchanko attempted anything but connective passes and center lane drives in the 2 games I caught. His puck handle breaking down in contested situations was a thing in his draft year tape. Not a lot in the way of feints either. Laughton’s skill is underrated. The rest is what capped him.

 

[Beef Invictus]

I remember when Laughton's skill and tenacity at draft was enough to have him hailed as the next Richards. Skill is super important and all, but we need to see it get put together at the NHL level. Most players not chosen by Flahr in the first 2-3 rounds are going to be skilled. We are a long way from knowing what Luchanko will be.

 

[DukeDog13]

Have you seen the rest of their lineup? Oshie and Backstrom are toast. Ovechkin and Carlson are at the end of their careers. It’s Wilson and the senior center players.

How many players on that roster yesterday will be in the opening night lineup?

Caps fan (obviously here) - there were only 2 NHL forwards in the lineup on Sunday (Milano - 3rd liner, and Raddysh - 13th fwd/4th liner) and only one NHL defenseman (TVR - 3rd pairing). Bear and Alexeyev will probably fight for the healthy scratch 7th spot though.

Everyone else was either a prospect or will remain in the AHL this season

 

[deadhead]

Smarter, yes. Better passer too, which is vital. He should make more of a positive impact. Pure skill? Laughton absolutely has better hands (and edges) than Luchanko. I don’t think Luchanko attempted anything but connective passes and center lane drives in the 2 games I caught. His puck handle breaking down in contested situations was a thing in his draft year tape. Not a lot in the way of feints either. Laughton’s skill is underrated. The rest is what capped him.

Laughton should be a LW, decent wheels, less defensive responsibilies and he has a plus shot.
Problem is Cates should also be a LW b/c of his lack of speed and size for center.

 

[blackjackmulligan]

Caps fan (obviously here) - there were only 2 NHL forwards in the lineup on Sunday (Milano - 3rd liner, and Raddysh - 13th fwd/4th liner) and only one NHL defenseman (TVR - 3rd pairing). Bear and Alexeyev will probably fight for the healthy scratch 7th spot though.

Everyone else was either a prospect or will remain in the AHL this season

Vrana not going to make it?