Laval Rocket: Providence @ Laval Nov 2 3pm ET (RDS2)
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Gaylord Q Tinkledink
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- Apr 29, 2018
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Matthew McConaughay
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- May 3, 2013
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Redux91
I do Three bullets.
Estimated_Prophet
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- Mar 28, 2003
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What are you talking about.....? MSL made a point of establishing lines very early and kept them together as much as possible through the entire pre season.
Thank God I have this team to follow. Mailloux is probably ecstatic not to be around that environment
Nahhh. Let them develop in Laval in a winning culture. No need to ruin them with our dumpster fire of a team. Dvo and Armia are gone next summer.
Adam Michaels
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Dagistitsyn
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Roy will be called up with Gallagher and Slafkovsky both getting injured tonight.
ChesterNimitz
governed by the principle of calculated risk
- Jul 4, 2002
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These are my observations from the game. I will, as usual, limit my individual assessments to the those players who constitute true prospects.
Overall, the team played a better game against Providence than the night before. They were quicker, competed harder and were more physically engaged. But again, if not for Hughes, the result would have been different.
Beck, despite now missing his two regular line mates (Mesar and now Davidson who didn't play) had another strong game, showing superior skating and creative play making. I thought that Beck was Laval's most dangerous forward. This game, Beck showed off his shot and with a little bit of puck luck could have had 2 or 3 goals. Beck played on the first power play unit and on the third penalty killing forward pairing. His assist on Laval's 5th goal was a beautiful pass that ended up in a tap-in. Beck was a bit better on face-offs, but he still lost more face-offs than he won. Beck could really benefit playing with better players who could take advantage of his speed and skillful passes. The season is still young, but one would have to be blind not to see the huge upside in this young player.
Tuch, played a quiet but a largely responsible game. Tuch used his high end speed to cut off the ice against Providence players, pressure their defencemen on the forecheck and carry the puck effectively into the offensive zone. Tuch was again a physical and intimidating force. The only overt mistake he made was over committing to make a big hit. He missed, and that created a scoring opportunity against Laval. But the effort sent a message and Providence players took notice when he and Xhekaj were on the ice. Tuch remains the most NHL ready forward on the Rockets.
As noted above, Florian Xhekaj had another physical game. Other teams will quickly learn and take note when Xhekaj is on the ice. His size, disposition and closing speed is an intimidating combination. Xhekaj skated well in the game and had a few good offensive shifts. When skating forward at top speed and making subtle plays, it is clear that this kid has a base skill level that should allow him to make and excel at the NHL level. You see his hockey IQ best when he is killing penalties. He can read the plays and identify where the danger is coming from. He has enough mobility, size and an active stick to be an effective penalty killer. Xhekaj remains less than stellar on face-offs and, as I previously noted, he has to get quicker to be an impactful player at the next level.
Farrell had a mixed game. With both Mesar and Davidson not in the lineup, Farrell has a golden opportunity to show that he has what it takes to be in the Canadiens' long term plans. Farrell had a better game than what he displayed previously. He showed speed, energy and some playmaking ability. But Farrell was easily pushed off the puck and didn't produce offensively. The season is still young so there is still time for Farrell to make his mark. But Farrell doesn't start producing soon, I can't see there being room for him in Laval once Mesar and Davidson return. Let alone a place for him on the Canadiens.
It was a big game for Roy who scored three goals including an empty net goal to seal the victory. Roy continues to show that he has an NHL level shot and ability to finish. He has excellent offensive instincts and protects the puck and his stick well. You don't see Roy for long stretches during games then in one snap of his wrists, the puck is in the net. The ability to finish is a highly valuable skill and is a skill that can't be taught. The question remains whether he can produce at the next level, where the competition is stronger, faster and as skilled as Roy. I think Roy will soon get a chance to prove whether he has that ability.
While Kidney wasn't as noticeable in this game as he was in other recent games, he continues to show that he can skate and compete at the AHL level. Kidney forechecked effectively and his strong forecheck directly led to Roy's second goal. On ice discipline remains an issue for Kidney as he took another careless penalty. But like so many other young players toiling in the AHL, unless Kidney gets stronger and faster, he won't be able to succeed at the NHL level. But Kidney has the skills and a high compete level that can take him a long way.
Mailloux had a much better game than his first game back after his return from the Canadiens. Mailloux looked more comfortable and was skating much more fluidly . He still had trouble coping with forechecking pressure, even when he was on the power play. But he was stronger defensively, made better reads and was able to successfully box out opposing forwards in front of Laval's net. Where Mailloux shone was in the offensive zone. He has great vision, pinpoint passing and a good shot. When playing statically at the offensive blue line, Mailloux looks like a future star. He may well be. But unless he gains that extra step that will allow him to achieve the separation he needs to use those elite offensive skills, Mailloux will struggle at the next level.
On the other hand Trudeau had a terrible game. He didn't use his skating/mobility to transport the puck. He made a number of give-a-ways in the defensive zone and he allowed Pitlick to skate around him to score Providence's first goal. Trudeau was also completely undisciplined on the ice taking unnecessary penalties. It's one thing to be feisty / aggressive and another to be an undisciplined thug. Trudeau, unfortunately was the latter. He lost his composure and was a liability to his team.
For the second game in a row, Engstrom had a non-descript game. While he made no major gaffs, Engstrom didn't shine when the team needed him. He couldn't avoid Providence's hard forecheck pressure and while he made a few nice offensive plays, Engstrom generally looked, at best, average. And this is the AHL.
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Again, Laval played 2 of the worst teams in the league. Dont think that Vincent is a savior. The team is almost the same as last year
Redux91
I do Three bullets.
Yup!
I'm sure all the other wins are worthless as well!
Keep up that astute hockey knowledge!
We're all cheering you on!
you're living on another planet if you think a coach can change a non playoff team to the best team in the league in a summer time with no additionnal assets. Laval had a great start, but has not faced adversity yet. Why do you always cry when I state facts?
