GDT: The game. The game! Vs Ducks. 7pm

[Star Platinum]

How did Goose look on Smith's wing?

How did Smith look?

The rest I'm not too fussed about.

Gushchin didn't seem like he was on the ice that much or if he was, he wasn't doing much with it

It’s the right side on defense. It needs a massive upgrade to make this team competitive when the kids up front start figuring it out.

The left side is really not very good either. You really don't want Jake Walman to stand out in a good way on your defense because he looks competent with the puck on his stick.

 

[Juxtaposer]

How did Goose look on Smith's wing?

How did Smith look?

The rest I'm not too fussed about.

I liked both of them. I'm not sure they're natural fits for each other but they played fine.

I really feel like Smith just improves little by little every single game he plays. He had a couple of really nice disruptive defensive plays today, showed more confidence carrying the puck under pressure, and it's already obvious he'll be a PP wiz sooner rather than later.

 

[Pinkfloyd]

How did Goose look on Smith's wing?

How did Smith look?

The rest I'm not too fussed about.

They only created one real opportunity but didn’t give much up either. They’re at least solid tonight without the puck and not getting rubbed out easily but the offense wasn’t there except one sequence. I suspect that Gush will get another chance but probably not with Smith.

 

[Juxtaposer]

They only created one real opportunity but didn’t give much up either. They’re at least solid tonight without the puck and not getting rubbed out easily but the offense wasn’t there except one sequence. I suspect that Gush will get another chance but probably not with Smith.

Really who I think complements Gushchin well would be Wennberg. Unfortunate that we aren't gonna get that.

 

[karltonian]

Maybe what we really needed were Kunin and Goodrow?

For everything this game wasn't, their absence was totally noticeable in a good way.

 

[Pinkfloyd]

Really who I think complements Gushchin well would be Wennberg. Unfortunate that we aren't gonna get that.

I’d like to see them with Zetterlund but I’d also like to see Celebrini with Gush at some point.

 

[hohosaregood]

Really who I think complements Gushchin well would be Wennberg. Unfortunate that we aren't gonna get that.

It would've been nice to see them swap Wennberg and Smith. I thought Smith's game tonight would've worked really well with how Eklund and Toffoli were playing.

 

[CanadienShark]

Smith didn't impress me much. He was cherry picking and lazy. Clearly he was 100% focused on offence, but come on dude, put in some effort into other aspects. He's obviously super talented and I can't wait to see how he develops, but he disappointed me tonight.

 

[sampler]

I just got home from the game:

1. Will smith is not hnl ready. Several times guys skated right by him for good offensive chances. He’s obviously got some skill, drew a trip, and looks good on po, but the overall game isn’t nhl ready. I’d rather he be #1C in the ahl to start.

2. I’ve never seen so many terrible giveaways (well, since last March I suppose.) they have no defensive structure and no breakout. I think the shakes came out of the own zone with speed and numbers two or three times all game. They don’t skate hard away from the puck. It’s a big problem, the only exception was Cardwell…

3. The goaltending is solid.
4. Matt Benning is soooo bad.

5. Wennberg has a rough one with he puck exploding off his stick over and over. (Funny note: he gave my son his stick at the end of the game. Guess he agreed )

6. The sharks really miss granlund and Celebrini. However, when fully healthy, they will have two good lines. gush needs to play the wing with toffoli and celly and the lund line reunited.

7. I like Walman. He’s quality. Nice addition there.

8. Cardwell is not quite ready either. But soon…

Opening roster lines if I was coach:

Celebrini-toffoli- guchkin
Granlund-zett-eklund
Weinberg-dyllandrea-kostin
Sturm-goodrow-grundstrom
Bailey or whoever

Walman-ruuta
Ferraro-ceci
Banning-thrun
Thompson

 

[OrrNumber4]

I just got home from the game:

1. Will smith is not hnl ready. Several times guys skated right by him for good offensive chances. He’s obviously got some skill, drew a trip, and looks good on po, but the overall game isn’t nhl ready. I’d rather he be #1C in the ahl to start.

I'm glad someone else saw this as well. I still think it's worth giving him a few games in the NHL RS to see if he can handle the real deal.

Celebrini-toffoli- guchkin
Granlund-zett-eklund
Weinberg-dyllandrea-kostin
Sturm-goodrow-grundstrom
Bailey or whoever

Walman-ruuta
Ferraro-ceci
Banning-thrun
Thompson

Why don't people center the center in their lines?

 

[CanadienShark]

I just got home from the game:

1. Will smith is not hnl ready. Several times guys skated right by him for good offensive chances. He’s obviously got some skill, drew a trip, and looks good on po, but the overall game isn’t nhl ready. I’d rather he be #1C in the ahl to start.

2. I’ve never seen so many terrible giveaways (well, since last March I suppose.) they have no defensive structure and no breakout. I think the shakes came out of the own zone with speed and numbers two or three times all game. They don’t skate hard away from the puck. It’s a big problem, the only exception was Cardwell…

3. The goaltending is solid.
4. Matt Benning is soooo bad.

5. Wennberg has a rough one with he puck exploding off his stick over and over. (Funny note: he gave my son his stick at the end of the game. Guess he agreed )

6. The sharks really miss granlund and Celebrini. However, when fully healthy, they will have two good lines. gush needs to play the wing with toffoli and celly and the lund line reunited.

7. I like Walman. He’s quality. Nice addition there.

8. Cardwell is not quite ready either. But soon…

Opening roster lines if I was coach:

Celebrini-toffoli- guchkin
Granlund-zett-eklund
Weinberg-dyllandrea-kostin
Sturm-goodrow-grundstrom
Bailey or whoever

Walman-ruuta
Ferraro-ceci
Banning-thrun
Thompson

I more or less agree with all of this. Cardwell stuck out positively for me, but he's not NHL ready. I liked Walman, but acknowledge his flaws.

 

[Barrie22]

I liked both of them. I'm not sure they're natural fits for each other but they played fine.

I really feel like Smith just improves little by little every single game he plays. He had a couple of really nice disruptive defensive plays today, showed more confidence carrying the puck under pressure, and it's already obvious he'll be a PP wiz sooner rather than later.

Smith didn't impress me much. He was cherry picking and lazy. Clearly he was 100% focused on offence, but come on dude, put in some effort into other aspects. He's obviously super talented and I can't wait to see how he develops, but he disappointed me tonight.

1. Will smith is not hnl ready. Several times guys skated right by him for good offensive chances. He’s obviously got some skill, drew a trip, and looks good on po, but the overall game isn’t nhl ready. I’d rather he be #1C in the ahl to start.

Hard to tell which is to believe, such drastic difference in opinions. Like all 3 weren't watching the same game.

 

[coooldude]

Hard to tell which is to believe, such drastic difference in opinions. Like all 3 weren't watching the same game.

I increasingly believe that this may be true for many years RE Smith, maybe even his whole career (polarizing opinions on his game).

 

[CanadienShark]

Hard to tell which is to believe, such drastic difference in opinions. Like all 3 weren't watching the same game.

I'm not opposed to seeing him play in the NHL, since we're bound to suck anyways and he can learn. I just didn't like how he kept hanging out by the blueline waiting for his teammates to get him the puck. Then on the PP he basically parked himself in Ovechkin's office. He made some nice passes, but clearly he and his teammates weren't on the same wavelength.

 

[Friday]

I'm not opposed to seeing him play in the NHL, since we're bound to suck anyways and he can learn. I just didn't like how he kept hanging out by the blueline waiting for his teammates to get him the puck. Then on the PP he basically parked himself in Ovechkin's office. He made some nice passes, but clearly he and his teammates weren't on the same wavelength.

Posters have hated when I said this before but I thought Smiths long term future was more likely the 1RW/2RW than the 2C on this team

 

[Bizz]

Posters have hated when I said this before but I thought Smiths long term future was more likely the 1RW/2RW than the 2C on this team

Celebrini can be the 2C once we draft McKenna.

 

[coooldude]

Celebrini can be the 2C once we draft McKenna.

McKenna is a winger.

 

[Bizz]

McKenna is a winger.

Hagens it is then.

 

[hotcabbagesoup]

Hagens it is then.

Do you know how short Hagens is?

Draft the d-man!!

Hodge knows best.

 

[YUPPY 2 7 10 11]

I just got home from the game:

1. Will smith is not hnl ready. Several times guys skated right by him for good offensive chances. He’s obviously got some skill, drew a trip, and looks good on po, but the overall game isn’t nhl ready. I’d rather he be #1C in the ahl to start.

2. I’ve never seen so many terrible giveaways (well, since last March I suppose.) they have no defensive structure and no breakout. I think the shakes came out of the own zone with speed and numbers two or three times all game. They don’t skate hard away from the puck. It’s a big problem, the only exception was Cardwell…

3. The goaltending is solid.
4. Matt Benning is soooo bad.

5. Wennberg has a rough one with he puck exploding off his stick over and over. (Funny note: he gave my son his stick at the end of the game. Guess he agreed )

6. The sharks really miss granlund and Celebrini. However, when fully healthy, they will have two good lines. gush needs to play the wing with toffoli and celly and the lund line reunited.

7. I like Walman. He’s quality. Nice addition there.

8. Cardwell is not quite ready either. But soon…

Opening roster lines if I was coach:

Celebrini-toffoli- guchkin
Granlund-zett-eklund
Weinberg-dyllandrea-kostin
Sturm-goodrow-grundstrom
Bailey or whoever

Walman-ruuta
Ferraro-ceci
Banning-thrun
Thompson

No one should expect the Sharks to make the playoffs this season since they’re in a rebuilding phase. However, if they can focus on a few key areas, the season might still be enjoyable. Here are some things they could aim for:

1. Patience with Young Players: Relying on players like Celebrini, Smith, Thrun, Thompson, Muk, Askarov, Gushchin, and Bordeleau to find their rhythm will be key. Allowing them the space to make mistakes and learn from them without the constant yo-yoing between the NHL and AHL can help them develop their confidence and skills.
2. Strong Team Culture: A supportive environment can make a big difference. Encouraging communication can lead to more cohesive play, even if the wins aren’t always there. I want to see some strong work ethic from some of these young players. Celebrini is a prime example of strong work ethic; he is the last to leave the ice in practice, and maybe the others will follow his lead.
3. Competitive Spirit: It’s important for the team to show grit and determination. Competing hard in games, even against tougher opponents, can boost morale, which is vital during a rebuilding phase. Additionally, we have a rookie coach who, like many on the team, is inexperienced in the NHL. I’ve observed their practices and games, and I don't see the players fully utilizing his system during games. Warso wants to get the puck out of their defensive zone in less than five seconds, but the Sharks players are not executing that in games. We will have to be patient with the young coach as well.

 

[Star Platinum]

I increasingly believe that this may be true for many years RE Smith, maybe even his whole career (polarizing opinions on his game).

I think fans will be more critical of his game because he's starting his career at the same time as Celebrini and so he'll always be judged relative to him. I also think that because we are hungry for saviors, we have somewhat unrealistic expectations for our young guys.

Having watched a little bit of Smith now, I think his offensive game is gonna suffer some because his teammates are so untalented. He is a facilitator and his game is based on making passes that most other hockey players don't see or don't see quick enough and those kinds of guys get hurt when they don't have enough good offensive teammates. The rest of his game has room for improvement - his shot looks okay, but nothing special, he's not that evasive as a skater offensively, and his defensive impact is pretty limited. It'll be a rough adjustment season for him as he deals with an uptick in talent, so what you want to see is how much better (or not) he is at the end of the season vs. the beginning.