Division favorites

As training camp is about to start for the AHL, who are some early favorites to win their divisions. I'll be the Homer and say that Hamilton is looking very good again, and hopefully can win their 3 division championship. But they may struggle on defense, as they really only have 2 full time defensemen returning, with Komisarek who spent around half a season and Archer who saw even less time. Still most of the team are new players from the looks of the training camp roster. They should be set in nets with Danis/Ellis combo, and I would think they will score their fare share of goals with Higgins, Plekanec, Kostitsyn, Ott, Milroy, Locke, Urquhart, Lambert plus vets Morgan and Duslabon.

I would think this is going to be a great season in the AHL, and some very good hockey to watch.

I assume the Admirals and Scranton Pens will both be tough, with the Wolfpack as well. But since I haven't kept up on roster changes for other teams, I figured this would be a good place to start.

I know I'll be at the Hamilton/Phantoms game next month, can't wait. :yo:

Still too early to make any guesses.

Binghamton is one team that looks to benefit from NHLers playing in the A.

I would have to say the Monarchs look really good with the roster they have competing for spots.

Out of all of the teams in the East Division, I think the Sound Tigers and Penguins are the least improved. That's not saying that they'll be bad...but I think the playing field is completely level this year. Hershey has Clark and Perrin, Philly with Pitkanen, Seidenberg, and Meloche, Binghamton with Hasek, Spezza, and Volchenkov, and, well.....no one really takes the River Rats seriously anyway.

It should be a great year for competition in the AHL.

The north division is looking a little weak. I think Rochester and Syracuse will run away with it. Ultimately, I will be a homer and say Rochester gets the edge because of goaltending. I think there are many better teams than Rochester, but I dont think the north division has anyone better.

I don't know enough about the other Atlantic Division teams to say that Worcester is the favorite, but they will be fielding a damn good team this year... easily their best team in the last 5 years.

The Admirals...Goaltending looks a bit shakey but that defense :eek

BTW who is the idiot that made up the names for the AHL teams?

There are two Admirals...Norfolk and Milwaukee, that gets confusing...

The Admirals...Goaltending looks a bit shakey but that defense :eek

BTW who is the idiot that made up the names for the AHL teams?

There are two Admirals...Norfolk and Milwaukee, that gets confusing...

Due to the merger after the IHL went under, since Milwaukee was in the I. Though I though Norfolk was an inactive franchise at that point. :dunno:

The Admirals...Goaltending looks a bit shakey but that defense :eek

BTW who is the idiot that made up the names for the AHL teams?

There are two Admirals...Norfolk and Milwaukee, that gets confusing...


The Milwaukee Admirals goaltending is shaky? Hardly.

Brian Finley started 43 games last year...and played well enough to stay in through the playoffs.The Ads were in "must win now" mode, so they went with the more experiened Wade Flaherty, but Finley never faltered to warrant it. Seamus Kotyk, the Barons' former starter, will back him up. Factor in the fact that the Admirals weakest point...their defense..is now among their strongest(no helbling, no curtis murphy, no kirill safronov...and suter, klein, hamhuis and mukhachev brought in) and the GA number should go down. Don't forget that Finley is a former first round pick and OHL goaltender o the year. He's got the skills...and he's finally coming back from the nagging injuries

Albany adressed their biggest problem IMO....defense. They added Hale, Allen, Schultz, Kesa and Kadeikin to their blueline. That should be enough to give them a strong base.
Up front they added Parise, Rheaume, and Voros to the allready young but talented crew.

Rheaume-Foster-Suglobov
Khomutov-Parise-Voros
Pihlman-Johansson-Pikkarainen
Tenute-Ftorek

Hale-Kesa
Schultz-Allen
DeMarchi-Kadeikin

Ahonen
Clemmesen

Thats what I would like the lineup to be

The Milwaukee Admirals goaltending is shaky? Hardly.

Brian Finley started 43 games last year...and played well enough to stay in through the playoffs.The Ads were in "must win now" mode, so they went with the more experiened Wade Flaherty, but Finley never faltered to warrant it. Seamus Kotyk, the Barons' former starter, will back him up. Factor in the fact that the Admirals weakest point...their defense..is now among their strongest(no helbling, no curtis murphy, no kirill safronov...and suter, klein, hamhuis and mukhachev brought in) and the GA number should go down. Don't forget that Finley is a former first round pick and OHL goaltender o the year. He's got the skills...and he's finally coming back from the nagging injuries

While the talent level on the Milwaukee blueline is certainly improved, a lack of experience may be cause for some concern early in the year as those guys settle in. Granted, once they do (or if two of the three "new" guys do--since Hamhuis isn't really "new" since this will be his third pro season and second in the A). Experience will come, but how quickly?

While the talent level on the Milwaukee blueline is certainly improved, a lack of experience may be cause for some concern early in the year as those guys settle in. Granted, once they do (or if two of the three "new" guys do--since Hamhuis isn't really "new" since this will be his third pro season and second in the A). Experience will come, but how quickly?


I was waiting for someone to bring that up ;). Basically, the Ads face a similar situation that the Preds did, last year. They've filtered out a couple guys that weren't pulling their weight and brought in a couple of guys with less experience but a much higher ceiling. However, they're not really inexperienced. Hamhuis is in his third pro season, and just came from being possibly the best all around defenseman on a playoff team. Mukhachev is an overager playing big minutes in Russia's top league, and should make a pretty easy transition. Suter and Klein...might take some adjustment, but these are two guys that are coming from a situation in which they were as good as they could get in their respective situations. Claude Noel is a good coach, and I think they'll get them acclimated quickly. Veterans Greg Zanon(physical stay at homer) and Andrew Hutchinson (somewhat one dimensional PP qb) round out the corp

Albany adressed their biggest problem IMO....defense. They added Hale, Allen, Schultz, Kesa and Kadeikin to their blueline. That should be enough to give them a strong base.
Up front they added Parise, Rheaume, and Voros to the allready young but talented crew.

Rheaume-Foster-Suglobov
Khomutov-Parise-Voros
Pihlman-Johansson-Pikkarainen
Tenute-Ftorek

Hale-Kesa
Schultz-Allen
DeMarchi-Kadeikin

Ahonen
Clemmesen

Thats what I would like the lineup to be

As Devils fans, we love it because it has lots of potential NHL talent. In terms of contending in the AHL... not a snowflake's chance in hell.

As Devils fans, we love it because it has lots of potential NHL talent. In terms of contending in the AHL... not a snowflake's chance in hell.
It would be a fun team to watch, and see how the players, many of whom will be teammates in 2-4 years on the Devils gel together, but you're right in terms of the AHL they may be the "worst" team.

Go Khomutov! :)

I was waiting for someone to bring that up ;). Basically, the Ads face a similar situation that the Preds did, last year. They've filtered out a couple guys that weren't pulling their weight and brought in a couple of guys with less experience but a much higher ceiling. However, they're not really inexperienced. Hamhuis is in his third pro season, and just came from being possibly the best all around defenseman on a playoff team. Mukhachev is an overager playing big minutes in Russia's top league, and should make a pretty easy transition. Suter and Klein...might take some adjustment, but these are two guys that are coming from a situation in which they were as good as they could get in their respective situations. Claude Noel is a good coach, and I think they'll get them acclimated quickly. Veterans Greg Zanon(physical stay at homer) and Andrew Hutchinson (somewhat one dimensional PP qb) round out the corp

Yep. That's why I said "early in the year". :D Klein and Suter will likely improve with a little seasoning, and if they perform near to expected, the Ads will definitely have an impressive defense.

Hmmm for some odd reason I thought Finley left...

Hmmm for some odd reason I thought Finley left...


nope, you're thinking of Flaherty :)

I think the loss of Flaherty is big for the Ads. Finley looked incredible in the second half of the season. He had a sub 1 GAA and a + .94 save percentage over a 15 game or so unbeaten stretch that spanned a few months (even then, he only received spot duty). But I'm not sure Finley has what it takes to lead the Ads to the top. He has shown he's ready to take on the challenge, but being ready to take it on and actually succeeding are two different beasts. Flaherty was a rock. But the Ads have arguably the best offense and potentially a remarkable defense that should help overcome any problems Finley has. When it's all said and done, I think they'll have a good-great regular season and drop out early in the playoffs.

Yep. That's why I said "early in the year". :D Klein and Suter will likely improve with a little seasoning, and if they perform near to expected, the Ads will definitely have an impressive defense.

It's an impressive group on paper. Hopefully they'll gel together because they will have the heat on them. The Ads play a fun and gun style that will make the D work for their money. Both Klein and Suter will have to learn how to handle consistent odd man rushes.

The Portland Pirates could be an interesting team, though quite young.

On offense, their now official roster shows the likes of Klepis, Aulin, Fleischmann, Johansson, Gordon, Sutherby, Laich, Whitfield, Mink, Fussey, Verot up front, which isn't at all bad. The defense features Eminger, Morrisonn, Cutta, Yonkman, as well as some sorely needed veterans. In goal, they should be fine with Maxime Ouellet and the just-graduated Maxime Daigneault leading the pack. Could be a fun team.

GR Griffin's are going to suck this year. Thought i'd pass that along.

Milwaukee also has Seamus Kotyk...who is actually a really good goalie but only played for the Barons durring the dark days and never got a shot to show what he could do once he was injured and the Barons started rolling shortly after.

Out of all of the teams in the East Division, I think the Sound Tigers and Penguins are the least improved. That's not saying that they'll be bad...but I think the playing field is completely level this year. Hershey has Clark and Perrin, Philly with Pitkanen, Seidenberg, and Meloche, Binghamton with Hasek, Spezza, and Volchenkov, and, well.....no one really takes the River Rats seriously anyway.

It should be a great year for competition in the AHL.
I don't think the Penguins team will be as stacked as it was in the playoffs, but during the regular season, I think they'll be better than last season.

The Portland Pirates could be an interesting team, though quite young.

On offense, their now official roster shows the likes of Klepis, Aulin, Fleischmann, Johansson, Gordon, Sutherby, Laich, Whitfield, Mink, Fussey, Verot up front, which isn't at all bad. The defense features Eminger, Morrisonn, Cutta, Yonkman, as well as some sorely needed veterans. In goal, they should be fine with Maxime Ouellet and the just-graduated Maxime Daigneault leading the pack. Could be a fun team.

Isn't Yonkman on the mend again? Didn't he break something/sprain something/pull something during the Caps' summer session?

Also, do they have much in the way of veteran leadership? I'm all for having young talented teams growing together... but there has to be a couple of guys who can settle a team down (or fire them up) who've been through the professional crucible a time or two...

As Devils fans, we love it because it has lots of potential NHL talent. In terms of contending in the AHL... not a snowflake's chance in hell.
I didn't say they would contend. I just like posting things about Albany :) With a new coach for a whole season, a great goaltender, a stronger defense and Parise....look for us to do much much better.

i expect the pens to be really good. fleury-chiodo goaltending tandem, with the additions of whitney, and i believe talbot and eaves also.

Monarchs have a nice lineup:
Barney-Cammalleri-Brown
Clarke-Steckel-Kanko
Hogeboom-Lehoux-Kostopoulos

Gleason-Grebeshkov

Hauser
Brust

Bold are players who will be in the NHL when the lockout is resolved and the other guys im looking forward to seeing when they play in LA.

i expect the pens to be really good. fleury-chiodo goaltending tandem, with the additions of whitney, and i believe talbot and eaves also.

I might be completely off here, but i thought fleury wasn't elligible to play in the AHL yet. This is since Carter and Richards aren't elligible to play, and they were in the same draft class.

I would like to say the phantoms are going to be good this year with the talent they have added this year, but there is such a huge turnover this year in player personal that I have no idea how they are going to do. They should be exciting though.

:help:

Houston might look something like this...

- Rickard Wallin- Marius Holtet
Mark Roonem- Pierre-Marc Bouchard- Matt Foy
- Mikko Koivu- Junior Lessard
Derek Boogard- Marc Cavosie -

Ryan Stokes- Brent Burns
Eric Reitz - Zbynek Michalek
Maxime Fortunus- Chris Heid
Vet

Josh Harding
Mike Smith

Extras (as in WHERE THE HELL are we going to put them): Dan Bararuk, Bill Kinkel, Mike Kompon, Dan Boesner...

As I said...WTF are the Wild doing?

It would be a fun team to watch, and see how the players, many of whom will be teammates in 2-4 years on the Devils gel together, but you're right in terms of the AHL they may be the "worst" team.

Go Khomutov!

I wouldn't call them the worst team. That said, they aren't going to contend for the Calder cup anytime soon. I'd be willing to wager that they either secure a low playoff seed or come close.

Where Parise goes, winning follows :)

Cincy's offense looks good again this year. Chistov, Lupul, Glencross, among others. It gets scarier if Getzlaf and/or Perry are admitted.

Their defense is worse than last year, but looks fairly decent with Popovic, Malec, Rome, and possibly Foster(if he can be sent down).

Bryzgalov's back in nets, but they badly need a good back-up for him. Ferhi is AHL material. Hopefully someone needs to loan out a decent AHL goalie.

I might be completely off here, but i thought fleury wasn't elligible to play in the AHL yet. This is since Carter and Richards aren't elligible to play, and they were in the same draft class.

You have to be 20 to play in the AHL.

Hercules - Getzlaf is back with the Hitmen. I think he's too young to be in the AHL still.

Manchester

Noah Clarke - Michael Cammalleri - Dustin Brown
Scott Barney - Yanick Lehoux - Petr Kanko
Greg Hogeboom - Matt Ryan - Tom Kostopoulos
Ryan Flinn - David Steckel - Brad Smyth

extras: Chris Schmidt, George Parros, Lukas Dora, Joe Giuliao, Fortier, Miles

Tim Gleason - Denis Grebeshkov
Mike Weaver - Joe Rullier
Giesler - Millam

Adam Hauser
Barry Brust

:help:Extras (as in WHERE THE HELL are we going to put them): Dan Bararuk, Bill Kinkel, Mike Kompon, Dan Boesner...

As I said...WTF are the Wild doing?

Its David Bararuk, and he's a LW who put up pretty good numbers in limited ECHL time and then about a ppg in the ECHL playoffs...hell, our HF page has him as a 7.5C, so he could probably play on one of the top 2 lines down there.

You have to be 20 to play in the AHL.

Hercules - Getzlaf is back with the Hitmen. I think he's too young to be in the AHL still.

Wasn't Fleury on last year's Clear Day Roster, and didn't he play 2 playoff games????????

Wasn't Fleury on last year's Clear Day Roster, and didn't he play 2 playoff games????????
yes, he has already played in the ahl. the pens just sent a bunch of players down to the ahl, and fleury was one of them. he's eligible.

Cincy:

Chistov-Lupul-Glencross

Bryzgalov

Ferhi is AHL material.

isn't ?

yes, he has already played in the ahl. the pens just sent a bunch of players down to the ahl, and fleury was one of them. he's eligible.


You sure he wasn't just playing on an ATO in the playoffs?

Alexander Semin has now been confirmed for the Portland Pirates training camp. Having been reassigned recently, he has left Lada Togliatti (he did not play in Lada's most recent game) and will arrive to join his Pirates teammates in Portland.

http://portlandpirates.com/newsarticle.asp?Id=780

Its David Bararuk, and he's a LW who put up pretty good numbers in limited ECHL time and then about a ppg in the ECHL playoffs...hell, our HF page has him as a 7.5C, so he could probably play on one of the top 2 lines down there.

sorry...

He might get line time with Wallin unless Veilleux comes back and then maybe 2nd line with Bouchard and Foy, unless they decide to move Bouchard out to LW (which I hope they don't do)

Wallin- Holtet
Bouchard- Foy

Yeah they could use a LW...I'm trying to think of the LWs we have. Roonem is the only top 6 that pops in my head, and that is like ouch...

You sure he wasn't just playing on an ATO in the playoffs?
His junior season was over and Fleury thus became elligible to be sent to the AHL. Since Fleury is an 84 birthdate he will turn 20 soon and is elligible for the AHL. If he were to go BACK to the QMJHL he'd be an overager.

Poor P-Bruins. They don't even have a full roster I believe. Looks like a last place finish this year, unless Toivonen can make up for the lack of scoring.

You have to be 20 to play in the AHL.

Hercules - Getzlaf is back with the Hitmen. I think he's too young to be in the AHL still.
Horton, Bergeron, and Burns might get clearence to play in the AHL.

This is what Lowell is working with in camp....... (a lil lack up front, but the D and net looks pretty ok)

Still have players to be sent down.... Loyns, Commy,(possible)

Forwards
Brent McDonald
Jim Henkel playd great last season
Ryan Bayda,
Gordie Dwyer,
Colin Forbes,
Chad Larose,
Eric Staal,
Mike Zigomanis,
Thomas Bellemare,
Carsen Germyn,
Davin Heintz,
Dustin Johner,
Darren Lynch,
Patrik Nilson,
Justin Taylor

defensemen
Brian Sullivan
Sean Curry,
Brad Fast,
Danny Richmond,
Allan Rourke
Bruno St. Jacques
Deryk Engelland,
Brennan Evans
Mark Giordano
Ritchie Regehr

goaltenders
Cam Ward
Rob Zepp
Sebastien Centomo
Brent Krahn
Craig Kowalski

The Sound Tigers have always managed to be competitive, and they come with something that will make most teams in the AHL cringe: A defense with Caldwell, Gervais, Aldridge, Seeley and Cole Jarret plus Dubliewicz in goal (get used to spelling that name, it's not going anywhere.) Plus, Cronin's a really solid coach.

Other teams that look nasty are Lowell and Manchester.

Well now that Houston signed some veterans, they have a good roster...

Cleveland and Rochester will battle for the North. Cleveland boasts lots of returning players, and the best top 6 defensive corps in all of the western conference. Nolan Schaefer will be the key.

Cleveland's projected lineup:

Clowe-Goc-Plihal
Stevenson-Rissmiller-Joseph
Valette-Gill-Bootland

and an assortment of Sharks camp players such as Dobben, Armstrong, Shields, Tremblay, Olson, and Prudden. Michalek is also on IR, pending another surgery for his knee. Scott Ford also rests on IR till January.

The D is stellar with:
Murray-Stafford
Ehrhoff-Conboy
Gorges-Labenski/Cloutier/Carkner *(if re-assigned to Cleveland)

Schaefer
Patzold

Rochester's my only concern in the North with Vanek, Pominville, Miller, maybe Roy (if he isn't OSHL bound). Hamilton's decent, but at a loss without Perezhogin. Komisarek will help the D corps, but probably not enough. Syracuse will be solid with Leclaire and Zherdev, but I can't see them playing consistently well. Manitoba will be the bottom feeders and I don't expect Edmonton to be a whole lot better (despite Stoll and Lynch).

Cleveland and Rochester will battle for the North. Cleveland boasts lots of returning players, and the best top 6 defensive corps in all of the western conference. Nolan Schaefer will be the key.

The D is stellar with:
Murray-Stafford
Ehrhoff-Conboy
Gorges-Labenski/Cloutier/Carkner *(if re-assigned to Cleveland)

Schaefer
Patzold

Rochester's my only concern in the North with Vanek, Pominville, Miller, maybe Roy (if he isn't OSHL bound). Hamilton's decent, but at a loss without Perezhogin. Komisarek will help the D corps, but probably not enough. Syracuse will be solid with Leclaire and Zherdev, but I can't see them playing consistently well. Manitoba will be the bottom feeders and I don't expect Edmonton to be a whole lot better (despite Stoll and Lynch).
LeClair is awful. And Zherdev wont be in Syracuse. And Cleveland doesnt have the best defensive corps in the conference. They dont even have the best in the division. Both Rochester and Syracuse have better, and more experienced defenses.

LeClair is awful.
I've been trying to tell people this for 8 months.

If giving up rebounds, a horrible 5 hole are good traits than Leclaire is a franchise goalie.

...Rochester's my only concern in the North with Vanek, Pominville, Miller, maybe Roy (if he isn't OSHL bound). Hamilton's decent, but at a loss without Perezhogin. Komisarek will help the D corps, but probably not enough. Syracuse will be solid with Leclaire and Zherdev, but I can't see them playing consistently well. Manitoba will be the bottom feeders and I don't expect Edmonton to be a whole lot better (despite Stoll and Lynch).

Roy's on record saying he's looking forward to the AHL season: Roy welcomes his opportunity as an Amerk (http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040917/SPORTS02/409170337&SearchID=73184865026055)

With the OSHL sending out mixed (and unhealthy) messages, that option may disappear for others as well.

As mentioned by a variety of folks, Zherdev's off to Russian, no the 'Cuse.

I've been trying to tell people this for 8 months.

If giving up rebounds, a horrible 5 hole are good traits than Leclaire is a franchise goalie.

What's the deal with Miller? Will this supposed "world class talent" ever come to pass or will he end up being stuck behind Biron and Norenon because he's just not better than them?

What's the deal with Miller? Will this supposed "world class talent" ever come to pass or will he end up being stuck behind Biron and Norenon because he's just not better than them?
He's done alot more than Leclaire.

Remind me again where Leclaire was taken in the draft?

Anyone who watched the AHL will tell you Leclaire is atrocious. Maybe he can turn it around, who knows.


EDIT: Also I think it's funny (and pathetic) you try and bring Buffalo fans into this.

He's done alot more than Leclaire.

Remind me again where Leclaire was taken in the draft?

Anyone who watched the AHL will tell you Leclaire is atrocious. Maybe he can turn it around, who knows.


EDIT: Also I think it's funny (and pathetic) you try and bring Buffalo fans into this.

What has Miller done besides being overhyped? You'd think someone with his kind of hype would have overcome the other two goalies on the depth chart and would be playing in the NHL by now.

I think putting up a 91.5% save on a patchwork defense is about as far from "atrocious" as one can get. I think you might have some deep rooted haterd for the kid, and the only reason being is because he plays for your chief rival. In his two NHL games he played last season, he looked pretty good to me.

Edmonton... well, I have no idea how they'll do. They could surprise like they did last year. The team could look something like this (not predicting lines, though):

Jamie Wright - Mike Bishai - Tony Salmelainen
Nate DiCasmirro - Jarret Stoll - Sean McAslan
Joe Cullen - Toby Petersen - Brad Winchester
J.J. Hunter - Kyle Brodziak - Martin St. Pierre

Extras: Dan Baum, Tomas Micka, Jean-Francois Plourde, Ed Caron, Brock Radunske, Simon Ferguson

Doug Lynch - Jeff Woywitka
Dan Smith - Rick Mrozik
Rocky Thompson - Brent Henley
Mathieu Roy

Extras: Peter Hogan, Jason Platt, Kenny Smith, Kenton Smith

Jeff Deslauriers
Tyler Moss

Extra: Mike Morrison

LeClair is awful. And Zherdev wont be in Syracuse. And Cleveland doesnt have the best defensive corps in the conference. They dont even have the best in the division. Both Rochester and Syracuse have better, and more experienced defenses.

How do you know? Gorges and Conboy can make them the best and I'm guessing you haven't even seen them play, have you?

Pascal Leclaire is awful? That's news to me. I'll agree that a 3.06 GAA is bad. But how can you then say that Syracuse has a better defensive unit than Cleveland? A .915 save percentage with a 3.06 GAA is clearly not the goaltender's fault. You're only going to stop so many shots. Syracuse had 2376 shots against (that's 34 per game). That was the second most in the league. Goalies can't always stop second and third shots, and that's the defensive unit's responsibility to clear those loose pucks. So remind me again how Syracuse had a better defense than Cleveland.

The Rochester vs. Cleveland debate won't help you any in my mind. Cleveland's has better overall speed, more offensive prowess and will be the best defensive unit in the Western Conference this year in my estimation. Obviously, I cannot compare this year's Cleveland defense to last year's because of the addition of Gorges, and having Conboy all season. That would leave comparing Cleveland to Rochester out of the mix.

How do you know? Gorges and Conboy can make them the best and I'm guessing you haven't even seen them play, have you?

The Rochester vs. Cleveland debate won't help you any in my mind. Cleveland's has better overall speed, more offensive prowess and will be the best defensive unit in the Western Conference this year in my estimation. Obviously, I cannot compare this year's Cleveland defense to last year's because of the addition of Gorges, and having Conboy all season. That would leave comparing Cleveland to Rochester out of the mix.
It's almost humorous that you're attemptimg to make this argument. Rochester plays a trap style to begin with. Not only that, the team has four proven veteran defensemen. Rohloff, who played almost the entire season in the NHL. Smith, Cullen and Lingren are all proven AHL veterans who can lead a team, not to mention a defense, Janik is solid and Paestch is very good for a number 6 defensemen. Knowing the Amerks, they'll bring in a defensmen like they did last year, like Scot Ricci. That would essentially give the team 5 vets on defense. Who is Gorges and Conboy? Two unproven defensemen.

You cant make the argument. Anyone here who knows anything about the AHL knows the Amerks will have the better defense.

Just a little stat to throw in. The Amerks let in 32 fewer goals last season. And the Amerks have improved their defense. Theres also a guy named Ryan Miller in net who wont have to deal with getting shelled in the NHL, and then come down and struggle again.

It's almost humorous that you're attemptimg to make this argument. Rochester plays a trap style to begin with. Not only that, the team has four proven veteran defensemen. Rohloff, who played almost the entire season in the NHL. Smith, Cullen and Lingren are all proven AHL veterans who can lead a team, not to mention a defense, Janik is solid and Paestch is very good for a number 6 defensemen. Knowing the Amerks, they'll bring in a defensmen like they did last year, like Scot Ricci. That would essentially give the team 5 vets on defense. Who is Gorges and Conboy? Two unproven defensemen.

Just a little stat to throw in. The Amerks let in 32 fewer goals last season. And the Amerks have improved their defense. Theres also a guy named Ryan Miller in net who wont have to deal with getting shelled in the NHL, and then come down and struggle again.

How is my argument humorous? Because you can't prove anything to me? So the Amerks let in 32 less goals playing a trap. Great, that's the purpose of a trap. I'm not seeing the relevance of your veterans argument here. I'm stating how you cannot tell me that Rochester's defense will be better this year than Cleveland's. Cleveland is returning 4 defensemen, adding Conboy who shined in the playoffs against Hamilton.

I want to hear your argument against how these elder statesmen will stop better quality players. Guys with a lot more speed than they have. There's no way in hell that Rochester's veteran guys can keep up with guys like Jarrett Stoll, Marcel Goc, Marcel Hossa. Our defensive unit is better all around, which is what I'm worried about. Our defensemen will chip in scoring a lot more, we have bigger hitters, and are going to be able to clear the net a lot better this season.

Ryan Miller has nothing to do with this argument. I don't think Rochester would have had 32 less goals allowed with Tom Askey in net. We're purely talking about defensemen. Goaltenders are out of this argument.

You cant make the argument. Anyone here who knows anything about the AHL knows the Amerks will have the better defense.

Where have you been talking about all of this stellar Rochester defense before the lockout? I've been following AHL hockey since the Barons came to Cleveland from Kentucky, and I watched the IHL for years here beforehand. If you're going to try and belittle my knowledge of the AHL with comments like this, I suggest you give some concrete points to prove how they are better (which means both more skilled and play better as a unit) than Cleveland's team. Experience doesn't tell me anything. Especially where you'll have more of the age discrepancies this season. I'd much rather go to battle with young kids who have played with/against these guys in the last 3-4 years than a team of veterans who haven't seen such a talented influx of youth.

I dont know what else to tell you. You're returning four guys? Thats nice.

Tim Conboy. 7th round draft pick out of college. You think he'll fair well against these NHL calibre players? Josh Gorges, if that is who you're talking about. Defensemen fresh out of the WHL. I'm sure he'll make that quick transition to the pro game. The rest of Cleveland's defense looks pretty solid.

For the Amerks you have Janik, with some NHL experience and a solid AHL defensemen. Brandon Smith, the former first team AHL all star, has plenty of offensive skills. Cullen scored 47 points last season. Between him and Smith, I think the Amerks will have plenty of offense from the blueline. Like I mentioned earlier, the Amerks will probably bring in a guy who split time between the ECHL and the AHL to be the 6th defensemen. Then you have Lingren, the Amerks unsung hero winner last year. Very good defensive defensemen. And then you have Rohloff. He played nearly 60 games in the NHL last year. I think he can handle the AHL's best.

That probably means nothing to you. But I guess you'll just have to wait until the season. Jody Gage always builds the Amerks around defense. That is how the Amerks win. I dont see how Cleveland can have a better defense. The Amerks were significantly better last season, and they improved this season. It just doesnt make sense.

Here is the best lineup in the American Hockey League:

Hamel-Spezza-Langfeld
Kelly-Vermette-Bochenski
Potulny-Stephens-Kavanagh
Mihaly-Watson-McGrattan

Volchenkov-Hedlund
Schubert-Pothier
Platil-Fibiger

Emery
Thompson

If the OSHL goes under, Hasek could sign an AHL contract. It's probably unlikely, but it could happen.

Here is the best lineup in the American Hockey League:

Hamel-Spezza-Langfeld
Kelly-Vermette-Bochenski
Potulny-Stephens-Kavanagh
Mihaly-Watson-McGrattan

Volchenkov-Hedlund
Schubert-Pothier
Platil-Fibiger

Emery
Thompson

If the OSHL goes under, Hasek could sign an AHL contract. It's probably unlikely, but it could happen.


Your dreams will be broken underneath the iron boot of Portland like so many brittle bones!

:mad:

Semin-Sutherby-Aulin
Fleischmann-Klepis-Gordon
Laich-Whitfield-Fussey
Mink-Verot-Johansson

Eminger-Morrisonn
Cutta-Robitaille(Yonkman; expected back ~nov.)
Zinger-Hajt



Ouellet
Daigneault

Here is the best lineup in the American Hockey League:

Hamel-Spezza-Langfeld
Kelly-Vermette-Bochenski
Potulny-Stephens-Kavanagh
Mihaly-Watson-McGrattan

Volchenkov-Hedlund
Schubert-Pothier
Platil-Fibiger

Emery
Thompson

If the OSHL goes under, Hasek could sign an AHL contract. It's probably unlikely, but it could happen.

Thats a killer line-up, Hasek will most likely not play in the AHL. But its possible. I really hope we get to see some Bingo games on TV in Ottawa.

Your dreams will be broken underneath the iron boot of Portland like so many brittle bones!

:mad:

Semin-Sutherby-Aulin
Fleischmann-Klepis-Gordon
Laich-Whitfield-Fussey
Mink-Verot-Johansson

Eminger-Morrisonn
Cutta-Robitaille(Yonkman; expected back ~nov.)
Zinger-Hajt





Ouellet
Daigneault

Higgins - Plekanec - Kostitsyn
Ferland - Ott - Miettinen
Urquhart - Morgan - Lambert
Milroy - Locke - Ivanans

Komisarek - Hainsey
Archer - Daley
Plante - Jancevski

Danis
Ellis

Higgins - Plekanec - Kostitsyn
Ferland - Ott - Miettinen
Urquhart - Morgan - Lambert
Milroy - Locke - Ivanans

Komisarek - Hainsey
Archer - Daley
Plante - Jancevski

Danis
Ellis


Ha! :beatup: Portland will beat that pitiful crew of miscreants like the circular smiling fool inbetween the two other circular pixies in this delightful bit of foolery!




(By the way, great avatar man)

North division favorites....Amerks:

Vanek-Roy-Pominville(leagues best line)
Botterill-Taylor-Milley
Paille-Gaustad-Thorburn
Bartovic-Novotny-Peters

Cullen-Lingren
Smith-Janik
Rohloff-Paetsch/State/Jillson?

Miller
Askey

The 6th defensemen is a toss up. Usually the Amerks bring in a fringe AHL guy like Ricci last year. Someone said they heard a rumor that Jillson wanted to play for Rochester. I highly doubt that. Look for the Amerks to sign a guy in mid-season who can score, because I anicipate them having a great difficulty scoring consistantly.

Baby Penguins:

Surovy - Beech - Ouellet
Murley - Endicott - Abid
Hussey - Eaves - Armstrong
Lefebvre - Talbot - Crampton

Scuderi - Whitney
Nasreddine - Kelleher
Koci - Lupaschuk

Fleury/Chiodo

Maybe not the best, but they certainly should be one of the better teams in the AHL. Their oldest player is only 29. 13 players with NHL experience. 16 players with Calder Cup final experience. More depth on defense after Koci with Rouleau, Fata and Darcy Robinson. Even their 3rd string goaltender (Sabourin) has NHL experience.

Even their 3rd string goaltender (Sabourin) has NHL experience.


::fondly recalls Sabourin's NHL experience, from the Preds fan who watched his team dismantle him's perspective:: :)

It' still experience ;)

Your dreams will be broken underneath the iron boot of Portland like so many brittle bones!

:mad:

Semin-Sutherby-Aulin
Fleischmann-Klepis-Gordon
Laich-Whitfield-Fussey
Mink-Verot-Johansson

Eminger-Morrisonn
Cutta-Robitaille(Yonkman; expected back ~nov.)
Zinger-Hajt



Ouellet
Daigneault


Wrong, sir. You don't even have to look outside the division to see who will be the best!

Manchester Monarchs:

Barney-Cammalleri-Brown
Clarke-Lehoux-Kanko
Schmidt-Kostopoulos-Smyth
Flinn-Steckel-Hogeboom

Grebeshkov-Gleason
Weaver-Rullier
Korovkin-Milam

Garon
Hauser


;)

Milwaukee Admirals

Shishkanov Hrkac Upshall
Haydar Gamache Tootoo(Preds want him to work on his non-pest game)
Pivko Fiddler Segal
Smithson Smith Severson

ex: Yablonski, Hendricks

Hamhuis Suter
Hutchinson Mukhachev
Klein Tiley
ex: Zanon

Finley
Kotyk

This thread has went from division favourites to teams lines. Pretty interesting, since know I know a lot of teams lines.

Wrong, sir. You don't even have to look outside the division to see who will be the best!

Manchester Monarchs:

Barney-Cammalleri-Brown
Clarke-Lehoux-Kanko
Schmidt-Kostopoulos-Smyth
Flinn-Steckel-Hogeboom

Grebeshkov-Gleason
Weaver-Rullier
Korovkin-Milam

Garon
Hauser


;)

We will make your team cry for their mommas.
Stop eating paste and the delusions of grandeur will end in time.



(That is a damn fine top d-pairing though)

Finally Houston has some veteran help on defense and down the middle...

They haven't came out with the list of who is going to be on the roster or what positions but here's my guessing...

C:
Pierre- Marc Bouchard
Mikko Koivu
Marius Holtet
Marc Cavosie
Rickard Wallin

RW:
Jason Beckett
Matt Foy
Kyle Wanvig
Kirby Law
Junior Lessard

LW:
David Bararuk
Derek Boogaard
Stephane Veilleux
Jordan Krestanovich

D:
Brent Burns
John Erskine
Ray Giroux
Zbynek Michalek
Todd Reirden
Eric Reitz
Patrick Traverse

G:
Josh Harding
Mike Smith

Freaking tight line up:

These guys will be spread out to other teams...

G:
Rob Gherson
Kyle Kettles

D:
Dan Boesner
Maxime Fortunus
Chris Heid
Sheldon Nedjelski
Ryan Stokes

C:
Mark Cullen
Jeff Neufeld
Pascal Pelletier
Mike Kompon
Christoph Brandner
Bill Kinkel
Mark Rooneem
Chad Wollard
Dallas Anderson
Dan Cavanaugh
David Morisset
Scott Selig

Hmmm, damn you Dallas :D

Linewise?

Bararuk - Bouchard - Foy
Veilleux- Wallin- Wanvig
Krestanovich - Koivu- Law
Holtet/Lessard (???)/ Boogaard - Cavosie/Holtet - Beckett

Erskine - Burns
Traverse - Giroux
Michalek - Reitz

Harding
Smith

Scratched: Lessard/Holtet, Boogaard, Reirden

The Caps have now suspended Alexander Semin for not reporting, incidentally. He's currently playing with Lada Togliatti.

Blame Lada for ignoring the rules too bad the Capitals cannot sue Lada

North division favorites....Amerks

The North Division looks this way to me:

Cleveland
Rochester
Hamilton
Syracuse
St. John's
Edmonton
Manitoba

Notable additions (players not playing in the AHL (with current team) at all last season):

Cleveland: Josh Gorges, Tim Conboy (3 playoff games)
Rochester: Daniel Paille, Thomas Vanek
Hamilton: Andrei Kostitsyn, Trever Daley, Corey Locke
Syracuse: Alexander Svitov (if he stays AHL)
St. John's: Matthew Stajan, Dominic D'Amour, Chris St. Jacques
Edmonton: Jarret Stoll, Jeff Deslauriers
Manitoba: No notable additions

sabrefan, I wouldn't call Rochester the favorite for the division. I still find their defense suspect. I know they'll score far more goals this season with Roy and Vanek, but I don't think their defense can hold together.

Defense is their strongest position. If anything is a weakness, it's offense. The Amerks return 4 defensemen from last year, one of the leagues best defenses. They lost Brian Chapman. Chapman was old and slow. Just didnt have it anymore. We also lost Rick Mrozik. Mrozik was very good, overall the teams second best defensemen behind Lingren. They added Brandon Smith. AHL all star and veteran. Also added Todd Rohloff. Played the entire season in the NHL, and was considered by some people the teams best defensemen. I'd like to know how you consider that defense suspect, while a defense that has two guys with virtually no professional experiece isnt considered suspect?

Milwaukee Admirals

Shishkanov Hrkac Upshall
Haydar Gamache Tootoo(Preds want him to work on his non-pest game)
Pivko Fiddler Segal
Smithson Smith Severson

ex: Yablonski, Hendricks

Hamhuis Suter
Hutchinson Mukhachev
Klein Tiley
ex: Zanon

Finley
Kotyk

That 2nd line is pretty small (of course Tootoo plays big, though). Defense looks pretty good. Suter should adjust fine, Klein is likely but not definite.

Does Nashville still view Finley as their goalie of the future? Also, is Setzinger still in their plans? I thought I read somewhere they wanted him in the AHL by now.

Defense is their strongest position. If anything is a weakness, it's offense. The Amerks return 4 defensemen from last year, one of the leagues best defenses. They lost Brian Chapman. Chapman was old and slow. Just didnt have it anymore. We also lost Rick Mrozik. Mrozik was very good, overall the teams second best defensemen behind Lingren. They added Brandon Smith. AHL all star and veteran. Also added Todd Rohloff. Played the entire season in the NHL, and was considered by some people the teams best defensemen. I'd like to know how you consider that defense suspect, while a defense that has two guys with virtually no professional experiece isnt considered suspect?

Simply put, our defense is exceptionally skilled. Our defense is lightning quick both in foot speed and mind. We've got 3 puck movers (Stafford, Gorges, Ehrhoff), 4 if Fahey signs, 3 big guys in Murray, Carkner and Conboy who can really bang. Murray and Conboy can also fight pretty well and clear the net with the best of them.

Todd Rohloff as the best defenseman? Who the hell said this? I'd like to know what pipe they were smoking off of. Even on a team like Columbus, Todd Rohloff is not the best defenseman. Spacek, Klesla, Lachance and even Richardson are better than Todd Rohloff.

You are obviously missing the point of the lockout. The lockout means the AHL is faster than it has ever been, and a bunch of 30 something defensemen are not going to be overly effective. As far as I'm concerned, I'd go to battle with professional inexperience this season over a bunch of veterans.

One of the league's best defenses did have Ryan Miller too. That's a nice security blanket to know that you can be aggressive when someone is back there to save your ass.

Career AHLers do not impress me over 6 guys who have legitimate chances to see NHL ice time in their careers. Not in the slightest, and they won't until they prove to me that they can hang with the young, up and coming players that the AHL will see. And let's not forget, these kids make everyone else around them better. That's going to hurt Rochester a hell of a lot more than you think. I look up and down Rochester's depth chart on defense. Who has the speed to contain forwards buzzing around the offensive end. The one thing that may save Rochester is the reduction of the space below the goal line. The chance now for more two line pass space will burn them with the wider lines.

Tell me what you know about Cleveland's defense. Enlighten me as to why I should find them suspect. Since I've followed Buffalo and Rochester for the past 3 years pretty closely, I can back up my points on their corps. Please, enlighten me as to why I should think Rochester's group is better than Cleveland's.

That 2nd line is pretty small (of course Tootoo plays big, though). Defense looks pretty good. Suter should adjust fine, Klein is likely but not definite.

Does Nashville still view Finley as their goalie of the future? Also, is Setzinger still in their plans? I thought I read somewhere they wanted him in the AHL by now.


the second line last year was the same...but with fiddler centering "the hobbits," who isn't much bigger. their height seems to be an advantage, and they were probably the main reason milwaukee was scoring so many goals last year. that line was close to unstoppable, and should help tootoo learn to open up the scoring ability he showed in juniors.

Suter should adjust, and I'm not worried about Klein, either. I'm excited to see the Ads defense, including the big, mean Mukhachev.

Finley is still considered the goalie of the future, and took big steps to reclaim that title last year. This year, the onus is on him. It's his show. Teemu Lassila might have something to say about it, though.

Setzinger is one of our more high-skill guys, and they wanted him over here this year, but the lockout put a hold on that, so he'll get one more year playing a bigger role in Finland. Who knows, though.

the second line last year was the same...but with fiddler centering "the hobbits," who isn't much bigger. their height seems to be an advantage, and they were probably the main reason milwaukee was scoring so many goals last year. that line was close to unstoppable, and should help tootoo learn to open up the scoring ability he showed in juniors.

Suter should adjust, and I'm not worried about Klein, either. I'm excited to see the Ads defense, including the big, mean Mukhachev.

Finley is still considered the goalie of the future, and took big steps to reclaim that title last year. This year, the onus is on him. It's his show. Teemu Lassila might have something to say about it, though.

Setzinger is one of our more high-skill guys, and they wanted him over here this year, but the lockout put a hold on that, so he'll get one more year playing a bigger role in Finland. Who knows, though.

Thanks for the info.

I wouldn't have thought a line that small would be as dominant as it was, should definitely help Tootoo offensively.

I hope Setzinger gets to the AHL next season. I have him in a keeper league, so I'm anxious to see if he can take that next step.

Thanks for the info.

I wouldn't have thought a line that small would be as dominant as it was, should definitely help Tootoo offensively.

I hope Setzinger gets to the AHL next season. I have him in a keeper league, so I'm anxious to see if he can take that next step.


Haydar lead the entire league in playoff scoring, and Gamache wasn't far behind. Both were close to thirty goals in the season, as well.

Simply put, our defense is exceptionally skilled. Our defense is lightning quick both in foot speed and mind. We've got 3 puck movers (Stafford, Gorges, Ehrhoff), 4 if Fahey signs, 3 big guys in Murray, Carkner and Conboy who can really bang. Murray and Conboy can also fight pretty well and clear the net with the best of them.

Todd Rohloff as the best defenseman? Who the hell said this? I'd like to know what pipe they were smoking off of. Even on a team like Columbus, Todd Rohloff is not the best defenseman. Spacek, Klesla, Lachance and even Richardson are better than Todd Rohloff.

You are obviously missing the point of the lockout. The lockout means the AHL is faster than it has ever been, and a bunch of 30 something defensemen are not going to be overly effective. As far as I'm concerned, I'd go to battle with professional inexperience this season over a bunch of veterans.

One of the league's best defenses did have Ryan Miller too. That's a nice security blanket to know that you can be aggressive when someone is back there to save your ass.

Career AHLers do not impress me over 6 guys who have legitimate chances to see NHL ice time in their careers. Not in the slightest, and they won't until they prove to me that they can hang with the young, up and coming players that the AHL will see. And let's not forget, these kids make everyone else around them better. That's going to hurt Rochester a hell of a lot more than you think. I look up and down Rochester's depth chart on defense. Who has the speed to contain forwards buzzing around the offensive end. The one thing that may save Rochester is the reduction of the space below the goal line. The chance now for more two line pass space will burn them with the wider lines.

Tell me what you know about Cleveland's defense. Enlighten me as to why I should find them suspect. Since I've followed Buffalo and Rochester for the past 3 years pretty closely, I can back up my points on their corps. Please, enlighten me as to why I should think Rochester's group is better than Cleveland's.
To be honest, I dont know much about them. It appears you are returning four players and adding two players out of juniors. How does that translate into an improved defense with improved competition? But two guys coming out of juniors doesn't exactly impress me. And it's not like they were high draft picks and very highly touted. Gorges and Conboy? I dont want inexperienced players who need to make adjustments. You're also completely overreacting in what the level will be like. Sure there are better players in the league, but you're making it sound like this is the NHL. The career minor leaguers will handle themselves just fine. When I mentioned Rohloff I ment Washington, not Columbus.

You have been following them for 3 years, I have for 20. I still don't think you have even given a legitimate argument against Rochester. Too slow? Maybe a couple. AHL vets cant handle the league? Not true. I've never said Cleveland's defense will be bad and. But if you've followed the Amerks over the years, you know there history with defense. This year is no different.

I'd be interested in a non biased opinion here. Speak up people, who will have the better defense?

I wouldn't have thought a line that small would be as dominant as it was, should definitely help Tootoo offensively.

They were absolutely unstoppable for the entire year. Gamache had 45 points in 52 games and Haydar had 59 in 79 (after getting off to a bad start). They didn't come together until halfway through the season. A lot of the time, Hrkac (59 points in 68 games) was the center. Whoever centered Gamache and Haydar, they were the most dominant line on the best offensive team in the AHL (by far). The team scored 269 goals in 80 games. The second best offense (Chicago) had 23 less goals.

They were incredible in the playoffs too. Hrkac had 20 points in 22 games. Gamache had 24 points in 22 games. Haydar had 26 points in 22 games.

The guys who decide who wins divisions/playoffs in the NHL wont be the uber prospects. There are low end ppg players (ex Giroux) who are great in the AHL but not so in the NHL.

Hartford might not have the best players but there always amazing on defense and put up astounding numbers. I dont know what the O will look like but the d might look like.

Tyutin-Kondratiev
Pock-Lampman
Liffiton-Taylor

Blackburn
Labarbera

Pittburgh and Washington no doubt.

To be honest, I dont know much about them. It appears you are returning four players and adding two players out of juniors. How does that translate into an improved defense with improved competition? But two guys coming out of juniors doesn't exactly impress me. And it's not like they were high draft picks and very highly touted. Gorges and Conboy? I dont want inexperienced players who need to make adjustments. You're also completely overreacting in what the level will be like. Sure there are better players in the league, but you're making it sound like this is the NHL. The career minor leaguers will handle themselves just fine. When I mentioned Rohloff I ment Washington, not Columbus.

You have been following them for 3 years, I have for 20. I still don't think you have even given a legitimate argument against Rochester. Too slow? Maybe a couple. AHL vets cant handle the league? Not true. I've never said Cleveland's defense will be bad and. But if you've followed the Amerks over the years, you know there history with defense. This year is no different.

I'd be interested in a non biased opinion here. Speak up people, who will have the better defense?

I don't believe I am completely overreacting the level of talent. I've watched the AHL closely now for 3 seasons, and there are guys who can flat out play. Let's toss in some guys who dominated juniors, played NHL last season as rookies, and the level of play gets even better.

So they weren't high draft picks? That statement doesn't impress me. Doug Murray, Cleveland's number one defenseman from last season was an 8th round selection. Garrett Stafford, who led Cleveland in points by defensemen was an undrafted free agent.

As for Gorges, don't say a word about him unless you know how highly touted he is by the San Jose organization. For the record, he was the captain on the team that just won the Memorial Cup.

It translates into an improved defense because Josh Gorges is the real deal. We've unloaded a dead weight defenseman in David Cloutier, a more than likely career AHLer in Jesse Fibiger, and filled it in with a kid who plays game in and game out in Tim Conboy, and an outstanding two-way defenseman in Gorges. I'd say we're a far better team this year than last, and last year, it was injuries that prevented us from 2nd or 3rd place in the north.

Good luck finding an unbiased opinion. A majority of the people who will be around this board haven't seen most of their AHL roster live, let alone the whole league. And probably haven't followed most of the guys who aren't on the HF top 20. I'm not saying Rochester will be bad either. I'm just saying that I think Cleveland's defense has a much better shot at taking this team somewhere than Rochester's does for their respective team.

I don't believe I am completely overreacting the level of talent. I've watched the AHL closely now for 3 seasons, and there are guys who can flat out play. Let's toss in some guys who dominated juniors, played NHL last season as rookies, and the level of play gets even better.

So they weren't high draft picks? That statement doesn't impress me. Doug Murray, Cleveland's number one defenseman from last season was an 8th round selection. Garrett Stafford, who led Cleveland in points by defensemen was an undrafted free agent.

As for Gorges, don't say a word about him unless you know how highly touted he is by the San Jose organization. For the record, he was the captain on the team that just won the Memorial Cup.

It translates into an improved defense because Josh Gorges is the real deal. We've unloaded a dead weight defenseman in David Cloutier, a more than likely career AHLer in Jesse Fibiger, and filled it in with a kid who plays game in and game out in Tim Conboy, and an outstanding two-way defenseman in Gorges. I'd say we're a far better team this year than last, and last year, it was injuries that prevented us from 2nd or 3rd place in the north.

Good luck finding an unbiased opinion. A majority of the people who will be around this board haven't seen most of their AHL roster live, let alone the whole league. And probably haven't followed most of the guys who aren't on the HF top 20. I'm not saying Rochester will be bad either. I'm just saying that I think Cleveland's defense has a much better shot at taking this team somewhere than Rochester's does for their respective team.
By no means am I saying Gorges and Conboy will be bad. But no one has any idea what kind of transistion and adjustments they will make to the professional game. Everyone is different. With the Amerks, I know what I will get out of every one of them.

The AHL has added some great young players, but also lost a lot of good players to Europe. The talent level will increase, but not enough to say that AHL vets cant keep up. The Amerk system plays into this as well, as they play a better defensive minded system than Cleveland does.

It remains to be seen if Cleveland will improve because you dont know how they will play in the pros. I know the Amerks have improved, and Cleveland would have to have a monstrous improvement to keep up with the Amerks on defense.

By no means am I saying Gorges and Conboy will be bad. But no one has any idea what kind of transistion and adjustments they will make to the professional game. Everyone is different. With the Amerks, I know what I will get out of every one of them.

The AHL has added some great young players, but also lost a lot of good players to Europe. The talent level will increase, but not enough to say that AHL vets cant keep up. The Amerk system plays into this as well, as they play a better defensive minded system than Cleveland does.

It remains to be seen if Cleveland will improve because you dont know how they will play in the pros. I know the Amerks have improved, and Cleveland would have to have a monstrous improvement to keep up with the Amerks on defense.

There you go again. You know nothing about Cleveland's defense, but yet they need this monsterous improvement? Give me a break. Take off the red and blue shaded glasses here. Do I think Rochester's D is good? Yes. Are they better than Cleveland's? Hell no. Not with the rule changes, and the player quality.

Do you know Cleveland's systems? No. So don't tell me about defensive minded systems. Does Cleveland play a trap, no they do not. However, Cleveland plays a style that fits defensemen that have endurance and can skate far better than Rochester's, so Cleveland does not need a trap.

I've watched Gorges play for Kelowna, and Conboy held his own with a team in Hamilton that was a pretty solid club. Conboy got thrown into the pressure cooker known as the playoffs and played well. Don't tell me Conboy won't adjust. Granted, Kelowna and the WHL is not the AHL, but Josh Gorges will be a stud, there's no doubt in my mind.

You seem to be forgetting about the offensive, puck moving side of the defense. Obviously, we probably will allow more goals than you. But our defensemen will get back a lot more than yours. That is why Cleveland, overall, is the better unit. I'm not just talking defensive specifics, and I haven't been from the start. All of our defensemen, with the exceptions of Ehrhoff and Stafford, are just as good in both ends of the rink. Ehrhoff and Stafford, however, can skate all game long, and can get back if they get too offensive minded. There's better balance on Cleveland's team, and that's what makes for a better unit.

i'm unbiased between the amerks and barons. i don't think there's much to choose, but i give the nod to the amerks defense. can't beat experience and i think smith and cullen are great. i really like that murray kid with cleveland though. he's huge and mobile.

incidently, my team can't match either of those teams.

moro
colaiacovo
bell
harrison
kelly
white
d'amour
wozniewski

There you go again. You know nothing about Cleveland's defense, but yet they need this monsterous improvement? Give me a break. Take off the red and blue shaded glasses here. Do I think Rochester's D is good? Yes. Are they better than Cleveland's? Hell no. Not with the rule changes, and the player quality.

Do you know Cleveland's systems? No. So don't tell me about defensive minded systems. Does Cleveland play a trap, no they do not. However, Cleveland plays a style that fits defensemen that have endurance and can skate far better than Rochester's, so Cleveland does not need a trap.

I've watched Gorges play for Kelowna, and Conboy held his own with a team in Hamilton that was a pretty solid club. Conboy got thrown into the pressure cooker known as the playoffs and played well. Don't tell me Conboy won't adjust. Granted, Kelowna and the WHL is not the AHL, but Josh Gorges will be a stud, there's no doubt in my mind.

You seem to be forgetting about the offensive, puck moving side of the defense. Obviously, we probably will allow more goals than you. But our defensemen will get back a lot more than yours. That is why Cleveland, overall, is the better unit. I'm not just talking defensive specifics, and I haven't been from the start. All of our defensemen, with the exceptions of Ehrhoff and Stafford, are just as good in both ends of the rink. Ehrhoff and Stafford, however, can skate all game long, and can get back if they get too offensive minded. There's better balance on Cleveland's team, and that's what makes for a better unit.
I've watched enough hockey in my life to know that there is never a sure thing with young players. You seem so positive that two players coming out of juniors will be studs in the AHL. Unfortunately, no one knows until the season starts. They both could be a disaster for all you know.

Offense from the blueline you speak of? Yeah, looks like Cleveland has some from the back end. So does Rochester. Rochester had the best PP in the league last year led by Cullen. Now they have added Brandon Smith to the team and Paestch has been brought back to the defense, who has great skills. Cleveland has the edge there, not enough to make them a better defense.

You tell me I dont know much about Clevelands defense, which I dont. But there defense doesnt impress me much. Giving up almost 34 shots per game? I doubt they will make this huge turnaround. But you arent impressing me with your knowledge of the Amerks. In the end, I dont even really think it's comparable. Rochester's experience and balance will lead them to the better defense and record overall.

Lowell gets no love?

I've watched enough hockey in my life to know that there is never a sure thing with young players. You seem so positive that two players coming out of juniors will be studs in the AHL. Unfortunately, no one knows until the season starts. They both could be a disaster for all you know.

Offense from the blueline you speak of? Yeah, looks like Cleveland has some from the back end. So does Rochester. Rochester had the best PP in the league last year led by Cullen. Now they have added Brandon Smith to the team and Paestch has been brought back to the defense, who has great skills. Cleveland has the edge there, not enough to make them a better defense.

You tell me I dont know much about Clevelands defense, which I dont. But there defense doesnt impress me much. Giving up almost 34 shots per game? I doubt they will make this huge turnaround. But you arent impressing me with your knowledge of the Amerks. In the end, I dont even really think it's comparable. Rochester's experience and balance will lead them to the better defense and record overall.

The 34 shots a game: Looking at that statistic won't tell me anything. Did you watch every game to see how many of these shots came from outside the circles on rushes? As far as I'm concerned, low percentage shots don't scare me and those aren't labelled as a defensive problem. The forwards do have to come back as well and help. We had some lax forwards last year, and that hurt us with those shot totals. If the stat was kept, I'm sure Cleveland led the league in shots taken by opposing defensemen.

I stand by my statements about Gorges and Conboy because I know hockey. I know which players will succeed from watching their on-ice tendencies. I've followed both players for a long time and watched how they play the game. Gorges put on weight over the summer, which the concern on him was his size. Gorges will be a stud and Gorges will be a top 4 NHL defenseman someday within the next 4-5 years. Conboy has some emotional problems, but he has 5th or 6th defenseman potential.

Can you explain Cullen's -15 to me? How about Janik's -6? Cleveland did not have a full-time defenseman in the minuses. (only one was Fahey who had a short tenure in Cleveland)

Doug Murray was 5th for defensemen in shooting percentage. Garrett Stafford was 14th.

Knowledge of the Amerks: A bunch of career AHL defensemen. I'm not going to get my rocks off about Todd Rohloff or Brandon Smith (who I watched in Cleveland for the 2001-2002 season) who is 31 and in 14 years has 31 NHL games. Steve Lingren, at 31 years old has never played an NHL game. I'd much rather go to battle with beaming up and coming prospects than a handful of 30 somethings who are career AHL players, playing with NHL caliber talent.

The 34 shots a game: Looking at that statistic won't tell me anything. Did you watch every game to see how many of these shots came from outside the circles on rushes? As far as I'm concerned, low percentage shots don't scare me and those aren't labelled as a defensive problem. The forwards do have to come back as well and help. We had some lax forwards last year, and that hurt us with those shot totals. If the stat was kept, I'm sure Cleveland led the league in shots taken by opposing defensemen.

I stand by my statements about Gorges and Conboy because I know hockey. I know which players will succeed from watching their on-ice tendencies. I've followed both players for a long time and watched how they play the game. Gorges put on weight over the summer, which the concern on him was his size. Gorges will be a stud and Gorges will be a top 4 NHL defenseman someday within the next 4-5 years. Conboy has some emotional problems, but he has 5th or 6th defenseman potential.

Can you explain Cullen's -15 to me? How about Janik's -6? Cleveland did not have a full-time defenseman in the minuses. (only one was Fahey who had a short tenure in Cleveland)

Doug Murray was 5th for defensemen in shooting percentage. Garrett Stafford was 14th.

Knowledge of the Amerks: A bunch of career AHL defensemen. I'm not going to get my rocks off about Todd Rohloff or Brandon Smith (who I watched in Cleveland for the 2001-2002 season) who is 31 and in 14 years has 31 NHL games. Steve Lingren, at 31 years old has never played an NHL game. I'd much rather go to battle with beaming up and coming prospects than a handful of 30 somethings who are career AHL players, playing with NHL caliber talent.
NHL Potential means nothing in the AHL, nothing at all.

Just look at Milwaukee last year. They had a perfect combination.

NHL Potential means nothing in the AHL, nothing at all.

Just look at Milwaukee last year. They had a perfect combination.

agree completely. the argument that "my team will be better in the standings because it has more nhl potential" is ridiculous.

also, not sure at all about gorges being a stud in the ahl. maybe he'll be a good ahler in a couple of years, but i wouldn't expect anything from him this year.

NHL Potential means nothing in the AHL, nothing at all.

Just look at Milwaukee last year. They had a perfect combination.

How so when there's no NHL? So the players get to reach their full potential in the AHL. Rochester and Milwaukee aren't comparable, so you can leave them out. Potential ability > Never was-veterans. At least these kids have some playing to do to impress.

agree completely. the argument that "my team will be better in the standings because it has more nhl potential" is ridiculous.

also, not sure at all about gorges being a stud in the ahl. maybe he'll be a good ahler in a couple of years, but i wouldn't expect anything from him this year.

Yes, because I'm sure you've fully watched him for a few years now. I'm all about potential, especially in the AHL because you've got to prove that you can reach it. It's a motivation factor. It makes the game fun to play. And you're a lot better as a team when you're having fun. Cleveland wins the north division this year and nothing is going to change my mind because of the depth at every position.

Yes, because I'm sure you've fully watched him for a few years now. I'm all about potential, especially in the AHL because you've got to prove that you can reach it. It's a motivation factor. It makes the game fun to play. And you're a lot better as a team when you're having fun. Cleveland wins the north division this year and nothing is going to change my mind because of the depth at every position.

not sure why you have such a chip on your shoulder, but gorges couldn't even average close to a point per game in the whl, and i watched him when he was canada's 7th defenceman at the wjc's. that's not a recipe for immediate ahl success.

i've been following the ahl for 13 years and i've learned that no matter how good a player looks at a lower level, it will usually take him a long time to adjust to the ahl. gorges won't be any different.

NHL potential doesnt translate into better in the AHL. Cleveland has more talent on defense. Cleveland has more NHL potential on defense. By a long shot. But the Amerks defense is built to win at an AHL level. Jody Gage knows hockey, and I think I trust him in what he does with this team. All of the Amerks vets on defense arent NHL players. But they are very good at the AHL level. So what if they dont have NHL potential? What does that mean in the AHL when it comes to winning? Nothing.

I'm not fooling myself, Cullen is not good defensively. He was brought in to put up points, and he did. Janik had some rough games last year. But they improved. If you looked at there +/- in February it would've been uglier. They were the two best defensemen in the stretch run and in the playoffs. That stat can be misleading anyway. I dont care that Cleveland didnt have any minuses. The Amerks finished ahead in the standings, so what did it matter?

If you know hockey so well, and know that these players will succeed, why arent you scouting for NHL teams? You cant predict the future. No matter what you say, you dont know how they will react to the professional game. And what do I care about shooting percentage? I said Cleveland had more offense from there defensemen.

I see two different defenses. Cleveland's has an abundance of talent and NHL potential. Not much experience and can be vulnerable this season. Rochester's defense is built on experience. It was built to win a championship. Theres really no comparison, they're completely different.

Potential ability > Never was-veterans. At least these kids have some playing to do to impress.
Where is proof of this at the AHL level?

Potential ability > Never was-veterans. At least these kids have some playing to do to impress.

I beg to differ. Milwaukee, the best team in hockey last season, was a prime example of veterans winning it. In net was NHL also ran Wade Flaherty. The three best forwards? Tony Hrkac, Darren Haydar, and Simon Gamache. All 3 may never see the NHL again. Their best defenseman? AHL lifer Curtis Murphy? AHL teams win with AHL veterans moreso than anything else. This Milwaukee team, which does have a good bit of Nashville talent (though they were in Nashville or injured during most of the playoffs), swept the Baby Pens who were exactly as you said, potential ability.

NHL potential doesnt translate into better in the AHL. Cleveland has more talent on defense. Cleveland has more NHL potential on defense. By a long shot. But the Amerks defense is built to win at an AHL level. Jody Gage knows hockey, and I think I trust him in what he does with this team. All of the Amerks vets on defense arent NHL players. But they are very good at the AHL level. So what if they dont have NHL potential? What does that mean in the AHL when it comes to winning? Nothing.

I'm not fooling myself, Cullen is not good defensively. He was brought in to put up points, and he did. Janik had some rough games last year. But they improved. If you looked at there +/- in February it would've been uglier. They were the two best defensemen in the stretch run and in the playoffs. That stat can be misleading anyway. I dont care that Cleveland didnt have any minuses. The Amerks finished ahead in the standings, so what did it matter?

If you know hockey so well, and know that these players will succeed, why arent you scouting for NHL teams? You cant predict the future. No matter what you say, you dont know how they will react to the professional game. And what do I care about shooting percentage? I said Cleveland had more offense from there defensemen.

I see two different defenses. Cleveland's has an abundance of talent and NHL potential. Not much experience and can be vulnerable this season. Rochester's defense is built on experience. It was built to win a championship. Theres really no comparison, they're completely different.

Not scouting because I'm 17. It is a possible aspiration of mine after broadcasting.

The Amerks and Barons were tied in points, the Amerks had more wins. Thanks to Ryan Miller.

You don't care because it's statistical information that further proved my point.

Not much experience can be vulnerable. Alright, fine. You can think that all you want. I'll take speed over experience this season for sure. Most of our defensemen played alongside or against these guys in the past 5 years. Some of these kids were still in diapers when Rochester's guys started hockey. I'd much rather take the comparable players who are up and coming over the Rochester unit.

How can +/- be misleading? The game is won 5 on 5. Special teams does play a part, but the majority of the game is played at even strength.

The potential part I'm using to count as a motivational factor to prove people that they can compete. There's a lot more on the line when you've got your career to play for. None of Rochester's defensemen part Paetsch and Janik are playing for a career, they're playing to play. I know when I play the game, I play a hell of a lot harder to better myself to play at a higher level. Plus they have room to get better with potential. Room to get better, and second year players who can get better fast. Roy Sommer, as much as I've questioned him, knows hockey too. But David Cunniff led the defensive unit last year and they made great strides from October to April. What I saw at the end of the year and what I know of my team's players make me know that Cleveland will be a better team.

I've been watching AHL hockey longer than you have been alive. I think I MIGHT be qualified when talking about winning in the AHL.

Statistical evidence to prove your point? What about shooting percentage proved your point? I said Cleveland was better offensively. Speed isn't everything on defense. Positioning and smarts is more important, and that is where the Amerks thrive. You would rather have a group of young defensemen, who have 2 players without professional experience, over a defense where 3 of the 6 have won Calder Cups?

AHL veterans have long been more successful in the AHL over prospects. And it seems that no one here is agreeing with you. You can preach all you want about potential but that doesnt trump the experience the Amerks have.

I beg to differ. Milwaukee, the best team in hockey last season, was a prime example of veterans winning it. In net was NHL also ran Wade Flaherty. The three best forwards? Tony Hrkac, Darren Haydar, and Simon Gamache. All 3 may never see the NHL again. Their best defenseman? AHL lifer Curtis Murphy? AHL teams win with AHL veterans moreso than anything else. This Milwaukee team, which does have a good bit of Nashville talent (though they were in Nashville or injured during most of the playoffs), swept the Baby Pens who were exactly as you said, potential ability.
To continue to add to that point, the baby Penguins organization picked up on the fact that they were having a tougher time with veteran teams than they should have been, and they went out and brought back Chris Kelleher and retained Nasreddine just for that reason.

.


you should chill out a little about cleveland's defence dude...

Notable additions (players not playing in the AHL (with current team) at all last season):

Hamilton: Andrei Kostitsyn, Trever Daley, Corey Locke

It's Trevor Daley. And you forgot Antti Miettinen and Steve Ott.

So, Mr. Brownstone, with Jeff Jillson nearly signed with the Amerks, are you still going to continue to think Clevelands defense is superior? This also throws out the offense factor as Rochester has as much offense from the blueline as anyone in the AHL.

So, Mr. Brownstone, with Jeff Jillson nearly signed with the Amerks, are you still going to continue to think Clevelands defense is superior? This also throws out the offense factor as Rochester has as much offense from the blueline as anyone in the AHL.

I saw Jillson as a Baron. He never impressed me at all. He'll chip in offensively, but he's still another guy to go around. I got to see Josh Gorges live for the first time (in person) last night. He's a stellar defenseman.

And yes, I still think Cleveland's defense is superior and I'm going to until Rochester proves me wrong.

He's had a full season on NHL experience since then, so he improved. When he played for Buffalo, he wasnt great, but he was certainly adequate at the NHL level. I'm sure he'll be an above average defender in the AHL.

With Jillson now most likely on the Amerks, I just still can't see how you give Cleveland the edge. With the Amerks having the better defense of the two last season, Cleveland is the team that needs to prove they are better, not the Amerks

He's had a full season on NHL experience since then, so he improved. When he played for Buffalo, he wasnt great, but he was certainly adequate at the NHL level. I'm sure he'll be an above average defender in the AHL.

With Jillson now most likely on the Amerks, I just still can't see how you give Cleveland the edge. With the Amerks having the better defense of the two last season, Cleveland is the team that needs to prove they are better, not the Amerks

When it's a matter of opinion, whichever team I say has to prove to me that they are better, is the team that I think has to prove that they are better.

Cleveland also now has Jim Fahey, who is in the same boat as Jillson, so I don't see how they got any better than Cleveland by adding Jillson.

When it's a matter of opinion, whichever team I say has to prove to me that they are better, is the team that I think has to prove that they are better.

Cleveland also now has Jim Fahey, who is in the same boat as Jillson, so I don't see how they got any better than Cleveland by adding Jillson.
Not quite the same boat. 15 games in the NHL last season, as oppsosed to 64.

I guess it could be a matter of opinion, but I think it makes more sense for a young defense with many unknowns to have to prove they are better, than for a veteran defense with two players who had full seasons in the NHL last year.

Zzzzzzzzz.......

Seriously, both of your points are "pointless" if you really look at them. No team HAS to prove anything... regardless if they have a bunch of old veterans or a group of new rookies. I'm sure they WILL prove something come the first few weeks of the regular season.... but postulating at this point makes no sense. It also makes no sense to contend that EITHER team is going to have a better defense because it is full of veterans or because it is full of young talent. The defense is going to prove its superiority through its cohesiveness as a unit. That has nothing to do with who the individual members are or their ages... the group that can play the best together will have the advantage.

(I'm not specifically directing this at you, but you and Adam's exchange in general).

Again, everyone is entitled to their own opinions and this of course is only mine. It also counts how you try to express them, but if you really want to battle it out, I guess we'll see this Sunday what happens. :)
I disagree. A group of solid veterans traditionally has more success in the AHL than a group of very good rookies/young prospects. I also disagree that neither has to prove anything. Mr. Brownstone originally said the Rochester was the team that had to prove it was the better defense. I dont see how that makes sense, as Rochester had, in my opinion, a significantly better defense last season and has improved their defense significantly as well.

An argument was made that no one can keep up with the speedy forwards in the AHL. If two of the six defensemen were good enough to stick in the NHL for the entire year, I think they can handle the AHL. Another argument was offense. Jillson, Cullen, Smith, Janik and Paestch are all very capable offensively and Cleveland doesnt have an edge there if you ask me.

I think this paragraph, from the Jillson press release, puts into perspective the experience and ability they can potentially have this year: Jillson joins a defense that includes Brandon Smith, Todd Rohloff, Doug Janik, David Cullen, Steve Lingren, Nathan Paetsch and Ryan Jorde. The group now has over 2,500 professional games of experience, three Calder Cups and two NCAA national championships.

As for Sunday's game, the Amerks could lose 8-0 and I really wouldnt be concerned.

As for Sunday's game, the Amerks could lose 8-0 and I really wouldnt be concerned.
Neither would I.

Baby Leafs. Final year in St. John's

HAROLD DRUKEN ....MATT STAJAN ...........DAVID LING
CLARKE WILM.........KYLE WELLWOOD .......BRAD LEEB
NATHAN PERROTT...NATHAN BARRETT........BEN ONDRUS
ROB PALANUK........ JEREMY WILLIAMS.......JASON MacDONALD

Extra: CHRIS ST. JACQUES, KRIS NEWBURY

CARLO COLAIACOVO....MARC MORO
BRENDAN BELL ...........JAY HARRISON
DOMINIC D’AMOUR.......IAN WHITE

Extra: TYSON MARSH, REGAN KELLY

MIKAEL TELLQVIST
J.F. RACINE


BABY BRUINS

ANDY HILBERT - BRAD BOYES – IVAN HUML
MARTIN SAMUELSSON - PATRICE BERGERON– CARL CORAZZINI
DEREK BEKAR- KRIS VERNARSKY – PAT LEAHY
COLTON ORR- JEFF DAW - BRENDAN WALSH

BEN GUITE/DAVID GOVE/JAY HENDERSON/JIM ABBOTT


MILAN JURCINA – MATTHIEU DESCOTEAUX
CHRIS DYMENT – KEVIN DALLMAN
BRENT THOMPSON - JAYME FILIPOWICZ
(girard/stuart/alberts could join in the later part of the year)

TOIVONEN
HAMERLIK

Mr Brownstone...

NHL potential means nothing at the AHL level. Barret Jackman was an average defenseman in his first season in the AHL but that didn't stop him from winning the Calder Trophy just a year later.

I know it's only preseason, but after the domination Rochester has been serving up every game, there is no doubt they are the front runners for the North Division.

I know it's only preseason, but after the domination Rochester has been serving up every game, there is no doubt they are the front runners for the North Division.

OK, so in the thread you say you wouldn't be concerned if Rochester lost 8-0 tomorrow, and you're praising their preseason play. Nothing matters about wins and losses until Wednesday. Once teams further employ systems throughout the week and set some lines in stone, then we'll see who will be the better team.

OK, so in the thread you say you wouldn't be concerned if Rochester lost 8-0 tomorrow, and you're praising their preseason play. Nothing matters about wins and losses until Wednesday. Once teams further employ systems throughout the week and set some lines in stone, then we'll see who will be the better team.
Yes, Rochester could have put out a weak lineup tomorrow night. There are still several players trying out and I'm sure they will get there final look tomorrow.

You're right, though. I did contradict myself. But I stand by what I said, there is no doubt Rochester is the favorite early on. I know you claimed Cleveland is, and you probably won't back off of it, but lets be reasonable.

Rochester has 12 Powerplay Goals so far...

Backup Goalies or not, that's insane.

Rochester has 17 Powerplay Goals so far...

Backup Goalies or not, that's insane.

There's no doubt the powerplay's stellar. It's filled with snipers. I'd still worry about Rochester in even strength play. I think that's Cleveland's strength. We'll see when the season starts.

There's no doubt the powerplay's stellar. It's filled with snipers. I'd still worry about Rochester in even strength play. I think that's Cleveland's strength. We'll see when the season starts.
How do you figure they will be weak during even strength play?

How do you figure they will be weak during even strength play?

I've already discussed their aged defensemen and I don't think they can handle speedy forwards buzzing around the offensive end for minute and fifteen second shift. You'll never agree with my point, I won't agree with yours. We could butt heads about this forever, so I'm letting it go until Cleveland gives you the egg or Rochester gives me the egg.

I've already discussed their aged defensemen and I don't think they can handle speedy forwards buzzing around the offensive end for minute and fifteen second shift. You'll never agree with my point, I won't agree with yours. We could butt heads about this forever, so I'm letting it go until Cleveland gives you the egg or Rochester gives me the egg.
I would agree with you if your point was correct, but it's not even an opinion. It's just simply not true. If they couldn't keep up with the AHL, Jody Gage and Rochester management wouldnt be spending a lot of money and veteran space to have them there. All those vets on defense are in Rochester for a reason, the Amerks are very serious about making a run to the Calder Cup this season.

Mr Brownstone, you say Manitoba has no notable additions?

You think this because Manitoba is a very young team.

The Moose have added:

a decent AHL veteran goalie in Flaherty
NHL enforcer in Wade Brookbank
numerous veteran AHL dmen to work with youngins' Koltsov and Mojzis
3 rookie forwards into the mix: Tim Smith (FINALLY!), Jesse Schultz, and Brandon Nolan

and most importantly, a new head coach that knows what kind of hockey the city of Winnipeg likes to see, how to coach prospects, and has coaching experience in the NHL. Carylye is going to be a great step for this team.

This is the Moose finalized roster:

3 Kevin Bieksa D
4 Tomas Mojzis D
5 Joe DiPenta D
6 Kent Huskins D
7 Nolan Baumgartner D
10 Tim Smith C
15 Justin Morrison RW
16 Jeff Heerema RW
17 Ryan Kesler C
18 Peter Sarno C
19 Nathan Smith C
21 Jimmy Roy LW
22 Jesse Schultz RW
23 Brandon Nolan C
32 Jason King LW
33 Wade Flaherty G
35 Alex Auld G
36 Josh Green C
37 Lee Goren RW
42 Wade Brookbank RW
44 Johnathan Aitken D
49 Kirill Koltsov D

Only problems I see is where the scoring is going to come from, although they have played 2 preseason games against Hamilton, and show no signs of lack of scoring, and their inability to keep their penalties to a respectable level. They won on the 8th 2-0, and 4-2 in a game that turned ugly. Ivanans got tossed for charging in the 2nd and in the 3rd, Bieska got tossed for hitting from behind.

I guarentee they won't finish last in the north division. For the first time in a long time they don't have a goalie that whines and *****es about not getting called up to Vancouver, they have what seems like a solid defense, and have a good young core of guys that can and will score.

Nice to see this thread has died now that the unstoppable Amerks have allowed 22 goals in 5 games and sit winless in last place. hehe

go Edmonton!!!

Cleveland's starting to turn it around. And to MooseHunter: I didn't expect Jason King to break out like he has this early. He's been excellent and when I saw Koltsov, he looked greatly improved in his own end.

You have to remember that guys like Lee Goren, Jeff Hereema, and Peter Sarno are solid scorers in the AHL, they just have no NHL potential. I think the Moose will be fine scoring goals, keeping them out is the issue. Although Auld could turn it around, but the defence needs to play solid. There are a lot of offensive guys back there (Koltsov, Mojzis, Bieska) who don't really grasp defence yet, but guys like Huskins and Baumgartner will help. I would like to see the Moose add 1 more solid veteran defenceman this year.

Nice to see this thread has died now that the unstoppable Amerks have allowed 22 goals in 5 games and sit winless in last place. hehe
Yeah, you're right. The Amerks absolutely suck. Too bad, though, the season isn't 5 games long. They'll turn it around.

Here is the best lineup in the American Hockey League:

Hamel-Spezza-Langfeld
Kelly-Vermette-Bochenski
Potulny-Stephens-Kavanagh
Mihaly-Watson-McGrattan

Volchenkov-Hedlund
Schubert-Pothier
Platil-Fibiger

Emery
Thompson

If the OSHL goes under, Hasek could sign an AHL contract. It's probably unlikely, but it could happen.

I agree this team will have a great year and may win the Caulder Cup.

Cleveland's starting to turn it around. And to MooseHunter: I didn't expect Jason King to break out like he has this early. He's been excellent and when I saw Koltsov, he looked greatly improved in his own end.

we'll see if King keeps it up past November. :help:

Houston is the team to beat this year, you heard it here first!

Manitoba: No notable additionsAdam, that's a joke and a half right there.

Let's see they've added:

Lee Goren: San Antonio Captain last year, scored 49 points in 65 games last year.
Jeff Heerema: Nearly a PPG player in the AHL.
Tim Smith: Leading ECHL Scorer Last Year.
Jesse Schultz: Finished with quite a few points in the ECHL last year.
Wade Flaherty: Calder Cup Winner, Led the Admirals to the Cup.
Kevin Bieksa: Played a few games last year, is a key contributor this year with 5 points in 8 games.
Kent Huskins: 6th/7th defenseman *not exactly notable, but carlyle likes him*
Jonathan Aitken: Try fighting him.
Josh Green: Split last year half and half with NHL and AHL.
Joe DiPenta: Arguably the biggest acquistion, Joe has been a stellar #2 defenseman.
Jason King: Didn't play a full year last year, and is ready for big time NHL action.

Let's see thats at least 5 VERY good AHL players, and two, MAYBE three guys that could have been in the NHL this year had there not been a lockout(four if you include brookbank)

Notable additions, ah not very many at all.

EDIT: Just saw Moosehunter's post.

GO MOOSE GO!

Houston is the team to beat this year, you heard it here first!

No its the undefeated WolfPack!

No its the undefeated WolfPack!

Wrong undefeated Atlantic Division team... ;)

LA prospects in Manchester are now 6-0

:yo:

Wrong undefeated Atlantic Division team... ;)

No! The Pack are without goal scoring champion Jeff Hamilton. One of the leagues top PK'ers and defensive forwards, Garth Murray. Top prospect and defensemen, Tomas Pock. Along with enforcer Trevor Gillies. They also have played the backup goalie twice already too. Yet the team has onlyallowed 7 goals in 6 games.

That is my arguement since Manchester is lighting up the scorerboard at a ridiculous pace. :eek:

No! The Pack are without goal scoring champion Jeff Hamilton. One of the leagues top PK'ers and defensive forwards, Garth Murray. Top prospect and defensemen, Tomas Pock. Along with enforcer Trevor Gillies. They also have played the backup goalie twice already too. Yet the team has onlyallowed 7 goals in 6 games.

That is my arguement since Manchester is lighting up the scorerboard at a ridiculous pace. :eek:


Hey, c'mon...it's our turn this year. :D

LA prospects in Manchester are now 6-0

:yo:

Make that 7-0. Garon with his second consecutive shutout.

I've been trying to tell people this for 8 months.

If giving up rebounds, a horrible 5 hole are good traits than Leclaire is a franchise goalie.

leclaire just sucks so much. dang i wish 22 year old goalies would play more like brodeur.

leclair so far:
6gp, 4-1-1, 1.76gaa, .938sv% and 2 shutouts

its early, but i would say hes doing alright :) ive been hard on him from time to time, but hes just a kid, playing a position that sometimes players take a while to hit their potential. as he improves his positioning and rebound control he will become better and better. he has the talent and athleticism