DKH
10-05-2003, 03:19 AM
One month ago we wondered what Sergei Samsonov would be like? From what I saw he was the Samsonov we saw dominate last October. Huge. And lets no forget he could have been a holdout....
Goaltending- I'd say Potvin and Raycroft have looked good to very good since the shelacking at the hands of the Wings nearly 2 weeks ago. Since we live in a 'what have you done for me lately world' I'd say Potvin has righted the ship and looks like he'll play well enough. Raycroft has let in maybe one bad goal and been composed as heck. With Boynton back and veteran group infront of him I see no reason why this tandum can't be atleast in the middle of the pack for goals against/save % by the end of the year. One are the Broons defense should do well at is clearing out infront of the cage. The guys are big and for the most part are a tough group. They may not have the look of the 79 Habs in transition but eliminating rebounds SHOULD be one area they are decent at.
YOUTH: whereas Morrisonn, Hilbert, Samuelsson some of our most thought of prospects didn't either play or make cause for a certain spot three kids did. Bergerson, Jillson and Toivonen all showed in camp they can be key contributors down the line. All three give the impression they may have long successful NHL careers. Its not unrealistic to think all will be in Boston this year at some time and thru experience and continued maturity be top 6 forward, top 3 defenseman and top goaltender. The others may still make contributions this year and I would bet atleast one will- but for now these three players at three different positions showed the highest upside.
Their were a few negatives- 3 injuries: two to key second tier players Lapointe and Zamuner but both should be playing within a month; Hilbert has never got of the ground but the Broons can be patient with him; the question is can Hilbert be patient with himself. He will certainly get his chance at some time and should take solace that the coach knows him well and his attitude in Prov will be watched as much as his skill. He should be fine- but can he make it in Boston?
Zinovjev experiment was the biggest disappointment- lessened somewhat by the Bergeron arrival. Hopefully the Broons have made arrangements to have a support system in place for this apparent home sick kid. I think its huge he gets a dozen games in the AHL healthy and see what type of skills he has. I'd have him in some type of one on one hour long class everyday learning the language, the landscape you name it- Intro to US 101. My gut is he's outa here- never underestimate Siberia in the Spring :joker: MOC and co need to do everything to keep him here till November. Most people who can see the light at the end of the tunnell and have a date to work with can suck it up and work towards that date- here's hoping Zino's heart is in it enough to give it a legit effort.
Other areas that were positive was the addition of Travis Green. He adds depth and a smart, savy game. He'll be invaluable in the final minutes of periods and especially killing the couple of one goal leads late in the game in Toronto. I expect him to get 2 open netters in Leaf land and give it the peace sing sans one finger to the GM box.
One other thing- don't feel good about the Sox today but they get by this one and have Pedro tommorrow I like our chances big time. Starters ERA's on three days rest is 15.00 the last 15 years of post season. Wow; BUT I expect one of Hudson or Zito to buck those odds and pitch a good game- here's hoping its not Hudson. Scary game today because the bullpen is a mess after last night- this game scares the crap out of me and I'd almost be willing to bring in Pedro in 6th or so today to finish it out and go with Wake in game 5 and have Timlin, Williamson and co ready to do whatever it takes in game 5. BTW- Kim looked unhittable the other night- problem was he's been hittitng the opposition- it was the first time he hit 94 all year which is where he used to be. I say if they get to game 5 and beyond this guy has to pitch and pitch well....keep your fingers crossed. I want this 4th game more than Pats if had druthers...GO SOX/GO PATs...but especially Sox
Goaltending- I'd say Potvin and Raycroft have looked good to very good since the shelacking at the hands of the Wings nearly 2 weeks ago. Since we live in a 'what have you done for me lately world' I'd say Potvin has righted the ship and looks like he'll play well enough. Raycroft has let in maybe one bad goal and been composed as heck. With Boynton back and veteran group infront of him I see no reason why this tandum can't be atleast in the middle of the pack for goals against/save % by the end of the year. One are the Broons defense should do well at is clearing out infront of the cage. The guys are big and for the most part are a tough group. They may not have the look of the 79 Habs in transition but eliminating rebounds SHOULD be one area they are decent at.
YOUTH: whereas Morrisonn, Hilbert, Samuelsson some of our most thought of prospects didn't either play or make cause for a certain spot three kids did. Bergerson, Jillson and Toivonen all showed in camp they can be key contributors down the line. All three give the impression they may have long successful NHL careers. Its not unrealistic to think all will be in Boston this year at some time and thru experience and continued maturity be top 6 forward, top 3 defenseman and top goaltender. The others may still make contributions this year and I would bet atleast one will- but for now these three players at three different positions showed the highest upside.
Their were a few negatives- 3 injuries: two to key second tier players Lapointe and Zamuner but both should be playing within a month; Hilbert has never got of the ground but the Broons can be patient with him; the question is can Hilbert be patient with himself. He will certainly get his chance at some time and should take solace that the coach knows him well and his attitude in Prov will be watched as much as his skill. He should be fine- but can he make it in Boston?
Zinovjev experiment was the biggest disappointment- lessened somewhat by the Bergeron arrival. Hopefully the Broons have made arrangements to have a support system in place for this apparent home sick kid. I think its huge he gets a dozen games in the AHL healthy and see what type of skills he has. I'd have him in some type of one on one hour long class everyday learning the language, the landscape you name it- Intro to US 101. My gut is he's outa here- never underestimate Siberia in the Spring :joker: MOC and co need to do everything to keep him here till November. Most people who can see the light at the end of the tunnell and have a date to work with can suck it up and work towards that date- here's hoping Zino's heart is in it enough to give it a legit effort.
Other areas that were positive was the addition of Travis Green. He adds depth and a smart, savy game. He'll be invaluable in the final minutes of periods and especially killing the couple of one goal leads late in the game in Toronto. I expect him to get 2 open netters in Leaf land and give it the peace sing sans one finger to the GM box.
One other thing- don't feel good about the Sox today but they get by this one and have Pedro tommorrow I like our chances big time. Starters ERA's on three days rest is 15.00 the last 15 years of post season. Wow; BUT I expect one of Hudson or Zito to buck those odds and pitch a good game- here's hoping its not Hudson. Scary game today because the bullpen is a mess after last night- this game scares the crap out of me and I'd almost be willing to bring in Pedro in 6th or so today to finish it out and go with Wake in game 5 and have Timlin, Williamson and co ready to do whatever it takes in game 5. BTW- Kim looked unhittable the other night- problem was he's been hittitng the opposition- it was the first time he hit 94 all year which is where he used to be. I say if they get to game 5 and beyond this guy has to pitch and pitch well....keep your fingers crossed. I want this 4th game more than Pats if had druthers...GO SOX/GO PATs...but especially Sox