Who's going to take their game to the next level this season?
I forgot to put McD on the list - *vote Avery if you want McD*
So, Over the passed couple years we have been very fortunate enough to see some of our young guys grow leaps and bounds.
Anyways, who do you think is going to radically improve their game this year?
I am allowing multi-vote but also mention who you thinks going to make the biggest step. I got a feeling it's going to be AA but I really like Boyle's game and he's my pick for most improved
BUT, McD should take another leap in his game and I just can't see Marc Staal improving much more than he already has. The kid is a beast...Like many of you have said and will say - he can still vastly improve his offensive game but if his game from the center ice back improves he will easily be a HoF shutdown defender (Yeah - bold statement but let's be honest - if that part of his game improves he could arguably be top 2/3 guy from center ice back for a while) ..hes 24
Last edited by Garfinkel1: 07-06-2011 at 04:05 PM.
As far as people currently on the roster, I think Anisimov will exceed expectations. As far as those not on the roster, I see Erixon and MDZ reaching 65-70 points playing together.
McDonagh would be my pick. I find it hard to believe that Boyle can improve much upon a season that saw him score more than five times as many goals as he ever had.
I assume leaving McD off the poll was an oversight. I'll vote for him once you put him on.
Anisimov. I think this is the year he really blossoms.
Sauer, too. I'm telling you, the kid has the instincts and reactions to become a decent contributor offensively. He'll continue to play rock-solid defense and chip in some points as well.
Where's McDonagh? He's my choice. I honestly think he could end up a better player than Staal. Kid's impressive, doesn't have a real downside to his game.
Where's McDonagh? He's my choice. I honestly think he could end up a better player than Staal. Kid's impressive, doesn't have a real downside to his game.
Also, Anisimov will break 55 points and 20 goals.
Crap - Left him off the poll - I think he's gonna make a huge jump this season too :/
Cant wait to see Zukes second year. He has taken BIG steps and actually dominated not only the norwegian leauge in his second year but also elitserien(most points and MVP) He needed this year to prove to himself and his teammates that he belongs. Just the same as in the other leagues. He is not only skill, but works hard and can stand up for himself and will do so for his teammates aswell. Proving this has been key for him on every team he has played on. probably because he always heard he was to small to make it and so on. Im betting he is on a mission and will rise to the occation yet again, and have another fantastic second year.. Atleast thats what im hoping for
I didn't vote Staal, because IMO he really hit a high level late last season, but I think many will notice it this year. He will be seen a clearcut top 15 D when the season is over.
Cally, I think he will play with Richards when everything is said and done, and score like 75 pts. Thats a big step for him to do it over a full year.
Zucc, I've seen the kid develop a lot every year including last season. Sure, he was good last season, but he did not blow everyone away. I agree with that. But if he can build on his last season, the kid is all of a sudden a helluva player. He is very close.
MDZ, he got so much hockey in him. Our team will be stabil going into next season. BR will take heat of him on the PP. I wonder if he doesn't make the team out of camp and never looks back. 50 pts.
Anisimov. I think this is the year he really blossoms.
Sauer, too. I'm telling you, the kid has the instincts and reactions to become a decent contributor offensively. He'll continue to play rock-solid defense and chip in some points as well.
I don't think Sauer gets enough credit for his offensive instincts, I don't recall a bad pinch from him all season...I was in NYC this weekend and MSG ran best comebacks and they were showing the comeback against the Bruins, he kept a number of plays alive with timely pinches and scored.
I voted Anisimov, mainly because he's been improving at a steady pace every year, and now that he doesn't have the added responsibility of taking the toughest assignments all the time his game will flourish.
I wish I could have voted for two players--I expect Sauer to open up more. We saw his offensive instincts last season--perfect, timely pinches, his ability to sneak into the high slot when the opposing forwards collapse, and his shot is refined and accurate.
I don't think Sauer gets enough credit for his offensive instincts, I don't recall a bad pinch from him all season...I was in NYC this weekend and MSG ran best comebacks and they were showing the comeback against the Bruins, he kept a number of plays alive with timely pinches and scored.
I was at the game and this is very true. When we started to put on pressure Sauer was very noticeable. When he scored, he snuck into the zone at the PERFECT moment to take a feed from Gabby who had just gotten the puck after a battle on the boards. That was A+ offensive instinct.
Yup, agreed on those pinches. He makes great decisions out there. And you could see as the season progressed, he was more comfortable making a move to the slot when we had possession and more confident when joining the rush.
Really expecting to see Anisimov break out this season. I don't think we'll see him score 60 points, but I could see him scoring somewhere in the 50's with a much more consistent offensive game.
I could also see MZA breaking out since he now has a year of NA hockey under his belt.
