Guenin is the perfect #7 defenseman. Why? He's had 2 way contracts his entire career and I think the most games he's played is like 20. I think if Ducks offer him one way contract for league minimum, he's all over it. Right now I'd project our defense to be this:
I still think Clark has a better chance of making the team out of camp than Vatanen. I'm not talking long term potential, just the ability to jump in immediately next October to fill a potential #6 role.
I still think Clark has a better chance of making the team out of camp than Vatanen. I'm not talking long term potential, just the ability to jump in immediately next October to fill a potential #6 role.
I like Clark alot but I would way rather give him time to finish developing physically since so much of his game relies on his size.
I like Clark alot but I would way rather give him time to finish developing physically since so much of his game relies on his size.
This. I`m a big fan of Clark, but i think it will benefit him (and us) more if he`ll just play another full year in AHL, whith some callups (up to 10-20 games).
I still think Clark has a better chance of making the team out of camp than Vatanen. I'm not talking long term potential, just the ability to jump in immediately next October to fill a potential #6 role.
I have to disagree. Clark still hasn't had a positive +/- season in the AHL. Vatanen on the other hand has been the best defenseman in the FEL 2 years in a row. I just don't see Vatanen not making the team out of camp this year.
I have to disagree. Clark still hasn't had a positive +/- season in the AHL. Vatanen on the other hand has been the best defenseman in the FEL 2 years in a row. I just don't see Vatanen not making the team out of camp this year.
+/- is what it is. While it doesn't tell the whole story about a player, most successful defensemen are on the + side. I wouldn't call it the most important stat, but I also wouldn't call it ****.
From what I saw, Clark's +/- down in Syracuse has more to do with the goaltending(Nitty, anyone?) and a weak group of defensemen around him. I'm hoping that Murray improves the blue line down there this summer.
Not only the craptastic goaltending, but wasn't Clark a TOI leader, at least when the season ended? Given that his offense is nil, it isn't surprising that he'd be a minus. In that case, his minus rating would actually be an indication that he was a reliable option, and not a liability.
He was definitely their most dependable D-man. He was out there at the end of the game just about every time and out there for the big PK's. He was also voted most improved player on the Crunch. It was really just him and Cuminsky and everyone else on the backend. (when Guenin wasn't there).
While we are talking about plus/minus and crappy goaltending, does anyone have Fowler's plus/minus rating before Jan 1st, and then after Jan 1? That would be interesting to see because he's on the top defensive pairing, and then Hiller just plain sucked the first half of the season.
While we are talking about plus/minus and crappy goaltending, does anyone have Fowler's plus/minus rating before Jan 1st, and then after Jan 1? That would be interesting to see because he's on the top defensive pairing, and then Hiller just plain sucked the first half of the season.
He was -11 after Jan 1st...He was doing good until he was a -1 for 8 straight games (3/16-4/1)
For making better thoughts of it, the classic international size = 30m, NHL = 26m.
Most towns in finland has a rink between them. So called hybrid.
Im very excited about Vatanen going to NA. He has to get hes playing with the puck work in the NA, thats what makes him special. I have no doubt could he pull that out in the AHL, but NHL the level of competition is higher. I hope he shows great offensive game and puck handling and plays with confidence, but he doesnt haveto be like the superstar right away.
There are some really impressive plays in the video. What impressed me the most is how versatile his scoring is: He scored plenty on the point with a killer slapshot and he also scored plenty going to the net. I really hope he makes the team next year. Such an exciting player to watch.
Would it be a safe bet to assume he would be paired with Lydman? Guy speaks his language which would make it a little easier I imagine to find one's way in the game. Do the styles complement each other?
Would it be a safe bet to assume he would be paired with Lydman? Guy speaks his language which would make it a little easier I imagine to find one's way in the game. Do the styles complement each other?
That would be the most obvious choice IF Sami makes the team.
The language factor played some role in 10/11 Lyd-Vis pairing (even though they orginally speak different languages) but they found a way to comunicate on the ice while no one understood what they were talking about.
Even though, if Vatanen makes the team, i would want to try out Lyd-Vis pairing again - they should be playing better, since there were no major injuries last season AND they will be entering their contract years. If they really bounce back at least for 90% of their 10/11 form, our D line would look pretty sweet.
Beauchemin-Fowler
Lydman-Visnovsky
Sbisa-Vatanen (if he becomes what we all expect from him)
