MacKenzie was one of the team's few plus players until last game, where more joined him in the plus column, as he has simply been solid so far, nothing flashy, just consistent, and even got in a scrap the other night. The broadcast team also mentioned he has had top-pair ice-time with around 22:00 TOI last night (his partner Finley finished with 22:28, most among our d-men).
Due to lack of depth, he had to play some forward last year. Then he had that nasty injury, so he missed most of the season. Kind of a lost year developmentally for him. He's only three months older than Pysyk, and a couple months younger than Foligno, so he's still in a solid spot with his development (even if a full season would've been ideal last year).
That had a ton to do with it but he's also not an offensive prospect but not a major knee-breaker either, which keeps him pretty much under the radar when he was playing. I'm a big fan and I really hope he recovers because there's a nice, Lydman-y type of player there I think.
MacKenzie was one of the team's few plus players until last game, where more joined him in the plus column, as he has simply been solid so far, nothing flashy, just consistent, and even got in a scrap the other night. The broadcast team also mentioned he has had top-pair ice-time with around 22:00 TOI last night (his partner Finley finished with 22:28, most among our d-men).
Is there a place to locate ice times for AHL games?
Is there a place to locate ice times for AHL games?
No, I just catch them here and there at the end of articles (IIRC Roy, Finley, Mancari). Occasionally, Stevens mentions TOI leaders at an intermission, but for the most part, TOI is just kept internally at this level. It's probably something to ask of a beat writer on twitter to share more if possible.
No, I just catch them here and there at the end of articles (IIRC Roy, Finley, Mancari). Occasionally, Stevens mentions TOI leaders at an intermission, but for the most part, TOI is just kept internally at this level. It's probably something to ask of a beat writer on twitter to share more if possible.
Yep, even the AHL's "Advanced Stats" site doesn't provide ToI.
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It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. - Aristotle
Just for fun I was at the Grand Rapids Griffins' game last night and Nathan Paetsch was playing for them. I never noticed him throughout the entire game, which I guess could be good.
On the other hand MA Gragnani was playing for the Checkers. He had a 4 point night and still ended up a -1.
Americans coach Ron Rolston said that when training camp opened, Pysyk, a first-round selection of the Buffalo Sabres in the 2010 draft (23rd overall), had been pencilled in as one of the team’s top four defenceman but is now in a prominent role because of his play.
“Mark’s been one of our best defencemen so far, and he’s been very consistent, which is something you don’t always see in younger players,” Rolston said. “He’s deserved everything he’s got at this point.
“We were going to give him the opportunity early on, and he’s obviously taking full advantage of that. He’s taken on a big role for us already this year.”
From what I've seen this year, that's not surprising to hear at all
Quote:
“I am getting more comfortable every day I’m on the ice with the guys,” Pysyk continued. “I didn’t know what to expect when I came in. I just wanted to make an impression, make the team.
“There are no guys you can really take advantage of (at this level), and in those battles in the corners, you have to be a lot stronger when you’re playing against guys of this calibre. The lockout has made the league stronger, so that will help my development, but having said that, you want to see it end.”
Quote:
“We just went grocery shopping, so our fridge looks good now. A couple of days ago, it was empty,” said Pysyk, who is living with second-year Amerk Matt MacKenzie and fellow rookie Kevin Sundher.
“My first game, I was nervous, my knees were shaking a little bit, but after a couple of shifts in the first period, it was like a another game. It’s all been good so far.”
He is getting praise right now (Don Stevens on Sabres Hotline and Coller's WGR article) for taking his game to the next level. From games I watched online I feel that his play in his own end is weak.
He is getting praise right now (Don Stevens on Sabres Hotline and Coller's WGR article) for taking his game to the next level. From games I watched online I feel that his play in his own end is weak.
His shot and offensive game are superb. His shot is beyond NHL caliber. Sadly, he just can't play defense. At all.
His shot and offensive game are superb. His shot is beyond NHL caliber. Sadly, he just can't play defense. At all.
Pretty much this. Unless he has a huge turn around in his play in his own end, I think he's like a more physical version of MAG. (AKA maybe a bottom pairing offensive D/PP specialist in the NHL, but is likely best suited to the AHL).
How has Zemgus looked, didnt have time to look thru the thread but seems Girgs and Grigs are two good prospects. Ones very good defensively and one offensively.
And how do they fit into your current teams center position
Adam's been practicing at center this week as Varone's been ill:
Quote:
Kevin Oklobzija @kevinoDandC
So with Cody Hodgson (broken bone in right hand) out and Phil Varone questionable, Luke Adam moved from LW to center in #Amerks practice.
Mancari is normally the other "A" but the AHL boxscore has it as Zemgus today. I can't make it out on the broadcast -- just got online at home to see the third on the TV feed.
Edit -- way to go AHL.com. It's Mancari and Brennan with the "A"s. Someone filling in the on-line boxscore clicked on the wrong radial button.
Mancari is normally the other "A" but the AHL boxscore has it as Zemgus today. I can't make it out on the broadcast -- just got online at home to see the third on the TV feed.
Edit -- way to go AHL.com. It's Mancari and Brennan with the "A"s. Someone filling in the on-line boxscore clicked on the wrong radial button.
Thanks for the update/correction. Kevin O said the same thing.
When I first looked at AHL.com I wondered if Rolston was dissing Mancari.