2 goals from Black and Matteau today. Matteau also had an assist
Excellent stuff. I really like the decision to send Matteau to the Q. He's going at a P/G pace and giving himself more confidence in his offensive game, and racking up the PIMs and developing his toughness too.
Excellent stuff. I really like the decision to send Matteau to the Q. He's going at a P/G pace and giving himself more confidence in his offensive game, and racking up the PIMs and developing his toughness too.
All while playing on the 3rd line with a 5'05 150 pound rookie. I really believe Matteau can make the jump directly to the NHL as a 19 year old.
I'm of the opinion guys are ready when they're ready. I have no opinion on if Matteau could play in the NHL next season, or ever, but in general, I wouldn't hold players back just to be "safe", since I don't think we can apply a blanket rule on how to best develop players.
All while playing on the 3rd line with a 5'05 150 pound rookie. I really believe Matteau can make the jump directly to the NHL as a 19 year old.
No doubt in my mind he can step in and contribute in the NHL, he has the frame and the style of play to be able to make that transition. However, is it better for him to play in the NHL as a fringe third/fourth liner, or is it better for him to work on his offensive game in the Q?
I'd prefer the latter, but if we get hit by a lot of injuries, I wouldn't be surprised if Lou uses an emergency call up on him.
All while playing on the 3rd line with a 5'05 150 pound rookie. I really believe Matteau can make the jump directly to the NHL as a 19 year old.
He might be able to, we won't know until we see him in a training camp against NHL players. But leaving him in the Q for a little longer might not be a bad option, in order to develop his offensive game even more before he turns pro.
I look at Matteau as a player in the mould of Zubrus. The Flyers stunted Zubrus's offensive game by rushing him, he might have been a much better player if they had developed him properly. I don't want the same thing to happen to Matteau, I want him to be developed to his maximum potential and I trust Lou to do it.
Matteau has very little in his way, if he outplays the competition then he will make the team. I see him starting on the third line. I'm not sure how much offense can be developed with a player like him, he has the size and strength to learn on the fly. I would say it's 80% that he ends up a 3rd liner anyway, similar to what Zubrus is.
Anyone know if Merill will be back for saturdays game at MSG... im going and I really hope he plays
Doesn't sound very likely, the last articles I saw before going to Ann Arbor a couple weeks ago seemed to indicate that the initial late November time frame didn't look realistic. Bummed that I didn't get to watch him live, but certainly hope he takes his time with a full recovery.
I attended a couple of Armada games so far and what stood out from Matteau is that he's built like a freaking tank. He looks real heavy on his skates and his balance is top notch.
He's been playing on the 3rd line, well the games I saw him play that is, with a couple of "no name" players and he's getting the best out of his linemates. He's not scared of dropping the mits and after cleaning someones clock from a real clean but lethal hit, he gave a beatdown to some kid last week against Drummondville.
I see in Matteau what I saw from Marchand when he first started off in the "Q" with Moncton and if he can turn into a complementary 1st line "grinder" like Brad, I'll be more then happy about our 2012 1st round pick.
We need that kind of grinding forward to play with Kovy while mentaining the flo of things offensively. Like someone else mentionned, I can also see him turning out like a Zubrus type player... but a little more physical.
Damn, I'll take a solid 3rd liner. 1st liner would be something though. Put him on a line with Max Domi and I dunno what I'd do sitting next to their pops.
Damn, I'll take a solid 3rd liner. 1st liner would be something though. Put him on a line with Max Domi and I dunno what I'd do sitting next to their pops.
What's crazy about Matteau is that he has 21 points in 22 games, but he's been pointless in 10 (ten!) of them. He certainly seems to score in bunches.
I was thinking about this. I think it might have to do with the fact that Blainville seems to be involved with a lot of very high-scoring games. 7-1, 8-5 kind of deals.
Either way, I'm digging Matteau. He's the kind of player we need. I can see him a complimentary 2nd or even 1st liner. I think on HF people think of a 1st line player as a 90-point player. A player who can get ~55 points, throw some weight around, and be defensively responsible would fit in great with Zajac and Kovy.
