It's not the start we hoped for Rundblad but we're stacked down there. I'm willing to let him have the season to grow. Remember hearing about how Stone was struggling in the beginning and he came on really strong as the season went along.
Goncharov continues to be a dud. Remember watching him and being really excited about the skill set. Was thinking maybe he could be a Danny Markov type but then again I never saw any defense out of the guy.
Love the start from Chris Brown. Thinking he'll make a good replacement for Torres after someone runs into his backside and he gets suspended for eternity. His shot is really good. Doesn't get it off as quick as Mueller, or has the accuracy of Turris, but it's heavier than both.
Mike Lee continues to impress in the ECHL.
Last edited by PHX FireBirds18: 11-14-2012 at 09:54 PM.
Pirates soft in hard loss By Chris Roy Published: 15th November 2012
Quote:
LEWISTON– The Portland Pirates were soft.
That’s at least how head coach Ray Edwards felt about his team Wednesday night after falling 4-2 to the Worcester Sharks in front of 3,264 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee.
Svedberg stonewalls Pirates By Chris Roy Published: 17th November 2012
Quote:
PORTLAND – The Portland Pirates ran into one hot goaltender.
Niklas Svedberg made 36 saves to lift the Providence Bruins to a 2-1 victory over the Pirates Saturday night in front of 6,010 at the Cumberland County Civic Center.
No... I don't think any forward on the Pirates roster with the exception of Bolduc could step into the Coyotes lineup and have success with how Tippett coaches. That said, Brown has adjusted well to the pro game and is playing well in Portland. He's gritty and willing to get his nose dirty in the corners. My only question, which he is improving, is his defense and that's because at times he's missed the transition from offense to defense.
No... I don't think any forward on the Pirates roster with the exception of Bolduc could step into the Coyotes lineup and have success with how Tippett coaches. That said, Brown has adjusted well to the pro game and is playing well in Portland. He's gritty and willing to get his nose dirty in the corners. My only question, which he is improving, is his defense and that's because at times he's missed the transition from offense to defense.
How does Stone look? He was a surprise when he was called up. I see he is having a great year in the AHL right now. I also wouldn't look into the forwards too much. On the pirates, I'm sure guys are expected to play both ways. But if Brown was with the big club, he'd be on a defense first line and play accordingly. I know great 2 way play is the ideal you strive for, but that's not really how a Tippett team is setup.
Been to every home game, and Rundblad and Goncharov are a real close tossup for worst dman on the team. Only thing Rundblad has is at time shows offensive flair that often turns into a odd-man rushes down our end. Goncharov is just bad, and his time is limited in north America before he rushes off to the khl.
It speaks volumes when you look at unknown player Mark Louis when he is un-drafted and picked up from St. Francis Xavier as a enforcer on emergency call-up last year, has surpassed both of those top draft picks in reliably and controlling his own end.
having watched louis play, he's not as flashy as a OEL or a gormley. what he does excel at is defence, smart decisions with the puck and the pk. he skates well for a big guy and wont take a night off.
Pirates can’t handle Monarchs’ young guns By Chris Roy Published: 20th November 2012
Quote:
PORTLAND – Rookie Tyler Toffoli proved too much for the Portland Pirates.
Toffoli scored three times and Martin Jones made 42 saves to lead the Monarchs past the Pirates, 5-1, before an intimate Tuesday night crowd of 2,746 at the Cumberland County Civic Center.
It was nice to get to see a game during this lockout. The Pirates were pummeling the net at times, but just couldn't get anything going. 42 shots and one late goal. 0 for 10 on the powerplay and 2 wasted 5-on-3's? Powerplay is currently on an 0 for 32 stretch? That sounds familiar? What, did Phoenix loan Portland their powerplay coach during the lockout?
What the heck is going on with Jordy Martinook? Zero points? Pretty disappointing. Too late to return him to Vancouver? Might as well get him down there as an over ager and see what he can do on a line with Kessy. At this point, I'd rather have him learning from Don Hay than Ray Edwards, anyway.
Pirates cap off a wild game in OT By Chris Roy Published: 24th November 2012
Quote:
PORTLAND – The Portland Pirates pulled off a wild come from behind victory against the Springfield Falcons, 6-5, Friday night in front of 3,918 at the Cumberland County Civic Center.
