Biggest Surprising/Disappointing Players.

[mapleleaf979]

Originally Posted by AK87

Roland Mckewoen of the Frontenacs is only 3 points behind Eckblad also 16 years old but the difference is this is Mckewoens rookie year. At this point he could definatley surpass Eckblad points wise.

I think Mckeown's upside is higher than Ekblad. Ekblad is far from a disappointment though. Both are different players, MCkeown has more offensive upside than Ekblad. Ekblad has more of a defensive upside. Both are fantastic and going to be great to see them probably paired together on the U17 camp. Ekblad reminds me of Pronger in that he is solid in his own end and can chip in some points. Mckeown more like Neidermeyer.

[AK87]

Originally Posted by krazy kanuck

Of course one is a +8 and the other is a -6... Given that they are defencemen, defensive play should probably come into the equation...

Yes you are absolutaley right with the defensive side of things and Eckblad probably gets more minutes as well. I was looking at it by a points side of view not defensive capability, theres no question Eckblad as of right now has him beat in that perpesctive.

[chewerjones]

Originally Posted by AK87

Yes you are absolutaley right with the defensive side of things and Eckblad probably gets more minutes as well. I was looking at it by a points side of view not defensive capability, theres no question Eckblad as of right now has him beat in that perpesctive.

Plus minus is an important stat, but could be very misleading, especially with players on the best and worst teams. Alot of time plus/minus is a product of the team, and not the individual. Connor Brown was a league worst -61 last year, but all 20 teams would want him on their roster.

A few years back during the Majors Memorial Cup drive, most of their players were ranked in the top plus rankings. The were good players but not the cream of the crop, and more a reflection of the team's success.

[KnightRanger]

I honestly am surprised at the lack of production from Tobias Reider. I thought he would be a top 10 or even top 5 point producer in the league this year and he's not currently in the top 50 with less than a point per game. Thank God for Puempel or the Rangers would never score!!!!

[CharlieGirl]

Originally Posted by KnightRanger

I honestly am surprised at the lack of production from Tobias Reider. I thought he would be a top 10 or even top 5 point producer in the league this year and he's not currently in the top 50 with less than a point per game. Thank God for Puempel or the Rangers would never score!!!!

There is a desperate need for a playmaker. The biggest difference to Reider's game is the absence of Catenacci.

[KnightRanger]

Originally Posted by CharlieGirl

There is a desperate need for a playmaker. The biggest difference to Reider's game is the absence of Catenacci.

I agree....I just wish I had more confidence in Spott to go out and get one!!!! Monahan???

Right now the Rangers can boast one of the top lines in the league with Reider, Faksa & Puempel, but no depth behind them. London and Owen Sound are deeper than the Rangers right now and no doubt will be adding pieces.

The Rangers can beat either one of them in one game, but don't have the depth currently to win a series against either of them.

To add to the problem, I don't think the Rangers have as much to offer come the deadline. Do they have lots of picks??

I'm under the impression the cupboards are somewhat bare right now.

We're good in the net and solid on D, but desperately need help scoring! Is this the year Spott pulls it off??

[aresknights]

London Goalies? Bailie / Patterson have been real solid so far for London. One guy seemed to get bashed on this board by a few and a soph G getting his first look at reg min.
The fact theyve equaled or surpassed Housers #s is a surprise for me. Maybe not as impressive as going every night, but still impressive and a bit unexpected