Pelech looked pretty good, just as he had the previous dozen or so times he'd played up front before. The move is permanent, and really has high hopes he can be turned into a legitimate NHL physical force. Last season when he was forced to play up front because of the lack of forwards lots of us were wondering why the move wasn't made then because it was obvious that's where he was "causing the most damage" so to speak...
This is actually pretty good news. I just don't think NHL teams need strict "enforcers" anymore as they're absolutely useless way more often then not. Player has to be able to do more then just fight.
Pelech is a good defensive player, can kill penalties, hits like a truck and can fight. I don't know that he'll ever be a regular NHLer but like you, I think his best chance is as a 4th liner.
On a side note, after a couple of iffy shifts Irwin had a very good game yesterday. He looked very comfortable next to Boyle, moved the puck well, played simple defense and didn't make many mistakes. The coaches obviously trusted him as he led the team in even strength minutes.
This is actually pretty good news. I just don't think NHL teams need strict "enforcers" anymore as they're absolutely useless way more often then not. Player has to be able to do more then just fight.
Pelech is a good defensive player, can kill penalties, hits like a truck and can fight. I don't know that he'll ever be a regular NHLer but like you, I think his best chance is as a 4th liner.
On a side note, after a couple of iffy shifts Irwin had a very good game yesterday. He looked very comfortable next to Boyle, moved the puck well, played simple defense and didn't make many mistakes. The coaches obviously trusted him as he led the team in even strength minutes.
Pelech on D was scary enough - you could see the opposition putting on the brakes when they saw Pelech at the blue line. His first game at forward was a memorable one. He had 2 HUGE bonecrushing checks - both legal, and it should have drawn 2 instigating penalties on the Phantoms who jumped him after the fact. After that - EVERYONE on the ice had their head on a swivel with Pelech out there. I like the move, and it should give him a chance to move up to the NHL if he continues what he did for this one game.
Good to hear on Irwin. He's not going to be flashy, but can get the job done. I'm sure that's all anyone is looking for at this point.
Yeah, I was watching the highlights from the Sharks vs Phantoms game and Pelech put 2 HUGE hits. I like this change to forward. If Woosta can groom him up into a penalty killer/defensive forward I can see Pelech making it to the big club next year for the open 4th line slot. I hope it pans out.
Yeah, I was watching the highlights from the Sharks vs Phantoms game and Pelech put 2 HUGE hits. I like this change to forward. If Woosta can groom him up into a penalty killer/defensive forward I can see Pelech making it to the big club next year for the open 4th line slot. I hope it pans out.
Those two hits were just the ones that made the video...he had a couple more that didn't make the highlights.
