I'm becoming a big fan of Hodgson. I almost hate to say it because i know the guy to whom I am comparing Hodgson isn't always thought of as highly as I regard him, but I don't think the Sabres organization have had as skilled a passer since Dale Hawerchuk - who I think is probably the most overlooked player in Sabres history.
I like the vision that Hodgson has and his ability to find the right guy to pass off to at the most opportune moment. Just reminds me of Hawerchuk a lot.
First three games weren't too hot, but they adjusted and have been dangerous ever since; quick puck movement, solid one-timers, someone in front hunting for tips/rebounds; Brennan and Mancari's shots are huge assets; McNabb gets his on net; Hodgson's passing is key, usually finds Foligno when he gets into space on the first unit.
Also, Adam has had his moments these past two games, powering past defenders to create some chances; much better after a horrid start; still a way to go though.
His skating is still awkward, but he's a big body and today he was moving his feet all game. Looked good today.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Awwufelloff
Hodgson looked insane when I watched him play here on Tuesday. So happy to have him and Foligno on this team!
His skating has definitely gotten a lot better, I don't know if his legs hadn't caught up to him yet in the beginning of the season, but his skating looked fine today IMO. Very exciting for him.
I see Schenn, Couturier, and then what I can only possibly imagine as a bunch of goons on that Adirondack team.
Of the players in that line up above only Zac Rinaldo and maybe Zack Fitzgerald, who I know nothing about but I see has taken a lot of penalty minutes in the past, can be referred to as goons.
Congrats on the win.
edit- Thanks Woodhouse for the notes.
Last edited by ilovetheflyers8: 10-28-2012 at 12:43 AM.
That was an enjoyable game to watch, felt good to be at a live game.
Hodgson was the best player on the ice. His skating has improved and his decisions with the puck, passing, and puck control were really good all night long.
Foligno was a good presence in front, otherwise didn't really do much.
Adam finished checks, made a nice power move to create Porter's goal. Was up and down, but he wasn't all bad.
Zemgus had a couple nice board battles, and didn't look out of place, but wasn't really a factor.
Varone was a mess at times, fumbling and bumbling when the puck got near him, making bad passes.
McNabb was solid, physical, and moved to puck through the neutral zone with some nice hands plays.
Pysyk was OK, a little scrambly in his own zone, looked good on the power play.
Brennan made a few bad decisions too, but his shot is just so impressive.
Finley was no.
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All in all, Amerks looked like a much better team. Couturier was impressive, but beyond what he did, they really didn't create much. Bottom line was GREAT, but Tarnasky is an idiot.
There's a reason Mackenzie has played over more veteran guys like Crawford and Biega - because the defense desperately lacks defense-first players.
Sadly, Rolston benched him after one bad game. He goes from playing 20+ minutes a night and playing what appears to be a shutdown role--he and Finley looked like they were getting a ton of defensive-zone starts--to watching in the press box because of an off night.
Sadly, Rolston benched him after one bad game. He goes from playing 20+ minutes a night and playing what appears to be a shutdown role--he and Finley looked like they were getting a ton of defensive-zone starts--to watching in the press box because of an off night.
FYI Stevens said a flu bug was going through the Amerks and that MacKenzie was scratched at least partly due to the flu.
