Best part about all of Blake's goals thus far have been that they are simple plays devoid of any flashy displays of skill. These goals are a result of reading the play, going to scoring areas, and basic fundamentals.
I've had Blake pegged as a top-9 forward since I saw him play the year after he was drafted, but I've always maintained he could develop into a top-6 talent if things came together the right way. Still a long way to go, but I've been very pleased with his start thus far and look forward to his continued development.
Personally, I think he still has a ways to go before he reaches his ceiling. I think we're only seeing him scratch the surface of his talents. Not expecting a first-line contributor, but I believe he'll wind up as a solid two-way top-6 forward before all is said and done...
Wish someone could take the time to dig up all of the posts over the last two seasons or so when folks started giving up on Blake and saying 4th liner at best if he ever sticks in the NHL... Probably the same people who are already giving up on Austin Watson.
Wish someone could take the time to dig up all of the posts over the last two seasons or so when folks started giving up on Blake and saying 4th liner at best if he ever sticks in the NHL... Probably the same people who are already giving up on Austin Watson.
i am not too proud to admit that i posted something along the lines of "everytime blake looks in the mirror he sees smithson." a lot of hockey to play in front of him, but my crow sammich tastes ok right now
Wish someone could take the time to dig up all of the posts over the last two seasons or so when folks started giving up on Blake and saying 4th liner at best if he ever sticks in the NHL... Probably the same people who are already giving up on Austin Watson.
ME ME ME ME! I'll admit he has much better hands and offensive instincts than I ever gave him credit for. He still has a long way to go but he does seem to have that "it" factor.
Wish someone could take the time to dig up all of the posts over the last two seasons or so when folks started giving up on Blake and saying 4th liner at best if he ever sticks in the NHL... Probably the same people who are already giving up on Austin Watson.
Won't be hard. EVERYONE was saying it (myself included)
Makes the story even better. Defying all odds and naysayers. Who knows how high this kid can go
I think it would be cool to throw our hats when Paul says, "Please stand and remove your hats and join us in singing the national anthem."
I understand the temptation, but DO NOT throw your hats on the ice at Tuesday's game. We are in the middle of a huge playoff race and as soon as they get to the rink tomorrow (today's practice was cancelled) they will be focusing on Edmonton.
Celebrating a hat trick from the previous game does not help the team. They need to remain focused on the challenge at hand and that is Edmonton.
Section303.com is working with the team to arrange some sort of hat celebration, stay tuned for details, but DON'T throw hats on the ice during the Edmonton game unless the Preds score another hat trick...
Focusing on Edmonton hasn't worked so well for them lately. Celebrate the rookie hat trick and maybe they won't grip the sticks tight.
If someone wants to add to their own fun by celebrating a hat trick, let them.
I'm not going to make anyone's decision for them, but I am presenting the other side of the equation. Do whatever you want.
We don't match up well with Edmonton or other teams that clog the neutral zone, have size, and counter-attack with speed (LA, PIT, DAL, etc). It's been a problem all year long.
I'm just saying that throwing hats on the ice during (warmups included) the Edmonton game is going to be a unnecessary distraction for the team.
A couple years ago Erat scored a hat trick on the road and the team flooded his locker with hats after the next game. I'm sure they'll do something similar this time around too.
I'm sure some hats will get thrown. And I find it hard to believe it will be the slightest problem for the players. Maybe some will be pleased to see the Pred fans were tuned in to their road game and that they want to show the team how much they loved it.
But yeah, not my call anyway. Some people may be bothered by it, others not. I don't know if the ushers will take exception either.
I'll admit he has much better hands and offensive instincts than I ever gave him credit for. He still has a long way to go but he does seem to have that "it" factor.
