Looks like statistically speaking, Donovan and Ness are getting more comfortable with the Pro game. I was always impressed by Donovan when I watched his Denver games, and was really impressed by him at the WJHC in 2009. Ness, never impressed me when I watched his college games, BUT he has impressed me during the Islander's Roookie scrimmage games the last two years.
I may be in the minority, but I think Donovan has higher upside than De haan. He just seems to have a really good offensive mind, and is steady defensively.
Im not sure about that but what I do know is right now Donovan is further along than de Haan right now.
7 straight wins for the STigers.
Nilsson makes 34 saves on 36 shots.
Rhett Rahk win a goal.
Casey C with a goal and an assist.
Donovan with another two-assist night.
STigers are now tied for 2nd in division (9th in conference), 2 back of division-leading Whale.
2-1 win in Adirondack the other night has the team up 8 in row now!
Figured I'd take a look at the stats just out of curiosity. It's encouraging that not only are people reporting that cizikas always seems to be one of b'port's best players on the ice, but it's also showing in his stats. Leading them in points and +/-. Aside from rhakshani, no one's even close.
I was doubtful, but I'm thinking more and more that he may make the team out of camp next year.
Definitely earning at least a cup of coffee sometime this season.
Kichton will likely make the Sound Tigers next year, who else are we looking at though? Will either Lee or Nelson be in Bridgeport next year? I think Cizikas will make the team full time next year and Ullstrom and Rhakshani will likely have more time in the NHL next year than AHL but still, with one of Poulin and Nilsson in the A, plus some good prospects going through Bridgeport I think next year they can really be one of the better teams in the AHL. I hope they resign Wallace too, more for Bridgeport though.
I've not seen him, but someone claimed he has a higher ceiling than de Haan!? Maybe they are right...?
When I recently saw two BPort games in person, it was clear to me that de Haan was the better player. He has better on-ice intelligence and was leading the charge for the entire defensive unit. He did things in all three zones that Donovan was not doing. In fact, de Haan was THE best Dman on the ice, including Reese (who wasn't bad).
What really stook out was how well he sidestepped checks and pokechecked and carried the puck and never made a poor passing decision. He ran the PP too.
Now, I love Donovan and his upside (it's been me who's been saying that this guy is a CLONE of Christian Erhoff at the same age), but his decision-making left much to be desired in the two games I saw. He also made some infuriating plays in his own zone, not always doing things that made sense - unfortunately with respect to puck control as well. He had easy clears that he unexplainably failed on as well.
de Haan is clearly ahead of Donovan in development at this point.
It matters little for the Isles right now though, since de Haan is out with yet another shoulder injury. Been about 2-3 weeks now already, eh?
When I recently saw two BPort games in person, it was clear to me that de Haan was the better player. He has better on-ice intelligence and was leading the charge for the entire defensive unit. He did things in all three zones that Donovan was not doing. In fact, de Haan was THE best Dman on the ice, including Reese (who wasn't bad).
What really stook out was how well he sidestepped checks and pokechecked and carried the puck and never made a poor passing decision. He ran the PP too.
Now, I love Donovan and his upside (it's been me who's been saying that this guy is a CLONE of Christian Erhoff at the same age), but his decision-making left much to be desired in the two games I saw. He also made some infuriating plays in his own zone, not always doing things that made sense - unfortunately with respect to puck control as well. He had easy clears that he unexplainably failed on as well.
de Haan is clearly ahead of Donovan in development at this point.
It matters little for the Isles right now though, since de Haan is out with yet another shoulder injury. Been about 2-3 weeks now already, eh?
I went to the game last night and Donovan had a very nice game including a great snipe from above the circle. Casey Cizikas continues to impress and had a great game last night with 2 goals and 1 assist
I went to the game last night and Donovan had a very nice game including a great snipe from above the circle. Casey Cizikas continues to impress and had a great game last night with 2 goals and 1 assist
Great to hear!
As long as the Isles replace Staios, Eaton, Mottau and maybe even Jurcina (although he and Reese should be retained as depth players) with TOP NOTCH NHL Dmen, I have no problem seeing both de Haan and Donovan being worked in on the Island next year.
In addition, the season's end needs to see Pandolfo, Rolston and Reasoner be let go (yes, maybe even buy out Reasoner) and hopefully replaced with Cizikas, Ullstrom and Rakhshani. Wallace is a good guy to have around too - for either the Island or da Port, but these 3 players are probably ALREADY more effective (even if greener) than any of the three aforementioned veterabs. At least their mistakes would still be part of the growing process whereas P, R and R's mistakes are due to sheer loss of step and inability.
PS) What was your impression of SJS Dman DeSantis??? Feel free to send it to me per PM if not here. I'm really curious!
As long as the Isles replace Staios, Eaton, Mottau and maybe even Jurcina (although he and Reese should be retained as depth players) with TOP NOTCH NHL Dmen, I have no problem seeing both de Haan and Donovan being worked in on the Island next year.
In addition, the season's end needs to see Pandolfo, Rolston and Reasoner be let go (yes, maybe even buy out Reasoner) and hopefully replaced with Cizikas, Ullstrom and Rakhshani. Wallace is a good guy to have around too - for either the Island or da Port, but these 3 players are probably ALREADY more effective (even if greener) than any of the three aforementioned veterabs. At least their mistakes would still be part of the growing process whereas P, R and R's mistakes are due to sheer loss of step and inability.
PS) What was your impression of SJS Dman DeSantis??? Feel free to send it to me per PM if not here. I'm really curious!
Desantis played a real strong game. good skater and puck mover..scored a goal and i think had an assit as well.. looks like he has a high hockey iq as he was never really out of position. their were bruin, jets, flames and flyers scouts at the game as well
Cizakis is fun to watch, he works hard constantly and gets a little better every game. I hope the nucleus of Bport stays the rest of the year and grinds out a playoff spot. This team has tons of hardworkers and deserves to be in the playoffs.
Donovan again had a great game, made some great decisions but did make 1 very bad play.
Ness, outside of his skating , he seems like a very average prospect. He is the 2nd version of Katic only katic is better and much more physical,when healthy.
Wishart is a wet,limp noodle, bad in his own end 5 on 5and was even worse on the PP and PK. He was responsible for 2 goals.
The kid i am really impressed with is Howes,he may never be an NHL player because of lack of talent, but he is this years version of Tyler Haskins, only a much much better skater and is controlled.
Poulin was again a studd, and kept Bport in the game.
I will addd more later when I have time.
Desantis played a real strong game. good skater and puck mover..scored a goal and i think had an assit as well.. looks like he has a high hockey iq as he was never really out of position. their were bruin, jets, flames and flyers scouts at the game as well
Cizikas remains hot as all heck with another 1-2-3. He's up to 13-22-35 now for the season. Truly deserving of an all-star nod. Gotta admit, going into the season, I thought THOSE STATS would be what he'd have at the end of the year.
Good stuff!
Last edited by Chapin Landvogt: 01-28-2012 at 10:10 AM.
Reason: On the other hand, Ullstrom has only had 2 goals (and thus, points) in his 8 games since returning from the concussion.
Geez, could we have another late round steal in Cizikas ? Like Martin,MacDonald, Ullstrom, Poulin, Lee.
Could we? We do...
The team that drafted this former first round rated talent was gambling his life wouldn't be affected by his legal issues up here...that's all in the past now.
Kid's a stud...makes the team next year, without a doubt.
The team that drafted this former first round rated talent was gambling his life wouldn't be affected by his legal issues up here...that's all in the past now.
Kid's a stud...makes the team next year, without a doubt.
I don't think it will happen, but if Nielsen is dealt at the deadline I'd like to see Cizikas get a look this year. He's been playing well enough to warrant it.
I don't think it will happen, but if Nielsen is dealt at the deadline I'd like to see Cizikas get a look this year. He's been playing well enough to warrant it.
If Frans is looking for $3 million a season, he's going to be traded...especially after not improving this season, and not lifting Grabner out of his funk (or is it the other way around?).
Regardless, Snow will be reluctant to pay more than $2 million average salary to what appears to be a player who has hit his ceiling...15 goals and 30 assists does not get you $3 million bucks...especially if you're an averaged sized soft centre who struggles in the face-off dot.
Cizikas should get a cup or two at the end of the season.
If Frans is looking for $3 million a season, he's going to be traded...especially after not improving this season, and not lifting Grabner out of his funk (or is it the other way around?).
Regardless, Snow will be reluctant to pay more than $2 million average salary to what appears to be a player who has hit his ceiling...15 goals and 30 assists does not get you $3 million bucks...especially if you're an averaged sized soft centre who struggles in the face-off dot.
Cizikas should get a cup or two at the end of the season.
Cup of joe, that is.
Neilsen would be a great third line center. Cizikas might be too.
Problem is, we need someone to be the 2nd line center. Im not comfortable slotting Strome in there yet....bailey...well..he isnt....and we sure as hell know that Snow isnt going to go out and get one.....so what do we do?
BST was down 2 with 5 minutes left in the game, and tie it up with goals from Haley and Howes. This team is pretty damn good.
I just came to post that.. Saw it on twitter they were down figured the point streak would come to an end but boom they tie the game up 4-4 with 0:30 to go! Now they're in a shootout. Point streak at 11 games
