tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553903000955128175.post8207261233439603702..comments2024-03-28T10:57:16.064-04:00Comments on OHL Prospects: Thoughts on Niagara and Mississauga from October 16Brock Ottenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237782074032840702noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553903000955128175.post-58060612291099325782009-10-26T18:57:59.853-04:002009-10-26T18:57:59.853-04:00I'd tend to agree.
Cameron has always been fa...I'd tend to agree.<br /><br />Cameron has always been favourite of the goaltending platoon, and this was one of the reasons I didn't include Carrozzi in one of the preseason Sunday Top 10's I did on players likely to be traded. <br /><br />Quite frankly, I'm not so sure that a solid goaltending platoon is a bad thing for the rest of the season. Too many teams put all of their eggs in one basket and then when the playoffs roll around, their goaltender is dead tired and underperforms (see Edward Pasquale in Saginaw last year). Being able to go back and forth with two great goaltenders is a great problem to have. Then in the playoffs, you make a call and ride the hot hand. Just look at the playoffs last year with Carrozzi struggling and Anderson stepping in. Nice to know you've got a back up plan.<br /><br />That being said, if I can trade Carrozzi for a Matt Clark or another quality physical two way defender, I consider it. Being able to address a weakness from a strength is something a good GM does. But if we're talking about trading Carrozzi for draft picks or immature roster players, what's the point? Unless Carrozzi brings something back that vastly improves the hockey club now, what's the point of taking the chance that his trade could ultimately weaken the club if Anderson struggles. <br /><br />Definitely an interesting situation to keep an eye on.Brock Ottenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08237782074032840702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553903000955128175.post-79742574531252108672009-10-25T00:52:39.042-04:002009-10-25T00:52:39.042-04:00Hey Brock, that's the million dollar question ...Hey Brock, that's the million dollar question (pardon the melo-drama).<br /><br />Before the season I thought it was a foregone conclusion, likely occuring way prior to Jan 10. And some of the "loose talk" is that it's a sure bet. However I'm not so sure now.<br /><br />I completely agree that a Matt Clark type blueline bruiser (probably a '91, but a '92 would do) is needed, and together with a veteran forward with decent hands, great things would be possible.<br /><br />While not perfect, prying both Blacker & Timmins (filling the OA slot Pelech opened) for Carrozzi and some picks and/or a young depth forward, was a trade worth doing.<br /><br />Perhaps with Carrozzi's stock rising and the fact that Cameron is yet to evaluate Sutch, he'll leave it to Jan 10 ... or not.<br /><br />As you know, he's run the tandem two-step, riding the hot tender till a loss, successfully with Budaj/Chiodo then Chiodo/Peters.<br /><br />Also, I'm not certain JPA is completely free of the sophmore jinx as he's letting in a couple of questionable 1's each outing.<br /><br />Cameron maybe waiting on the full assessment on Sutch which most likely will take till the deadline before he's in top game form and in tune with the systems.<br /><br />I'm digging the WW-CC-DSP line and expect Sutch to slide in with JM-CB. The grinders will remain as DE-RF-RL. KG-JC-RB are the energy spares.<br /><br />Cameron has never been much of a card burner; unlike Stefanski. So I'm just as stumped...<br /><br />To conclude, Alex Laino is being closely monitored in the Missy Chargers T2 team - his capability must factor into the equation. After all this, my honest answer is flip a coin. Seriously, it's 50/50 call at this point.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553903000955128175.post-92129689086543532822009-10-18T22:56:18.447-04:002009-10-18T22:56:18.447-04:00And thank you for the excellent comments.
I'd...And thank you for the excellent comments.<br /><br />I'd be incredibly interested to hear your thoughts on the goaltending situation in Mississauga.<br /><br />Do the Majors continue to go with the platoon, uncertain as to whether JP Anderson can handle the full load, or do they trade Carrozzi as the deadline approaches, hoping to fill a hole (perhaps a dominating physical defenseman, or another scoring center?)Brock Ottenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08237782074032840702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553903000955128175.post-33206239542122114562009-10-18T21:17:52.635-04:002009-10-18T21:17:52.635-04:00Thanks for the excellent feedback Brock.
I can go...Thanks for the excellent feedback Brock.<br /><br />I can go along with your position on Gaunce. We both agree that he can't allow the opposition forwards to setup and intercept the first pass or break up the transitional play. Although I'm still not sure about Mayer, you're right he needs to keep driving.<br /><br />I also agree with your analysis of Percy & Hamilton - very good insight, especially on Hamilton.<br /><br />And yes, the Dogs' spread out O busted out yesterday; you're right they have to forecheck/outwork the opposition down low to generate opportunities.<br /><br />Thanks again!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553903000955128175.post-2499605128936506062009-10-18T00:18:24.469-04:002009-10-18T00:18:24.469-04:00RE: Petgrave, I can see what you mean. He's be...RE: Petgrave, I can see what you mean. He's been somewhat hit and miss. I do truly believe it to be a confidence issue. His skating ability really makes him an asset on the back end. And I think his desire to be involved physically really helps too. His puck moving ability and overall offensive hockey sense will come, that's why I'd really like to see him on the powerplay. But in tonight's Sudbury game, he played his best game of the season IMO. You can tell he's starting to get the confidence to jump up in the play and he's starting to realize his skating ability allows him to take a few chances offensively because he can get back to the zone.<br /><br />RE: Freddie Hamilton, I agree. He's a solid draft prospect, however he runs the risk of falling into obscurity in this years draft, with so many talented OHL players available. I look at him as a similar player to Sam Carrick in Brampton. Solid two way forward, good wheels, good hands in close to the net. But Carrick has really exploded recently (7 goals in his last 4 games), while Hamilton has yet to take that step forward. I think a lot of it has had to do with the fact that his wingers haven't been able to help him generate offense. I actually think that's part of the reason MM decided to break up that first line. Freddie was playing well but his linemmates were holding him down a bit. By putting a guy like Agozzino on his line now, he should be able to increase his offensive output.<br /><br />Again thanks for the great comments and keep reading!Brock Ottenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08237782074032840702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553903000955128175.post-70112331982318009432009-10-18T00:18:18.987-04:002009-10-18T00:18:18.987-04:00Thanks for the comments!
I'll try address eve...Thanks for the comments!<br /><br />I'll try address everything your brought up.<br /><br />RE: Gaunce - To an extent I agree and to an extent I don't. I actually prefer when he plays a bit of a safer game. He doesn't have the overall agility to be a game breaker on the rush and I really like the Flemming pairing because it allows Gaunce to get up ice to try and set up in the offensive zone. I don't really think he's ever a stand-out player by doing things that make you say WOW. He's more of a really solid two way defender who uses his hockey sense to try and dictate play. I said I agree to an extent because I do think he could stand to be more urgent and deliberate with the puck. I also agree he could probably do more, but in a sense I like the way he's playing and safe and honest game.<br /><br />RE: Mayer - I do agree that he needs to work on consistently keeping his motor going. That's the difference between a guy like him and a guy like Jeff Skinner in Kitchener (and why Skinner is a first round NHL draft prospect). Mayer is skilled and he has great speed, but he needs to find a way to be consistently involved, rather than in spurts. But the reason I like him is for his potential to shift the game's momentum. I also like his NHL draft prospects because of his age. As one of the younger players available last year, I don't think he was mature enough to make a more consistent contribution and to an extent I don't think it was really known as to what capacity he could contribute at the next level. Now he's a year older, but still only a couple months behind some of the late 1991's. I think there is some high end potential as an NHL energy line player, barring he can increase his intensity level.<br /><br />RE: Stuart Percy - I like what I've seen from him so far. In the sense that he seems to be keeping things simple. In the times I've seen him this year, I can't really recall too many mistakes he's made. And as a 1993 defenseman, I think that's a big thing to ask of him. As he gets stronger and gains more confidence, you can see his potential as a puck moving defenseman. There seems to be a few solid 1993 defenseman in the league, guys with potential.<br /><br />RE: Breaking up the IceDogs energy line - It certainly worked tonight for MM and the Dogs. The reason being that they got a solid effort and intensity level from both lines. Guys like Andrew Shaw (who I really expected big things from this year) and Freddie Hamilton stepped up tonight. The key to the Dogs success, since they aren't the most blessed team offensively, nor the most solid defensively, is to outwork the opposition. When they win, it's because their forecheck tires out the opposing defense and they play with a high intensity level (hitting and driving to the net). <br /><br />As for MM's coaching thus far. I do agree that there doesn't appear to be much of a change in philosophy. However I do think he's making a difference in the room. Just by watching him on the bench and seeing him converse with players, he seems to be a solid motivator and a "players coach." A guy who's going to try and give his players' confidence. Any time a player makes a nice play on the ice, I always see him go over to him on the bench when the shift's over and give him a pat on the back and some kind words. I think those things mean a lot at the junior level since the adolescent psyche really needs that reassurance. I think he's done a fine job. The Dogs have played in some tough games thus far and they could really easily have 7 wins, rather than their current 4. I think they're right around where I expected them to be, in that 6-9 range of the East.Brock Ottenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08237782074032840702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2553903000955128175.post-60635741947956800572009-10-17T20:12:21.753-04:002009-10-17T20:12:21.753-04:00Hey Brock, spot on game report for both clubs.
Ye...Hey Brock, spot on game report for both clubs.<br /><br />Yes another biteless affair, lol! In terms of the when the game got interesting, the Lopes shortie fired up the Majors and spelled the end for the IceDogs. If the Majors are going to be true East contenders, they'll need leadership from their veterans.<br /><br />Regarding the player reviews, I think you're being too generous on Gaunce. He's got the back-from-camp blues. He should be a monster this year. He's not urgent or deliberate enuf with the puck. He's capable of way more points. He's 19, it's his 3rd year in the league, he was the Av's 1st pick 2 years ago, was an O all-star last season, and was invited to the U-20 camp. Sorry, but I expect more, and he certainly has the skills to deliver.<br /><br />You're absolutely right about Smith-Pelly, a still a work in progress in some areas, however he's steadily improving. He should become very noticeable come spring and just in time for the playoffs & draft.<br /><br />Mayer is skating with more authority this year. He's either finishing or making a play at the end of a rush, rather than just turning the puck over - which is resulting in better production. However he needs to consistenly keep driving to the net, willing to pay physically for the points. He'll need close to, or over 40 markers to get the call in June. Overall, you're also being too generous on him. However the potential is there.<br /><br />Your analysis on the others is fine. I'd really like to hear your thoughts on Percy.<br /><br />About the IceDogs play, they need to stop with the ridiculous penalties. I still see shades of Gilbert hockey. Speaking of GG, Cicchillo was a GG wannabe but without the breadth of knowledge and ability to make GG's in game adjustments. He should do fine back in T2. As for McCourt, I'm all for giving a protege a chance, however outside of tightening their defensive systems, I'm not seeing anything different. However, perhaps he's making one in the dressing room and that's where you start.<br /><br />You're right about breaking up their energy line. Their success comes from the high octane offense, so it will be interesting to see how McCourt's experiment unfolds. There's also a difference in how effective the spread out offense is on the snaller pad at home vs away.<br /><br />As far as the player reviews, I'm not sure I see the same potential in Petgrave you do - the skills package doesn't match the head. So there is late bloom potential.<br /><br />Speaking of potential, I'm waiting for Freddie to step up. The kid's got all kinds of upside. I'm interested in your take.<br /><br />Friesen would be asset to any club. DeSousa just doesn't have the Martin St. Pierre skill, so needs to make it up by leaving the grit button in the on position. A decent performance last night, but ... same for Aggozino.<br /><br />A dangerous team, but not last night.<br /><br /><br />Btw, you're not the only one with IceDog fan issues ;-) It's a motely crew that is by & large maturing and finally weening off T2 & Jr. B/C.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com