Had a lot of fun at the game. My fiance and I bought tickets for our parents and siblings. I love the atmosphere of checkers games. Too bad Charlotte can't have this type of attendance consistently.
Like I said, I have no problem with Boychuk's tools. His decision using those tools leaves a lot to be desired.
Yes, it's impressive that he can burn a defender or dangle his way past 1 or 2, but if he's dangled himself into a weak angle shot, it's not much use. He has a very "Staal" way to play, where he loves to take control and be "the guy".
Looks great when it works, but most of the time, it's just 1 player taking on 5 defenders. His decision-making needs work, but his speed and his hands looked close to NHL-ready.
Frederik Andersen @f_andersen30
I wish we played all our road games at the PNC arena. Short bus trips and two teams with great fans!
Like I said, I disagree. I saw no issues with his decision making in this game. He was in the right spot in the defensive zone, he made good passes out of that zone, he made good passes in the neutral zone and created a lot of scoring chances for both him and others. And it wasn't just "dangling and a player going 1 on 5".
Based on the comments in this thread, most others seem to agree. Sounds like you had a pre-conceived notion and picked a few things to try and make your point. We obviously saw it differently.
I have no idea if he'll ever be a good NHL player and I'm not commenting on the quality of competition, but based on what I saw this game, he was one of the better forwards on the ice...both his skill set and his decision making.
But since I'm a glutton for punishment, I've also got to add that Welsh didn't really stand out this game. I'm assuming he's had a better season for Charlotte than he showed this game, especially if we're expecting to pencil him into the 3rd line center role for the Canes.
Actually, the whole Checkers team needs to be more physical. They got manhandled in the first period, and obviously, that was the message in the first intermission, since they did much better in the 2nd and 3rd about ramping up their physical play. Might have just been the result of Sutter's early penalty though, sort of a "better safe than sorry" approach.
But since I'm a glutton for punishment, I've also got to add that Welsh didn't really stand out this game. I'm assuming he's had a better season for Charlotte than he showed this game, especially if we're expecting to pencil him into the 3rd line center role for the Canes.
And you're welcome to disagree. I'm not trying (nor do I need to) justify my observations to you.
I thought we stopped penciling Welsh into the 3rd line center role in week 2 of the AhL season. That said, who else is there? Brent? Dalpe?
If I had to guess now, especially with a shortened season where each game is even more important, I'd guess Jokinen...then he'll use a Checkers player or LaRose as the 2nd line winger.
Anyhow, another observation about Boychuk. When he was up with the Canes in the past, it seemed he played very unsure and tentative a lot of the time. I could never tell if he was just afraid to make a mistake or if he really didn't have the hockey sense to play the NHL game the way he should and use his speed and skills to his advantage. For whatever reason, that's how he looked much of the time and might be part of the reason he was inconsistent. You'd see flashes of his skill, but more often than not, he'd look lost.
Seeing him with the Checkers, I don't see that at all. He looked confident and aggressive and used his skills to his advantage. If (and that's a big if) he can do that at the NHL level, I think he has a shot at being successful. Given the NHL game is much faster though, I don't know that he can, but based on his performance so far in Charlotte, I think he deserves an extended look.
If I had to guess now, especially with a shortened season where each game is even more important, I'd guess Jokinen...then he'll use a Checkers player or LaRose as the 2nd line winger.
One of those forward prospects really needs to step up and take a spot.
Tlusty-Staal-Semin
Skinner-JStaal - OPEN / LaRose
Bowman - Jokinen - Dwyer/LaRose
Nodl-Brent-LaRose/Dwyer
Stewart
As for Faulk, who in the news media last night pretty much said "I'll be happy to be back in Raleigh" I say good riddance! I don't know why everyone thinks he is such a fabulous player. From what I've seen he's not that fantastic...at least not while wearing a Checkers uniform. We need players who WANT to play for us! Just my 2 cents!
Raleigh can have their traffic cone, er, "All Star" back. Give me a D-man that'll actually stop a guy at the blue line any day.
Faulk = locker room cancer?
Faulk+1st for Cole.
We need players who WANT to play for us!