Groshev was sent down I believe. I think ABB and Merela.will end up getting roster spots, and then it's just line blending to see who fits best where.Agree on ABB having a good game, despite the bad penalty and the lack of points. I think he had three plays or so that could have set up goals. He doesn't look like a great skater to me is one of my concerns with him, which is doubly bad when he's also smallish.
After the first preseason game that Groshev and Merela played in, I was sold on Groshev. After their 2nd, Merela is neck and neck if not in the lead. Merela seems more polished and well rounded, where Groshev is more offensive and creative, so I'd think Merela is a better fit for the lower six.
Another attribute of Merela no one seems to have mentioned is the number of times he's fallen down without being touched. At least once in the rookie camp, where he got back up and set up a goal, and twice tonight. He's the obvious Killorn replacement!
I'd rank the prospects to make the team as following:
1. Merela
2. Groshev
3. ABB
Subbing these guys in to the practice lines they were using recently would look like:
Hagel - Point - Kucherov
Paul - Stamkos - Groshev
Eyssimont - Cirelli - Sheary
Motte - Merela - Jeannot
Glendenning
Merela showed tonight he can set up goons (Watson), so maybe he'd get Jeannott going to.
Expect this kind of game all the time until Vasy is back.
Cant be worse than Paul or Jeannot in the top/middle six.Since the beginning I was high on Merelä, glad to see he's showcasing his skills.
I honestly think he could slot in with Stammer on the second line. He's got good finishing skills, takes care of the defensive end and can set things up offensively.
Let's go Coop, give him a chance!
Paul worked great on the 2nd line last year when he was up there with Stamkos. Too early to tell on where Jeannot fits best, likely the 3rd line though imo.Cant be worse than Paul or Jeannot in the top/middle six.
Was that in the first half of the season?Paul worked great on the 2nd line last year when he was up there with Stamkos. Too early to tell on where Jeannot fits best, likely the 3rd line though imo.
Yes, while Cirelli was out because of the shoulder surgery/rehab, Paul was up with Stamkos and Killorn. The line was excellent overall, and I remember seeing some stats that had them a top 5, maybe top 3, line in the league for a while there. As soon as Cirelli came back, they moved Paul back down and the chemistry of both the 2nd and 3rd lines suffered.Was that in the first half of the season?