Bounces R Way
Registered User
Just curious to hear your thoughts on our young #1C's season so far.
Positives
-much improved on Faceoffs, must of worked hard on it over the offseason
-Point Production, still produces fairly well albeit on the lower end side of a 1C(obviously still young)
-PP composure, doesn't panic with the puck and is getting better at finding open ice
-Net Presence, one of our better forwards at getting the puck to the net and then following up
-Along the boards, he's improved comparative to last season, although I wouldn't count it as a strong aspect of his game
-Usually willing to take the shot when he has it, which we need more of
-Offensive Instincts, gets up the ice in a hurry when theres a chance for a fast break or an odd man rush
-Learning of the Center position, has improved as far as being where he should be, plays a very "efficient" game and supports the puck well
Negatives
-Play in the D zone, still see him "waving" at guys far too often, relies too much on his defencemen to get the puck out, gets hemmed in sometimes against other teams top lines
-Speed, don't think he'll ever be the fastest guy, but goes through periods of looking winded and overwhelmed with the minutes he's getting
-Not enough of a catalyst, has taken a step back this year IMO as far as creating chances for himself, too often differs to Johnny or TJ to make things happen, his rookie year he scored 22 goals mostly on his own volition so he certainly has the ability, turning into a bit of a "triggerman" and would like to see him take charge more often and create more as this is IMO the biggest responsibility of a 1C
-Zone Entries, tries to make a cute pass too much rather than going wide or cutting to the slot and firing a shot, needs to simplify.. he's not a playmaker of Gaudreau's caliber. Just get it deep
-Physicality, doesn't need to be running guys over but finish your checks! He's got a pretty big frame and could use it more often especially on the forecheck
Generally I've been pleased with his play for the most part, but still leaves a lot to be desired in some games. Personally see him as an ideal 2C but there's certainly room for improvement as he's only 21. Amazing he's been able to handle the minutes and responsibilities so well up to this point and I think part of why he's been a minor letdown for me this season is the Flames not being able to find a RW to play with that line consistently. If we got a James Neal, Wayne Simmonds, JVR type big body physical RW to play with that line I think it could be one of the more productive lines in the league.
Positives
-much improved on Faceoffs, must of worked hard on it over the offseason
-Point Production, still produces fairly well albeit on the lower end side of a 1C(obviously still young)
-PP composure, doesn't panic with the puck and is getting better at finding open ice
-Net Presence, one of our better forwards at getting the puck to the net and then following up
-Along the boards, he's improved comparative to last season, although I wouldn't count it as a strong aspect of his game
-Usually willing to take the shot when he has it, which we need more of
-Offensive Instincts, gets up the ice in a hurry when theres a chance for a fast break or an odd man rush
-Learning of the Center position, has improved as far as being where he should be, plays a very "efficient" game and supports the puck well
Negatives
-Play in the D zone, still see him "waving" at guys far too often, relies too much on his defencemen to get the puck out, gets hemmed in sometimes against other teams top lines
-Speed, don't think he'll ever be the fastest guy, but goes through periods of looking winded and overwhelmed with the minutes he's getting
-Not enough of a catalyst, has taken a step back this year IMO as far as creating chances for himself, too often differs to Johnny or TJ to make things happen, his rookie year he scored 22 goals mostly on his own volition so he certainly has the ability, turning into a bit of a "triggerman" and would like to see him take charge more often and create more as this is IMO the biggest responsibility of a 1C
-Zone Entries, tries to make a cute pass too much rather than going wide or cutting to the slot and firing a shot, needs to simplify.. he's not a playmaker of Gaudreau's caliber. Just get it deep
-Physicality, doesn't need to be running guys over but finish your checks! He's got a pretty big frame and could use it more often especially on the forecheck
Generally I've been pleased with his play for the most part, but still leaves a lot to be desired in some games. Personally see him as an ideal 2C but there's certainly room for improvement as he's only 21. Amazing he's been able to handle the minutes and responsibilities so well up to this point and I think part of why he's been a minor letdown for me this season is the Flames not being able to find a RW to play with that line consistently. If we got a James Neal, Wayne Simmonds, JVR type big body physical RW to play with that line I think it could be one of the more productive lines in the league.
