The Utica Comets Thread
- Thread starter Bleach Clean
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2:00 to go now. Boucher had one threatening effort and missed the net.
Right off the draw another great chance for the Amerks, but wide. He walked all the way from the boards right into the slot. This is a very common occurrence on draws. First Amerks' goal tonight was off the draw. Faceoff straight back and then a pass into a wide open slot for a one timer and a goal.
Chatfield injured at the end. Official pushed him to the Comets bench before he got any assistance. If this is serious, get ready for the Friday's game with Stewart back in the lineup. He is the only extra D the Comets have carried since trading Subban. Yeah great management. No call for questioning the efforts of JB or the rising management star GM Johnson. The sole extra forward is PTO Brady Brassart who is only a first year ECHL call-up with 21 GP in his pro career before arriving in Utica. Played one game here on 12/6 and was a lost planet airman.
This is another example of brilliant management. Green always had at least 2 extra D and usually at least 3 forwards and possible replacements were acquired the second the #s were reduced. That would have been under Henning the first 2 seasons and Conacher when Vancouver appeared invisible between Henning's dismissal until Johnson's appointment this season. Perhaps green demanded players be found and Cull hasn't spoken up. It is 1st season as a head coach. maybe he doesn't know he can make requests/demands.
Robak, Landry, Ehrhardt, Shields, etc were all D-men who were acquired in a bunch of PTOs over the seasons and that's how guys who could actually play were found after a season began. Can't find anybody if you aren't even looking.
Right off the draw another great chance for the Amerks, but wide. He walked all the way from the boards right into the slot. This is a very common occurrence on draws. First Amerks' goal tonight was off the draw. Faceoff straight back and then a pass into a wide open slot for a one timer and a goal.
Chatfield injured at the end. Official pushed him to the Comets bench before he got any assistance. If this is serious, get ready for the Friday's game with Stewart back in the lineup. He is the only extra D the Comets have carried since trading Subban. Yeah great management. No call for questioning the efforts of JB or the rising management star GM Johnson. The sole extra forward is PTO Brady Brassart who is only a first year ECHL call-up with 21 GP in his pro career before arriving in Utica. Played one game here on 12/6 and was a lost planet airman.
This is another example of brilliant management. Green always had at least 2 extra D and usually at least 3 forwards and possible replacements were acquired the second the #s were reduced. That would have been under Henning the first 2 seasons and Conacher when Vancouver appeared invisible between Henning's dismissal until Johnson's appointment this season. Perhaps green demanded players be found and Cull hasn't spoken up. It is 1st season as a head coach. maybe he doesn't know he can make requests/demands.
Robak, Landry, Ehrhardt, Shields, etc were all D-men who were acquired in a bunch of PTOs over the seasons and that's how guys who could actually play were found after a season began. Can't find anybody if you aren't even looking.
On to the 3rd. Utica to the first PK of the game for either team. Woods for high sticking. at :40 seconds.
That didn't take long. PP goal for the Amerks. 1:17 of the 3rd.
C J. Smith. Undrafted after 3 years with NCAA U Mass - Lowell. he was 1.04 PPG for his 3-yr college career. Signed by Buffalo. Assigned to Rochester. 26 GP for Rochester counting tonight and for now 27 Pts.
The leading rookie scorer in the AHL hails from Des Moines, Iowa. One of only 2 players from the state of Iowa to ever play an NHL game. He was readily available on the open market. There's one that got away from most of the NHL.
3-1 Amerks.
That didn't take long. PP goal for the Amerks. 1:17 of the 3rd.
C J. Smith. Undrafted after 3 years with NCAA U Mass - Lowell. he was 1.04 PPG for his 3-yr college career. Signed by Buffalo. Assigned to Rochester. 26 GP for Rochester counting tonight and for now 27 Pts.
The leading rookie scorer in the AHL hails from Des Moines, Iowa. One of only 2 players from the state of Iowa to ever play an NHL game. He was readily available on the open market. There's one that got away from most of the NHL.
3-1 Amerks.
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We are down to near 7:00 minutes and the Comets are not exactly cranking up the offense to put on a push for the final minutes. They are not even getting any clear shots. Amerks playing D and the Comets can't crack the wall to even get into the zone. going on 5 minutes and still only 7 SOG. Fact is the Amerks are the ones exerting offensive pressure.
Comets with 24 points. 19, 20, 21, and 23 are the only lower point totals in the AHL .
Comets with 24 points. 19, 20, 21, and 23 are the only lower point totals in the AHL .
Comets to the PP. It's score now or go home losers. The net is empty with 3:31 remaining. Comets can't even get set up with a 2-man advantage. Finally set up but all shots blocked and finally tipped out of play.
Utica calls time out. 2:36 left. :45 on the PP.
Puck back into the Comets zone. PP is almost done. Smith misses the empty net on the backhand. PP done.
Net still empty 6 on 5.
1 to go and the Amerks miss the net for the 4th time.
Boucher a good shot, but stopped.
:20 to go and this one is all over but the crying.
Comets lose 3-1, not scoring after the first 2 minutes.
SOG:
Comets 8 10 12 = 30
Amerks 12 16 6 = 34
PP
Comets 0/1
Amerks 1/1
3 Stars
1st - C.J. Smith (Rochester) 1G/1A
2nd - Linus Ullmark (Rochester) 29/30
3rd - Stuart Percy (Rochester) 1G-GWG
Utica calls time out. 2:36 left. :45 on the PP.
Puck back into the Comets zone. PP is almost done. Smith misses the empty net on the backhand. PP done.
Net still empty 6 on 5.
1 to go and the Amerks miss the net for the 4th time.
Boucher a good shot, but stopped.
:20 to go and this one is all over but the crying.
Comets lose 3-1, not scoring after the first 2 minutes.
SOG:
Comets 8 10 12 = 30
Amerks 12 16 6 = 34
PP
Comets 0/1
Amerks 1/1
3 Stars
1st - C.J. Smith (Rochester) 1G/1A
2nd - Linus Ullmark (Rochester) 29/30
3rd - Stuart Percy (Rochester) 1G-GWG
me2
Go ahead foot
How do you rate the coaching they are getting? Or is it hardto judge because the team is rubbish?
Megaterio Llamas
el rey del mambo
I'm just going to say a few things on your reoccurring points.
I think your speculation on Benning is wrong and I think you may be right on a couple things, but I think you're dead wrong on some others.
You said Benning puts players in the AHL who he doesn't think have a future on the Canucks. You used Reid Boucher because you don't think he has a future with the Canucks. My response is, I hope you're right because I don't want Boucher anywhere near my NHL roster. I disagree with the overall point you're trying to make though, mostly because your proof is probably the fact that Stecher and Hutton started in the NHL, or the Dahlen/Tryamkin situations. Well Stecher and Hutton were ready for the NHL and even though they don't look like as good as they projected to be, they are still NHL level defensemen. Dahlen and Tryamkin are not the only players who play overseas over the AHL. I can provide you many examples of players who stay home. Goldobin is someone Benning doesn't see a future with?
We'll see how this season continues to play out. IMO, Benning definitely thinks about Utica if he hires someone responsible for it like Ryan Johnson, and the signings in the off-season to bolster a Utica team. The signings might not be perfect, but my point is he has his mind on Utica.
A rare failed #2 draft of the Lightning. Played for Syracuse the past 3 seasons, but only 23 GP last season. have to wonder if his game fell off the earth or if he was seriously injured.
Having started this season in the ECHL with the Winnipeg Jets/Manitoba Moose affiliate does not speak well for where his game is at.
Cull has to know him and that has to be the major impetus in this tryout. He has to have seen enough of what the Canucks could give him from the Zoo. Don't know who came up with Watson or Faust. I haven't seen Watson play a game yet. His 3 GP have all been on the road in the last 3 games all played on the road.
With only 21 GP in his pro career and all for the ECHL Grizzlies I don't think even Cull could be patient enough to wait for Holm or Sifers to come back. If he can at least be better than ceder either Holm, he offers better help when Sifers or Holm does return and can pair up with Cederholm until then.
Last word!
Can you read? I listed Goldobin as one of the guys he WANTED in Vancouver ASAP. He was a big deal at the TDL and Benning always wants his acquisitions in the lineup to prove he did good if it's at all possible. He was only supposed to be here for a short stint to work on playing in his own zone and making use of other players. Thus, he was never a plan for the Comets. His stay here was similar to a conditioning stint.
I know Stecher and Hutton started in the NHL making clear my point that Benning will get any high prospect he can onto the Vancouver roster so what he sends to Utica is really not counted on by him to ever get to Vancouver in the first place. What prospect has begun their career as a Comet and developed into a Canuck besides Gaunce?He worked his ass into the lineup and has played well enough for 2 different coaches to see value in him in the bottom 6. That wasn't Benning's idea.
Jake was a Vancouver Mistake. he was given too much too soon and was not looking good at all, in year 2. So when he was sent down he became a victim of the Benning negligence because as Benning admitted the Comets didn't have any playmaking centers and that was hurting Jake. Duh! Just who was responsible for there being no playmaking centers in Utica? If you tell me anyone but Benning, you lose all credibility with me from here on out.
Contrary to your opinion there was only one here this year and like last year he is back in Vancouver. We will see just how long the number of Canucks who can play center in Vancouver remain there with none being sent to the Comets.
I won't waste my time on the European issue. I've exhausted myself on that issue. I predicted they would all be in Europe before they ever came to NA and they are including Tryamkin. if you give them the out clause only as fool would refuse it. If you want to negotiate to go back and the parent club sees it as a good thing because you can't help the AHL team anyways that's different. That's how many clubs are handling that issue right now. There a lot of young Europeans starring in the AHL right now and the past few years. It's not uncommon for them to start here at 18 or 19either, 1 to 2 years sooner than a Canadian jr can. That gives the good ones a head start on the pro game and makes them better NHL players sooner. I don't care. Those prospects are not under my watch. I don't need my rebuild to get its *** going as strong and quickly as possible. I'm not signing poor UFAs to multi year contracts instead of trying to get my really good stars jump started in the North American game. The Canucks fan base and higher ups have an issue with Russian while the Blues and especially the Lightning are flourishing with them and their farms are flush with them as well. I don't see them working out deals to avoid the AHL. The Marlies have an 18 yr old swede playing very well for them right now as well. the Nylanders both started in the AHL at 18. I know there are many in Europe, but there are many in NA as well and Benning deosn't seem to even try to keep any of them here. Those HE has kept have left not so impressed with his treatment al a Tryamkin, Rodin, Tommernes, Andersson, Dahlen.
Bolded is too ridiculous, but I guess anything is possible.
The European issue is created by other GMs, players would rather stay at home and play big minutes on a men team than playing in the AHL. Once it starts by whichever GM, then other players will demand that as well.
I'm done arguing though, I see where you stand.
In the Canucks Army report on the 3-1 loss Dec 13 against the Rochester Americans, Corey Hergott wrote the following:
"Cassels had a nice chance at the side of the net but wasn’t able to stuff the puck past Ullmark. I’d have to say that this was one of Cole’s better games of the season. Playing him with Wacey Hamilton seems to have lit a bit of a spark in the oft-injured centerman. His defensive game is pretty sound, maybe if he can finally stay healthy, and pick up a few things from Hamilton along the way, there might be a 4th liner/13th forward in there yet."
Later he named Cassels the first Comets star of the game and wrote about that:
"1st Star: Cole Cassels. I know, maybe Thatcher Demko should be on this list after making 31 saves, and a few of them of the “big” variety, but I thought that Cole stood out enough today to warrant some praise. Cassels had another hard working game today. He picked up an assist on the Carcone goal, and he put four shots on the Rochester net. What Cassels does on the ice won’t likely bring him the glory that scoring piles of goals would, however, what he does bring will earn him the trust of his coaching staff to be out late in games protecting a lead as well as picking up some shut down minutes against opponents better players. Cassels seems to be thriving with Wacey Hamilton on his left side; perhaps he’s picking up a few pointers from the veteran player along the way." CanucksArmy Utica Comets Post-Game: Comets Fall 3-1 To Rochester To End Road Trip
I know that suggesting he could be a 4th liner/13th forward isn't high praise, but he also said Cassels' defensive game is pretty sound, had "another" hard working game and that what he does will earn the trust of his coaching staff and pick him up some shut down minutes and that Cassels seems to be thriving playing with Hamilton.
Could a few of the people that have been watching Cassels comment? I've differed with Hergott's analysis in the past and take his opinions with a grain of salt, but wonder if I've missed something and Cassels has been better than what I'd understood.
Thanks.
"Cassels had a nice chance at the side of the net but wasn’t able to stuff the puck past Ullmark. I’d have to say that this was one of Cole’s better games of the season. Playing him with Wacey Hamilton seems to have lit a bit of a spark in the oft-injured centerman. His defensive game is pretty sound, maybe if he can finally stay healthy, and pick up a few things from Hamilton along the way, there might be a 4th liner/13th forward in there yet."
Later he named Cassels the first Comets star of the game and wrote about that:
"1st Star: Cole Cassels. I know, maybe Thatcher Demko should be on this list after making 31 saves, and a few of them of the “big” variety, but I thought that Cole stood out enough today to warrant some praise. Cassels had another hard working game today. He picked up an assist on the Carcone goal, and he put four shots on the Rochester net. What Cassels does on the ice won’t likely bring him the glory that scoring piles of goals would, however, what he does bring will earn him the trust of his coaching staff to be out late in games protecting a lead as well as picking up some shut down minutes against opponents better players. Cassels seems to be thriving with Wacey Hamilton on his left side; perhaps he’s picking up a few pointers from the veteran player along the way." CanucksArmy Utica Comets Post-Game: Comets Fall 3-1 To Rochester To End Road Trip
I know that suggesting he could be a 4th liner/13th forward isn't high praise, but he also said Cassels' defensive game is pretty sound, had "another" hard working game and that what he does will earn the trust of his coaching staff and pick him up some shut down minutes and that Cassels seems to be thriving playing with Hamilton.
Could a few of the people that have been watching Cassels comment? I've differed with Hergott's analysis in the past and take his opinions with a grain of salt, but wonder if I've missed something and Cassels has been better than what I'd understood.
Thanks.
Watched the game and to call Cassels first star is IMO ridiculous. On several occasions got walked in his own zone for open chances. Also got bounced to the ice continually. He did try to come around the net a few times and got flattened. When the play got moved from the Amerks end back toward the Utica end you could see Cassels with his head down trying all out to get back in the play and still falling behind. He is far from thriving with anyone. He is indeed slow and light on his skates. He is easily pushed out of the play and has no offensive presence. At this point (19 games in) he has no goals and 2 assists. (and 8 goals in about 150 AHL games) To see him or Hamilton having good seasons is mind boggling. In this game, when the Comets were trying to get back in the game, Cassels was little used with player like Darcy and Boucher getting double shifted.
Really it is painful to see how some like this Hergott guy and people on CDC try to see Cassels as they want or him suppose him to be (the guy that shut down McDavid!!!!) and not recognize the player he actually is.
The continual excuses for Cassels (his injuries), the exaggeration of his all round play or his defensive play and projection of him as this potential decent 3rd line NHL player is nonsense IMO. People just look to see what they want to see.
In the game tonight
Cull juggles the lines a lot to try and get some goals. Boucher had some great chances but just couldn't bury the puck in this game. To me, he was again the best forward by a bit.
Thought he played a much more physical game and really engaged that way. Boucher looks a lot sturdier than last year. Carcone had strong start to the game and if the Cassels - Hamilton - Carcone line was doing anything it was chiefly a result of the individual play of Carcone. Outside of those didn't think anyone stood out much among the forwards
Overall the Amerks dominated and Comets were tied up in their own zone for long periods of the game. Demko played well to keep the thing close. Counted 12 point blank saves he made.
Did not like McEwen very much. Spun out of control at times illustrating skating remains an issue. Not really managing the puck well.
On defense Chatfield had fairly good game and Brisebois was better. Still they got tied up too much in their own end. Have to blame the forwards and particularly the centers for much of this however.
Really it is painful to see how some like this Hergott guy and people on CDC try to see Cassels as they want or him suppose him to be (the guy that shut down McDavid!!!!) and not recognize the player he actually is.
The continual excuses for Cassels (his injuries), the exaggeration of his all round play or his defensive play and projection of him as this potential decent 3rd line NHL player is nonsense IMO. People just look to see what they want to see.
In the game tonight
Cull juggles the lines a lot to try and get some goals. Boucher had some great chances but just couldn't bury the puck in this game. To me, he was again the best forward by a bit.
Thought he played a much more physical game and really engaged that way. Boucher looks a lot sturdier than last year. Carcone had strong start to the game and if the Cassels - Hamilton - Carcone line was doing anything it was chiefly a result of the individual play of Carcone. Outside of those didn't think anyone stood out much among the forwards
Overall the Amerks dominated and Comets were tied up in their own zone for long periods of the game. Demko played well to keep the thing close. Counted 12 point blank saves he made.
Did not like McEwen very much. Spun out of control at times illustrating skating remains an issue. Not really managing the puck well.
On defense Chatfield had fairly good game and Brisebois was better. Still they got tied up too much in their own end. Have to blame the forwards and particularly the centers for much of this however.
I've watched Cassels for the third season now and I can honestly say that Cassels has a better chance of getting pregnant than he does of being a #1 center in the AHL or being named the first star of a game.......
Never gonna happen,no way , no how..
I can't say any more on the real Cassels than the 2 previous posters. That pretty much wraps it up.
If he is extended next year it will prove the theory I have that Benning doesn't care who plays in Utica as long as he fills the slots so the couple guys he stashes here for call-ups will have a team to play on so they can be game ready when called upon. He will only fix that if he has to assign a real serious prospect and that kid will get some help. Can only hold out for Lind and Gadjovich.
Right now MacEwen's play doesn't show he is one of those prized few. He has been given little to work with. Chatfield on the other hand always gets a vet D-man. It's been Wiercioch since he got here. Brisebois gets Sautner, not nearly the same thing. Both need the cover guy and Sautner needs one himself.
If he is extended next year it will prove the theory I have that Benning doesn't care who plays in Utica as long as he fills the slots so the couple guys he stashes here for call-ups will have a team to play on so they can be game ready when called upon. He will only fix that if he has to assign a real serious prospect and that kid will get some help. Can only hold out for Lind and Gadjovich.
Right now MacEwen's play doesn't show he is one of those prized few. He has been given little to work with. Chatfield on the other hand always gets a vet D-man. It's been Wiercioch since he got here. Brisebois gets Sautner, not nearly the same thing. Both need the cover guy and Sautner needs one himself.
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CalderSchmalder
Registered User
I posted this last night on the Canucks postgame thread. It fits here as well.
If Tanev is out again and Wiercioch is called up, Sauntner will become the Sr D-man with Chatfield and Brisebois, rookies having their share of troubles, inking in at #s 2 and 3.
Swedish reclamation project Cederholm called up from the ECHL at #4.
PTO Cliff Watson, in his first pro season with 21 GP under his belt with the Utah Grizzlies as his only pro experience, has played the last 3 games for the Comets already because Mackenze Stewart did a perfect impression of a turnstile when Cull attempted to give him a go.
They just signed former AHL Syracuse Crunch D-man Dylan Blujus to a PTO out of ECHL Jacksonville. The announcement wasn't even made on the Utica site and I doubt he was in Rochester tonight. Likely joins the team at the Aud tomorrow morning. The down side here is that while he is only a 4th year pro, after 2 and part of a 3rd season with the Crunch he was let go and landed in the ECHL this season. He is a former Tampa Bay 2nd round Draft pick who looks to have flat out busted on his ***. That will make 6 D-men with Stewart in reserve.
So it's Sautner and not Wiercioch.Everything remains the same except Sautner is traded out for Wiercioch. Is this D-corps anywhere near the amazing strong D defense thew Comets were supposed to have this season? The original best 6 had all kinds of problems. This group is utterly frightening. Glad I don't have to try and backstop them and be held responsible by the fan base when the floodgates open.
If Tanev is out again and Wiercioch is called up, Sauntner will become the Sr D-man with Chatfield and Brisebois, rookies having their share of troubles, inking in at #s 2 and 3.
Swedish reclamation project Cederholm called up from the ECHL at #4.
PTO Cliff Watson, in his first pro season with 21 GP under his belt with the Utah Grizzlies as his only pro experience, has played the last 3 games for the Comets already because Mackenze Stewart did a perfect impression of a turnstile when Cull attempted to give him a go.
They just signed former AHL Syracuse Crunch D-man Dylan Blujus to a PTO out of ECHL Jacksonville. The announcement wasn't even made on the Utica site and I doubt he was in Rochester tonight. Likely joins the team at the Aud tomorrow morning. The down side here is that while he is only a 4th year pro, after 2 and part of a 3rd season with the Crunch he was let go and landed in the ECHL this season. He is a former Tampa Bay 2nd round Draft pick who looks to have flat out busted on his ***. That will make 6 D-men with Stewart in reserve.
So it's Sautner and not Wiercioch.Everything remains the same except Sautner is traded out for Wiercioch. Is this D-corps anywhere near the amazing strong D defense thew Comets were supposed to have this season? The original best 6 had all kinds of problems. This group is utterly frightening. Glad I don't have to try and backstop them and be held responsible by the fan base when the floodgates open.
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I'll take that as you simply don't follow the progress on your farm. He is Vancouver property currently playing his 3rd season in Utica. He was undrafted but but signed to an ELC by Benning after his overage JR. season.
NoShowWilly
Registered User
UticaHockey
Registered User
Holm and McEneny are both hurt. Wierchioch has spent 29 of the 30 days allowed on a NHL roster without needing to pass through waivers to be sent down again. Chatfield and Brisebois are both first year pros that need to be playing instead of eating popcorn in Vancouver. So it is Sautner that get's popcorn duty this time. The only other available option on a NHL contract is MacKenzie Stewart and I don't think they want to go there just on the possibility that an illness strikes another dman and the popcorn guy has to be penciled in at the last minute.
ihaveyuidonttouchme
MrShiftbyShiftGuy
Sautner has improved this year, but he did have that bad concussion last season which made him very shy in games........
I'm happy for him......
Any more callups and the comets will be pulling people out of the stands....
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