Gaunce was playing a 3rd line role last night. He and Blomstrand created a goal chance offensively (it's even in thefeebster's video). I didn't think he was given a chance to show all he can offensively.
I agree he didn't stick out, but I disagree that he has too. He's also a good shooter and wasn't given good chances to use his shot. Hope he does by tournament end.
His strengths are simplicity and directness....not dynamic at all really, but that's ok (2012 draft was crap anyways, so getting a bottom 6 player at 26th overall is good. I still support the pick).
On Anderson, his game is to blend into the woodwork. Simple and effective....Tanev like. He looks better in the AHL IMO than he did last night.
Tommernes I hold a soft spot for because we share a birthday, at his size, he needs to drive the play more on offensive and create more chances. Haven't seen enough to have a great opinion. Seems to be able to handle good competition defensively, but needs to provide more spark at the other end.
I agree that Gaunce doesn't have to stand out if you accept that fact that he's going to be a low-impact bottom-6 defensive player. However, that would not be the consensus expectation on this website right now, and I think people have to temper those expectations.
Was he poor? No. But against this level of competition the guys who are going to make real impact should look like they're playing pond hockey in the offensive zone. As Horvat/Shinkaruk/Jensen did for much of the night.
And when we're talking about a guy who has been mentioned as a potential NHL player this year, the fact that his skating looks sluggish in an ECHL-calibre game has to be an issue.
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As for Andersson/Tommernes - they're pretty much the oldest/most experienced guys out there. Playing in an ECHL game, they should look like studs if they're legitimate prospects, even if they're playing conservatively.
I agree Andersson can play better, but he wasn't very good last night - his passing and puck distribution was poor, and he was dangled on a couple occasions. He wasn't bad, but he sure as heck wasn't very good.
Tommernes just looks like an undersized guy with no discernible skills that will translate to be an NHL player. Small, non-physical, not great offensively, decent but not great skater. Looks like the definition of a minor-league player.