Prospect Info: 2018-2019 In The System: Springfield Thunderbirds, CHL, NCAA, Europe, etc.

[letsgrowcactus]

Finkelstein 1+2, first star in his 7th game for Boston college. Finally starting to put up points
(which he should, since he's a purely offensive Dman with his 178 cm). Hutsko continues his slump.
Bednard healthy again, his teams wins 3-2 in OT, he stops 21 of 23 shots.

Noel collects 2 assists in a 12-6 win. Tippett pointless in his team's loss.

Denisenko somehow manages to get himself ejected from the game for a tripping penalty??? WTF did he do? I'm starting to see why people warned about his discipline issues being a potential problem. Man if you're trying to get yourself sent back to the VHL, good job.

SPR won 5-2, points very evenly spread amongst the lineup. Lammikko 1st star (1 goal), Hunt 2nd star (1 goal), MacDonald 3rd star (1 goal), Stillman (ENG), Schemitsch also scored, Ang, Repo with assists, Driedger makes 30 saves on 32 shots.
They're now 5th in their division in a non-playoff position - the 2nd-6th place there is still extemely open though, with Springfield (52 points in 47 games) being just three points behind 2nd place (Philly's affiliate, 55 points in 46 games) and just one point ahead of Pittsbugh's affiliate who are 6th but have one game in hand. The best four teams in each division qualify so there are no wilcards or anything similar. Fingers crossed so that they make it.

 

[TheImpatientPanther]

Finkelstein 1+2, first star in his 7th game for Boston college. Finally starting to put up points
(which he should, since he's a purely offensive Dman with his 178 cm). Hutsko continues his slump.
Bednard healthy again, his teams wins 3-2 in OT, he stops 21 of 23 shots.

Noel collects 2 assists in a 12-6 win. Tippett pointless in his team's loss.

Denisenko somehow manages to get himself ejected from the game for a tripping penalty??? WTF did he do? I'm starting to see why people warned about his discipline issues being a potential problem. Man if you're trying to get yourself sent back to the VHL, good job.

SPR won 5-2, points very evenly spread amongst the lineup. Lammikko 1st star (1 goal), Hunt 2nd star (1 goal), MacDonald 3rd star (1 goal), Stillman (ENG), Schemitsch also scored, Ang, Repo with assists, Driedger makes 30 saves on 32 shots.
They're now 5th in their division in a non-playoff position - the 2nd-6th place there is still extemely open though, with Springfield (52 points in 47 games) being just three points behind 2nd place (Philly's affiliate, 55 points in 46 games) and just one point ahead of Pittsbugh's affiliate who are 6th but have one game in hand. The best four teams in each division qualify so there are no wilcards or anything similar. Fingers crossed so that they make it.

Good to see Bednard back and healthy again, another win for him on a easier night of 23 shots. How many games left in the college season? 9-10 before playoffs?

Noel has cooled off a bit from his last 2-3 months of averaging nearly two points a game. Maybe he's a little burnt out, he definitely wasn't used this much on Oshawa last year. Think they have 19 games left so hopefully a stat line of 30+ goals and 70+ pts and a strong playoffs will help push him to work that much harder next year. Don't think he's eligible for AHL next year so he will play a 4th and final OHL season.

Tippett looks to be on a bit of a slump, no goals in his last 6 games. His motivation to play in the OHL is probably shot. Still has 3 goals, 10 pts in 12 games for Saginaw but don't feel he's being used as much as he would be in Mississauga as well if you look at his number of shots. Kind of hoping Saginaw gets bounced first round and he can join SPR for their playoff push. He has nothing left to prove at junior level, a championship for a team he's gonna spend 3 months with probably isn't that special to him versus playing pro hockey and making the big bucks.

Hunt has been great, improved every year and I liked his abaility to draw penalty calls when he was called up to FLA. He's pretty stocky and handled the rough stuff. His skating isn't that explosive but you can't deny his offense at the AHL level. May be a 25-26 yeard old late bloomer one day.

MacDonald just continues to shine offensively down there, wonder if he can do enough to earn a spot in FLA next year. Looks to be on pace for another 50+ pt season and he's still locked up for another year. Guys like Brown who can provide physical defensive play may get more nods on bottom pairing.

I've been really impressed with Repo this year along with Schemitsch (he's been a sleeper of mine for last two years). Both need another year in the AHL but still have faith they can be solid call-ups/depth guys in the next few years.

You know if Stillman is back to playing D or is he still bumped to forward? Appreciate the prospect write-ups/game recaps as always.

 

[TheImpatientPanther]

Heponiemi with another goal today in a 7-1 win. click link for goal: Kärpät-Sport, 2019-02-02, Goal
12 goals, 33pts in 36 games.

Jussi Jokinen with 3 assists today in his first game back with Karpat.

 

[letsgrowcactus]

Good to see Bednard back and healthy again, another win for him on a easier night of 23 shots. How many games left in the college season? 9-10 before playoffs?

Noel has cooled off a bit from his last 2-3 months of averaging nearly two points a game. Maybe he's a little burnt out, he definitely wasn't used this much on Oshawa last year. Think they have 19 games left so hopefully a stat line of 30+ goals and 70+ pts and a strong playoffs will help push him to work that much harder next year. Don't think he's eligible for AHL next year so he will play a 4th and final OHL season.

Tippett looks to be on a bit of a slump, no goals in his last 6 games. His motivation to play in the OHL is probably shot. Still has 3 goals, 10 pts in 12 games for Saginaw but don't feel he's being used as much as he would be in Mississauga as well if you look at his number of shots. Kind of hoping Saginaw gets bounced first round and he can join SPR for their playoff push. He has nothing left to prove at junior level, a championship for a team he's gonna spend 3 months with probably isn't that special to him versus playing pro hockey and making the big bucks.

Hunt has been great, improved every year and I liked his abaility to draw penalty calls when he was called up to FLA. He's pretty stocky and handled the rough stuff. His skating isn't that explosive but you can't deny his offense at the AHL level. May be a 25-26 yeard old late bloomer one day.

MacDonald just continues to shine offensively down there, wonder if he can do enough to earn a spot in FLA next year. Looks to be on pace for another 50+ pt season and he's still locked up for another year. Guys like Brown who can provide physical defensive play may get more nods on bottom pairing.
I've been really impressed with Repo this year along with Schemitsch (he's been a sleeper of mine for last two years). Both need another year in the AHL but still have faith they can be solid call-ups/depth guys in the next few years.

You know if Stillman is back to playing D or is he still bumped to forward? Appreciate the prospect write-ups/game recaps as always.

Yeah Tippett has kinda cooled down lately - though TBH the whole team seems to be playing somewhat mediocre? Anyway agreed that if SPR makes the playoffs I'd much rather see him playing there than in juniors.

Hunt is an interesting guy. He has been steadily improving in the AHL which is what you want to see, but his lack of NHL production in his two call-ups (his one assist was a fluke) is kinda worrisome. Maybe he just needs that one goal at that level and the rest will come, who knows?

MacDonald seems to be blocked by the offensive Dmen on our roster... which is somewhat understandeable but I still wish there was a spot for him, he's earned an opportunity with his play.

Yes I think Stillman is back at D.

 

[letsgrowcactus]

Heponiemi with another goal today in a 7-1 win. click link for goal: Kärpät-Sport, 2019-02-02, Goal
12 goals, 33pts in 36 games.

Jussi Jokinen with 3 assists today in his first game back with Karpat.

Both Hepo and Kinnunen helped their teams to a 7-1 win
Hepo played the rare game at center with Kupari out.

Kinnunen was on the first pairing again playing about eighteen and half minutes. Had a primary assist in a nice sequence (joined the rush with a teammate from the d-zone, went straight to the net, nobody scored on his rebound so he retreated back to the blueline, where a few moments later his teammate sent him a really oddly bouncing puck - Kinnunen quickly got it under control and passed it through some other guys to the goal-scorer). Also finished +3 (crap stat but he has the second best +/- on his team with +13 in 25 games). His icetime was extremely limited in the early season games so take this with a grain of salt but in those 25 Liiga games he played, he has been on ice for only seven ES goals. His six points in 25 games might not seem like much but it's tied for fifth most amongst U21 Liiga defencemen and the guys with more points are all either drafted or projected to be drafted in the top2 rounds of this draft. (And I'll stop with the 7th round pick. Just saying, could be an interesting overager. If he one day makes our lineup I claim the right to look really smart )

 

[TheImpatientPanther]

Both Hepo and Kinnunen helped their teams to a 7-1 win
Hepo played the rare game at center with Kupari out.

Kinnunen was on the first pairing again playing about eighteen and half minutes. Had a primary assist in a nice sequence (joined the rush with a teammate from the d-zone, went straight to the net, nobody scored on his rebound so he retreated back to the blueline, where a few moments later his teammate sent him a really oddly bouncing puck - Kinnunen quickly got it under control and passed it through some other guys to the goal-scorer). Also finished +3 (crap stat but he has the second best +/- on his team with +13 in 25 games). His icetime was extremely limited in the early season games so take this with a grain of salt but in those 25 Liiga games he played, he has been on ice for only seven ES goals. His six points in 25 games might not seem like much but it's tied for fifth most amongst U21 Liiga defencemen and the guys with more points are all either drafted or projected to be drafted in the top2 rounds of this draft. (And I'll stop with the 7th round pick. Just saying, could be an interesting overager. If he one day makes our lineup I claim the right to look really smart )

Weegar is a 7th rounder so don't give up on your longshot. You can always bookmark your quote/post and we can re-visit and decide how smart you truly are

 

[Ghoste]

Hunt is an interesting guy. He has been steadily improving in the AHL which is what you want to see, but his lack of NHL production in his two call-ups (his one assist was a fluke) is kinda worrisome. Maybe he just needs that one goal at that level and the rest will come, who knows?

Wondering if Hunt can turn into a slightly better Sceviour. I mean I don't have any top-sixer expectations for him but perhaps a 4th line guy that can chip in some points here & there. Does he kill penalties down in Springfield?

-ghoste

 

[scoob8888]

T Birds only able to dress 4 defensemen tonight against Utica. Wideman and Melchiori are hurt. No one knows about Kislevich. Montembault yanked after giving up 3 goals on the first 5 shots. Not pretty.

 

[Multigrain]

T Birds only able to dress 4 defensemen tonight against Utica. Wideman and Melchiori are hurt. No one knows about Kislevich. Montembault yanked after giving up 3 goals on the first 5 shots. Not pretty.

Did Kislevich go back to Russia?

 

[TheImpatientPanther]

T Birds only able to dress 4 defensemen tonight against Utica. Wideman and Melchiori are hurt. No one knows about Kislevich. Montembault yanked after giving up 3 goals on the first 5 shots. Not pretty.

How have Repo, Stillman and Schemitsch looked recently?
Really liking Repo's game. Hunt keeps producing and improving.

What happened in the first 3 mins? What/if any goals were on Monty?

 

[TheImpatientPanther]

AHL:
Repo with another goal tonight, his 10th on the year, 5 goals/8pts in his last 12 games.
MacDonald with his 11th on the PP, 3 goals/8pts in his last 12 games
Ginner with a goal in his first game back, assisted by Greco and Repo

As pointed out above, Monty pulled 3 mins into the game giving up 3 goals. SPR made a game of it but fall short in a 4-3 regulation loss.

OHL:
Noel held pointless in a 6-3 win. Mini-slump continues
Tippett with an assist in a 6-4 win

College:
Bednard playing back to back games, stops 20 shots in a 3-2 loss.
Gildon with another goal tonight in a 5-3 loss, his 5th of the year.

 

[scoob8888]

How have Repo, Stillman and Schemitsch looked recently?
Really liking Repo's game. Hunt keeps producing and improving.

What happened in the first 3 mins? What/if any goals were on Monty?

Wish I could tell you but was across the street at the casino and when we got there Montembault was already on the bench. I think that you're spot on about Repo . MacDonald is obviously on his way to the Show. Stillman I believe will get there at some point and Schemitsch I'm a bit ambivalent about. Obviously the team is a little shorthanded these days but they play hard and didn't quit tonight after a terrible first 3 minutes. Frankly I don't consider them to be a playoff team considering their goaltending situation.

 

[TheImpatientPanther]

Wish I could tell you but was across the street at the casino and when we got there Montembault was already on the bench. I think that you're spot on about Repo . MacDonald is obviously on his way to the Show. Stillman I believe will get there at some point and Schemitsch I'm a bit ambivalent about. Obviously the team is a little shorthanded these days but they play hard and didn't quit tonight after a terrible first 3 minutes. Frankly I don't consider them to be a playoff team considering their goaltending situation.

Do you win big?

I'd assume their lacking on defense and Driedger and Monty are stumbling a bit?
Ya MacDonald should have a good shot at camp next year
Repo may be a decent depth bottom 6 player going forward. Has a bit of a mean streak to him.
Why so mixed on Schemitsch? Seems to be producing similar to Weegar with goals, decent +/-, what does he need to work on?

 

[CHGoalie27]

How have Repo, Stillman and Schemitsch looked recently?
Really liking Repo's game. Hunt keeps producing and improving.

What happened in the first 3 mins? What/if any goals were on Monty?

Saved me some trouble lol I'll always ask. It always matters!

 

[letsgrowcactus]

Do you win big?

I'd assume their lacking on defense and Driedger and Monty are stumbling a bit?
Ya MacDonald should have a good shot at camp next year
Repo may be a decent depth bottom 6 player going forward. Has a bit of a mean streak to him.
Why so mixed on Schemitsch? Seems to be producing similar to Weegar with goals, decent +/-, what does he need to work on?

I think Driedger has been solid - not super-great but doing his job. Monty OTOH seems to be struggling a bit.

 

[MintyFresh88]

Wouldn’t be surprised if Kiselevich refuses to report to Springfield, but who knows.

If Tallon can’t find a trade partner for him, he’ll prob go back to Russia.

Good thing Tallon hit on Dadonov, because Haapala and now Kiselevich seem like big misses in terms of overseas free agents.

 

[RainingRats]

How is MacDonald defensively? Seems like a guy who we should call up sooner than later

 

[CHGoalie27]

I think Driedger has been solid - not super-great but doing his job. Monty OTOH seems to be struggling a bit.

otoh?

 

[Ryuji Yamazaki]

otoh?

On the other hand

 

[CHGoalie27]

On the other hand

fank you!

 

[Multigrain]

Wish I could tell you but was across the street at the casino and when we got there Montembault was already on the bench. I think that you're spot on about Repo . MacDonald is obviously on his way to the Show. Stillman I believe will get there at some point and Schemitsch I'm a bit ambivalent about. Obviously the team is a little shorthanded these days but they play hard and didn't quit tonight after a terrible first 3 minutes. Frankly I don't consider them to be a playoff team considering their goaltending situation.

They only had 4 defensemen I think so hard to really tell. Stillman has been playing well until the last couple of games he probably had a new partner. Since MacIntosh was a scratch for Vegas game hard to tell if they will keep him or send him back down. At this point hard to tell what the Panthers are doing with the D.

 

[Multigrain]

How is MacDonald defensively? Seems like a guy who we should call up sooner than later

He is not bad, I think he has a chance depending on how the season goes of getting the call up, he deserved it over Brown but Brown had the size that they seem to be looking for.

 

[Multigrain]

Wouldn’t be surprised if Kiselevich refuses to report to Springfield, but who knows.

If Tallon can’t find a trade partner for him, he’ll prob go back to Russia.

Good thing Tallon hit on Dadonov, because Haapala and now Kiselevich seem like big misses in terms of overseas free agents.

Some have reported that he failed to show and probably is on his way back to Russia. Big miss by Tallon if he is in fact on his way back. I guess come Monday they will figure out where he is.

 

[FinlandPanther]

Some have reported that he failed to show and probably is on his way back to Russia. Big miss by Tallon if he is in fact on his way back. I guess come Monday they will figure out where he is.

He wasn’t a miss at all though. Boughner is to blame for his garbage usage.

 

[CHGoalie27]

Some have reported that he failed to show and probably is on his way back to Russia. Big miss by Tallon if he is in fact on his way back. I guess come Monday they will figure out where he is.

When every last Panthers fan does NOT whine about a player, isnt that indication that maybe he's worth keeping around over those that do leave their goalies out to hang?