How Are Your Rookies Doing So Far?

[Behn Wilson]

Hawks Rookies are coming out of the gate strong. Only 2 games played so far but I ranked them in order of the most impresessive showings show far:

1.Pavel Vorobiev - 2 goals and an assist in the second game after going scoreless in game one. Was the Hawks best player on the ice tonight. Has been a pleasant surprise.

2.Brent Seabrook - 5 assists in two games, move over Crosby and Ovechkin, here is the next Great One!!!! (just kidding, obviously) but his overall play and poise have been solid so far.

3.Rene Bourque-Netted a goal in the opener and is 1-0-1. Big expectations for him from Hawk fans this year. Now it looks like he and Vorobiev are on equal footing and if Daze's injury is ongoing these two should both see significant minutes on the top 2 lines.

4.Duncan Keith-logging a ton of minutes, among the team leaders. Some hawk fans are really sold on him, Im skeptical of a defenseman who is this small though. Coach Yawney seems to love him though, so Im still a bit undecided on him. Played much better in Game 2 then Game 1 when he was atrocious.

5.Matt Ellison-Played on fourth line, a couple of hits but hasnt done much yet.
Got some PP time at the point and was unimpressive there.

6.Cam Barker-Has not dressed yet and Im not sure if he will before being sent to minors. Seabrook and Keith appear to have locked up spots so Im not sure there is an opening for him. Too bad, I was at both games and wanted to see him in person.

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[Transported Upstater]

Hawks Rookies are coming out of the gate strong. Only 2 games played so far but I ranked them in order of the most impresessive showings show far:

1.Pavel Vorobiev - 2 goals and an assist in the second game after going scoreless in game one. Was the Hawks best player on the ice tonight. Has been a pleasant surprise.

2.Brent Seabrook - 5 assists in two games, move over Crosby and Ovechkin, here is the next Great One!!!! (just kidding, obviously) but his overall play and poise have been solid so far.

3.Rene Bourque-Netted a goal in the opener and is 1-0-1. Big expectations for him from Hawk fans this year. Now it looks like he and Vorobiev are on equal footing and if Daze's injury is ongoing these two should both see significant minutes on the top 2 lines.

4.Duncan Keith-logging a ton of minutes, among the team leaders. Some hawk fans are really sold on him, Im skeptical of a defenseman who is this small though. Coach Yawney seems to love him though, so Im still a bit undecided on him. Played much better in Game 2 then Game 1 when he was atrocious.

5.Matt Ellison-Played on fourth line, a couple of hits but hasnt done much yet.
Got some PP time at the point and was unimpressive there.

6.Cam Barker-Has not dressed yet and Im not sure if he will before being sent to minors. Seabrook and Keith appear to have locked up spots so Im not sure there is an opening for him. Too bad, I was at both games and wanted to see him in person.

A Chicago fan = "SUPERFAN!"

I assumed when DA BLACKHAWKS kept Barker it would be to give him the 10-and-down...Maybe I was right with this.
If he returns to the WHL, he's the best defenseman in the CHL. Ideally, he'd be in Norfolk, but I don't have a problem with quality young players playing in the CHL.




"Gentlemen, who would win...a hurricane, or a certain coach Ditka?"
"Hold on, hold on! What if the hurricane....WAS HURRICANE DITKA?"

"402 to zip DA BULLS....Michael Jordan will be held to UNDER 200 points!"

 

[Porn*]

Steen has looked solid... 2gms 1g

great back checking, great defensive... I love it.

 

[Big McLargehuge]

Penguins

Sidney Crosby- Our best forward in each of the 3 games played so far. 5 points leads the team.

Maxime Talbot- Absolute demon on the penalty kill. Our best faceoff man by far as well. Not going to do much of anything offensively though. He's not going to be the 100 point player in the NHL that he was in the QMJHL, that's for sure. But as long as he continues to be the sparkplug that he is, we don't care.

Matt Murley- Extremely good on the penalty kill, useless otherwise. Not that he plays when not on the penalty kill though

Rob Scuderi- Useless.

 

[ChemiseBleuHonnete]

Steen has looked solid... 2gms 1g

great back checking, great defensive... I love it.

He scored against the habs. It was a routine shot that Theodore couldn't stop. However, he looked like he was a good player. Great hockey sense and no glaring weakness.

 

[What the Faulk]

Everyone knows about Cam.

Hutch has been so-so, playing mostly on the PP and looking very poised but doesn't have anything to show for it.

While not technically a rookie (too old, but hadn't played in the NHL prior to Wednesday), has looked solid on Brind'Amours line. He's a pretty good PKer and as a few assists.

 

[Transported Upstater]

Penguins

Sidney Crosby- Our best forward in each of the 3 games played so far. 5 points leads the team.

Maxime Talbot- Absolute demon on the penalty kill. Our best faceoff man by far as well. Not going to do much of anything offensively though. He's not going to be the 100 point player in the NHL that he was in the QMJHL, that's for sure. But as long as he continues to be the sparkplug that he is, we don't care.

Matt Murley- Extremely good on the penalty kill, useless otherwise. Not that he plays when not on the penalty kill though

Rob Scuderi- Useless.

I love Talbot, I think he has a lot to offer, especially for that team.

LOL - USELESS. So Simple, yet so refined and effective

 

[The Mars Volchenkov]

Andrej Meszaros - He's been awesome. For someone who just turned 20 years old, he plays with so much poise and is so calm it's unbelieveable. Hasn't tried to do anything fancy, just gotten the job done.

Brandon Bochenski - He struggled in the first game, better tonight. Got an assist. He's here because he's a goal scorer but I haven't seen him shoot yet.

Chris Kelly - The Sens PK has been amazing so far and Kelly has been a big part of it.

Brian McGratton - Useless player, good fighter.

Christoph Schubert - Haven't seen him play yet.

 

[Transported Upstater]

Andrej Meszaros - He's been awesome. For someone who just turned 20 years old, he plays with so much poise and is so calm it's unbelieveable. Hasn't tried to do anything fancy, just gotten the job done.

Brandon Bochenski - He struggled in the first game, better tonight. Got an assist. He's here because he's a goal scorer but I haven't seen him shoot yet.

Chris Kelly - The Sens PK has been amazing so far and Kelly has been a big part of it.

Brian McGratton - Useless player, good fighter.

Christoph Schubert - Haven't seen him play yet.

If Meszaros played his way onto THAT team, I'm quite impressed...

 

[Brad*]

Philadelphia

Jeff Carter - Has been fairly quiet to start the season, but it's too be expected. He had mono over the summer which really hurt his off-season training and weakened his body some, and is only now really getting back to 100%. Add to that the fact that he has been asked to switch from his natural position as center to player right wing, and it's pretty obvious why he's had some struggles. Overall, his game on Friday against New Jersey was strong than his first game against New York, and I'd expect a similar level of progression as the season wears on and he becomes more accustomed to the NHL.

Mike Richards - Richards has been excellent so far. When I watch him on the ice, I do not feel like I'm watching a 20 year old NHL rookie, but rather I feel like I'm watched a poised veteran. His game appears to be matured enough already to be considered a top-6 player, and Ken Hitchcock (who is notoriously hard on rookies) is giving him the ice time and responsibilities of such. Offensively, he's been the third best Flyer other than Forsberg and Gagne, and has seen a lot of time on the PK at a time when they've had a lot of use. Overall, I'm extremely impressed with him.

Antero Niittymaki - Antero played one game so far this season against New Jersey, and gave the Flyers their first win. He was very good; only gave up two goals, one of which was a great deflection that he had no chance on, and really made some great saves late in the game against New Jersey when they were trying to fight back. If Esche doesn't get his inconsistency under control, he will have company for the number one job by season's end.

 

[cstu]

He scored against the habs. It was a routine shot that Theodore couldn't stop. However, he looked like he was a good player. Great hockey sense and no glaring weakness.

I wouldn't really call that goal a routine shot; Steen picked a spot and sniped it.

 

[JiriHrdina]

For the Flames Dion Phaneuf has been either better than expected or played up to expectations depending on how good you thought he would be off the start.

From my perspective though he's shown way more poise than I thought he would at this point. He's played very physical, made nice pinches, and has played a great deal more than anticipated (in part to Reg's injury). He's had only the occasional gaffe in decision making, but frankly much fewer than the likes of Andrew Ference, Steve Montador or even some of the blueliners higher on the depth chart.

Overall a very impressive start to his career. My only complain would be that the PP (which has been brutal so far) seems to be too focused on getting the puck to him to shoot. I'd like to see less pressure on him on the PP - its far too early for the PP to be so geared around him.

 

[Took a pill in Sbisa]

Edmonton:

N/A

 

[Form and Substance]

Perezhogin: 2 goals in 2 games, has been all over the ice so far, works hard and never stops moving. He's a little tentative (I don't see him carrying the puck so much) but when he does control the puck, he does some neat stuff. He's here to stay and will only get better with time. Damn that Dags!

Higgins: My favourite of the 50 rookies in our current line-up. Damn this guy does ALL the little things right and can score too! His skating technique is a bit choppy but boy is he fast. He's so calm and will be a great leader in the habs organization if he isn't already. Totally leads by example and it's helped guys like Ribs and Ryder (who are supposed to shepherd the rooks) unblock and play their game.

Plekanec: I think he's being given an unfair chance, because so far he's been rock solid. He makes plays, kills plays, hits, skates and passes well. He ain't going anywhere.

Streit: He's great on the powerplay but I don't really notcie him anywhere else (then again he's only played one game).

Ivanans: err...big guy.

 

[Ruckus007]

Sabres


Thomas Vanek (LW): Has shown fantastic offensive ability so far with an assist in each of the first two games. Whoever said he can't pass is nuts, both assists came off great passes to get Afinogenov and Dumont in wide open, scoring possessions. Looks like he's been a bit tentative to shoot, actually. Floats a bit but it seems like he's trying to read the play for offensive breakouts more than just not caring about defense. I suspect it will come with time.

Paul Gaustad (C): A large stalwart on the 4th line who hits everything that moves. Is getting a little bit of PK and PP time too. Definitely the kind of character player that every team needs.

Ryan Miller (G): Started each of the first three games. Absolutely fantastic in a win vs Boston. Slightly less impressive in the opening win against the Isles and wasn't particularly bad in a loss to Ottawa where the flood gates opened with 2 PP and a shortie in the 3rd (3rd game in 4 nights, IMO he shouldn't have started). Has been sound positionally, a bit inconsistant in rebound control. So far looks like a legitimate starting goalie for this team.

 

[Hasbro]

Peter Budaj: won his first career start tonight against Dallas

Marek Svatos: Supposedly in coach Q's doghouse, missed the first game with a groin injury. Then had a great game vs Dallas scoring the game winner.

Wojtek Wolski:Looks raw, at this point good bet to go back to Brampton.

 

[neelynugs]

andrew alberts - looks afraid out there. a totally different player than the one in preseason and in providence last year. if he doesn't step it up soon, back to the minors.

kevin dallman - a pleasant surprise for the most part, but he's playing too many minutes. smart player, and does well given his size limitations.

milan jurcina - only had about 6 minutes last night, but looked slow and overmatched.

brad boyes - has been very solid. smart, savvy, good shot, and takes the body. he deserves more ice time, and currently centers the #2 PP unit.

patrick leahy - biggest surprise so far, given it is only 3 games. he's gotten better every game, and scored a sick goal last night. brings an energy to the ice we need desperately, and has good hockey sense. getting a regular PK shift too.

hannu toivonen - shaky debut, but that's to be expected given the lineup we faced. gave up 2 bad goals (he mentioned the new pads as something that's still 'a learning process'), but really held the fort in the 3rd period when we needed it most. kid's gonna be a stud eventually, but i expect him to be up-and-down this season.

colton orr - can't complain much, since he's only had like 5 shifts. looks quicker than last i saw him, and i look forward to his first fight this season

 

[Jerky Leclerc]

Ducks

1. Corey Perry: 2 assists. Perry has been creative setting up scoring chances and strong along the board and in front of the net. He is a key member on the Ducks 2nd pp team.

2. Ryan Getzlaf: has been somewhat overwhelmed in the first two games. He hasn't used his size to advantage. Some time in the AHL might help boost his confidence instead of playing spot duty on the 3rd/4th line.

3. Ilja Bryzgalov: solid in net during the preseason but no starts yet.

4. Dustin Penner: strong in preseason but has been healthy scratch the first two games.

 

[Buffalo Stylee]

Sabres
Thomas Vanek (LW):Looks like he's been a bit tentative to shoot, actually.

He certainly wasn't like that yesterday.

 

[natoono]

If Meszaros played his way onto THAT team, I'm quite impressed...

He did, if he wasnt up to the 5th D man role then he would have sent down to bingo and got 1st pair and top PP minutes

 

[Jason MacIsaac]

Zach Parise - Has been our best forward so far, only Martin and Brodeur have been more impressive. 1 goal and 2 assists in 3 games is good enough in my books. Without ZPar the Devils would probably be in pretty rough shape...maybe 0 -3. He is the reason the second line is working.

 

[Cush]

Caps:

Ovechkin: 2 g 2 a, plus a couple of nice hits.

Been kind of hard for him to get going the last couple of games, as the Caps have been on the PK far too often. I think he only had around 5 or 6 minutes of ice time in the 3rd period last night because of penalties.

 

[What the Faulk]

Wojtek Wolski:Looks raw, at this point good bet to go back to Brampton.

Not Lowell? I'd love to see him and Ladd as their top two LWs.

 

[Gwyddbwyll]

Phoenix -

Keith Ballard - In his first game, handled Todd Bertuzzi and relished the battle. Played it sensible for a long time, then showed excellent hockey sense when it was 4 on 4, rushing into the slot and cleanly beating Cloutier 1 on 1 (Cloutier had been stonewalling the Coyotes all night). Has gone on to receive big minutes, Gretzky trusts this guy and Michalek too.

Zbynek Michalek - Spectacular slide on his first shift, losing the puck and setting up a breakaway. Has not missed a beat since, looking smooth on the puck and positionally sound. Another to be given plenty of ice time. I think he's Milan's elder brother.

David LeNeveu - I didnt see his debut but by all accounts does not look out of place at all. Probably destined for the AHL when Boucher returns.

Freddie Sjostrom - only 1 game back from injury. Gretzky likes his speed and versatility. We'll see if he becomes the victim of a numbers game, he's the only one who is exempt from waivers.

 

[x-bob]

For Montreal!

1-Perezhogin: He ahs played 2 agmes and has dominated in both. He has 2 goals up to now,

2-Higgins: He played 2 games on the 4th line and one on the second with Ribs and Ribeiro. He is amazinG! He is always near the puck. He has a goal and an assist. He is also a +2

3-Plekanec: He has played all 3 games ont he 4th line but still got an assist. He looks like he can really dominate angainst other top lines. He played wuite some thime against Jagr and THornton in the 2 first games. 1 assist, +2

4-Streit: An overager defencemen that controlles well the puck in the O zone. In his first game yeaterday he got one assits on Souray's goal!

5-Ivanans: He only played 4-5 minutes but he is pretty fast. He is also ok defensivly. He isn't a defensive lyability like some goons.

6-Danis: He hasn't played yet