Neil was great last night. He was the only vet in the line up, and was obviously there to make sure that the Jets didn't take liberties with our kids. That is his main role, and a role that every team needs. He was causing trouble all night, and stood up for the kids when needed. The 2 for shoving was ridiculous, and likely the refs trying to cool off a preseason game. Love how Neil was fired up anyways.
It should be noted that there is likely two streams of though going on simultaneously with training came, one are the guys competing for spots, and the other are the guys whom the staff are taking a good look at, but are not threatening to take a roster spot. Of this second group there are two types; there are the guys who the organization has plans for and the staff want to get an updated view of their skills, and the other are the guys that the team is having a look to decide if the organization wants to have long term plans for them. This is my simple overview of what is obviously more nuanced and complex. However, this is, in my opinion, why Prince was sent down while a guy like DD stayed up. Management likes Prince, has plans for him, but know he's not going to crack the opening night roster so there is no point holding him out of Bingo games, especially some overseas bonding. Mac already explained how happy he was with Prince, and why he was sent down. DD is getting a last long look before the organization drops him from future plans.
Same on D, Freddy is getting a nice long look to access his skills, but he will definitely be going back to Bingo, but is in the team's future. Grant and Johnson, are getting a look to see if there is a future for them in the organization. To make a more final decision more time is needed.
Murray has already explained that Lazar will have to significantly outplay a roster player if he is to stick, and I don't think he's done that. He seems like he is ready for NHL hockey, but he is not significantly better than our roster players, or the guys fighting for spots, unless space is made by clearing out players (Greening, Condra?). He is likely to be sent back.
Stone, Puempel, Hoffman, Pageau, and Robinson are all fighting neck an neck for the couple of roster spots available. Lazar has been solid, but he has not shown to be significantly better than any of these guys, and it's preseason, where all kinds of types can shine (why he has to be significantly better to secure a spot). Personally I think Puempel will be sent back to dominate in the AHL and be a quick injury call up, and I think Hoffman is on the outside looking in at this point. It also looks like Robinson is more suited to play with some offensive type players, while Pageau is so good defensively that he could secure a spot by virtue of being versatile enough to play with Neil and Smith (he could also play with scorers, but is better than Stone and Robinson in the bottom six). Smith Pageau Neil could be an awesome 4th line with punch, defence, and some scoring, like Boston's.
Cowen was better last night, while Weir was not great. He does very little well, and plays like a player who will likely be the odd man out. When Methot is ready to go, I see Boro as being a better 7th man option than Weir, for at least Boro brings an element to the team.
Personally I would like to see the forwards pan out like so:
Mac - Turris - Ryan
Mik - Zib - Stone
Chai - Leggy - Robinson
Smith - Pageau - Neil
Greening
