I addressed my take on Sekac in the PGT after the Chicago road game.
As far as I was concerned that particular game was his FIRST true test of his abilities to adapt to the NHL game
And he failed miserably.
That Hawks line-up he was up against that night was perhaps the most elite hockey talent he's ever faced in his young pro career - Kane, Toews, Sharp, Keith, etc.
Sekac was ineffective and pretty much a non-factor all night. His skating was choppy and seemed overwhelmed when the Hawks had a good cycle going. He got beat and lost possession to the pinching Hawks D-Men a half dozen times throughout the game. Yes, he came off the bench, picked up a nice feed and let go a howitzer during one play but that was really it.
So, it was no surprise when MT pulled him off that first line to start the 3rd period
and replaced him with Thomas who managed to generate more chemistry on that 1st line with one shift than Sekac did the previous two periods combined.
It is so obvious how MB and his coaching staff has laid the red carpet out for the so-called highly touted free agent since day one. And to make the transition even easier (i.e sweeten the pot), MT has pretty much started him on a line with NHL vets for every single pre-season match, thus far.
Training camp is now over.
The games are for real.
There will be expectations from Sekac to adapt to the NHL game sooner than later. But, unfortunately, for 6'2" Sekac, when the stage gets bigger, he plays smaller. Reports out of the KHL say that he disappeared during last season's KHL play-off run. Don't take my word for it - just look no further than his 1 goal in 21 play-off games for proof.
Overall, I am baffled by the relentless praise Sekac has received on this board.
Yeah, it's easy to get all googly eyes when a 6'2" right winger replaces a 5'7" smurf (Gionta) but all I really see is a big body forward with "rough around the edges" talent.
Watching Sekac play throughout training camp proves that he is absolutely a bona-fide NHL prospect, and not (yet) an NHL player.....and prospects stand to gain more by playing in the AHL.
As a Habs fan, sure I'd love to see him prove me wrong and rack up a formidable
40 point season as a rookie but I don't see it happening given his skill set.
My prediction ?
Sekac will endure far more bad games than good games as the season progresses.
Remember, the KHL plays only 54 games and he, personally, has yet to play more than 47 games/season the last 3 years of his short pro career.
But he will wear a Habs jersey most of the season, with Thomas occasionally taking his spot when Sekac disappears from the score sheet for an extended period of time.
2014-15 Stats:
GP - 58 games
G - 5
A - 11
Pts - 16
Were your Posts one and two a little more flattering than this one?
Sekac take your job or something?
Pshaw..
