I am the Liquor
ABK
- Oct 15, 2008
- 40,483
- 5,614
Here's my post game report! As I attend about 30+ games a year, I'm gonna try and do this somewhat often!
Connor McDavid - This was my first time seeing McDavid play live, and I can now fully appreciate what everyone who has seen him play says. Even playing a relaxed game at about, I would say 75% effort, his skills and abilities are undoubtedly the real deal. Watching him on TV or highlights on youtube doesn't do his game justice. The best display of his awareness and skill set was when a pass was flipped up over a defender and him and he used his stick to cradle the puck in the air to set it down and take a shot. If he was standing still it would be an incredible display of coordination... He was in full flight.
Leon Draisaitl - Man amongst boys. Sublime puck protection, passing, and vision. His foot speed still isn't perfect, but it's noticeably better than a year ago. I believe he will earn his spot on this team as a winger. I think with the focus on McDavid, Nurse, Hall, Ebs, Nuge, Etc... he has a real chance to surprise people. Love his game.
Darnell Nurse - I absolutely love how nasty Darnell is, but he is still raw. He seems to hyper focus on rushing the puck up ice rather than finding the best first pass. This could be a product of playing with players that didn't adequately provide an outlet pass to be made, but I sense that Darnell's game is still not as settled as it needs to be. Simply put, he is still trying to do too much. He will not make the team this year, in my opinion. Not if he doesn't settle down his game, which i am confident he can and will do. Physical beast, and dominant presence, which is much needed on this team. We need him to develop the way we know he can.
Joey LaLeggia - I really liked Joey's game tonight. He doesn't seem to have one glaring issue or one glowing facet, but rather a very strong 2 way game. I like that he got popped behind his own net and got back up dutifully to contribute on a scoring chance. Has a really good sense for the play. Size may be his only downside, but his smarts seem to make up for it. I think given some time, we have a gem in Joey.
Eetu Laurikainen - I felt that his first period was decent, but really scambly. Maybe it was a case of nerves, but the moment he got a hair out of position, he was a total mess. That being said, I didn't think that he found himself in that position too too often. Has a great glove and very solid rebound control. I couldn't begin to give him an accurate projection, but I did like his game!
Anton Slepyshev - Big man plays a big game. His skating impressed me. I knew he had hands, but he moves that frame around the ice very well. I wouldn't doubt that he sees some time in the show due to injuries on the big club this year. Still adjusting to a smaller ice surface, it seems, but overall I liked his game quite a bit. He seems to be a big guy who actually realizes he's a big guy. The anti-Penner.
Caleb Jones - Did not like his game very much, actually. I didn't think it was terrible, but he made questionable plays time and time again. I like his physicality, but his puck distribution decisions were not good. He seems to panic easy and fire the puck away without a plan. He actually reminded me of Nurse in his first ever game in an Oilers uniform. I think there is a player there, but he's a long long long ways away.
Braden Christoffer - I really liked Christoffer's game tonight. He was quiet, but reasonably effective. Let's just say he didn't hurt us. I think given some time he could end up playing in the league some day. He needs to work on a few things (Defensive zone, quicker decision making, not holding on the puck as much) But I think he could be a guy with the right development that could actually go somewhere.
Kyle Platzer Meh. Didn't really mind him, but I didn't really care for him. Made me say 'What are you DOING??' a couple times. Plays physical. that's about it.
Ben Betker - Terrible. I don't know if I just watched him on bad shifts, or if they were all bad... I didn't like his game at all. If his thing is being big, then it's not enough for him to go any further than tonight.
Josh Winquist Seems to me like he plays a pretty feisty game. He seems to always be involved in the play. I like that. Still a very raw player, but I see a lot of good offensive upside with Winny.
Cole Sanford Didn't notice him overly much. Maybe I was distracted by his center. Who know who. Colin McDaniel, or whatever his name is. Played good. Didn't really have a strong opinion on him one way or the other.
Rihards Bukarts No. Just. No. I can't tell you how many times i had my hands in the air screaming 'WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?' Pass.
The rest - Outside of the aforementioned players, I thought the rest of team played a good game. No one stuck out one way or the other for me to really say.
The summary - Great to get back into Rexall. The buzz in the crowd is amazing. I just have this feeling that the McDavid effect (Not the crappy financial situation i'm now in because of him) is really going to carry over to the main team. Even at 75%, he is a competitor. There's a very different feel around the rink. I'm used to going into the games in September/October full of optimism and saying 'This is our year!' I don't feel like saying that this year... But i feel something a little bit more calming. Quiet confidence. And for the first time in a long long time, it's fun to go to a game again.
-Thanks for reading! This was really my first attempt at a post game write up, so any and all feedback, good and bad, is welcome and appreciated. And please don't mind the spelling/grammar mistakes. Cheers!
-Timo
There used to be someone here that used to do these, but then they just disappeared, so we need you now, more than ever, to pick up the baton and finish what that poor long suffering poster started so long ago.
