Knowing full well this is only one preseason game and not indicative of anything major I'd grade the team like this
Kesler A+ comedy
Rakell: A+
Bieksa: A
Fowler: A
Noesen: A-
Friberg: A-
Andersen: B+
Manson: B+
Sekac: B
Getzlaf: B
Horcoff: B
Maroon: B-
Stewart: C+
Ritchie: C
Jackman: C-
Kerdiles: D+
Cramarossa: D
Megna: D
Vatanen: D-
O'Brien: D-
Just random notes:
Kerdiles did not play the kind of game I've come to expect from him. He usually plays with tenacity and intensity. He looked timid and lost out there and as a fan of his it was a big let down.
Getzlaf looks completely healthy and ready to go
Bieksa and Horcoff seem to me like the kind of guys that will add a veteran presence and leadership to this team. Very encouraging overall.
Vatanen was just awful tonight. That can't be stressed enough, that even though it's only preseason and he could just as easily turn it around, it is a bit worrisome
I think overall Manson IS better than Stoner. He's a Beauchemin lite IMO with a little more emphasis on jumping up on the play offensively. That said, someone needs to work with him on not getting caught too much cheating up high. It's not good for him. it's the biggest thing detracting from an otherwise solid game.
Sekac didn't blow me away as much as the game went on, it seemed almost like he realized the stakes weren't actually high in the game and he hung back. However, I do think he can be a difference maker and he made a good case to be a regular tonight.
Watching Noesen it really is just a shame that he missed as much development time as he did because he's such a smart player and he does have the physical tools for this game, I just think he's a little behind in seasoning.
Ritchie isn't quite there yet in my opinion. He honestly met my expectation 100% of what he'd be. In that we'd see flashes of the type of player who should go top 10, but needs some experience. His conditioning was good and he made a couple creative plays. But the people expecting that he could come in and fit in with Getzlaf and Perry, are in my opinion a touch off base.
Horcoff was interesting because at times his game was real sloppy, but then others his experience really shone through and he looked like a more than decent bottom 6 option.
Speaking of bottom 6 options, I know he didn't play much but in the little I saw of Jackman he just looked like a mess.
Rakell overall looks to have greatly matured his game. Everyone pumping his tires is justified in doing so. I just have one reservation and that is, that he didn't necessarily show that he's added FINISH to his game. Same deal with Sekac. I expect both to be great puck possessors and difference makers but I don't know to what extent yet.