GDT: Preseason begins - Rangers at Devils 7 PM MSG+, Devils at Montreal 7:30 PM (split-squad)

[Devilsfan992]

Wow Blackwood really looked bad on that 2nd goal.

 

[Camille the Eel]

what'd y'all think of gryba

I seem to be the only one who liked his game. Big physical play, he was clearing people out and well positioned and we can use some of that. But maybe a pre season game isn’t the place you expect it. He does have a decent resume with Ottawa, right?

I expect he’ll be depth but I would like to see more of him. We got pushed around a lot last year by clubs like Columbus and Winnipeg - by anyone with size, and who brought pressure actually.

 

[MadDevil]

Gryba is basically Prout. A physical depth guy who you hope doesn't need to play, but probably won't kill you in small doses if needed.

 

[Bleedred]

Wow Blackwood really looked bad on that 2nd goal.

That looked like the Scott Darling special. Not only did he turn the puck over to a Habs player, but then he gets beaten from a dead angle when he was already in position and had enough time to stop the shot, even after the giveaway.

 

[Lou is God]

Maybe now Marty is back in fold, have him work with Blackwood some, what we got to lose?

And I also been having a good feeling about this Cam Johnson kid, I think he's going to surprise.

 

[Emperoreddy]

Maybe now Marty is back in fold, have him work with Blackwood some, what we got to lose?

And I also been having a good feeling about this Cam Johnson kid, I think he's going to surprise.

Be hard with Marty in New Jersey and Blackwood in Bingo.

We can afford to be patient with him still. I am intrigued by Cam though.

 

[Bleedred]

I didn’t think much about Cam Johnson good or bad tonight. I’d have to see more of him.

He didn’t have a chance at all on either goal allowed though.

 

[Lou is God]

Be hard with Marty in New Jersey and Blackwood in Bingo.

We can afford to be patient with him still. I am intrigued by Cam though.

Oh I mean NOW while he's in camp, and I don't know if Marty can teach him anything technique wise but that might not be the issue, I wonder if the kid lacks confidence or doesn't have the right approach and maybe Marty can be an influence that way.

 

[Emperoreddy]

Oh I mean NOW while he's in camp, and I don't know if Marty can teach him anything technique wise but that might not be the issue, I wonder if the kid lacks confidence or doesn't have the right approach and maybe Marty can be an influence that way.

Confidense would be my guess with him as well. He has the physical tools, and he has shown technique in the past.

Idk with goalies. They are weird birds. It doesn’t seem like it takes much for them to suddenly find what they need, or to just go completely off the rails.

Reminds a lot how pitchers can go from super stars in one season and garbage the next.

 

[NjDevsRR]

McLeod was noticeably good

 

[Emperoreddy]

McLeod was noticeably good

He was using both his speed and size in that 3rd period and it showed.

He does need to be stronger on the puck. One reason why an AHL season will be really good for him. Needs to round out his game to be effective in a pro setting. Learn to be more physical too. He is a big boy, use that size. He started to muscle guys a bit in the 3rd. More of that.

I still think he can be that good middle 6 center. Ideally 3C, but won’t hurt you if you have to play him at 2C. Basically Zajac’s replacement. Play a sound game, cause chaos with his speed in the bottom 6 and bring in the depth scoring you need to contend.

That is fine as long as Zacha can lock down that 2C spot. He has the better skill set for a top 6 role anyway.

 

[glenwo2]

Just some thoughts from the game.

Hall - Hischier - Bratt were all moving well but it seemed like they were all just a little bit out of sync. Individually, they all looked good, but too many times they either messed each other up or misread each other or were just a step off the play.

You can really see Smith's strengths shine through, but his top end speed seems to be lacking especially going back to retrieve pucks. Greene, Vatanen, and Butcher all have the same issue at times, but with Smith's inexperience and lack of strength, it seemed like it put him in some tricky situations at times. Credit to him though because he was often able to negate those issues.

McLeod looked like he was trying to play a more cerebral game and he looked good out there. JQ had a terrific game as well, if he keeps playing like that he'll find himself on the team.

Yakovlev seemed nervous to me. You can see his assets, but too many times he seemed like he had no idea where to be or would skate/pass the puck into dead ice. Hopefully that is something that can get worked out with familiarity.

Preseason Game #1.

I'm sure they'll get more in sync as time goes on.

 

[BurntToast]

The best part with the Devils going overseas is that they can carry a few extra bodies. Players trying to make the team get some extra time/practices. Speers is not my favorite player but he has been suprising in good way. Great Prospects challenge, good start to camp and he carried it to the game last night.

 

[Emperoreddy]

The best part with the Devils going overseas is that they can carry a few extra bodies. Players trying to make the team get some extra time/practices. Speers is not my favorite player but he has been suprising in good way. Great Prospects challenge, good start to camp and he carried it to the game last night.

Another guy that seems built for the open bottom 6 RW spot.

 

[TheUnseenHand]

I missed Speers goal last night. Just saw the highlight. It was a nice goal.

 

[Brooklyndevil]

Don’t want to rush the kid. However, if Smith continues to be one of are better defensemen during preseason he should make the team regardless of age. And if Smith does make the team, someone will be gone. Maybe Severson or Santini. As for McLeod, one season in the AHL, and we’ll have or future 3rd line center. I like JQ’s shot.

 

[Billdo]

I don't see any reason to put Smith on the NHL club.

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

Interesting re Quenneville vs. Lappin. Lappin skates better I think but the two players are not really equivalents. I think Quenneville is more of a Noesen equivalent. A battler and grinder, someone sound positionally and he certainly made some nice plays tonight and was in the right spots all night long.

But if I’m looking for someone to replace Gibbons, role wise, it’s more Lappin who reminds me of Brian. Because he can move better and is more dynamic with the puck, not just a sniper but an aggressive guy who will surprise you and who also can play the p.k.

I basically disagree with all of this

there is no way that Lappin skates better than JQ

 

[Fear the Wushu]

I don't see any reason to put Smith on the NHL club.

If he plays like he did last night and shows he can hold his own with NHL players I have no doubt Shero and Hynes will have him up for at least 9 games.

 

[Quest for Stanley]

Coleman’s goal in the 3rd should have counted. Turning point in the game.

 

[SingnBluesOnBroadway]

Oh I mean NOW while he's in camp, and I don't know if Marty can teach him anything technique wise but that might not be the issue, I wonder if the kid lacks confidence or doesn't have the right approach and maybe Marty can be an influence that way.

Give you Jeremy Brodeur for a 1st, Ronnie.

 

[Quest for Stanley]

Coleman’s goal in the 3rd should have counted. Turning point in the game.

No interference by Seney other than a shot on net. Puck is in before Coleman makes contact with the goalie. Net knocked off clearly after puck crosses goal line. Devils robbed for a 2 0 lead. Habs score shortly after the disallowed goal

 

[TheUnseenHand]

Coleman’s goal in the 3rd should have counted. Turning point in the game.

It's preseason, refs playing to the home crowd.

 

[Billdo]

I basically disagree with all of this

there is no way that Lappin skates better than JQ

Lappin DOES NOT skate better than JQ. I actually noticed Lappin being rather sluggish last night tbh.

 

[TheUnseenHand]

I was missing the speed of the prospects game last night, but that's mostly because 1. The top line was cruising and 2. Most of the other speedy guys were in Montreal. Neither team looked particularly quick though.