The Utica Comets Thread | Part 34

[orcatown]

The Comets lone goal that was offsides by about 5 feet.

True. Kind of summed up the Utica offense.

Game was bad ...very bad for the Comets but really made lop-sided by the terrible play of Bachman. Second time this year he's started a game and couldn't stop anything. Not that it matter b/c the Marlies are way better anyhow.

Most disappointing aspect was that Gaunce - Shnkaruk line with Grenier was given front line play, made first unit on the PP (including an extended 5 on 3) and tons of ice time and accomplished nothing. Shinkaruk again had chances on some fat rebounds but whiffed on them.

Bad games all over the place but Cassels (-2 in limited time played) , Grenier, Negrin (-4) Ehrhardt (-5) and Marino (-4 and totally clueless defensively) in particular stank.

Subban had some good moments but also got badly beaten at the blue line on one of the goals. Really got walked on that play.

Higgins was more involved and made one nice deke to get to the net (bobbled his chance) but ended up a -3. Looking more and more like salary cap disaster. Can't believe his game has fallen apart this bad.

Archibald nailed Percy and knocked him out of the game and received 5 and a game. Maybe further discipline to follow

Not having Zelewski is definitely hurting the team

 

[VanJack]

True. Kind of summed up the Utica offense.

Game was bad ...very bad for the Comets but really made lop-sided by the terrible play of Bachman. Second time this year he's started a game and couldn't stop anything. Not that it matter b/c the Marlies are way better anyhow.

Most disappointing aspect was that Gaunce - Shnkaruk line with Grenier was given front line play, made first unit on the PP (including an extended 5 on 3) and tons of ice time and accomplished nothing. Shinkaruk again had chances on some fat rebounds but whiffed on them.

Bad games all over the place but Cassels (-2 in limited time played) , Grenier, Negrin (-4) Ehrhardt (-5) and Marino (-4 and totally clueless defensively) in particular stank.

Subban had some good moments but also got badly beaten at the blue line on one of the goals. Really got walked on that play.

Higgins was more involved and made one nice deke to get to the net (bobbled his chance) but ended up a -3. Looking more and more like salary cap disaster. Can't believe his game has fallen apart this bad.

Archibald nailed Percy and knocked him out of the game and received 5 and a game. Maybe further discipline to follow

Not having Zelewski is definitely hurting the team

Have to agree with this.....Zalewski was doing everything for the Comets...very impressed with his wheels and physicality during his cup of coffee with the 'Nucks....would like to see him in VanCity for longer but have a feeling he'll be back in Cometland soon.

 

[mathonwy]

Not having Zelewski is definitely hurting the team

I believe that Zalewski is an NHL ready player and has a very good chance to make the team next season.

• 2016-01-21 - 010 - Good ZalewskiVirtDorsett shift
• 2016-01-21 - 022 - Good ZalewskiVirt shift
• 2016-01-23 - 010 - Good VirtZalewskiDorsett shift
• 2016-01-23 - 011 - Good work down low VirtZalewskiDorsett

He's involved in creating scoring chances against Boston's bottom pairing and Pittsburgh top pairing.

He protects the puck really well and seems to have a very high hockey IQ.

What do you think?

 

[go comets]

I believe that Zalewski is an NHL ready player and has a very good chance to make the team next season.

• 2016-01-21 - 010 - Good ZalewskiVirtDorsett shift
• 2016-01-21 - 022 - Good ZalewskiVirt shift
• 2016-01-23 - 010 - Good VirtZalewskiDorsett shift
• 2016-01-23 - 011 - Good work down low VirtZalewskiDorsett

He's involved in creating scoring chances against Boston's bottom pairing and Pittsburgh top pairing.

He protects the puck really well and seems to have a very high hockey IQ.

What do you think?

Well I'm not so sure, there is that one poster last week that swore up and down that comet fans have no clue what we are looking at and love our grinders.... I'm pretty sure he said Shinkaruk was way better than Zalewski.......

 

[FOurteenS inCisOr]

Well I'm not so sure, there is that one poster last week that swore up and down that comet fans have no clue what we are looking at and love our grinders.... I'm pretty sure he said Shinkaruk was way better than Zalewski.......

Without re-hashing the debate, I think you might be simplifying the discussion a bit.

A direct comparison between Shink and Z is difficult, as they're very different players. The contributions of both shouldn't be discounted.

 

[NuxFan09]

Without re-hashing the debate, I think you might be simplifying the discussion a bit.

A direct comparison between Shink and Z is difficult, as they're very different players. The contributions of both shouldn't be discounted.

Agreed with this. Zalewski at the moment is contributing to the Comets in more areas but Shinkaruk is probably still the more valuable prospect.

Neither player's value should be diminished. They're both great prospects, and for the Zalewski fans who wish to be validated, it's Zalewski playing - and looking good - in the NHL right now.

 

[beachcomber]

Z is back riding the bus in the A.

 

[go comets]

Without re-hashing the debate, I think you might be simplifying the discussion a bit.

A direct comparison between Shink and Z is difficult, as they're very different players. The contributions of both shouldn't be discounted.

Understood... Just making a point that Zalewski is not a grinder.. He has some tools to work with!! But glad he is back with the comets, although if he continues on with his play I think he will be back up in a bit.

 

[NuxFan09]

F Mike Pereira released from PTO:
http://uticacomets.com/pereira-released-from-pto/

 

[NuxFan09]

Updated roster (Mike Zalewski reassigned to Utica, Mike Pereira released from PTO):

Goaltenders
32 Richard Bachman
35 Joe Cannata

Defensemen
2 Travis Ehrhardt (Utica)
5 David Shields (PTO - Utica)
6 Ashton Sautner
7 Jordan Subban
11 John Negrin (Utica)
20 Jon Landry (Utica)
27 Taylor Fedun
37 Andrey Pedan

Forwards
8 Alex Friesen
9 Hunter Shinkaruk
10 Brendan Gaunce
12 John Kurtz (PTO - Utica)
13 Brandon Marino (PTO - Utica)
14 Mike Zalewski
15 Ronalds Kenins
16 Joseph LaBate
21 Chris Higgins
22 Blair Jones
24 Cole Cassels
25 Darren Archibald (Utica)
28 Alexandre Grenier
34 Carter Bancks (Utica)
36 Wacey Hamilton (Utica)​

 

[VanJack]

Updated roster (Mike Zalewski reassigned to Utica, Mike Pereira released from PTO):

Goaltenders
32 Richard Bachman
35 Joe Cannata

Defensemen
2 Travis Ehrhardt (Utica)
5 David Shields (PTO - Utica)
6 Ashton Sautner
7 Jordan Subban
11 John Negrin (Utica)
20 Jon Landry (Utica)
27 Taylor Fedun
37 Andrey Pedan

Forwards
8 Alex Friesen
9 Hunter Shinkaruk
10 Brendan Gaunce
12 John Kurtz (PTO - Utica)
13 Brandon Marino (PTO - Utica)
14 Mike Zalewski
15 Ronalds Kenins
16 Joseph LaBate
21 Chris Higgins
22 Blair Jones
24 Cole Cassels
25 Darren Archibald (Utica)
28 Alexandre Grenier
34 Carter Bancks (Utica)
36 Wacey Hamilton (Utica)​

Is that actually a playoff roster in the AHL's Eastern Conference?.....lacking an impact centre and consistent scoring imo.

 

[NuxFan09]

Is that actually a playoff roster in the AHL's Eastern Conference?.....lacking an impact centre and consistent scoring imo.

Probably not, unless they get much better goaltending from Bachman and Cannata.

 

[westvandal]

Is that actually a playoff roster in the AHL's Eastern Conference?.....lacking an impact centre and consistent scoring imo.

They need Vey returned!

 

[PM]

Just took a look at the standings, Marlies have a +71 goal differential... that's nuts.

 

[go comets]

Is that actually a playoff roster in the AHL's Eastern Conference?.....lacking an impact centre and consistent scoring imo.

I do not see this team making the playoffs. Pretty inconsistent scoring, defence and goaltending... And when the canucks get done moving vets at the deadline, it will further weaken the comets lineup. But our rock solid defensman John Negrin has yet to miss a game.......he actually has had a good season, and is serviceable... But every freaking game?????????

 

[go comets]

And has anyone heard from BG???? I have a feeling he is still in the fetal position trying to recover from that horrible Marlie game.... Poor guy.... Hope you feel better soon BG!!!!!!!!

 

[WTG]

Demko might join the team once his season ends. Maybe IDK. He'll probably be there next season.

 

[me2]

Demko might join the team once his season ends. Maybe IDK. He'll probably be there next season.

It isn't that urgent IMHO. You do want them signed after 2 years because 3 can get stressful with only one left to UFA but Demko should get a fat paypack here without a fight, he seems happy with the organisation and has a clear path to an NHL job.

 

[The Drop]

if Demko doesn't sign here I'd avoid the US more than Russia. Something needs to be changed here. NCAA rules are ridiculous. I dont understand why they can't sign and still go to college only have the contract slide until he leaves college and receive no payment.

 

[UticaHockey]

if Demko doesn't sign here I'd avoid the US more than Russia. Something needs to be changed here. NCAA rules are ridiculous. I dont understand why they can't sign and still go to college only have the contract slide until he leaves college and receive no payment.

The NCCA is all about money and how much they can make off these amateur athletes. If you think this is bad you should take a look at the rules for football and basketball which make a lot more money for the NCAA than hockey. At least NCAA hockey players are eligible for the NHL draft. Football and basketball players lose their NCAA eligibility if they declare for the draft. I don't know the rules that well but isn't the rule where a NCAA drafted player becoming a free agent if they don't sign by a specific date after their senior year a CBA agreed on rule between the NHL and the NHLPA? If so you can't blame the NCAA for that.

It's always about money. I hate the agreement between the NHL and the CHL where players under 20 have to either stay in the NHL or go back to juniors. That is set up to financially benefit the owners of the CHL teams regardless if some of these 19 year olds would be better served by playing in the AHL.

 

[Nuckles]

If anyone cares

 

[opendoor]

It isn't that urgent IMHO. You do want them signed after 2 years because 3 can get stressful with only one left to UFA but Demko should get a fat paypack here without a fight, he seems happy with the organisation and has a clear path to an NHL job.

Demko was drafted after his Freshman year though, so this is his 3rd year. If he isn't signed this offseason he'll have the option of being a UFA at the end of next season.

That said, I think this is a non-issue. It's not like there's much blocking his way to the NHL and regardless of when he signs he's still subject to a 3 year ELC so it's in his best interest to sign earlier. Other guys in a similar situation (Schultz, Hayes, etc.) were at an age where not turning pro a year earlier reduced the length of their ELC from 3 to 2 years so they only really lost out on one year of ELC salary. Demko on the other hand would still have to do a 3 year ELC which means delaying turning pro likely costs him more in terms of future earnings.

 

[VanJack]

Subban with 21 points in 34 games....pretty impressive for a 20-year rookie playing on a goal-starved team like the Comets....as a fourth-rounder you'd have to say he's exceeded expectations so far....if his name wasn't 'Subban' I expect we'd be more thrilled with his development....only question mark is an ugly -8 on the plus-minus, but obviously Green has confidence in him to play in all situations.

 

[Horrorshow]

I just think it's exciting that for once our leading scorers at the AHL level are 21, 21, and 20 years old.

 

[denkiteki]

Subban with 21 points in 34 games....pretty impressive for a 20-year rookie playing on a goal-starved team like the Comets....as a fourth-rounder you'd have to say he's exceeded expectations so far....if his name wasn't 'Subban' I expect we'd be more thrilled with his development....only question mark is an ugly -8 on the plus-minus, but obviously Green has confidence in him to play in all situations.

Subban exceeded expectations in his last 2 years. Realistically he didn't even look out of place in the pre-season so he's likely going to at least be a PP specialist sooner or later. He'll make the NHL based on his Offensive skills alone. Rather or not he actaully becomes a top 4 Dman depends on rather or not he can develop his D game. I wouldn't be surprised if he makes the team next year just to anchor our PP since we still need a PP QB.