The Utica Comets Thread XXIII - Calder Cup Playoffs Edition!
- Thread starter Mr. Canucklehead
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Orcatown:
Shinkaruk looked fine but always plays a lesser role when game is full of penalties as he sees little special teams play. Missed on a wide open chance with the goalie out.
Zelewski plays a very consistent game and is good on the forecheck. However, must develop some finish. Shows some good hands at times but just not around the net.
Eriksson was excellent. Hopefully they can turn him into a draft choice or somehow keep him around.
O'Reilly with a good game although continues to make some bad turnovers. Just tries to be way too fancy at times.
Jensen plays well when he sticks to the system and keeps his mind in the game. Not sure he thinks the game that well and needs to kept to a routine. Gives up on the play sometimes or just unready at times. For example, had a huge chance to score in the second but did not create a good angle for the return pass from Conacher and the pass got a little behind him. If he had been ready for the return pass he had totally open net to put away a goal. I don't think you can question his hustle but can his reaction to situations.
Clendening is beginning to look more comfortable and effective - although he took some bad penalties. Played nasty after getting run into the boards in the first.
Grenier seemed to me in space cadet mode for a lot of the game. Given some great chances but never looked like scoring and made some bad plays coming out of his zone. Has to keep the game simple but in this one was going for the cross ice passes and getting them picked off.
Hutton had quite a few tough shifts and is probably unlikely to get much time in the playoffs. His reads and coverage around the net need improvement. If he is back of injury, Andersson would likely be the choice here.
Thought Huskins and Biega had very strong games
Friesen got an assist but otherwise was mostly invisible and might be out in favor of Acton going into the playoffs.
Got to hope the Canucks are being overly cautious with Pedan. Missed a lot of time and seems at this point unlikely to be back anytime soon.
Shinkaruk looked fine but always plays a lesser role when game is full of penalties as he sees little special teams play. Missed on a wide open chance with the goalie out.
Zelewski plays a very consistent game and is good on the forecheck. However, must develop some finish. Shows some good hands at times but just not around the net.
Eriksson was excellent. Hopefully they can turn him into a draft choice or somehow keep him around.
O'Reilly with a good game although continues to make some bad turnovers. Just tries to be way too fancy at times.
Jensen plays well when he sticks to the system and keeps his mind in the game. Not sure he thinks the game that well and needs to kept to a routine. Gives up on the play sometimes or just unready at times. For example, had a huge chance to score in the second but did not create a good angle for the return pass from Conacher and the pass got a little behind him. If he had been ready for the return pass he had totally open net to put away a goal. I don't think you can question his hustle but can his reaction to situations.
Clendening is beginning to look more comfortable and effective - although he took some bad penalties. Played nasty after getting run into the boards in the first.
Grenier seemed to me in space cadet mode for a lot of the game. Given some great chances but never looked like scoring and made some bad plays coming out of his zone. Has to keep the game simple but in this one was going for the cross ice passes and getting them picked off.
Hutton had quite a few tough shifts and is probably unlikely to get much time in the playoffs. His reads and coverage around the net need improvement. If he is back of injury, Andersson would likely be the choice here.
Thought Huskins and Biega had very strong games
Friesen got an assist but otherwise was mostly invisible and might be out in favor of Acton going into the playoffs.
Got to hope the Canucks are being overly cautious with Pedan. Missed a lot of time and seems at this point unlikely to be back anytime soon.
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Shinkaruk - Shink was not as effective as in his last few games. Part may be due to the less effective game played by Grenier last night. Hunter was not able to work between O'Reilly and Grenier as Alex was not playing his normal game. Hunter was not as hard working as he has been either. He seemed to be getting too far up ice and his gap was too large for the D to work him the puck. In the offensive zone he was trying to do too much on his own again. That doesn't bode well for him. He had his moments. He missed the net on a couple shots and completely blew an open net goal at the end missing the net from the face off dot.
Grenier - I have been impressed at his consistency lately, but last night it was missing. He was miscuing his shots and cussing out loud about as he came to the bench. When he gets frustrated that has been his historical cue to fade. Last night he was trying to be a playmaker all night. That's not his game. O'Reilly is that guy on their line. His job is to find scoring areas and shoot. His passing should come when the D collapses on him opening up his mates for a return pass. Even the shot so many are crediting the keeper with robbing him, he didn't actually get away the shot he wanted which gave the goalie a chance to glove it. He gets off his shot and that's in. He has a wicked wrist shot. Expect more from him Friday.
Zalewski - He is playing well. He's playing a real good two-way game. He has some problems with his linemates. He forechecks well, but needs the assistance from them to make it work. DeFazio did a much better job of it last night, but Archi had trouble contending with his guy when the puck got there. Arch delivered hits, but did not stop the flow of the puck and the Dogs were out. Z did have a breakaway that he didn't make much of a move on.
O'Reilly - He had a very strong game once again. His forecheck was exceptionally good for his lack of physical self. He was especially active on the PK in disrupting the flow and generating Comets' shorthanded offense. He had a goal and an assist. That makes points in 13 straight games. That is the longest point streak in the AHL this season.
As to the bad passes, this type of faux pas will always occur several times a game because he is always trying to make the perfect pass to a teammate and it can't be done every time. The problem is he will always try to make it. I always say it's Cal being Cal. He can get away with it as long as it's not in his own end.
Jensen - Let's just say you have a handle on this.
Friesen - Will be the center for Conacher and Jensen for some time if you are waiting for Acton to take his spot. Will does not look good for a return any time soon.
Conacher - Is always dangerous. Appears out of nowhere and then disappears into the mist only to reappear in another dangerous position. Also played a strong 2-way game and avoided any nonsense.
Gaunce/Hamilton/Bancks - This line got up to their old tricks last night. They forechecked the heck out whomever was on the ice vs them. They successfully bottled them up most of the night and got some good scoring chances as well. Thought Gaunce played very well in both ends and all three of them did very well on the PK.
DeFazio - Brandon had a much better game than his past few. Was very much involved. Forechecked brilliantly. Backchecked hard. Laid on a few good hits. Had his chances. On the PK he created offense for the Comets. Great PK time. The negative is he missed on two breakaways, if you can actually call that negative. He created those chances and it's too bad he couldn't cash in.
Huskins/Sanguinetti pairing is lights out. Biega had a very strong game and ended up on the ice for the goal that could have been prevented if Hutton hadn't been puck watching and denied the goal scorer who went past him to the back side post and tapped home the pass. Very poor defensive play on Hutton's part on that one.
Hutton - Concur on your analysis. He also had a situation where he missed on a poke check just outside the blueline and was walked around for a 2 on 1 upon which Jokie made the save. He is weak in his own end when pressured and he has to make a quick decision play. He forced a pass behind the net to Biega when he was pressured and the pass to Biega ended up being to a Bulldog who got it to a mate and another save required by Jokie.
When he has time he and Biega work very well at moving the puck up the ice (not that big a deal as so does Negrin for that matter) but once in the offensive zone he has good instincts. He is getting his chance to show what he has and in a game with tougher offensive pressure he is showing a need to learn a LOT. Andersson or Pedan, if ready, will take him out of the playoff lineup.
Corrado/Clendenings - Frank played another very strong game in both ends. He actually covers for Clendenings in net front pressure. Adam was better in his own end last night then in previous home games. His head fake on every single pass disappeared last night. Wonder if someone said something to him about it. The knock on him in this game was his infantile temper tantrum after he was boarded and received no call. He yapped at the refs all the way to the bench. As soon as he got on the ice again he kept yapping. Everyone in the building knew he was on his way to the box at the first chance he had to make contact. He took a run at the first Bulldog to cross his path, slammed him into the boards and then crosschecked him when he tried to get up. Again yapped all the way to the box. This was near the end of the second. Early in the third he took another (cross checking) which was a ref answering his yaps. He finally settled down and played feisty, but honest and without all the lip. He can't be that undisciplined.
Eriksson - Jokie was outstanding last night. His only error cost him his shutout. If he freezes the puck after the breakaway save, the goose egg is his. He tried to play it ahead and it ended up in his net on a very nice pass play (that Hutton should have stopped). In his last 9 games he has surrendered 2 goals or less, 1 in each of his last 3 starts. His Save% continues to rise and goals against continues to fall. He is on a roll. With Cannata playing just as well, this is a good sign for the Comets.
In summation, the Comets played a very strong puck possession game from start to finish. They never took their foot off the gas. Their offensive push was hindered by penalties, some quite questionable, but that's the way games get called and you have to defend and they did that beautifully. They bottled up and contained a desperate team trying to make it into the playoffs.
Adirondack comes in on Friday in the same situation. The Comets will need to keep their A-game on the ice. I expect to see Jokie again on Friday.
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The Comets have 3 in 3 nights again this weekend. I expect we'll see Jokie on Friday vs Adirondack, Cannata on Saturday in Bingo, and Jokie back at home on Sunday afternoon vs. the Crunch (3:00 p.m.). At least Saturday's game is a short hop to Binghamton and back. They should get a decent night's rest before Sunday afternoon.
Baby Pettersson
Moderator
With Miller maybe coming back soon, we could expect to see Marky back in Utica as soon as this weekend. (If all goes as hoped).
The Comets will finish the season in the last week with a Wednesday game in Binghamton. Return home and travel to Rochester for a Friday game with the Amerks and then travel to Adirondack on Saturday. All three on the road, but due to the proximity will probably spend every night in their own beds. Although an overnight in Rochester or a bus trip right to Adirondack and a hotel Friday night are both possibilities.
Marky could use some practice time before being thrown right in there. Would expect to see him more likely next weekend than this. Never know though.
WTG
December 5th
I guess I'll repost my recap too!
Okay since nobody else seems to be doing their report things I'll do one!
Liked:
Shinkaruk - Not as noticable as last game but I feel he made some impact full plays.
Here's a play where Shinkaruk out muscles Dietz (6'1 210lbs) to set up Grenier for a chance.
https://gfycat.com/FaintIgnorantEeve
Another play where he is allowing his teammates to do the work. Something that I feel he is really starting to learn.
He allows O'Reilly to work the boards while he gets open. Then he gets rewarded with a good chance at a goal.
https://gfycat.com/HandmadeDescriptiveFlycatcher
Jensen - Nic went out with something to prove. I saw a little bit of fire in him. Something that I haven't seen in a while with Jensen.
Here's his goal where he just finds the puck and gets a nice shot off.
https://gfycat.com/SelfassuredAbsoluteFrog
Archibald - Got in a good scrap and let the guy have it. Had a couple big hits. Good physically engaged game by him.
Here's Archibald absolutely bring down a beat down on Bobby Shae
https://gfycat.com/SaneDecentHomalocephale
Eriksson - Made some key saves at key times. Stopped a breakaway chance. Unfortunately he basically gave the puck away right after and they scored but whatever. He was solid for most of the game.
Made this beauty of a save on Charles Hudon (second highest scorer on the Dogs)
https://gfycat.com/MelodicUnknownAnnashummingbird
O'reilly - This guy can really pass the puck. Played like a NHLer among AHLers out there. Can't say enough good things about him. Shinkaruk and Cal really seem to have gotten some chemistry and love to do these very clean break ins. Like this one.
https://gfycat.com/ForsakenSpitefulHedgehog
Anyway here's Cal dishing Grenier a nice feed but an even nicer save by the goalie.
https://gfycat.com/FrighteningSoftCollie
Of course his goal too. A bit of a fluke but still a goals a goal.
https://gfycat.com/HeartfeltImpassionedArmednylonshrimp
Did not like:
DeFazio - Invisible for most of the game. Aside from his absolute fan I didn't even remember his game. Complete non factor.
https://gfycat.com/FavoriteBlaringEeve
Clendening - I liked the feistiness that he brought last game. But, this game it's a bit too much. No need to take dumb retaliation penalties. He needs to play his game. Because when he is playing his game he's actually very very good.
Other things:
PK solid as always. They looked confident and in control. PP not very good they really miss Baertschi running the power play.
Hutton was not very good. That's not to say he was bad but he was just kinda meh. Didn't create much offense.
Okay since nobody else seems to be doing their report things I'll do one!
Liked:
Shinkaruk - Not as noticable as last game but I feel he made some impact full plays.
Here's a play where Shinkaruk out muscles Dietz (6'1 210lbs) to set up Grenier for a chance.
https://gfycat.com/FaintIgnorantEeve
Another play where he is allowing his teammates to do the work. Something that I feel he is really starting to learn.
He allows O'Reilly to work the boards while he gets open. Then he gets rewarded with a good chance at a goal.
https://gfycat.com/HandmadeDescriptiveFlycatcher
Jensen - Nic went out with something to prove. I saw a little bit of fire in him. Something that I haven't seen in a while with Jensen.
Here's his goal where he just finds the puck and gets a nice shot off.
https://gfycat.com/SelfassuredAbsoluteFrog
Archibald - Got in a good scrap and let the guy have it. Had a couple big hits. Good physically engaged game by him.
Here's Archibald absolutely bring down a beat down on Bobby Shae
https://gfycat.com/SaneDecentHomalocephale
Eriksson - Made some key saves at key times. Stopped a breakaway chance. Unfortunately he basically gave the puck away right after and they scored but whatever. He was solid for most of the game.
Made this beauty of a save on Charles Hudon (second highest scorer on the Dogs)
https://gfycat.com/MelodicUnknownAnnashummingbird
O'reilly - This guy can really pass the puck. Played like a NHLer among AHLers out there. Can't say enough good things about him. Shinkaruk and Cal really seem to have gotten some chemistry and love to do these very clean break ins. Like this one.
https://gfycat.com/ForsakenSpitefulHedgehog
Anyway here's Cal dishing Grenier a nice feed but an even nicer save by the goalie.
https://gfycat.com/FrighteningSoftCollie
Of course his goal too. A bit of a fluke but still a goals a goal.
https://gfycat.com/HeartfeltImpassionedArmednylonshrimp
Did not like:
DeFazio - Invisible for most of the game. Aside from his absolute fan I didn't even remember his game. Complete non factor.
https://gfycat.com/FavoriteBlaringEeve
Clendening - I liked the feistiness that he brought last game. But, this game it's a bit too much. No need to take dumb retaliation penalties. He needs to play his game. Because when he is playing his game he's actually very very good.
Other things:
PK solid as always. They looked confident and in control. PP not very good they really miss Baertschi running the power play.
Hutton was not very good. That's not to say he was bad but he was just kinda meh. Didn't create much offense.
UticaHockey
Registered User
I'd like to see a replay of that sequence again. My initial reaction last night was to blame the men in stripes for that goal. It looked like Jokie had covered the puck long enough to get a whistle but because no Hamilton player was directly pressuring him they made him play the puck instead of blowing the whistle. There was some confusing between Jokie and I think Biega and and Jokie ended up giving the puck to the Hamilton player behind the goal line. Hutton was completely lost on the play and the puck ended up in the back of the net. If he got the whistle like he should have after covering the puck with his glove for an extended amount of time Jokie probably gets his first shutout of the season.
The way to handle that as a goalie is to surround the puck, uncover it and wait for an attacker to show and then recover it. A goalie is never forced to actually put the puck in play with his own stick. "Move the puck," is an instruction to players not goalies. Agree on your entire thought process, but Jokie putting it behind the net was the wrong move.
Too bad. I was hoping he would get it too. He has played well enough to post a few, but it just doesn't seem to happen. Maybe he'll get it in a game coming up that will be much more meaningful. One can only hope.
comets are stacked. is it possible for subban to join the team as well? for their playoff journey?
It certainly is possible, but I'm not sure I could stand the repercussions if he didn't play. LOL He is less prepared for this than Hutton was and he is having difficulty in his own end and likely will find ice time getting scarcer if Andersson or Pedan comes back.
Many will not be content for him to practice with the team and learn the pro game. They will only be happy if he is in the lineup and probably want him to kill penalties and QB the power play (sarcasm).
Not trying to start any trouble here but that has been the general trend. Since Hutton played all the hubbub has stopped. Maybe because he hasn't proved to currently possess greatness. He will be a Comet next season as will Subban. Sautner? Maybe not. McEneny also on the wannabe employment line.
All 4 of these guys are not likely to find themselves in the Comets lineup at the same time. Probably 2 and 2 others will be in the Zoo. Looks like Vancouver will be keeping most of their current D. That would put Corrado, Clendenings, Biega (if they sign him and I can't see why not), and Pedan in Utica as Vancouver property.
Everyone here would like to see Huskins resigned by the Comets as they have done the last 2 seasons. In spite of all their talent he is still the glue that binds this very good D together.
Bobby Sanguinetti would be most welcome but is likely to go UFA since Vancouver didn't value his services this year.
There are other Vancouver prospects floating around who could enter this picture and we aren't even talking about off season acquisitions. The lineup next year is very much unsettled and the new guys will be in competition with each other as well as the guys Vancouver intends to keep here. This is far from settled.
UticaHockey
Registered User
Bad Goalie.....slightly off topic because it is not directly Comets related but you mentioned at the end of the previous Comets thread that the U-TI-CA chant started during the final home game of the season last year a 2 - 0 win over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. In that final game of the year the Penguins started in goal a 19 year old Matt Murray who was an end of the year call up from the OHL. Well he is the starter in WBS this season and look what he has been doing lately.
AHL Communications @AHLPR 28m28 minutes ago
Matt Murray @WBSPenguins since Feb. 3:
13-1-1
0.80 GAA
.970 sv%
8 shutouts
12 GA on 405 shots
For the year he now has 12 shutouts and a save % of 0.941. Another 6'5" goaltender. It is becoming a position dominated by giants.
AHL Communications @AHLPR 28m28 minutes ago
Matt Murray @WBSPenguins since Feb. 3:
13-1-1
0.80 GAA
.970 sv%
8 shutouts
12 GA on 405 shots
For the year he now has 12 shutouts and a save % of 0.941. Another 6'5" goaltender. It is becoming a position dominated by giants.
thedean
Registered User
- Jan 20, 2015
- 305
- 2
This question may be a little bit out of left field but a question to our Utica fans.
With Dorsett getting a big contract extension I can't help but feel that Darren Archibald could have been a worthy replacement for Dorsett's role? Am I way off here or does he have a place on an NHL team in a limited role? Or is he a career AHL player?
With Dorsett getting a big contract extension I can't help but feel that Darren Archibald could have been a worthy replacement for Dorsett's role? Am I way off here or does he have a place on an NHL team in a limited role? Or is he a career AHL player?
"It is becoming a position dominated by giants."
Truer words were never spoken.
It has been a growing trend over the past three decades of about an inch a decade.
We are now at 6'5" with a couple 6'6"s in there. When they can figure out how to get them 6' wide with pads, arms, and gloves, the game is over. LOL
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Just in my opinion it would be a very limited role on the 4th line. When he goes all out he can be effective. Biggest problem is hands of rock in receiving the puck. His hands aren't bad when he's handling it, he just has all kinds of trouble receiving it. He also won't wow anyone with any fancy skating moves. He would have to be a north/south player. If you want him to fight, he'd do it, but he isn't really a pugilist either. He is a great team player and will go the extra mile for you.
That's my take.
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With a Grand Rapids win tonight, Utica still maintains a 1 point lead over both San Antonio and Grand Rapids for the Western Conference title, but the Comets have a game in hand on both of them.
This is going to go down to the wire. Wouldn't be surprised if it's not settled until the last day of the season.
This is going to go down to the wire. Wouldn't be surprised if it's not settled until the last day of the season.
Dorsett is a much better skater than Archibald. Can't see Archibald providing anything like the defensive play of Dorsett. Archibald appears to be topping out at the AHL level.
NuxFan09
Registered User
Thanks for the heads up. I was wondering what was going on with him.
Meanwhile, looks like the Comets are getting Markstrom back!
sk8er
Registered User
- Nov 8, 2008
- 374
- 5
I just wanted to stop in here and tell the regular comet posters how much I've enjoyed reading your recaps and assessments. When I come to the canucks site, I always check this thread for tasty tidbits about our farm team. I never really knew any of the players before you folks started posting regularly. Thanks for a great thread!!
thepoeticgoblin
Registered User
Marky on his way back. Miller either playing or backing up tonight. A shame he only got 2 "games" but will make Utica even better. Will be interesting to see how Green handles this.. *drum roll*... goalie controversy!
UticaHockey
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