Quick Scout – Canada vs Czech Republic x2

In the final game of the Summer Development Camp, Team Canada had their first loss, losing to the Czechs 5-2. This game was very entertaining and did not have the feel of a summer exhibition game.   

Scoring Chances

Domi – Petan – Chase 0-1-1

Ritchie – McDavid – Point 0-2-0

Klimchuk – Fabbri – Nastasiuk 0-4-0

Bennett – Horvat – Perlini 2-1-0

Bigras – Heatherington 1-0

Harpur – Bowey 0-0

Sanheim – Mori n 0-0

Conner McDavid and Robbi Fabbi were incredible in this game. Combined they had six of Canada’s 12 chances at even strength. It was clear they were the guys the coaches wanted out there as they were playing basically every third shift in the second period. They both displayed their excellent skill level and great speed. Unfortunately early in the third Fabbri was hit hard at the blueline buy Czech defender Marek Baranek, which knocked him out of the game. After that hit the game really took a turn for the worse as Canada seemed much more intent on getting back at the Czechs for that hit rather than try to come back from the 5-2 deficit.

Canada had 79 penalty minutes in this game coming on 22 infractions. They gave the Czechs 11 power plays in this game, with most coming in the third period. Nick Ritchie and Max Domi were the most aggressive in the period, as both received 10 minute misconducts for checks to the head. It was good to see the intensity especially in a game in August and luckily none of the players went too far as the IIHF can suspend players from summer games.

Canada wrapped up the development camp going 3-1 in four games. This camp didn’t change much for me in terms of who I think should make the team. I still like the roster I posted last week. Obviously things can change throughout the course of the season depending on who makes the NHL and who plays well/poor for their CHL clubs. If this camp is any indication of what to expect, December can’t come soon enough.   

Quick Scout – Canada vs Russia x2

In this the third game of camp, Team Canada again picked up a victory defeating the Russians, this time by a score of 6-3. Canada was not as dominate in this game as they had been previously. The first period was very tight as Russia did a very good job clogging up the neutral zone, creating a ton of turnovers and preventing zone entries. The second period opened up and Canada began to take over scoring 3 goals in the frame. Russia controlled the third but that was largely due to score effects.

Scoring Chances

Sam Bennett – Sam Reinhart – Anthony Duclair     5-1-1-7

Nick Paul – Jason Dickenson – Jeremy Gregoire    2-1-1-4

Michael Dal Colle – Curtis Lazar – Nick Baptiste    1-1-0-2

Jayce Hawrlyuk – Frederik Gauthier – Greg Chase 0-0-1-1

Shea Theodore – Roland McKeown 0-0

Darnell Nurse – Haydn Fleury         0-0

Samuel Morin – Josh Morrissey      0-0

Take these line combinations with a grain of salt as they were shuffled as the game went along. Gauthier was hurt late in the first period and did not return. Darnell Nurse received a checking to the head penalty causing him to miss 10 minutes.  

For Canada I really liked what Sam Bennett and Curtis Lazar did in this game. Bennett struggled at the start taking two penalties in the first period, but settled down after that finishing the game with a team leading 6 chances. He showed off his impressive skill level that made him the fourth overall selection last June. Lazar had the big game putting up a hat-trick. He was heavily leaned on in this game, playing the PK as well as the PP. He handled numerous tough face-offs and was still able to drive play for Canada.

On defence Josh Morrissey had another solid game. Didn’t do anything too flashy but took shots when he had the chance, and did a good job in his own end.  

Ivan Barbashev was the best player in this game for the Russians. The St. Louis second rounder was able to create 5 chances and converted on his last one, showing off his quick release. His line was the one line that I noticed most often generating pressure in the Canadian zone.

Canada's final game tomorrow is an early one, taking on the Czechs at noon eastern. 

Quick Scout – Canada vs Russia

In the second game of the Summer Development Camp, Canada’s second squad defeated Russia 5-2. Canada controlled the play but not to the dominate fashion the first team did over the Czechs.  I again tracked scoring chances and split them up by line.  

Max Domi – Nic Petan – Nick Baptiste 2-0-0-2

Michael Dal Colle – Bo Horvat – Zach Nastasiuk 0-1-1-2

Nick Ritchie – Conner McDavid – Robby Fabbri  2-6-1-9

Morgan Klimchuk – Jeremy Gregoire – Brenden Perlinni  1-1-1-3

Chris Bigras – Madison Bowey 0-0

Shea Theodore – Dillon Heatherington 0-0

Travis Sanheim – Ben Harpur 0-0

For forwards I just included 5 on 5 play for defencemen I used both 5 on 5 and 4 on 4.

Conner McDavid was just sick in this game. Unbelievable skill level who was easily the best player on the ice for me in this game. Numerous times he showed off his great speed, blowing past the Russian defender and creating chances. Fabbri also was very impressive playing alongside Mcdavid. He did not look out of place skill wise playing with Mcdavid as he made a few nice one touch passes, setting up chances. Ritchie obviously doesn’t have the skill level of McDavid or Fabbri but was a great fit on that line. Ritchie used his size and physicality to muscle his way to the crease where he couldn’t be moved. From there he just had to wait for a pass.

The defencemen were not very involved in this game offensively as the forward lines did a good job driving play and creating chances. With that being said Madison Bowey stood out. He didn’t have any even strength chances but did have two on the power play. He wasn’t afraid to shoot the puck.

On the Russian side of things, Anatoli Golyshev lead the team with four chances at even strength. He always seemed to be around the net and getting good chances. Golyshev is a small player standing at just 5’9. That lack of size likely is a big reason why he has gone undrafted twice, despite being a point per game player in the MHL (KHL minor league). He also played 32 games in the KHL last season.

Canada’s first team will play these same Russians tomorrow night. 

Quick Scout – Canada vs Czech Republic

Canada took on the Czechs in their first summer game. Canada took home the easy victory defeating a tired Czech squad 6-2.  Canada dominated play having over 40 shots, and controlling possession for the majority of the time. I tracked scoring chances and split them up by line.  

Nick Ritchie – Sam Reinhart – Anthony Duclair...........1-1-2-4

Jason Dickenson – Curtis Lazar – Brayden Point.........0-1-2-3

Brenden Perlini – Sam Bennett – Jayce Hawryluk........1-1-2-4

Nick Paul – Frederik Gauthier – Greg Chase..............3-0-0-3

Josh Morrissey – Aaron Ekblad ........0-0-0

Darnell Nurse – Roland McKeown......1-0-1

Samual Morin – Haydn Fleury..........0-3-3

For forwards I just included 5 on 5 play for defencemen I used both 5 on 5 and 4 on 4.

The fourth line of Paul, Gauthier, and Chase had a good game create a ton of chances. I still don’t believe anyone from that line should make the team and this game does nothing to change that. 

I really liked what Haydn Fleury and Josh Morrissey did in this game from the back end. Fleury did a great job gaining the zone with possession of the puck and drove the net numerous times leading to those three chances. He was rewarded with a goal late in the game. Morrissey didn’t hit the score-sheet but his presence on the ice was still very noticeable. He had numerous shot attempts and also showed off his great skating also gaining the zone with control many times.

Anthony Duclair and Nick Paul stood out to me from the forward group. Duclair made a really nice pass finding Sam Reinhart for the first goal, then showed off his great skill scoring a really nice goal mid-way through the second. Paul as mentioned created a ton of chances at even strength, but also was able to create two additional chances short-handed. He along with Gauthier did a good job in this game killing penalties, and keeping the Czechs from getting set up. 

Canada's second team takes the ice tomorrow when they face Russia. 

Top 10 for the 2015 NHL Draft

Last month I posted my top 5 for the 2015 draft, so this month I have decided to update that list with my top 10 for the 2015 draft. I plan to update this list every month with more players. This allows us to see how the rankings grow and change over the course of the season. I won’t add too much commentary to players I covered previously unless something new comes about, or a player has a large rise/fall.

1. Conner McDavid – C Erie Otters

2. Jack Eichel – C Boston University

3. Oliver Kylington – LD Farjestad

4. Noah Hanifin – LD Boston College

5. Travis Konecny – C Ottawa 67’s

6. Mitchell Marner – C London Knights

7. Mathew Barzal – C Seattle Thunderbirds

8. Daniel Sprong – RW Charlottetown Islanders

9. Kyle Conner – C Youngstown Phantoms

10.Dylan Strome – C Erie Otters

Don’t expect much movement in the top four as those players should remain there all season. They are the cream of the crop this season. The real interesting battle will be for the #5 spot as anyone of the players ranked from 6-10 could step up and take that spot with a big season. I decided to leave Konecny there for now as there is just not information out there yet for me to consider moving him.

New comers to this list include Mitchell Marner and Mathew Barazal. Marner had a very impressive season playing for the London Knights. Not only was he able to crack the deep Knights line-up as a 16 year old, was able to thrive despite playing predominately on the third line with minimal power play time. He thrived to the tune of 59 points in 64 games (0.92ppg). With top 6 minutes this season as well as increased power play time, he could be in for a huge season.

Barazal had a great season playing for the Seattle Thunderbirds. He had a very similar season statistically to Marner however the situations in which both players played couldn’t be more different. Barazal had 54 points in 59 games (0.92ppg) but did that while playing first line minutes compared to third line minutes. Barazal also benefited from significant time on the power play where he scored 5 goals compared to 0 for Marner.

It will be interesting to see how these players compare as the season starts when they should be getting comparable ice time and special team’s time.

Stats from extraskater.com 

No longer will people overlook PK Subban

In light of the new 8yr 72 million dollar deal PK Subban just signed I thought it might be fun to take a quick look back at him as a prospect and see how he got to this point today.

Was the highest scoring defencemen on his AAA team the Markham Islanders, with 43 points in 67 games. Proceeded to go in the 6^th round of the OHL draft.

Had a great draft season putting up an impressive 56 points in 68 games (0.82 ppg). Ranked 7^th in defencemen scoring in the OHL. Fell to the second round (pick 43) and was the 16^th defencemen drafted. Wasn’t even the first player from his own team drafted as Eric Tangradi went a pick immediately before him.

Followed up the draft season with two remarkable seasons. Put up 122 points in 114 games (1.1ppg), leading the Bulls to a Memorial Cup berth in 2008.  Was the Bulls captain in his final year, the 2008-09 season. Also participated in the World Junior tournament, twice representing Canada, winning two gold medals.

Despite the offensive production, leadership abilities and international competition Subban was sent to Montreal’s AHL affiliate the Hamilton Bull Dogs for the 2009-10 season. Subban again thrived, putting up 53 points in 77 games, good enough for third among all AHL defencemen and fourth among rookies.  

Had a solid first two seasons in the NHL putting up a respectable 38 points in 77 games in 2010-11 and 36 points in 81 games 2011-12. Establishing himself as one of the better young players in the NHL, Subban did not receive a long term contract offer from Montreal following the 11-12 season. He chose to hold out, missing the first six games of the season. Subban eventually signed a very team friendly bridge deal; 2 years/5.75 million. Subban went out that season and won the Norris Trophy as the league’s best defencemen.

Follows up his Norris Trophy performance with 53 points in 82 games and being one of the best possession drivers on the Canadians. Marc Bergevin low-balls his superstar and the two sides headed to arbitration.

Today we know that story ends as Subban signed that massive deal mentioned at the start. He had been successful at every stage in his career, whether it be the OHL, the AHL or the NHL. He finally gets rewarded after time and time again failing to receive the recognition he should have. I’m thinking this new deal gives him all the recognition he need now. 

Summer Preview-Team Canada WJC team

With World Junior summer camps opening soon I thought it might be a good idea to take a look at who Canada brought to this camp, as well as make some predictions about what the team may look like come December. This is my personal projection; I have selected it as if I was the guy in charge running the show. This is not a projection of what the actual team will be. For the full list of players invited to the summer camp check out Hockey Canada’s website. 

Goalies

Eric Comrie, Tristan Jarry

Canada brought four goalies to camp; Eric Comrie of the Tri-City Americans, Philippe Desrosiers of the Rimouski Oceanic, Zachary Fucale of the Halifax Mooseheads and Tristan Jarry of the Edmonton Oil Kings. I would have Eric Comrie as the starting goalie as he has shown a good ability in the WHL to be an elite puck stopper. He was second in the WHL this past season with a 0.925 sv%. The back-up for my team would be Tristan Jarry. Jarry makes the team because of back-to-back excellent seasons with the Oil Kings. In 2012 Jarry lead the WHL in sv% with a 0.936 mark, granted that was just 27 games. This season getting a full load playing 63 games, he put up a 0.914 mark which was good for 9^th in the WHL.

Defence

Darnell Nurse – Aaron Ekblad

Josh Morrissey – Madison Bowey

Shea Theodore – Haydn Fleury  

Roland McKeown

Ekblad and Nurse both very well may be in the NHL next season, which would take a big bite out of the D core. Hopefully at least one of them is released and able to play in the tournament. The Morrisey -Bowey pair combined for 133 points in 131 games last season. They give Team Canada two puck moving defencemen who can put up points. The Theodore-Fleury pair is the classic pair an offensive player with a defensive player. Theodore was second in the CHL in points by a defencemen with 79 in 70 games. Fleury has the reputation of being a very good defensive player, but also has shown a decent ability to score putting up 46 points in 70 games last season. McKeown is the choice as the 7^th defencemen as he like the other players has shown some offensive ability putting up 43 points in 62 games. He also can handle his own defensively as he took on the toughest competition for the Frontenacs last season.

Forwards*

Michael Dal Cole – Conner McDavid – Sam Rienhart

Morgan Klimchuk – Nic Petan – Sam Bennett

Robbie Fabbri – Braydon Point – Anthony Duclair

Bo Horvat – Curtis Lazar – Nick Ritchie

Brenden Perlinni, Jayce Hawryluk

*I ignored Jonathan Drouin and Max Domi for this as I think both are locks for the NHL next season. If they are able to play in the tournament they would slot in on the top line with Mcdavid.  

I clearly went for speed and skill with this forward group. After last year’s tournament when Brent Sutter went off about a lack of skill, I wanted to ensure this team had plenty of it. Every one of these players has put up at least a point per game at one time in their CHL careers. This team would be scary for opposing coaches to match up against as all four lines would be capable of scoring at any point. I would be quite comfortable using the Lazar-Horvat-Ritchie line as the shutdown line, putting them up against the other team’s best. They would handle the defensive zone starts, allowing the coach to shelter the Point-Fabbri-Duclair line. This group would have no issues scoring as even if one line was struggling, you simply go to another skill line and hope they can do the job.

People will look at this team and wonder where the grit and size is. I think last year’s team showed that players like Frederik Gauthier and Josh Anderson are not needed for this tournament. They had to be sheltered and at times didn’t even see the ice putting a bigger burden on the rest of the team. This team would have no such issues as all players could handle all situations and thrive. Obviously things can change guys can get hurt/regress, others can step up, but as it currently stands I think this team would give Canada one the best chances it has had in a while to end its gold medal drought. 

Stats from extraskater.com and whl.ca