titanium2

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Everything posted by titanium2

  1. titanium2

    Zetterberg Extension: 12 years, $73 million

    If it's 10 years then I wouldn't be surprised if it was front-loaded heavily and then tapers off significantly as he gets into years 7-10.
  2. titanium2

    Olympics next year

    What's Team Sweden going to look like? I actually doubt that Zetterberg will be the #1 center. It might be Nicklas Backstrom or Henrik Sedin. Victor Hedman will probably be there too. Without a doubt I expect Lidstrom, Zetterberg, Kronwall and Franzen to be there. Holmstrom I kind of doubt because he's taken so many beatings over the years. Samuelsson maybe, but only as a reserve.
  3. titanium2

    Olympics next year

    Even though Ovy and Geno "have called a truce," both Ovechkin and Semin have declared how much they love watching Pavel Datsyuk. Ovechkin-Datsyuk-Semin Kovalchuk-Malkin-Zherdev That's a pretty powerful scoring punch there. I remember one of the first things Pav said after winning the Stanley Cup was that he really wanted a gold medal. I'd love to see Zetterberg draw Datsyuk as his main assignment.
  4. titanium2

    Olympics next year

    No Toews or Eric Staal? Toews btw does a great job:
  5. http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachus...k_shots?mode=PF Teen goalie designs pads to trick shots By David Rattigan, Globe Correspondent | January 25, 2009 SOUTH HAMILTON - While daydreaming in his high school chemistry class, hockey goaltender Trevor Leahy began to think about the opposing forwards who buzz around him when Pingree School hits the ice. What are they looking for, he asked himself. Open net. But why does he wear dark blue pads that let shooters zero in on a target? Using computer skills he learned in a graphic design class at the private school in South Hamilton, Leahy sketched out new leg pads that blend into the goal netting behind him. He wanted pads, a trapper, and a blocker that are white with a raised double-stitched design, just like the goal. He applied for a design patent and had them custom-made by a Canada-based pad maker. "When the shooter comes down and only has a split second to shoot the puck, they're looking for net," said Leahy, a senior from Hampton, N.H., who grew up in Byfield. "If you put the net on the pad, they'll shoot at the pad instead of the goal." Since the days when Boston Bruins' goaltender Gerry Cheevers started inking stitches onto his mask each time the equipment protected his face, many goalies have expressed their individuality with designs and paintings on their mask or other pieces of equipment. But Leahy's design - essentially a camouflage for a goal that is 4 feet high and 6 feet wide - has hockey players and coaches amazed and impressed. Darren Stomp, the custom pad maker from Kingsville, Ontario, who designed Leahy's equipment, has had other goaltenders ask him to add orange and black tiger stripes and other designs. But those changes were cosmetic. "It might be the most clever idea," Stomp said. "I don't think there's any question it will work, although to what degree depends on the shooter and the situation." So far, Leahy has logged two shutouts with the pads. In practice, two of Pingree's top scorers say, the illusion is particularly effective when there's a scramble in front of the net and they need to shoot quickly. "When you're in close and you don't have a lot of time to think, it does catch your eye, and you do shoot toward it sometimes," said Matt MacDonald, a cocaptain from Byfield. Both MacDonald and senior Tony Sardo of Gloucester say they have fired the puck directly into Leahy's pads. The illusion diminishes if they are farther from the net, with more time to shoot. "I've never seen anything like them," Sardo said of the pads. Not everyone is as sold on the theory. In the locker room after a recent 4-3 overtime loss, players from Dexter School of Brookline said that they barely noticed the design on the pads and that it didn't attract their attention - or their shots. "I noticed it, but just thought it was a design on the pads," said senior forward Robert Lerro. "It just looked like squares." John Gardner, the longtime hockey coach at Avon Old Farms School in Connecticut and president of the New England Prep School Ice Hockey Association, said the association has received no complaints about the pads. The association follows National Collegiate Athletic Association rules, he said, and regulations regarding goalie pads are basically confined to the size of the equipment and not the design. "It's a novel idea," said Gardner. Leahy applied for the design patent last February, and it is pending. He and his mother, Judie, flew to Canada and met with Stomp on Oct. 13 to discuss ideas for implementing the design. He received the pads Nov. 29, and began using them in practice and then in games. At the Pingree Holiday Tournament in late December, Leahy backstopped Pingree to two shutouts in one day - a 1-0 win over Northwood School from Lake Placid in the morning and a 3-0 win over Kents Hill School of Maine that night. For the season he has a goals-against average under 2.00, and he has had some memorable nights with more than 40 saves against some of the prep school elite teams. Longtime Pingree coach Buddy Taft won't give all the credit to the pads - the 5-foot-6-inch Leahy is very quick and has worked on his game, he says - but thinks the theory Leahy used to develop the pads has merit. "It all makes sense," he said. "I'm not sure if there's any effective way to test their success, but he's played pretty well." Leahy wrote a paper about the process as part of his application to the University of New Hampshire (the paper referenced Darwinism and creatures that adapt to their habitat via camouflage), and received notice of early acceptance. He has also applied to Northeastern, Providence College, Emerson College, and Boston University. "We really encourage our kids to think outside of the box," Taft said. "Trevor is a good example of that." Exactly what will happen to the pads after this season is unclear. Leahy said he would like to play hockey in college, probably at the club level, and wants to market the idea. "It would definitely be cool to get it out there and get other guys in the future wearing it," he said.
  6. titanium2

    Francis Pare

    I wouldn't feel sorry for them because I don't think they would want you to feel sorry for them. They'll eventually get to play for the greatest organization in hockey today in the Red Wings. I understand that it sucks that they're not part of the team right now and whatever but I think (especially for guys like Ericsson and Kindl who say that the Red Wings were their favorite team growing up), that they know they have to make the sacrifice in order to live their dream and it's difficult but deep down I don't think they mind it all that much.
  7. titanium2

    Teen goalie designs pads to trick shooters

    Hey that kind of novel idea is a talent in itself. Don't playa hate, congratulate.
  8. titanium2

    Ovechkin=NHL's Real Ambassador

    Like it or not, it's true. http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Jesse-Conno...e-NHL/116/18942 Why Alex Ovechkin Will Never Be the "Face" of the NHL Throughout the NHL's long storied history, there has always been a premiere superstar dubbed the "face" of the NHL. From Howe to Orr, then onto the prolonged reign in the '80s and '90s of the The Great One (with a little help from the Messiah and Super Mario), you can see the long-standing tradition play itself out over five decades of hockey. And so here we are now in the 21st century. Long gone are the days of wooden sticks, Vezina Trophy Winners with a GAA hovering around 3.50, Art Ross Trophy Winners with sub-90 point seasons and helmet-less skaters displaying their long flowing locks (or mullets, depending on personal preference). The NHL's landscape has forever been a changing one. From the original six, to expansion, to the Big Bad Bruins, the Broad Street Bullies, the French Connection, to 92 goals, the trap, and the lockout, all have made immense impacts on the game we love. But still, even dating back to the days when Baby Boomers were proudly sporting their Lone Ranger lunchboxes, Hockey has always had a face. Like it or not, love him or hate him, we are in what likely will prove to be the early stages of the Sidney Crosby Era of Hockey. As this era progresses, it is becoming more partisan by the hour. It seems as though much like politics, you've got to stand on one side of the fence or the other: you're either a devout believer in Sid the Kid, or you're a staunch supporter of Alex Ovechkin. Very few members of hockey's growing fan-base adore both, and undoubtedly fewer support neither (then again, why would said person call themselves a hockey fan in the first place?). I'm sure by now you've read the title and anticipate a Sidney Crosby sploogefest to begin any moment now. No need to fear, that's not the point of this piece. Crosby haters have their reasons: his princess-like on-ice antics, his surprise bout against an unsuspecting Brett Mclean, or an even more surprising violent in-game rectal exam against the Atlanta Thrashers...free of charge, I might add (hey, at least he wore a glove). The reason why these types of debacles are essentially swept under the rug and go without punishment are because of not only Crosby's nearly unblemished record but his dire importance to the NHL's attempt to market it's product. Despite the fact that Crosby may have been a bit overestimated coming out of Junior Hockey, having been dubbed the next "Great" One, there's no denying the remarkable talent he possesses. This year alone he's second in the league in scoring while for the most part playing alongside a has-been in Miroslav Satan and a never-was in Ruslan Fedotenko (excluding that scorching playoff run with the Lightning during their march to the Cup). So what about Alexander the Great, #8, AO? The Capitals forward has an enormous amount of talent, and one could argue that he is far more capable of taking over a game than Crosby or any other player in the league. So what is it that Crosby possesses that Ovie lacks? Why is Sid the chosen statesman for the game, the star of the show, the name on the marquee while Ovechkin quietly dominates the competition in his shadows? I offer you my top 4 reasons why Alex Ovechkin will never the be the face of the National Hockey League.... 1. Vanity. Do you think it's just a coincidence that nearly every winner of American Idol just happens to have good looks to boot? Ovechkin, for all of his on-ice prowess, lacks the off ice polish that someone like Crosby possesses. He's not quite an ogre or a caveman (Mike Ricci, anyone?), but he undoubtedly has no intentions of diving into the modeling business if this whole hockey thing ever goes South. 2. From Russia With Love. Ovechkin was the focus of a recent article in Maxim Magazine, and while that publication carriers about as much credibility as Star or any of the other assorted magazines boasting headlines like "Elvis Found Living On Mars!", quotes are quotes and facts are facts. Ovechkin was very vocal about his distaste for America: It's girls, it's abundance of rules, it's utter inferiority to the way things are back home. His parents told the magazine that the Ovechkin family intends to jettison from North America back to the Motherland as soon as his playing career is over. Hasn't this country provided him with riches, fame, and the opportunity to brightly shine on the world's grandest hockey stage? Has he seen what's been going on in the KHL these days? If Russia is so fantastic, why doesn't he just bolt now? There's a line between have allegiance to your homeland and spitting in the face of the country you now call home. 3. The Language Barrier. While it's certainly something beyond the control of most human beings still transitioning from one country to another, Ovechkin's heavy Russian accent does him no favors when it comes to the marketing side of things. Reebok, Gatorade and other assorted advertisers will always make the safe bet and promote someone they feel North Americans are more comfortable relating to, like the oft-mentioned Crosby. Crosby simply comes off as the young, smooth, well-spoken All-(North) American golden boy, while in their eyes Ovechkin will always just be the grizzly, tobacco-chewing cosmonaut. 4. "I Fight for Me! For Me!!!" - Rocky IV anyone? Those were the words angrily shouted by Dolph Lundgren's character Ivan Drago as disappointed Soviet Leaders watched their prized fighter fail to knockout Rocky. I'm going to get a little personal here and simply tell you this: I for one do not enjoy the constant selfish and immature behavior Ovechkin displays. It just doesn't win me over. He could score 80 goals, carry a team all the way through the playoffs, and score the winning tally while standing on his head in a straight jacket and I still wouldn't be impressed. Why? March 3, 2008. That's why. That's the day the great AO lost any chance of having me in his corner. On their way to destroying the Boston Bruins by a final of 10-2, Ovechkin scored at 15:32 of the first period to make it 5-0 and he wont bonkers. #8 launched his arms in the air and propelled himself off the boards as though he'd just potted the most meaningful goal in the history of the National Hockey League. Truth be told it was just another tally in a game making it's way to blowout city. He was flaunting, he was showboating, he was grabbing salt from the cupboard and pouring it on each and every member of the Black and Gold's open wounds. It got their attention so much that Marco Sturm mimicked Ovie's entirely over the top and unnecessary celebration in a later matchup. Fast forward to Saturday night, a night where the Bruins again found themselves in our Nation's Capital. #8 laid a ferocious hip check on Dennis Wideman that could have easily injured the B's stud defenseman. And prior to that, with a scrum developing in the corner, Ovechkin, free of the referee's line of sight, grabbed Chuck Kobasew and just laid him onto the ice for no apparent reason. He's a weasel out there, a showboating, narcissistic mongrel, displaying that devilish condescending grin from behind his tinted visor, knowing all the while he's better than you, he's better than me, and he'd just as soon be back in Russia than be imprisoned in a country so miserable, where the girls are stale and freedom and democracy are garbage. Face of the NHL? Not in my lifetime.
  9. titanium2

    Even Pierre thinks the suspensions are a joke

    He probably just drew the short end of the stick in choices for opinion. Either that or he just wants a little evidence to make himself look good in front of Red Wings fans so that we can't fully accuse him of being a Red Wing hater for the time being while afterwards he goes back to saying Pavel Datsyuk scored because of the wind.
  10. titanium2

    Nicklas Lidstrom, no charisma?

    I'm not sure if that's entirely true but Nick could care less if people say he has no charisma. He has the utmost respect from every single coach and defenseman in the league. The forwards respect him too, but in a different way because they hate playing against him. His value isn't in regards to cheap appeal and charisma.
  11. titanium2

    Leino

    It seems like Leino is pretty similar to Hudler. Gifted playmaker. Great offensive instincts. Good shots. Will only be average defensively, especially on the Red Wings likely because their skating ability is very average. Except Huds is a year younger and has more experience with the Red Wings. I know they're both restricted free agents, but with those that need new contracts you think it might come down to having to choose between the two? It's not likely, but what if Huds wants too much and a team is willing to cut the check for him? It'll be a little easier for the Red Wings to just take the draft picks knowing they have Leino who can fill his role.
  12. titanium2

    Russian Five vs. Swedish Five

    The new Russian five that's growing in Washington. What the hell are they laughing at?
  13. titanium2

    Russian Five vs. Swedish Five

    Ha! I know, right. Hakan Andersson is the man. You have, and I'm guessing, 5 out every 10 hockey players growing up in Sweden who have the Red Wings as their favorite team and thus want to play for them. I hope it continues for a long, long time. Right now you got Mule-Z-Homer and then an up and coming generation of Nyquist-Andersson-Ritola who seem likely to make it and then after that Ryno-Samuelsson-Axelsson who are less likely to make it but still have a chance. I wonder why they don't scout all that much in Russia anymore. I guess after Grigorenko kind of halted their efforts.
  14. titanium2

    Russian Five vs. Swedish Five

    I'm not sure if I'm missing something here but why no Holmstrom? Why Sammy instead of Homer? With Z and Mule, you have enough shooters on one line. Homer's passing and stickhandling ability looks awkward, but it's effective and underrated when all the attention goes to Datsyuk and Zetterberg. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that the Swedish five wins 3-2. I think the Swedish Five are more solid defensively (yes, even with Kronwall). Fedorov in his prime was magic at its finest. At the same time, we've seen guys like Steve Rucchin shut him down. Z's main assignment would be to limit Sergei and I think he'd do well. I think with Z and Mule constantly in his face his effectiveness would limited well enough to grind out the win. Could you imagine a scrap between Homer and Vladdy after every stoppage?
  15. titanium2

    Joe Louis Arena Music

    For the most part, this is the song JLA plays when the road team gets a penalty: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmGTmtTBlvs . Sometimes when Datsyuk scores they play the really fast part of this song at 28 seconds: . (Man that girl is hot.) In general when a red wings scores or when the game is in the bag, they play the chorus of this song by Gwen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tEROk-Y27Q . All I can think of right now.
  16. titanium2

    Does regular season really matter to the wings?

    This year they don't have the edge that a team normally has after losing in the playoffs, because, well, they didn't lose. Usually a team comes out swinging hard, kind of like the Red Wings of last year and San Jose of this year. They know the big picture and they know that they have to play their best hockey at the right time. With that said, they still have to win regular season games for a high seed and home ice advantage or what have you. They're pretty much trying to balance the Stanley Cup hangover with their long-term goals. Does the regular season matter to the Wings? Heck yes it does, gosh! Does it matter so much that they're willing to go all out and play every game like a playoff game? Ehhh... Not really. They want to win the games, but not if it leads to serious injuries. But they're not "coasting" through the regular season. They're playing hard, but they're still trying to find that level of intensity they need to be at in order to win now while bearing in mind the playoffs and June. They know how hard to play when the playoffs arrive. But it's a process. They're building up to that level and that doesn't happen overnight it takes time and patience.
  17. titanium2

    Datsyuk Interview

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xtB1b8lD7Q Haha, "like video game."
  18. titanium2

    Pens acquire Garon from Oilers

  19. titanium2

    1/17 GDT: Sharks 6, Red Wings 5

    I hate to be picky, but does anyone have a feed with Ken and Mickey as the announcers?
  20. titanium2

    Datsyuk Vs. Malkin

    Geno plays an average of 1:21 short handed while Pav plays 1:55.
  21. titanium2

    Red Wings/Griffins Grades?

    For those who see the Griffins play day in and day out, any chance you can summarize and grade the progress of the Red Wings prospects in GR? Few of us get to see the Griffins actually play and I haven't seen an article like this.
  22. titanium2

    Red Wings/Griffins Grades?

    http://www.griffinscentral.com/articles/011509.html Griffins First Half Report Cards And the youth shall lead... By Jason Kasiorek www.griffinscentral.com Seven of the Griffin's top players in the first half of the season have played less than two seasons in the AHL, giving a glimpse of a bright future in the organization. With Grand Rapids tied for first place in the North Division and Western Conference and one point out of first overall, Coach Fraser has done a masterful job of putting this franchise back on the right path after a train wreck last season. AHL All-stars Jimmy Howard and Jonathan Ericsson have taken a step back but have been replaced by Jakub Kindl and Daniel Larsson, named to represent the club this season. These are the Griffins' first half grades: The Rating Scale: A - Excellence B - Above Average - Exceeds Expectations C - Average - Meets Expectations D - Below Average F - Fail Daniel Larsson A To say that the first year netminder has made a successful jump to North America is an understatement. All Larsson has done is win in convincing fashion, outplaying battery mate Jimmy Howard, by notching 14 wins and 5 shutouts in 19 decisions. Extremely confident and seemingly unflappable, Daniel ranks among the league leaders in wins, goals against average, shutouts and save percentage. Named to the PlanetUSA all-star team, Larsson would have to be a strong candidate for Griffins first half MVP. Landon Wilson A Wilson was the team's best player the first 15 games of the season. He did it all, scoring goals, providing grit, dropping the gloves and most importantly instilling a locker room swagger that carrier over onto the ice. The happy-to-be-here veteran was rewarded with a recall to Dallas where he has become a permanent fixture. Francis Pare A After an impressive training camp Pare was told not to get a place in GR because he might not be staying. The former QMJHL MVP took advantage of every opportunity and has just kept scoring, making it impossible to remove him from the lineup. The catalyst on a line with Lemieux and McGrath, Pare has been arguably the Griffins hottest offensive player the first half. Frankie plays well in all zones and has a knack for getting open where he uses his tremendously quick release to get an accurate shot off. Justin Abdelkader A- Abby got off to a great start, leading the league in rookie scoring the first month and playing a gritty, physical two-way game. It wasn't a huge surprise that his scoring fell off a bit as the season wore on. The biggest reason being the adjustment to the pace of the 80 game pro season from the 40 game collegiate seasons he was used to. The rest of his game, however, has exceeded the high expectations foisted upon him. Justin is physically mature and plays a hard game with great intensity and energy. He is responsible defensively and has the capability to be a game changing player. Mattias Ritola B+ What a difference a year makes. Ritola has used his experience to become an impact player, leading the team in goals with 15, already more than twice what he scored all last season. The smooth skating winger is a force at both ends of the ice and is built solidly enough to give or take a check. He had a little scoring drought in November (he wasn't alone there) but has bounced back nicely. Ville Leino B+ Leino was anointed NHL ready at the end of training camp, and started out the season proving that that was an accurate statement. The talented Finn ran into some troubles in the middle of the half, as he tried to adjust to the smaller ice and more physical nature of the North American game that left him tired and worn down. He recovered fairly quickly and started to show off his dominant puck handling skills again. Ville has led the club in scoring all season and truly has world class offensive moves. When he will have an opportunity to show those in Detroit is anyone's guess. Sergei Kolosov B+ Signed as an afterthought at the recommendation of Coach Fraser, expectations were low for the hulking Belarusian defenseman. After a rocky start, Kolosov has improved rapidly under the tutelage of the Griffins coaching staff to become a regular in the lineup; even unseating highly touted prospect Logan Pyett. While he still has some improving to do before he has an NHL future, he has made great strides in his intensity, competitiveness and defensive play. Jakub Kindl B Kindl rebounded from an abysmal rookie season to become one of the top blueliners on the team. His offensive game has come online faster than expected and he ranks fourth in the league in scoring with 25 points, earning him an all-star game starting nod. He routinely mans the point on the #1 powerplay unit and shows off his low, hard point shot which he can get away quickly. His play without the puck had shown much improvement until recently when he started to backslide to a defensive corps worst -9. If he can tighten his play back up and have a strong second half, the future will look bright for Jakub. Francis Lemieux B- Frankie couldn't catch a break at the beginning of the season, sitting out 14 of the club's first 24 games, and not making much of an impact in the ones he did play. But the grinding winger just kept working hard and eventually was rewarded. He meshed well with rookie Frankie Pare, and ripped off a hot streak, posting 11 points in 10 games including his first career hat trick. Scoring at this level is a bonus for Lemieux who has a lot of Matt Ellis hustle and work ethic in him and plays an energetic two way game. Ryan Oulahen B- Always a solid defensive forward, Oulahen has stepped it up another notch this season, adding some grit to his game and even playing with an edge some nights. His offensive numbers are about where they normally are, but he has about twice as many goals as usual. Ryan provides versatility, playing all 3 forward positions in any role, and even suited up for a surprisingly effective game on the blueline earlier in the season. Evan McGrath B- McGrath has seen quite a turnaround in his fortunes this season. After finishing last season on a tear, big things were expected from the third year center, but instead he found himself a regular scratch to start the year. A switch to the wing, a new found work ethic, and some luck being paired with the two Frankie's have all parlayed into the best stretch of his pro career. Evan has upped his intensity and competes every night, both things he was knocked for earlier in his career. Jason Jozsa C+ A depth defenseman heading into camp, Jozsa impressed Coach Fraser enough to earn semi-regular ice time. Used in place of struggling rookies or injured vets, Jason played well in spurts as a safe reliable blueliner with a good first pass up ice. The smooth skating rearguard was only a minus player 3 times in 23 games. Darren Helm C+ Helm started out the season on a tear, notching 18 points in his first 15 games sandwiched around a pair of recalls to Detroit. Then his offense started to sputter and eventually the rest of his game seemed to lack the same urgency and intensity as his impact lessened. Lately playing in a more defensive role, Darren has been mostly unnoticeable and really needs to step things up the second half. Aaron Downey C+ Downey struggled after being sent down, both on the ice, and with the prospect of playing in the AHL. After some soul searching he settled in and has played well in an energy role. He will never be mistaken for a scorer, but is an effective forechecker and a physical presence. Perhaps one of his biggest additions to the team is in the locker room and on the bench where his Stanley Cup ring and NHL experience make him a well respected voice. Garrett Stafford C Garrett has played as expected so far this season, solid but not spectacular. He has run the point on the powerplay and been a good partner for Kolosov, playing reasonably well at both ends of the ice. The problem is that he always seems to leave you expecting more, especially after last season's red-hot second half. Cory Emmerton C Emmerton has had an up and down first half as he adjusts to the pro game. After a slow start, the freshman pivot ripped off a torrid stretch of 13 points in 15 games before slowing down again. When his offense dried up, the rest of his game seemed to fall off as well, leading to him sitting out a few nights. He needs to work on his intensity and consistency, but is about where expected. Jimmy Howard C- Howard was supposed to come in this season, fresh on the heels of the disappointment of losing the back job in Detroit to Ty Conklin, start 65-70 games and once and for all prove he is the man for the job. Things haven't gone according to plan for Jimmy as inconsistent play and a phenomenal start by backup Daniel Larsson have cast his future in doubt. Howard has played well in stretches this season, but has not been able to put a solid run together to quiet the growing number of nay-sayers. The team appears to play better for Larsson, leading to the observation that the fourth year goaltender needs to have a strong second half to win his team back over and keep his Detroit hopes alive. Tom Galvin C- Tom has proven his doubters wrong every step of the way to secure a spot in the AHL with his strong positional defensive play. This season the magic has not been there, and he has not played to his usual standards. Galvin tried to be more offensively involved during the early going, which came with mixed results, and he has spent the last few weeks paired with Kindl which can be an adventure. Jonathan Ericsson C- After a dominant year in the AHL, Ericsson was being touted as NHL ready. His strong play, size and story (last pick in the draft) made him an intriguing prospect, and he was expected to tear up the minors while he waited for a spot to open up in Detroit. Instead he coasted through the first few months of the season, displaying little intensity, before being injured. He has ramped up his play since returning, but has some work to do before regaining all-star form. Darren Haydar C- Former AHL MVP Haydar was brought in to provide winning leadership in the room and scoring prowess on the ice. So far the results are mixed as the veteran has battled through personal issues and inconsistency. He is on pace for one of his lowest scoring season's as a pro, and sports a team worst -13 defensive rating. Jamie Tardif C- There were high hopes for Jamie as he was signed to his first NHL contract over the off-season after toiling on AHL contracts the last few years. But for whatever reason the gritty winger struggled to start the season, even losing his spot in the lineup at one point. He has stepped up his play at both ends of the ice, but has not been able to rekindle his offense consistently. Aaron Gagnon C- Gagnon was one of the rotation of regular scratches the first half, and seemed to play OK in spurts when in the lineup. A serviceable defensive forward, Aaron has not displayed the grit or consistency to lock down a spot despite a few solid games. Logan Pyett D+ Logan had a rocky reception to the pro ranks, and soon played himself out of the lineup. His top-flight offensive game has deserted him somewhere between Regina and Grand Rapids, and until the last stretch, his defensive game hadn't adjusted to the speed or size of the pro game. After some time being tutored by Jimmy Paek after practice, Pyett looked to be improving the last 10 games or so. Jan Mursak F Mursak was expected to make a speedier adjustment to the pro game than he has. It is obvious he has the talent and speed to play here, but so far the results have been missing. A confidence building trip to the ECHL would probably be the best thing for him to start the second half. P.J. Atherton Inc. A favorite of the coaching staff during training camp, Atherton found himself the victim of the numbers game when he was unable to unseat Galvin or Jozsa for regular ice time. He hasn't had much of an opportunity, but hasn't shown much to earn a longer look either.
  23. Probably because the deal wasn't originally front-loaded or whatever. I thought he's looking for a deal that pays him a lot at first and then dwindles down.