shannyfan1414 0 Report post Posted October 2, 2007 I just hope that Grigs agrees to play in Grand Rapids for a little bit. Doesn't he have a clause that says he can head to Russia if he doesn't make the NHL team? I would hate to see him go back to Russia were he would probably end up staying. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Son of a Wing 1,644 Report post Posted October 2, 2007 Good for Downey and Ellis. They both deserve to make the team for now. By the sounds of it as long as Grigorenko plays great in the AHL (I have no doubt he will) and gets his skating legs back he'll bump one of those guys off in about a month since Downey has a 2-way clause and Ellis can still be sent to the minors. Although who knows who might have a bad season or get injured. At least we have a lot of depth and guys with the right attitude to step up. Downey will probably play around 30 games for us as long as we avoid any major injuries. I wouldn't get your hopes up for much more. Ellis is the wildcard but his work ethic and attitude are second to none. He'll be regular 4th liner before long. Probably not till next season though. This is probably the most depth we've had in years. At every position there are guys ready to step up. Looking forward to a great regular season and long playoff run. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Datsyukian Geek 2 Report post Posted October 2, 2007 Congrats to Ellis and Downey! With luck, Grigs will get NHL-ready quickly in GR, and the others will maintain the effort they put into *making* the team initially. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Crymson Report post Posted October 2, 2007 As for Ellis, I don't typically swear on these boards, but the opinion that he is worthless is complete and utter bulls***. The guy's managed to develop himself beyond expectations year after year, improving every facet of his game as requested by the organization. The reason he's on the team is because he's a essential team player. I remember last year when Dom was in a slump (or coming off an injury, I forget), he called on Ellis to practice with him one-on-one to help him get his game back. Matt did, and as a result, Dom got his game back. What people see with Ellis isn't going to be measured on the stats sheet or observed by the general public. However, the 22 other guys in the dressing room are going to love having a player around who's willing to do what he can to make the team better, even if it means putting in extra time at practices and whatnot to make certain that the team is as fired up and ready as possible. And considering the scoring potential of the other 12 forwards we have, he'll fill in nicely on a 4th line if need be. Bottom line, you may be able to ask for a better player, but you couldn't ask for a better teammate. Rock on. Ellis is a VERY hard worker. I noticed this last year, Mickey and Ken noticed it, I think most everyone did. Ellis didn't score (he was robbed by an early whistle once), but he sure did bring energy, hustle and heart to the ice. He deserves the spot he's gotten. He was captain of the Griffins for a reason--he's a team guy and sets an example. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
clutchngrab 12 Report post Posted October 2, 2007 Thats a different tune than he sung when he came into camp. He wanted a roster spot or he was going back to Russia. Personally, I think the AHL is a good start for him to learn North American style hockey because it is vastly different than the experience he would get in Russia. That makes his transition easier. Personally, I would be pleased a punch of Igor stayed here and played in GR. He will be a first line player there and he could easily work on the language barrier when he is not playing. Sorry, Grigs ass will be back in Russia by Nov. 1. Try again next year after hiring a trainer and a language coach. The guy has had 6 years to learn rudimentary english? Everyone including his agent knew he'd be under a microscope and there was how much prep? zero, nada (or whatever it is in russian)... very disappointing. Props to Ellis and Downey for working their asses off. Now grigs knows what it takes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kp-Wings 3 Report post Posted October 2, 2007 I'd wish Kocur would stop by to give the youngsters like Kopecky some lessons on the finer art of fighting in the NHL Kopecky actually has a few AHL fights to his credit (the infamous fight vs. Scott May, featuring the Milwaukee broadcaster having going crazy over a few punches May threw). For whatever reason, though, he chooses not to do it at the NHL level. Which is quite a shame, too, because he could be a decent fighter with his size. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
clutchngrab 12 Report post Posted October 2, 2007 I would not sit Kpoecky on he 4th line. That means either Downey or Drake should sit - and I think we know who that should be. Actually, it is very good that you have essentially Maltby, Downey, Drake, Kopecky and Ellis competing for 4th line spots. That should light a fire under Maltby's overpaid ass. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kp-Wings 3 Report post Posted October 2, 2007 I would not sit Kpoecky on he 4th line. That means either Downey or Drake should sit - and I think we know who that should be. Who? Downey? I don't know what Kopecky has exactly proven to people that he deserves a roster spot. Guys like Drake and Downey bring physical aspects of the game, such as hitting (and in Downey's case, fighting). Kopecky, for all that size that he has, plays a very soft game. I'd like to see him step it up and start playing physical, but right now he's my whipping boy right behind Samulesson and Lilja. I've never much warmed up to the fact that Kopecky essentially made the team last year because he couldn't clear waivers anymore, either. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheBadOne 0 Report post Posted October 2, 2007 I'd wish Kocur would stop by to give the youngsters like Kopecky some lessons on the finer art of fighting in the NHL I agree with you 154% Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skacore 2 Report post Posted October 2, 2007 Kopecky actually has a few AHL fights to his credit (the infamous fight vs. Scott May, featuring the Milwaukee broadcaster having going crazy over a few punches May threw). For whatever reason, though, he chooses not to do it at the NHL level. Which is quite a shame, too, because he could be a decent fighter with his size. which I have always found pretty amusing that he gets so much praise for that fight... he fought a guy 5'10 190 and that was the first fight of his career... woo hoo! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dabura 12,232 Report post Posted October 2, 2007 A pleasant surprise i must say...I had all but given up!!! However, not playing him against Anaheim makes no sense. This is the exact reason you have Downey on the team...to play against teams like the Ducks. Especially considering they just met in the WCF and there's potential for a pretty chippy game. We'll hurt 'em with our PP. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kp-Wings 3 Report post Posted October 2, 2007 which I have always found pretty amusing that he gets so much praise for that fight... he fought a guy 5'10 190 and that was the first fight of his career... woo hoo! Heh, agreed. And if you ask the Milwaukee broadcaster, he lost too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yankeebaddabing 0 Report post Posted October 2, 2007 Looking good to me, I'm ready for wed, I just hope grigs gets in shape and will play with the boys when he is ready.. Let's pluck those ducks boys!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest MrSandMan Report post Posted October 2, 2007 (edited) I have a feeling Downey (and maybe Ellis too) are more of a show case for trade bait than anything else. Why put them on waivers and possibly lose them for nothing in return. I think the hype on this thread is a bit premature. Unless these guys can skate, pass the puck, play strong defensive style game, assist some goals, and score some goals. Then they will not be one the roster all that long. Edited October 2, 2007 by MrSandMan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
