Memorial Cup: Prospect Notes
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Van/Mon Random Prospect Notes (posted 5.29.06)
by Chris McCluskey
J.D. Watt (Cgy), RW, Vancouver
Discernibly not only one of the faster players on the ice, but one of the smoothest and prettiest skater as well .. hands are surprisingly soft and he does display some creative moves .. in spite of displaying a great deal of skill, either focuses too much on his physical game or simply lacks the intelligence or confidence to finish plays .. great intensity, but results in "that guy" penalties far too often .. at his size he's able to drive players through the boards with some booming hits, but needs to concentrate on this less, and develop his offensive potential .. speed enables him to join the back check quickly even if he appears out of the play .. must tone down his WHL "big man" on-ice attitude, but appears to be a phenomenal mid-round draft pick for Calgary .. has the attributes to play on any of the four lines, but we all hope for him to mature into a first or second line NHL forward with a physical edge .. as is, without any maturation of scoring abilities, is still a pretty good projection for a third liner.
Dustin Slade (2006), G, Vancouver
Given his style of play, his bio would be more realistic if it read "goaltender/defenseman" or even just "defenseman" .. never stops moving and doesn't confine himself to the boundaries of his crease .. thrives cutting down the angles and getting the first shot, and his above-average rebound control takes away any added opportunities – most of the time .. quick reflexes, very agile .. must improve lateral movement .. easily beaten in top corners .. gets caught playing in the corners and relies heavily on his defense to cover for him while he wanders .. would be most appropriately placed in university, but will likely try his chances playing pro.
Keith Yandle (Phx), D, Moncton
A two-way defenseman with quick feet who shows some tricky moves with the puck .. doesn't abstain from pinching in or rushing the puck into the opponent's zone, but neither does he rely on forwards to cover for him while his efforts are focused on making contributions offensively; he can take care of himself .. once he puts on a few pounds, the Coyotes will have a first or second pairing defenseman on their hands.
Mark Fistric (Dal), D, Vancouver
A beast of a player who - in spite of his club's stacked blue line - is leaned on at times and always responds .. extremely patient, and uses his massive frame to his advantage both physically and when defending possession of the puck .. clears his goaltender's sight-lines in front of the net with ease .. displays innate ability to control the pace of the game .. best defenseman on the ice on a playing surface which also included the highly touted likes of Luc Bourdon, Cody Franson and Keith Yandle .. didn't get a lot of wood on his shots tonight .. decent skater, keeping in mind he's 225 lbs .. barring an act of god, will develop into one of the NHL's top defensive defensemen within five years.
Luc Bourdon (Van), RW, Moncton
Not taking the initiative offensively and disappointed with his work ethic .. once he develops some intensity he'll be well on his way to fulfilling the high expectations placed on him for the upcoming Canucks training camp, after his remarkable showing at last year's .. can beat any opposing forward off the puck, and showed his ability to do so on numerous occasions .. classless and unnecessary spear to Gilbert Brule in the second period could have put team in danger – if it was called .. potential top line NHL defenseman when he finds the mean streak he's displayed in the past.
Josh Tordjman (FA), G, Moncton
I've been saying it for years, somebody scoop this guy up .. if he can add some meat to his frame and maintain his quickness and reflexes, you have yourself a future number one .. concerns with transferability of endurance given his weight, which has never been listed above 162lbs .. consistently focused .. lightning quick pad and glove reflexes .. strong positionally .. no one should allow him to handle the puck though.
Adam Pineault (CBJ), C, Moncton
No longer taking shifts off after drawing negative reviews the last pair of regular seasons for his consistency .. a stand out on the Moncton attack, possessing an excellent hard shot .. large frame allows him to create opportunities for himself .. throwing the body .. above average speed .. needs to decide what role to play - and do it well - to make the next step.
Martins Karsums (Bos), LW, Moncton
Stealthy forward who is really showing his NHL upside .. showing the same game-breaking capacities as John Leclair in the 1993 NHL playoffs, by stepping up and netting a plethora of game winning goals .. shows quickness and great intelligence away from the puck.
Matt Marquardt (2006), LW, Moncton
Skating like he's on a conveyor belt going the other way, but fact of the matter is he's really making an impact for the Wildcats offensively .. quiet, steady contributor who is difficult to move in traffic and thus creates scoring chances .. scored tonight's game winner .. upended Mark Fistric on the forecheck, which is an accomplishment in itself .. not a puck carrier .. difficulties getting back defensively when he gets caught deep in the offensive zone .. likely headed for university, but might be worth selecting in the late rounds of the forthcoming NHL Draft if you think he can carry his ability to set himself up in traffic to the professional level.
Stephane Goulet (Edm), LW, Moncton
Has not improved his foot speed but still has smooth hands and creativity .. The Oilers took a chance on him and he's a valuable offensive junior player, but appears headed for the ECHL or university.
Philippe Dupuis (CBJ), C, Moncton
If only he had any control over the puck with possession .. knocked off the puck with ease, which is painful to watch given his silky smooth stickhandling abilities and good speed .. a pleasure to watch, if he could only handle the puck better than most goaltenders .. will be interesting to see if he'll play in the AHL or ECHL next season, but a future AHL top liner and not ready to count him out as a first or second line NHLer just yet.
Cody Franson (Nsh), D, Vancouver
Valuable on the breakout, carrying the puck with confidence and good speed .. excellent first step .. balances the Vancouver blue line, as he's looked to more for offense than teammate Fistric .. tape-to-tape passes .. responsible player with an all-around game .. another blue chip NHL prospect .. will be given the exposure he needs to emerge at the World Juniors in 2007.
Gilbert Brule (CBJ), C, Vancouver
Didn't quite develop into the type of guy you have two players shadowing at all times, but is still extremely dangerous offensively .. intelligent without the puck, with a great concept of where to be and when .. may require seasoning in the AHL next season, but you'll undoubtedly see him in a Blue Jackets shirt at some points during 2006/07.
Brad Marchand (2006), C, Moncton
A workhorse worth a look in the 2006 NHL Draft, but must make quicker and more decisive decisions .. painful to watch at times eliciting the crowd to yell "shoot!" or simply just to make a play .. having said that, has a good sense of where his teammates are positioned on the ice and usually makes the best play of the possibilities available to him .. slow thinking limits his options sometimes .. two-way player who will muck it up.
Game 8: Vancouver vs Moncton (posted 5.28.06)
by Derrick LeBlanc
Win or go home. This was the task at hand for both the Moncton Wildcats and the Vancouver Giants during the semifinal game of the MasterCard Memorial Cup. Both teams were playing for the right to play the Quebec Remparts in Sundays final.
The final outcome would see Moncton winning 3-1 in an entertaining game
that featured many bone jarring hits. The victory enables a matchup that many were hoping for. A rematch of the QMJHL's President Cup series and all of the story lines that follow it. Moncton and Quebec do not like each other at all, both on and off the ice. This also marks the first time in the history of the Memorial Cup that two QMJHL teams will face off for CHL supremacy.
Adam Pineault: Flying all over the ice. No longer just an intriguing
prospect with a great shot. Adam has improved steadily since Christmas, with noticeable improvements to his skating, focus and a commitment to defense.
Matt Marquardt: The player no one wanted in the OHL. Matt came to
Moncton as a free agent and has been a solid contributor all season. At 6'4" and 220 pounds, Matt was physically dominating at times tonight. He still needs to work on skating and overall foot speed as it takes him about five long strides to reach full steam. Marquart has played on all four lines this year and even seen time on the PP. An intriguing player moving forward.
Oskars Bartulis: Once again the Wildcats most effective defenseman.
Led the QMJHL playoffs with a +/- rating of +22 in 21 games. With just under three minutes left in the third period, he blocked a shot with his face and got right back up to continue on with the play. He did not miss a shift. He also came to the rescue of goalie Josh Tordjman after Tordjman was cowardly attacked by Mark Fistric. Bartulis got beat on pretty bad but he is still willing to stick up for his teammates.
Luc Bourdon: Luc has been a question mark for me this tournament. At
times he looks great (making big hits and jumping in to join the rush) but others he appears to be a shadow of the WJC performance we saw this Christmas. Got away with a obvious spear to Gilbert Brule which could have cost the Wildcats big. He had some periods of inconsistency with the puck and at other times he was out of position in his own end. Overall Luc is very talented player, I just wonder if he is wearing down with all the hockey (QMJHL, WJC, and Memorial Cup) or if he is still not 100% recovered from an earlier leg injury.
Game 7: Vancouver vs Peterborough (posted 5.26.06)
by Shane Malloy
Game seven. How fitting in seeing that the loser of this game heads back on their bus home and the winner goes on to play in the semi-finals against the Moncton Wildcats. In what some predicted to be a close physical game turned into our first blowout of the tournament. Vancouver blasted Peterbrough
6-0.
The storyline to this game is the dominance of Vancouver as Peterbrough was
held to just ELEVEN TOTAL shots for the game 3, 5 and 3 while Vancouver had a
total of 45. Petes were 0-5 on the PP and the Giants were 6 for 17...yes that's right SEVENTEEN!
Midway through the second the Petes just lost their composure and the route was on. Gilbert Brule continued to dominate the tournament. After an average start, he's really turning it on. He finished today's game with two goals and three assists. He was only named the second star as defenseman Cody Franson was named the games first star after scoring three goals and assisting on another.
So it is off to the semi finals for the Giants where they will face the QMJHL Champions, the Moncton Wildcats.
Game 6: Quebec vs Moncton (posted 5.26.06)
by Derrick LeBlanc
Quite possibly the most anticipated game of the MasterCard Memorial
Cup. A rematch of the QMJHL championship featuring the Quebec Remparts versus the Moncton Wildcats. The Remparts would finally come out victorious in Moncton posting an exciting 4-3 win in front of a boisterous 7159 fans at the Moncton Coliseum.
Oskars Bartulis: Most consistent defenseman throughout the whole game.
Didn't get beat wide. Provided good puck support and was physically
dominating on certain shifts.
Marc-Edouard Vlasic: When rushed by on coming forwards he panics/rushes and coughs up puck leading to scoring chances. Usually ends up chasing opposition to front of net from the corner. Again another example of the lack of foot speed and strength in being unable to contain opposition in the corner.
Jerome Samson: Extremely effective on PK, owns boards down low
(impressive for a smaller player 5'11, 175 pounds.) The most improved Wildcat player since the beginning of the season.
Cedrick Desjardins: Different game, same result. With Desjardins it's
shoot high and you'll score! Two of the three Moncton goals were scored high glove side. Trouble laterally and getting up quickly from the butterfly.
Josh Tordjman: Not amazing but solid, kept Wildcats in the game (game
tied at 1-1 despite being outshot 17-9.)
Game 5: Vancouver vs Peterborough (posted 5.25.06)
by Derrick LeBlanc
Game five of the MasterCard Memorial Cup featured our first win or go home
opportunity. The Vancouver Giants needed a win to stay alive, and they did just that winning by a score of 3-2 against the Peterborough Petes.
Gilbert Brule: Finally arrived when it counted. Scored two goals in this
game (including the GWG while shorthanded). A force at both ends of the ice, Brule is a complete player in all facets of the game.
J.D. Watt: A 6'1", 205-pound winger. JD pounds the body hard and rarely does he not finish a check. If he can transfer, some of his "seek and destroy" energy into fundamentals like shooting and stick handling JD could develop into a fourth line "power forward" type player.
Dustin Slade: Battled hard throughout the game to make key saves through traffic. Athletic netminder able to move very fluently up and down plus
good lateral movement. Key component of Vancouver's Memorial Cup run.
Game 4: Moncton vs Peterborough: (posted 5.25.06)
by Derrick LeBlanc
Game four of the MasterCard Memorial Cup pitted the hometown Moncton Wildcats against the Peterborough Petes. The Wildcats went on to win the game by a score of 4-2 and ran their record to two wins and zero losses. Here is how some of the NHL top prospects performed.
Bryan Young: Has trouble with speed of on coming forwards (this flaw in his game helped contribute to the Wildcats first goal)
Trevor Hendrikx: Paired with the above-mentioned Young, both five on five and the PK. Plays on Peterborough's top PP unit and is the more physical of the two.
Oskars Bartulis: Complete opposite of regular season. Poise under pressure. Puck handling, physical play, and skating has improved. Plays simple game (chip puck of boards and gets point shots on net.)
Stephane Goulet: perhaps the least talked about 50-goal scorer. Using size to drive more (to drive to the net), scored two of Moncton's four goals, he still does not bring it each and every shift, will need to work on consistency.
Game 3: Vancouver vs. Quebec: (posted 5.24.06)
by Derrick LeBlanc
The early story of the Memorial Cup seems to be that the Vancouver Giants cannot put together a full 60-minute game. This held true as the Giants, leading 3-1 halfway through the second period, gave up five unanswered goals to fall 6-3 to the Quebec Remparts. With the victory, Quebec is now one and one while Vancouver falls to 0 and 2.
Dustin Slade: He came out of his net to challenge shooters more than last night (previously he was staying deep in his crease). Still not getting a lot of work in his first two games, 48 total shots in first two games and nine goals allowed (only faced a combined total of six shots in the first periods of those two games).
Angelo Esposito: Angelo showed more jump than in game one. Coach Patrick
Roy said that he "paired Esposito with (Alexander) Radulov and (Mathieu) Melanson again." Roy commented that playing on that line "seemed to help him (Esposito) find his legs." Tends to see the whole ice and passes off to teammates allot more than Radulov. Has explosive speed, which he can reach in just a couple of short quick strides.
Cody Franson: On PP, he will come off blue line to play down low (right wing). Excellent tape-to-tape breakout passes that caught the Remparts off guard more than once. Quick, crisp breakouts created odd man scoring rushes. Exciting prospect to watch because of versatility.
Alexander Radulov: I still do not get it! Radulov is an amazing talent but will not come back on defense to save his life. He made a little effort in game one but I think that was more by accident. He is also not willing to pay the price to come up with loose pucks. I know that he is more of a perimeter player, not going into the corners to bang however; the loose pucks that are available in the neutral zone or off of a deflection do not really interest him. Radulov seems to be able to do it all with the puck, but just imagine how much more dominate he could be! Playing defense and more hustle are things that will have to be corrected before reaching the NHL and maybe even the AHL.
Gilbert Brule: Played more passionate than last night. Hit with more of a purpose. Still did not dominate as expected. Took a very undisciplined penalty late in the game with his team down by one goal...on the PP the Remparts scored to go up by two.
Marc-Edouard Vlasic: Trouble skating backwards (foot speed). Vancouver Giant forwards came bearing down on him all night and he again lacked the foot speed/agility to keep them in front of him or at least off into the boards.
Michal Sersen: Played physical most of the night. Rose to the occasion to match the physical play of Vancouver.
J.D. Watt: Heavy hitter, gritty, strong on forecheck because of speed. He'd try and knock the Remparts' forward into the first few rows of seats. "Sparkplug" type player realizing the importance of momentum, trying to change it through physical play.
Prospect Notes: (posted 5.23.06)
by Derrick LeBlanc
Game 1: Peterborough vs. Quebec City
David Shantz: Good down low, plays with paddle down and has an active stick, good rebound control, as there were not many secondary scoring chances.
Jordan Staal: Long full stride, powerful in all facets of the game but soft enough hands to deke out d-man, hard worker (outworked two Rempart players along boards and came up with puck more than once.)
Steve Downie: Does not stop, wants to win on each and every shift, and bangs the body and always trying to get opposition off their game by yapping or a good old face wash with the glove. Despite the dirty crap and being a "super" pest, he has legit skills.
Daniel Ryder: Quick feet, small but plays big
Trevor Hendrikx: Operates the point on the PP, tough in front of own net, takes out opposition when trying to enter the offensive zone.
Alexander Radulov: The only thing different from the QMJHL finals is that he made "small" attempt to come back on defense. Arguably, the best player in the QMJHL and CHL he can single handedly take over a game.
Game 2: Vancouver vs. Moncton
Game two of the MasterCard Memorial Cup was another thriller that pitted the WHL champion Vancouver Giants against the QMJHL champion (and host) Moncton Wildcats. In a game that featured many momentum changes the Moncton Wildcats came out on top to capture their first win of the tournament while Vancouver suffered their first loss. Below are some views of the top NHL prospects play during this game.
Gilbert Brule: SOLID, hits like a truck, understands game/little things (took hit from Luc Bourdon to move puck up ice), while down by a goal and the momentum in favor of the Wildcats. Brule delivered a cross check to the face of a Moncton player...frustration penalty, but not something you would expect from a player that has already experienced the NHL. My first time seeing him play and I was expecting to be "wowed"...but I really
Was not!
Cody Franson: moves very well for size (6'05", 205 pounds), PP QB, sees ice well (jumps up at the right time not costing his team an odd man rush against) active stick (used reach to knock puck off opposition stick) played body not puck when Wildcats were able to enter zone, definite key player for Vancouver.
Mark Fistric: Not unlike the above mentioned Franson. Fistric is on the second PP unit but overall is more true to his position of defense. With Fistric its defense first while, Franson will try to be more offensively creative.
Dustin Slade: Intense, Pre-game ritual was a workout in itself (banging on every post like Hextall) and skating to each sideboard. an extra penalty killer/defenseman in that he come out to play the puck allot...enables quick, clean breakouts, the book on him seemed to be shoot high glove side, not sure if that's a weakness on because of his size (5'11" and 180 pounds). Appeared to be slow when getting up from going down.
Mario Bliznak: Slippery, provides good puck support by skating to open ice to help out teammates, more of a two-way player that can switch from offensive to defensive quite easily, like the rest of his Vancouver teammates, hitting is staple with him.
Philippe Dupuis: true leader of the Moncton Wildcats because of previous Memorial Cup experience, Dupuis can handle all situations on the ice such as throwing the big hit, blocking shots, using speed to bust around opposition defense, does all of the little things
Martins Karsums: a force, impossible to knock off skates, listed at 5'10" and 190 pounds he plays more like 6'5" and 230 pounds. Led Wildcats with SEVEN GWG during their playoff run and tonight was no different with Karsums getting the game winner. Surprised a more than a few Giants with his hitting ability.
Luc Bourdon: Mirror image of his play at WJC. Luc has come back slowly from an injury that cost him over a month of playing time. Good at closing space between himself and opposition, not letting them dictate the play. On the Wildcats second goal he came out of the box to lead the rush as a left-winger making a beautiful pass that led to a goal.
Starts with a Bang (posted 5.20.06)
by Derrick LeBlanc
The opening game of the 2006 Memorial Cup was a back and forth affair featuring the OHL champion Peterborough Petes and the QMJHL runner-up the Quebec Remparts. Although both teams had large contingents of their fans, most of the 6000 plus in attendance were on the side of the Petes. The Remparts were booed as they came onto the ice but the loudest jeers were for Remparts head coach Patrick Roy. Each and everytime his face appeared on the video screen a loud chorus of boos could be heard throughout the Coliseum.
Right from the get go both teams were trying to set the intimidation factor by throwing their weight around coupled with numerous scrums after the whistle and in front of each goalie. Although being outshot 18 to 7 in the first period the Petes were not outplayed. Many of the Rempart shots came from beyond the slot with little traffic in front of Petes goalie David Shantz.
The temperature in the building played a factor throughout the whole game. Petes head coach Dick Todd commented that this was the first time they have played in such a warm building, adding that most of the buildings they have played in were air-conditioned. Todd was assured by Coliseum personnel that the ice conditions would improve as the tournament carries on. When asked for his feelings about the ice, Remparts head coach Patrick Roy said, "I don't think it's going to get better." The Remparts just finished playing the QMJHL Champion Moncton Wildcats and three of the six games played on the same ice.
In the second, the Petes seemed to become better adjusted to the heat and found their legs. The Petes held a 13-12 shots advantage during the middle frame and utilized overall team speed to create more dangerous scoring chances. Philadelphia Flyer first rounder Steve Downie put the Petes up 1-0 with his first goal of the tournament assisted by Trevor Hendrikx and Jordan Morrison. When asked about the long delay between the OHL final and the start of the Memorial Cup Downie commented, "it's good to get going." "It's good to get the first win," Downie said when asked of the importance of the first game.
Quebec star Alexander Radulov was held in check for most of the game although he did have some dangerous scoring chances. Radulov finished the game with seven shots and a -2. Coach Todd and Steve Downie echoed each other when asked how the Petes were able to contain the QMJHL top playoff performer. "It was a team effort" in shutting down Radulov. Coach Todd went on to say, " Radulov is amazing out there." "It's my first chance to see him (Radulov) play." Todd went on to compare Radulov to Rob Schremp but noted that Radulov "does it at a higher tempo."
The Remparts appeared to be sluggish in the third period, from the heat but also the log playoff series against Moncton. Peterborough's speed proved to be too much for the Remparts as they kept coming, creating turnovers, which lead to scoring chances. After tying the game late in third on a powerplay goal by 2006 draft eligible defenseman Joey Ryan (assists to Angelo Esposito, Michal Sersen) the Petes calmly went down the ice and scored the game winner just 13 seconds later with Jordan Morrison getting the goal assisted by Steve Downie.
Final shot were 47-29 in favor of Quebec. Pete goalie David Shantz was named the games first star stopping 45 of 47 shots sent his way. Remparts coach Patrick Roy commented that Shantz played well and that it would "take the perfect shot to beat him."
Second star went to Maxime Lacroix of the Remparts with Jordan Morrison collecting third star honors.