Triumph Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 fiesty: wow, thanks for that, i fully intend to check out swift current. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devils731 Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 Great, I'm going to check it out. Scarlett is 7 and Black is 21 for anyone watching. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devils731 Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 Crappy luck for Scarlett, he blocks a shot into his own throat, and the shooter recovers the puck while Scarlett is stunned and scores. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triumph Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 Haha, Scarlett and Shinkaruk have had some battles so far. Black has NHL speed - he had an end to end rush I was very impressed with. Plays on the #1 PK unit too, didn't see a Swift Current PP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triumph Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 (edited) Curious about others' thoughts, but like I said - Black has NHL speed. I was reminded of Vladimir Zharkov, Eric Wellwood, and I hate to mention him, but Darren Helm and John Madden too (although these sorts of players represent his top top end) - players that can disrupt the opponent's breakout, players whose sheer speed, agility, and forechecking knowhow make up for any other potential deficiencies wrt scoring or passing. On multiple occasions, Medicine Hat defenders were surprised that Black closed on them as fast as he did. I only hope DeBoer and his system stay here long enough that Black can play in it, because if the Devils sign him to a contract, he's going to play in it. On the minus side, I felt his play on the PK was relying on the fact that he has such great speed - his positioning wasn't as good as I would hope, but there's years to work on that. Scarlett - less impressed with him, though he got some good chances late, made some good decisions QBing the power play. Wasn't enthused about his PK ability or breakouts. Still, I think judging D men off one game is way harder than judging forwards. Edited December 30, 2012 by Triumph Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devils731 Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 I was mostly watching UFC, so I caught most of the first and parts of the rest of the game. Black was definitely quick and energetic. With his legs and his speed, and being an older player in the league, I'm wondering why he hasn't found a way to put more points on the board. I'm not sure how to tell a defenseman's actual game from on TV and with a team I don't know. I don't know where the coaches want him or how their system works. I did like that Scarlett seemed composed, kept his head up and looking around, and had really nice footwork with his skating when changing directions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thefiestygoat Posted December 30, 2012 Author Share Posted December 30, 2012 Thanks for the reports triumph and Devils731! Black is going to turn 20 in a few weeks so I guess he is a guy we will see in Albany next year along with Scarlett. I asked Michigan beat writer @MattSlovin about Merrill's ETA and this is what he said: "@onepasthunter Will be evaluated on Jan 2. Could return shortly after if cleared." Saturday 12/29 OHL Windsor lost to Saginaw 8-3 (Saginaw scored 5 times in 7:41 in the 2nd) Ben Johnson LW: Goal, -2 Kitchener lost to Belleville 3-2 Ben Thomson LW: E, 4 PIM (Hooking, Roughing) WHL Swift Current lost to Medicine Hat 4-1 Reece Scarlett D: -1, 2 PIM (Unsportsmanlike) Graham Black C: -2 NCAA Minnesota defeated Air Force 4-0 Seth Helgeson D: E, 6 PIM (Roughing x2, Spraying the Goalie), 4 Shots, 1 Block Ohio State lost to Penn State 5-4 Curtis Gedig D: Assist, E, 3 Shots, 3 Blocks Miami lost to Robert Morris 1-0 Blake Coleman C: E, 4 PIM (Tripping, Interference), 7 Shots, 8/18 Faceoffs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marshall Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 2 minutes for spraying the goalie? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triumph Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 I was mostly watching UFC, so I caught most of the first and parts of the rest of the game. Black was definitely quick and energetic. With his legs and his speed, and being an older player in the league, I'm wondering why he hasn't found a way to put more points on the board. I mean, if he did, he'd be a first round pick. Clearly his legs are faster than his hands. Plus they're using him either on the 2nd PP unit or not at all on the power play, that never helps. I wish we had shot data from the WHL but they're stuck in the 1960s - we could see if maybe the percentages aren't working in his favor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thefiestygoat Posted December 30, 2012 Author Share Posted December 30, 2012 2 minutes for spraying the goalie? I hope he sent a blizzard of snow at the goalie since it sounds like a ridiculous call. I mean, if he did, he'd be a first round pick. Clearly his legs are faster than his hands. Plus they're using him either on the 2nd PP unit or not at all on the power play, that never helps. I wish we had shot data from the WHL but they're stuck in the 1960s - we could see if maybe the percentages aren't working in his favor. I don't understand why shot and faceoff data is available for the QMJHL and not for the OHL or WHL. I hope this changes soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thefiestygoat Posted December 31, 2012 Author Share Posted December 31, 2012 Sunday 12/30 WJC USA lost to Canada 2-1 Blake Pietila LW: E, 1 Shot, 4/4 Faceoffs NCAA: 17 GP 10-2-12 -4 28 PIM 20.00 SH% 2.94 SH/GP 56.95 FO% WJC: 3 GP 0-2-2 +3 0 PIM 1.33 SH/GP 69.23 FO% QMJHL Blainville-Boisbriand lost to Gatineau 6-5 (SO) (BLB outshot GAT 40-14) Stefan Matteau LW: 2 Goals (1 PP), +3, 8 Shots, 0/2 Faceoffs, Stopped in SO* 3rd Star Season: 30 GP 17-10-27 +18 61 PIM 16.83 SH% 3.37 SH/GP 35 Hits 50.00 FO% WHL Kelowna defeated Everett 5-1 Damon Severson D: Assist (PP), E December: 11 GP 2-14-16 +9 12 PIM Season: 37 GP 5-21-26 +13 44 PIM NCAA Minnesota defeated Boston College 8-1 Seth Helgeson D: +1, 1 Shot Season: 19 GP 0-3-3 E 28 PIM 0.95 SH/GP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derlique Posted December 31, 2012 Share Posted December 31, 2012 Good to see Matteau had a good game after getting cut Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thefiestygoat Posted December 31, 2012 Author Share Posted December 31, 2012 Monday 12/31 WJC USA defeated Slovakia 9-3 Blake Pietila LW: +1, 2 Shots, 2/3 Faceoffs WJC: 4 GP 0-2-2 +4 0 PIM 1.50 SH/GP 68.75 FO% OHL Sarnia lost to London 3-2 (London now has a 24 game winning streak) Reid Boucher LW: Goal, Assist, +2 Season: 36 GP 27-17-44 +14 32 PIM Windsor lost to Plymouth 5-2 Ben Johnson LW: Assist (PP), -2 December: 10 GP 3-3-6 -8 Season: 38 GP 7-8-15 -8 16 PIM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vadvlfan Posted January 1, 2013 Share Posted January 1, 2013 What (NHL) player has Pietela been compared too? Hopefully I can catch some of the games Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thefiestygoat Posted January 2, 2013 Author Share Posted January 2, 2013 What (NHL) player has Pietela been compared too? Hopefully I can catch some of the games I haven't seen any comparisons but I'd have to imagine his upside would be a solid 3rd line winger. Tuesday 1/1 OHL Sarnia defeated London 6-5 (OT) (London's win streak stops at 24) Reid Boucher LW: 2 Assists, +1, 2 PIM (Delay of Game) Season: 37 GP 27-19-46 +15 34 PIM Just 13 of Boucher's points are from the PP (9-4). Great to see him scoring more at even strength this year. WHL Swift Current lost to Lethbridge 6-4 (SC allowed 5 goals in the 3rd) Reece Scarlett D: Assist, -2 Season: 36 GP 5-15-20 -1 24 PIM Graham Black C: Assist (PP), -2 Season: 39 GP 16-14-30 -1 12 PIM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thefiestygoat Posted January 3, 2013 Author Share Posted January 3, 2013 1/2 OHL Kitchener defeated Owen Sound 3-1 Ben Thomson LW: Assist (PP), E Season: 36 GP 7-7-14 -7 62 PIM WHL Kelowna defeated Victoria 4-2 (15th straight win at home) Damon Severson D: Assist (PP), -1 Season: 38 GP 5-22-27 +12 44 PIM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ATLL765 Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 I haven't seen any comparisons but I'd have to imagine his upside would be a solid 3rd line winger. Tuesday 1/1 OHL Sarnia defeated London 6-5 (OT) (London's win streak stops at 24) Reid Boucher LW: 2 Assists, +1, 2 PIM (Delay of Game) Season: 37 GP 27-19-46 +15 34 PIM Just 13 of Boucher's points are from the PP (9-4). Great to see him scoring more at even strength this year. WHL Swift Current lost to Lethbridge 6-4 (SC allowed 5 goals in the 3rd) Reece Scarlett D: Assist, -2 Season: 36 GP 5-15-20 -1 24 PIM Graham Black C: Assist (PP), -2 Season: 39 GP 16-14-30 -1 12 PIM If I would compare him to a Devils player(past or present), it'd probably be Pando. Kid's got wheels, doesn't have great hands, but his speed will cause turnovers(breakaway in the QF#1 against the Czechs) and he'll score points here and there. If I recall, early in Pando's career, he was more of a scorer than thought of later in his career. I could see Pietela as a 3rd line checking line guy who can put up 20-30 points on the top end, but his speed and defensive skills will make life easier for his linemates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devils731 Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 If I would compare him to a Devils player(past or present), it'd probably be Pando. Kid's got wheels, doesn't have great hands, but his speed will cause turnovers(breakaway in the QF#1 against the Czechs) and he'll score points here and there. If I recall, early in Pando's career, he was more of a scorer than thought of later in his career. I could see Pietela as a 3rd line checking line guy who can put up 20-30 points on the top end, but his speed and defensive skills will make life easier for his linemates. Pando was a big time collegiate scorer, scored at a point a game or better pace all 4 years in school. Pietila isn't scoring at that high a clip, but he's been putting up some points, so it seems like he has a chance to put up some offense in the pros and not be a black hole to offense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triumph Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 Pando was a big time collegiate scorer, scored at a point a game or better pace all 4 years in school. Pietila isn't scoring at that high a clip, but he's been putting up some points, so it seems like he has a chance to put up some offense in the pros and not be a black hole to offense. Two things to consider - A: Pandolfo played at a big time school, Pietila does not B: I imagine the level of play in college hockey has gotten exponentially better since Pandolfo's days at BU. It would be a route less frequently traveled by players who wanted to play in the NHL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thefiestygoat Posted January 4, 2013 Author Share Posted January 4, 2013 Tomorrow is a big day for Jon Merrill: http://www.annarbor.com/sports/michigan-hockey-to-find-out-friday-if-jon-merrill-can-return-to-depleted-defensive-corps/#.UOYJz8FXGE8.twitter The Michigan hockey team expects to receive an update on defenseman Jon Merrill’s status Friday, as the team hopes to receive a jolt to a defensive corps that has thinned considerably in the last two weeks. Thursday 1/3 WJC USA defeated Canada 5-1 Blake Pietila LW: E, 4/7 Faceoffs WJC: 6 GP 0-2-2 +5 0 PIM 1.67 SH/GP 64.00 FO% QMJHL Blainville-Boisbriand defeated Sherbrooke 3-2 Stefan Matteau LW: Goal (SH), +1, 6 Shots, 2/4 Faceoffs, 3 Hits Season: 31 GP 18-10-28 +19 61 PIM 16.82 SH% 3.45 SH/GP 50.00 FO% 38 Hits Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SterioDesign Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 GOOD NEWS ! Per TG Devils' prospect Jon Merrill will dress tonight for U. Michigan for first time this season after recovering from fractured vertebrae in neck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thefiestygoat Posted January 4, 2013 Author Share Posted January 4, 2013 Hopefully it doesn't take Merrill too much time to get back to the level he can play at. Michigan has to be thrilled to be getting him and Trouba back within a few days of each other. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coorslight Posted January 5, 2013 Share Posted January 5, 2013 (edited) https://twitter.com/...368933999247361 Michigan Hockey @umichhockeyA glimpse of Merrill's first shift tonight courtesy of @MIHockeyNowpic.twitter.com/e6wGa8Ba Edited January 5, 2013 by Coorslight Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thefiestygoat Posted January 5, 2013 Author Share Posted January 5, 2013 (edited) Friday 1/4 OHL Sarnia defeated Windsor 8-5 Reid Boucher LW: Goal, 2 Assists, +3 (Leads OHL with 28 goals) Ben Johnson LW: 2 Goals (1 PP), -3* 3rd Star Kitchener defeated Peterborough 4-3 (SO) Ben Thomson LW: Goal, Assist (PP), E WHL Swift Current lost to Kootenay 4-1 Reece Scarlett D: -1, 2 PIM (Holding) Graham Black C: -2 Kelowna defeated Prince George 4-2 Damon Severson D: Assist, +2 6 assists in past 5 games, 2 goals and 15 assists in past 11 games. NCAA Michigan lost to USNTDP U-18 5-3 (exh) Jon Merrill D: E, 2 PIM (Tripping) Wisconsin defeated Alaska-Anchorage 5-3 Joe Faust D: E North Dakota defeated Holy Cross 5-2 Derek Rodwell RW: DNP (Out 2-3 weeks after a cut to his thigh by a skate) Edited January 5, 2013 by thefiestygoat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SterioDesign Posted January 5, 2013 Share Posted January 5, 2013 Good to see boucher still producing without galcheniuk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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