rbdf Posted November 5, 2003 Share Posted November 5, 2003 I know there's at least a couple of you out there in or around the Albany area who follow the rats very closely. What can you give us in the way of early season scouting - first impressions so to speak - about this year's roster. Who seems like they got game, and will end up in the big leagues? Who do you think is never getting any further than where they are now? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fidgetess Posted November 5, 2003 Share Posted November 5, 2003 Well the goalies are pretty easy to scout, since only one has played so far. Scott Clemmensen is a consistant goalie (his game doesn't fluxuate as much as some other goalies), but he is prone to giving up a weak goal. He played his heart out last Wednesday, and was awarded with a loss. If the team can get going when he's having those "super" games, then the team would be unbeatable. Ari Ahonen is still coming back from that surgery, and Matus Kostur has yet to play a game (and I don't think he will since it sounds like Ari's coming back soon). The defense is not all that hot yet, but the potential is there. There's a good balance of veterans and young players. The vets probably won't see the NHL again except for the occasional emergency fill-in, but all the kids look promising. DeMarchi has a tendency to jump into the play, which burns him on occasion. I think he may be hurt since he's been scratched the last couple of game, but I haven't heard anything. Krisjanis Redlihs impressed a lot of people in training camp, and he was impressive in his rookie year last year. I tend not to notice him on the ice, which for a defenseman, is a big complement because it means he's where he's supposed to be and not making many mistakes. Victor Uchevatov is one of my favorites because of his willingness to stand up for his teammates. Oh, and he's also the steadiest defenseman among the young ones (he's the youngest but has the most experience, go figure). At 6'4, 225 lbs, he should be using his body more, but I did notice that that aspect of his game is coming. The forwards are the most enigmatic. Each line has VERY talented players, but they don't seem to be playing together as a unit. Aleksander Suglobov (or Slug-o, as my family calls him) is probably the most talented of the bunch, but has a habit of hogging the puck, which may be a habit from having teammates not as good as him, but now he's got some of the best in the world. A number of times, passing the puck would probably have been the best play, but he would shoot the puck himself and it'd be an easy save for the goalie. His skating is a joy to watch though. Adrian Foster is a surefire NHLer...if he can stay healthy. He doesn't have one point of his game that stands out, but he doesn't have one that hurts him. Either that, or I can't think of a positive or a negative right now. Maxim Balmochnykh has NOT impressed at all. I see him commit more turnovers than anyone else on the team. Maybe he's still reeling for his recent loss, so I'm going to give him a few more weeks before I come down on him any harder. I personally can't wait to see Scott Cameron play. He was one of the best players on last year's squad, but he's hurt right now (so I hear). Just thinking of a line of Chris Hartsberg (injured) and Joe Hulbig (injured) centered by Cameron makes me drool. They really are a dream AHL checking line (Hulbig and Hartsberg were our top PK forward pair in the first couple games of the season, and they still have more shorties than the rest of the team combined, but then again, the total is only 2-1, lol). My favorites out of the new crop are Tuomas Pihlman and Ilkka Pikkarainen. Neither of them are the stereotypical European softies. Both like going into the corners and laying out the big hits. But as to which one I like more, I couldn't say. Hopefully they'll turn out like Elias and Sykora, in that they are each very good players on their own, but even better when on the same line. I could go on and give a little something about every player, but frankly, I just don't have that much time. Maybe some of my fellow Albany-ians can fill in the blanks or add their own comments? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissionHockey Posted November 6, 2003 Share Posted November 6, 2003 Philman and Pikkarainen won't turn out like Sykora and Elias. They play completely different styles (well from their scouting reports I haven't seen them play) Philman is supposed to be a power forward and Pikkarainen is an agitator. I don't know whos wrong here but I'm not holding my breathe for the second coming of Elias and Sykora. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ratsgirl Posted November 6, 2003 Share Posted November 6, 2003 I personally can't wait to see Scott Cameron play. He was one of the best players on last year's squad, but he's hurt right now (so I hear). Just thinking of a line of Chris Hartsberg (injured) and Joe Hulbig (injured) centered by Cameron makes me drool. They really are a dream AHL checking line (Hulbig and Hartsberg were our top PK forward pair in the first couple games of the season, and they still have more shorties than the rest of the team combined, but then again, the total is only 2-1, lol). I don't normally post here, but now I'm just curious--did you not see Scott Cameron play in the last two home games? (he was a healthy scratch up until then) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fidgetess Posted November 6, 2003 Share Posted November 6, 2003 He did? Oh that's not a good sign... Here's hoping I didn't notice because I was too busy with my camera! And with Pikkarainen and Pihlman, I didn't mean they'd be like Elias and Sykora in terms of the style of play, obviously P&P are much more physical than E&S. What I did mean is that they seem to play better together rather than apart, that's all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jas0nMacIsaac Posted November 8, 2003 Share Posted November 8, 2003 Out of the Albany team right now here is who I think will end up in the NHL in the future. Foster, Suglobov, Uchevatov, Redlihs, Pihlman and Ahonen. Redlihs is the most underated prospect we have, the guy is just a great two way dmen with lots of offense. Its hard to believe Uchevatov is still only 20, he was playing in the AHL at the age of 18 which is rare for a european who usually plays in the CHL for a coupple of years. A good big stay at home dmen, he may allow us to trade White in the future. I started the hype with MA Fleury 2 and a half years ago and I also contributed to the Pihlman hype. The guy is so dominant physically on the ice and also has sniper aspects to the game. I don't know any real european player that play like him but Ruutu is the same type of player with a bit more offense. I like to link him to Shane Doan. Suglobov I have been following for two years now and got a glace of what he can do at the Eurotour, he was amazing for Russia leading the team in points at one of the sections. After that he made the WC after the coach took a liking to his play, he got a hatrick and was amazing in a losing game vs Canada, one I seen on TV. I thought at the time he looked alot like Samsonov. Foster is a great player, thats almost all you can say. He is physical, can be a playmaker, goal scorer, drive to the net play finess. He does what the coach tells him to do. If he wasn't injury prone I could see alot of Doug Weight in him. Ahonen like Pihlman was in the shadow of a countryman with similar style but better. Ahonen plays identicle style to countryman Lehtonen. Both go down quick, cover the lower portion of the net, and have quick hands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rbdf Posted November 13, 2003 Author Share Posted November 13, 2003 Hey, thanks for the updates, and please, keep them coming periodically through the season. Needless to say, we don't get too much info on the farm system here in the NJ press, so the best we can do is the news reports listed on the rat's web site, or some first hand info from you Alban'ites up there. Man, I hope Foster beats this injury bug. You hear nothing but good things about him, but then you see him on the inactive list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rbdf Posted December 18, 2003 Author Share Posted December 18, 2003 How are all the kids doing? Anyone got an update on their progress? Opinions changing on anyone yet? By the way, how's the coaching too? Not quite the same caliber as in years past I guess, but how's the new staff look? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fidgetess Posted January 4, 2004 Share Posted January 4, 2004 Sorry about the delayed response! Holidays and everything, ya know? Anyway, my impressions about the players I had earlier haven't really changed. Suglobov has really impressed a lot of people in Albany (see the Aleksander Suglobov thread). Pihlman is/was doing really great and filling into the power forward role well. I'm starting to see some Berglund in Ilkka Pikkarainen. Seems like every time he's on the ice, he's pushing or yelling at someone. Would like to see some more scoring and playmaking from him though. I'm still not impressed with Balmochnykh. Foster is a great passer, but needs a finisher on his line (which he has just recently been paired with Suglobov, so they should be connecting soon). I still haven't seen the Rats D making any huge mistakes, it's the little ones that burn them. Alex Brooks stepped up to the role of team enforcer when Skrlac was in NJ. Uchevatov is becoming better and better with each game, and I'm still not noticing Redlihs on the ice. Clemmensen has been having a rough time lately. He's making the big saves but it's the soft, easy shots that are getting past him. With Ahonen in NJ, we're almost forced to play him, but I would like to see Matus Kostur get in a game to see what he can do. Kostur, Chris Terreri, and Bill Sammartino have done a good job opening the bench door! The coaching staff isn't really that new since they were formed either last year or the year before. IMO, and in the opinions of a lot of others up here, Red Gendron has to go. I know his primary job is to get the guys ready for the NHL, and winning is secondary, but there comes a point when enough is enough. We're heading for our 4th (?) consecutive year missing the playoffs, and there's no way this should be happening with this year's group. There's too much individual talent that's not being formed into a cohesive group. The Rats are off this week until Friday in Binghamton. Hopefully they'll use the week to work out key issues like giving up goals in the 3rd period (last night, the Rats let in 4 goals in the third period, and lost 7-4). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DevilMinder Posted January 4, 2004 Share Posted January 4, 2004 Thanks for the post there Fidgetess! I wonder how Red could be doing so bad with the youth, that is something Lou usually prides himself with. Having well trained Rats come up in the system is one of his desires and it doesnt sound like that is happening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jas0nMacIsaac Posted January 4, 2004 Share Posted January 4, 2004 (edited) DeMarchi is also making a good name for himself, before the season I didn;t really understand why Lou was placing him in with our current Devils Martin and Hale. I thought DeMarchi was a couple steps back from those two. He has shown an offensive presence, added weight and I heard he is playing a Daneyko type game playing nasty. Johansson is also playing some good hockey, he is a +3 and putting up some good points. I guess his WHL dominance is showing at the pro level. Edit: Albany will be dominating the league in a couple of years, our prospects are still young, our second year players are doing great and we will be adding alot more talent. Laine, Kadeikin, Chvatal, Tallackson, Voros, Ryznar and Massen are all waiting for a Lou call, If you remember the Albany team mid 90's I am hopeing we will be back at that level in the future. Edited January 4, 2004 by Jas0nMacIsaac Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fidgetess Posted January 4, 2004 Share Posted January 4, 2004 (edited) We'll be able to tell if Red did a good job coaching the young guys in a few years, when they get to the NHL. Right now, the majority of them are still learning. My desire to see Red get fired is more than just a fan wanting her team to win: If these young players play their hearts out and try their best, but still lose, their confidence is going to plummet, and it's hard for some guys to get that confidence back up. I can't believe I forgot DeMarchi! He's been scratched lately due to injury, but Jason's right, he's been more offensively-thinking than most d-men, and he does have a nasty edge to his game. Here's hoping he comes back quickly! Johansson's one of my favorites from the past few years. He's a quick skater and solid defensively. I'm pretty sure I saw him on the same line as Foster and Suglobov, so his points should be going up. Edit: Albany will be dominating the league in a couple of years, our prospects are still young, our second year players are doing great and we will be adding alot more talent. Laine, Kadeikin, Chvatal, Tallackson, Voros, Ryznar and Massen are all waiting for a Lou call, If you remember the Albany team mid 90's I am hopeing we will be back at that level in the future. I can only hope! Edited January 4, 2004 by Fidgetess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ratsgirl Posted January 4, 2004 Share Posted January 4, 2004 DeMarchi is also making a good name for himself, before the season I didn;t really understand why Lou was placing him in with our current Devils Martin and Hale. I thought DeMarchi was a couple steps back from those two. He has shown an offensive presence, added weight and I heard he is playing a Daneyko type game playing nasty. Johansson is also playing some good hockey, he is a +3 and putting up some good points. I guess his WHL dominance is showing at the pro level. Edit: Albany will be dominating the league in a couple of years, our prospects are still young, our second year players are doing great and we will be adding alot more talent. Laine, Kadeikin, Chvatal, Tallackson, Voros, Ryznar and Massen are all waiting for a Lou call, If you remember the Albany team mid 90's I am hopeing we will be back at that level in the future. I'm hoping you're right Jason, but I don't see it happening unless we draft or acquire some better goaltending--I'd be surprised if Ahonen is back in Albany next season, and I'm kind of hoping I don't have to endure another year of Scott Clemmensen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jas0nMacIsaac Posted January 4, 2004 Share Posted January 4, 2004 We never had a problem with goaltending in the past, Lou will take care of that in this draft, there are plenty potential #1 goaltenders in this draft. Clemmensen is OK just got overused early in the season with Ahonen out. Fatigue has probably overtaken him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ratsgirl Posted January 4, 2004 Share Posted January 4, 2004 We never had a problem with goaltending in the past, Lou will take care of that in this draft, there are plenty potential #1 goaltenders in this draft. Oh I don't know, I don't have many fond memories of the J-F Damphousse/Fredric Henry years either. Of course there's still a chance that the Rats won't be around next year, so it's probably a little premature to think about next year's team. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jas0nMacIsaac Posted January 4, 2004 Share Posted January 4, 2004 They were pointless draft picks, they knew they had no shot at ever making the Devils in the future, Brodeur was only young when they were drafted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fidgetess Posted January 4, 2004 Share Posted January 4, 2004 (edited) After Dunham and Schwab, I think Ahonen and Clemmensen are the best goaltending duo the Rats have had. Sid and Shulmistra were pretty good, but both were players whose best days were behind them. I don't think fatigue is the problem. Clemmy's only played 19 of 33 games or so games, and when Ahonen was out, the Rats didn't exactly have a heavy schedule. I think he's just in one of his rare slumps right now. Where are Freddy and JF anyway? Edited January 4, 2004 by Fidgetess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ratsgirl Posted January 4, 2004 Share Posted January 4, 2004 (edited) After Dunham and Schwab, I think Ahonen and Clemmensen are the best goaltending duo the Rats have had. Sid and Shulmistra were pretty good, but both were players whose best days were behind them. I don't think fatigue is the problem. Clemmy's only played 19 of 33 games or so games, and when Ahonen was out, the Rats didn't exactly have a heavy schedule. I think he's just in one of his rare slumps right now. Where are Freddy and JF anyway? Edited January 5, 2004 by ratsgirl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jas0nMacIsaac Posted January 6, 2004 Share Posted January 6, 2004 Henrey is in some Quebec Pro League, The same league Red Light Rasico is in, same team too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devilsadvoc8 Posted January 6, 2004 Share Posted January 6, 2004 The IHDB has Jean-Francois Damphousse at the Hamilton Bulldogs this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sammyk Posted January 6, 2004 Share Posted January 6, 2004 (edited) The IHDB has Jean-Francois Damphousse at the Hamilton Bulldogs this year. Yah, he went from the baby Ducks, to the baby Flames, before signing as a FA with Montreal. At least he's playing. EDIT: Edited January 6, 2004 by sammyk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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