Maybe, I think he needs time down in Providence. He has a tough time competing physcially at BU and had a lot of injuries, I think he is going to need tome time to adapt to the game at this levelGrzelcyk is getting first-pairing time in those games. I'm hopeful he can make the leap, although we already do have a small, PMD that can contribute offensively.
I agree with this. Lauzon looked overwhelmed, and while Zboril had his moments, you can definitely see he is more of a long term guy. Senyshyn should be in juniors, hopefully dominating; and Gabrielle still needs more seasoning. Mueller was not good, and the rest need time in Providence.Cuts today...
To Providence: Blidh, Cave, Cehlarik, Hargrove, Hickman, Arnesson, Grzelyck, McIntyre, Vladar, Casto, Cross, Grant, Naclerio, White, Atkinson, Breen, Roach, Ginn
To Juniors: Gabrielle, Senyshyn, Lauzon, Zboril
Peter Mueller released from his PTO.
I find two things interesting with those lines. First, Backes on Krejci's wing. I had assumed they would throw him in 3C, but that was before Vatrano went down. Second, Czarnik as the 3rd line C. I find him to be a spunky little dude with lots of speed, and I still wonder if his improvement will ultimately force Spooner out. I also think Spooner is miscast on a wing with two slower forwards, but then again Spooner remains a liability in his own zone so maybe those two balance out.They're still practicing in 2 groups, but the first group out today appears to be somewhat close to an opening night lineup, at least up front.
Marchand - Bergeron - Pastrnak
Spooner - Krejci - Backes
Beleskey - Czarnik - Hayes
DeBrusk - Schaller - Randell
That top 9 could be what we see next week.
He played with Pasternak too, though.Spooner's most common line mates last year were Hayes and Beleskey who aren't exactly speed burners. Going back 2 years, his break out of sorts came when he filled in for an injured Krejci and played a lot with Lucic. I think it could work, I don't think you need to pair speed guys with speed guys.
I would have thought so. For the D pairings he just said expected defense. Not sure why all of those guys wouldn't be playing tonight if healthy.He must mean the forwards because there's no way the C Miller, McQuaid, Morrow, and Liles all aren't on the team.
Looks like they've flipped for the 3rd. You're good...Love the forward group, but would flip Heinen and Hayes.
Griffith was drafted in the 5th round 4 years ago, and really didn't show much of anything last year or in training camp this year. Not sure what else could have been done other than squeezing him on the roster as a spare forward to watch from the press box.Another wasted resource. Good Job Sweeney.
They're both always gimpy! They play physical but it seems they're always hurt. At least it will get the younger guys playing time but playing time on defense is going to be hard to come by for all of the guys they're trying to break in.Sweeney's hands are also somewhat tied by having Miller and McQuaid both gimpy right before the season opener, meaning he has to retain 8 defensemen for opening night in case both can't go. Regardless, I'd much rather have a guy like Heinen who made an impact in the preseason make the roster than Griffith.
I recall he had some sort of shoulder/back injury, but at the time it was reported he was only "day-to-day" and not believed to miss much time. If it's his shoulder again, I suspect he may be looking at some long term surgical options. His shoulder has been an ongoing issue.Beginning of season press conference underway....
Only notable info thus far is that McQuaid's injury is short term, but Kevan Miller's is likely long term.