For anyone looking for notes/recap from Wednesday’s 3-0 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning, hope is to find time to post those during the day on Thursday.
Much can and will change over the course of preseason. And then even once things are decided to start the regular season, things will continue to change over the course of a long and unpredictable 82-game NHL season. But at the same time, these preseason games are a point of evaluation for players, especially those on the AHL/NHL cut line.
Today’s Daily Cup of Joe takes a quick look at players rising in terms of standing on the depth chart and case for an opening night roster spot.
Julien Gauthier
Gauthier is probably the biggest riser through two games. Credit to some combination of Mike Vellucci and just maturing as a player, Julien Gauthier has been the story of preseason so far. He played well in Tuesday’s game and then followed it up with an even better effort on Wednesday. On Wednesday, Gauthier regularly looked like a power forward to be reckoned with at the NHL level with the puck on his stick. That was not new. But what was how hard he was on the puck in all three zones and how engaged he was on a consistent basis. As I said on Twitter shortly after Wednesday’s game, if ice time is truly to be earned based on merit, Gauthier has officially challenged Martin Necas for one of the last roster spots.
Clark Bishop
Playing with Gauthier on Wednesday, Clark Bishop also had a strong game. His goal was the headline, but I think a couple consecutive shifts that he had on the forecheck in the second period are more likely what stood out to Brind’Amour. He was tenacious and annoying. He had one sequence where he about ran a Lightning defenseman through the boards cleanly and then earned a Canes power play when he retaliated. Bishop does not have the scoring ceiling of a few of the other options, but more so than any other forward competing for NHL ice time, Bishop plays wing the way Brind’Amour wants it in his system.
Haydn Fleury
With a crowded bottom of the blue line and a number of other options, Fleury had a strong preseason debut on Tuesday to make a strong statement that he belonged on the NHL roster.
Alex Nedeljkovic
Many maybe did not notice or quickly forgot that Nedeljkovic had a shot go right through him shortly after entering Wednesday’s game, but fortunately the puck managed to skid wide of the net. But Nedeljkovic was perfect after that. All four Canes goalies have been perfect thus far, but Nedeljkovic was tested the most of the group in my opinion. I think it takes an injury for Nedeljkovic to start the season at the NHL level, but playing to generate confidence will benefit him in the long run.
What say you Canes fans?
Through two preseason games, which player(s) do you think have most improved their chances of winning an NHL roster spot?
Go Canes!
Gauthier is definitely putting his stamp on the preseason. Outside of Aho, he may have been the Canes best forward last night. You could see his confidence building through the game.
I didn’t think Fleury’s game was all that great on Tuesday. He got himself in trouble a few times and the forwards bailed him out.
On the other hand, I thought Forsling had a solid game. He’s quick, moves pucks and while somewhat slight, he battles. Forsling was far better than Cleasson. I have no idea why the Canes signed Cleasson before playing an exhibition game or two. He was not good.
I thought Bishop was definitely better than Gibbons and McCormick. Adept as a centerman or wing he is a guy who can fill a couple roles. I suspect he will be the fill in forward if anyone goes down with injury.
Necas was pretty much a non factor in the game. Skates pretty, but still looks weak and doesn’t go to the net. Away from the puck he still had his issues. In the first period on a line rush instead of driving the net like he should have, he floated behind and actually got in the way of one of his linemates taking a shot. Necas did look decent on the PP, but I can’t see him sticking in the NHL the way he played last night.
Warren Foegele was not all that noticeable last night either. Foegele needs to find the balance between an energy and skill player. He acted way too much like a skill player last night.
All the goalies have done their job so far. Nedeljkovic is facing an uphill battle at this time due to contract issues, but he was good. I will say if Ned ever becomes a full timer for the Canes he will be a fan favorite. He’s a battler. He goes for pucks and isn’t afraid to make contact with players. He seems to have a bit of Dom Hasek in him. I like it.
For me the biggest disappointment of the pre-season has been “Storm Brew”. The newly created beer made just for the Hurricanes. If they wanted suds that taste like Budweiser with the body of Ultra they nailed it. Unfortunately the taste is to me as the Sabres are to the NH. Lots of fans, but way below average in appeal..
On the other hand the new jumbotron is almost overweening. Huge, high detail, hard not to watch. It even makes the sound system better. They need to improve the graphics, especially stats visible only from the ends of the arena. I’m also curious how it effects sight lines from the upper deck end zones,
“If ice time is truly to be earned based on merit,” “I think it takes an injury for Nedeljkovic to start the season at the NHL level.”
The preseason is only partially about “earning” ice time. Which is as it should be. Experience and proven NHL production must be considered. I think potential must also be considered. The Athletic did an in-depth article about Necas. It is hard to argue with the conclusion that Necas has a near elite passing ability—for those of you who don’t have access, the article mentions the likes of Henrik Sedin and Joe Thornton. Sedin put up 29 points his first season at age 20. Thornton put up only 7 points in 55 games his first season, though he was only 18. In fact, Necas is comparable to Teravainen in that both generate offense as pass first players who often get criticism (I think mistakenly) for not being physical.
I think the key thing about a Necas v. Gauthier debate is that Gauthier can be noticeable immediately with his skill set. Scorers/shooters primarily only need to rely on their own play. Passers need to get the feel for their line mates and read the D. Necas won’t look as good Gauthier in the preseason nor likely at most points this season. He also likely won’t produce any more points—goal scorers seem to hit the ground running while assist-first scorers take at least one full season.
I know many think the Canes are Cup contenders this season because they made the ECF last season. A business analogy works: if the Canes have all the pieces in place to dominate the market then they should invest in marketing (another goal-scorer who has quicker Return on Equity). If, as I believe, the team needs a little stronger infrastructure, then invest in that.
Or (because I agree with lts) perhaps realize there are two spots available because Foegele is best-suited for the fourth line. The team would benefit from the addition of two right shots. Finally, remember both Gauthier and Necas are 1st round picks. While that shouldn’t carry as much weight as NHL production, it should be part of the equation if they are demonstrating that the talent that was visible is actually developing.
I read the Necas article. Typical article from someone who doesn’t follow the Canes. Not even a mention about his play away from the puck, which is what has kept him out of the NHL to date. If Necas is going to play in the NHL he is going to have to be dynamic and create scoring chances. He didn’t last night. He is slight and weak on the boards, like Teravainen, but TT makes it up in other ways. Necas will have to do the same. The game video will tell the story on Necas away from the puck. I don’t know how well he did with his responsibilities as I didn’t watch him exclusively.
You are right that 1st round picks get every opportunity to succeed. Usually the reputation of the people that drafted them is on the line. In this case those people are gone. Both Necas and Gauthier will get their shots due to their talent, but they won’t be plugged in like Lindholm was just because they are a 1st round pick.
Both Gauthier and Necas are being valued by the current regime, just as Bean, Ned and others are. It’s up to them to prove they belong, and that fairly goes beyond two preseason games.
I don’t subscribe to the Athletic, did not read the article, but know perspective in hockey is key (articles with limited angles that feed into “feel good” aspects don’t do it for me personally). That’s what I appreciate with this new management regime.
I think your comparison of Necas and Gauthier misses the point. It is not simply counting pretty passes or scoring plays. Where Gauthier missed by a wide margin in previous years was his ability to be a difference-maker playing without the puck. In two preseason games, Gauthier has been dialed in hounding the puck and being difficult to play against in all 3 zones. That elevates him above being a player capable of 3 wow/flashy plays per game and nothing more. Necas is still floating the vast majority of his ice time. By no means is that a reason to give up on him. Gauthier might be developing into the Canes poster child for patience. But at least through 2 preseason games, there is a wide difference in the depth of Gauthier and Necas’ games.
Matt. Good points that lead to more fascinating discussion.
Using phrases like “dialed-in” and “hounding the puck” are in fact noticing individual plays. I totally agree that Gauthier is playing much better hockey than he has ever played. In fact, if “earning ice time” is a reality, then he will be in the lineup.
My point is based on what I guess you would call cutting-edge research. I have read several long posts on hockey-graphs that are convincing about the importance of zone entries and passing plays. The argument seems to be gaining objective strength that those things are more impactful than physical or aggressive play. I am in no way saying two-way play isn’t important. However, what we “see” is not all there is. There was serious debate last season that Ferland should be retained at $5M if that meant letting TT move on, because Ferland’s style of play was more impactful. There is really no objective support for that argument. Some will say TT elevated his game to a new level last season, but that was my point in comparing Necas to infrastructure investment. Players who have subtle influences on the game (but influences that actually are more directly tied to a win/lose outcome) often take 2-3 years to reach their potential. Necas’ skill set won’t be obvious, but giving him ice time will have returns as the Canes hit their peak years.
Necas was significantly more productive in the second half of his AHL season. Part of that could be moving from C to RW. I think an equally important part was that he and his teammates became more in sync. Necas will start slow in the NHL (H Sedin did, Teravainen did). But his skills will still be there. When those skills do begin to make an impact, Necas’ style of play won’t be nearly as important as his skill set.
I think both Gauthier and Necas should make the lineup. In fact, I think it might work to put Gauthier with Staal and Svechnikov. Gauthier and Svech seemed to have some chemistry last night. Moving Dzingel to the third line would also give Necas two players who can score. Which brings me to Foegele. As others have mentioned, he was fine but not outstanding last night. Historically he doesn’t produce goals for his line mates. He style and production imbalance is much better suited for the disruption line.
NN/Aho/TT
Svech/Staal/Gauthier
Dzingel/Haula/Necas
McGinn/Wallmark/Martinook
Foegele is 13 alternating with McGinn until injury.
TLDR: Both Gauthier and Necas should make the lineup. They both offer more upside than Foegele/McGinn. They have also earned it for different reasons.
CT, the point is excellent on zone entries and passing. While I have seen some analytics on the benefits of zone entries, the “eye test” tells me it is more important than the analytics indicate.
I love that the canes are accumulating D that are elite in transition. A team that can put up 5 goals a night can accommodate lots of whoopsies.
As to the hockey. Were the NHL to convert to a “split team” format for the entire season, the Canes would be run away favorites to win the Cup. The depth on defense and goal tending for this team a 48 man roster is impressive. Any of our defenseman or goalies who enter waivers will not exit 24 hours later as a Checker. Depth in those positions will be fleeting.
The offensive player that stood out most last night was Gauthier. He alone has played both games. That might have been an advantage last night over all the other forwards with expected pre-season rust. His power and ability to keep up with the pace brings something that was impressive last night. Reminded me of Eric Cole. If he makes the team he will change the way teams have to match up against us.
Clark Bishop also shone. He seemed to come to work last night in a bad mood. Gleason-like. That’s a quality that I also like on the squad.
I actually got excited when Gauthier came in hard on the forcheck later in the game. If he does that and continues to do what he did the rest of the game he will be on the opening night roster.
1. Gauthier and Bishop stood out with their play last night. Gauthier has a Svechnikov look in his game on offense and he was tenacious on defense and the boards.
2. None of the defensemen really stood out. They all just seemed to be steady but not spectacular. That was a good thing.
3. The goaltending was very good but really Tampa Bay never really seemed to put much pressure on them.
Overall, we played like a team trying to win and Tampa looked like a team trying to use a preseason game to just get some skating in. Difference in the two apparently caused by us have tough competition for jobs while Tampa doesn’t having more of a set roster already.
Regarding Necas in particular. He made and tried to make some very good passes and plays, but just needs to turn up the aggressiveness to a higher level. Get closer to the net on offense and be more aggressive on defense (pressure the puck) and use his skating ability to play a very aggressive 30 second shift and not glide through a 45 second shift.
As a starting caveat, I watched both game feeds (which were intermittent) on my iPhone. I cleaned my glasses 3 or 4 times each night and it didn’t help. Given the limitations, my observations follow.
Fleury looked aggressive and confident. In a 1 on 1 Stamkos entry, Fleury got between Stamkos and the puck and took it away. Stamkos got frustrated and threw Fleury down from behind, adding a penalty. I don’t recall seeing anything like that from Fleury at the NHL level before… I like it. More of that please.
Bean looked good with the puck on his stick, changing direction, seeing the ice, creating passing lanes. He looked elite in transition. I didn’t see anything especially good or bad in his defending.
Goat was Cole-esque with his bull rushes and power forward moves. He created chances by causing chaos for the opposing defense. Fun to watch.
I didn’t notice Necas, it was almost like he didn’t play. I don’t know if it was him or if that line was just out of sync, the Foegele-Haula-Necas line was not impressive last night.
Beyond that, I was impressed with all of the goalies and the team game. The young players mostly stepped up and fit right in. Suzuki was funny when he talked about taking the ice for warmups and seeing Stamkos at the other end. That has to be an “oh sh$t, what did I get myself into” kind of moment. But once the game got going he said he felt good.
I was at PNC this morning and ended up talking with a pretty well-known personality who is an acquaintance of mine. He said the knock on Gauthier after two preseason games is that his first step is slow, and that he is weak defensively. That said, Gauthier has really improved (we know that) and that while he expect JG will start in CLT that he will be an early call-up. RBA referenced both his positives and that there are things he needs to work on after last night’s game. What I have like about Gauthier is what he is saying – no shifts off; he is coming to play and he is playing to make a statement. This is such a different version of him than we have seen previously. And I forgot he is only 21.
On the flip side, this guy said that Necas is not impressing anyone right now.
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Bishop is an RBA-style player. With Brown gone, expect to see him on NHL ice quite a bit this season
Fleury is looking every bit like the d-man playing, like Gauthier, like he is on a mission. And that is good to see. He recognizes what he has to do.
Interesting take and insight, thanks for that. I know there have been some feel-good media articles about how Goat Man is on a mission. No doubt he had a couple good games, but there is more to this…and his acceleration can be a question mark against regular season competition. Perspective is good to keep.
Necas I think starts in the AHL. Many may think that sounds harsh, but I think he needs more time. We have a logjam of 3 goalies on one-way contracts plus a stud AHL Cup Champion on the cusp; 2-3 defenseman who we may lose to waivers unless we make room (plus Faulk’s situation). This may even mean we have a top 6 forward opening. It’s a good problem to have, but I think there is a deal or two left.
Winnipeg…you might be on DW’s dial.
The Canes are now Cup contenders, or consider themselves such. The days of plugging in a first round pick and waiting for him to figure it out are over. Necas is going to have to at least be useful. He was not last night.