22sedins33

As a Londoner, the hope is that Max gets sent back to us because he'd make a huge difference on this team. That said, developmentally, the clear choice is definitely for him to stick. The higher level of competition that Bo will have to face coupled with the (only slightly) higher pressure on him to perform would definitely help him become a better player in the long run.

I know this isn't entirely likely but if Kempe were to fall to 36 I would be extremely happy to pick him up

I have to respectfully disagree on both accounts. Patterson was probably the best player for the Knights this series and the team was just outplayed by a seemingly better club. Say what you want about coaching and tactics, the Storm just looked better out there.

Is it that strange to think that Domi would see more success when the elite players from many of the teams they were playing weren't there to oppose him? It shouldn't be that much of a surprise to see his numbers drop a bit when they return. Just for note as well, they put up 60 (yes, SIXTY) shots against the Spirit and only scored a single goal. Sometimes the bounces just don't go your way.

Already has a goal tonight less than three minutes in

You're right. They traded Marselis Subban. Apparently I need to pay more attention when dealing with Subbans. Apologies! A

I really doubt the Knights trade to get Subban back. If you remember he was originally their property but was traded away because he wasn't suited for their system. It actually tiffed me quite a bit when they picked up Basso because he's so similar to Subban and they gave up a lot more to get him than what they got in return for a younger and more talented Subban.

They're valued at $3000 dollars. I'm really curious how much that is in comparison to how much they get paid to play in a season. Edit: I love how many Canucks fans are on there saying something along the lines of "How about a Stanley Cup ring now?" Let's not put too much pressure on the kid

For anyone suggesting that he'll be a captain - I would suggest you maybe don't hold your breath on that one. Hunter has always preffered to have a defenseman as his captain because they're on the ice more often than forwards and therefore more available to be his inbetween with the refs. If Horvat DOES get named captain it would be saying an awful lot about him. I'm definitely not saying it won't happen. Just that you shouldn't be surprised or upset if he isn't. He'll definitely get a letter. It's just odds are more likely it'll be an A

There's no way Horvat makes the team in my eye. Not when Schroeder would have to be risked on waivers. Not when we have Gaunce who is ahead of him (debateably) in his development and especially not when he's got a solid shot at the world juniors and a guaranteed chance to compete for the Memorial Cup. That's too much potential for development to pass up on. Canucks management aren't foolish. On Gaunce, if he's in the OHL I would definitely prefer to believe that he'll be the Mark Scheifele of this season. There's no way the Bulls will tank it unless they trade him. They still have enough of a roster and enough game changing players to win more than they'll lose. It would definitely be awesome to see Brendan carry the team through the playoffs in a similar way to how Mark did (almost won the finals against London on his own until he broke down)

Don't you think it's also possible that the Canucks could be playing hardball with him? I mean, he's at best a number five defenseman for us right now. We have other players that can fill in for him if need be. They can comfortably just sit and wait for him to sign a contract that is a little more to their liking. Obviously, this wouldn't be the best for maintaining a positive relationship with the player but it's not out of the question

I somehow doubt that Torts has a big influence on who is on the website. I would write that off as chance OR someone trying to predict what will happen.

I don't know if this would appeal to anyone but the Knights are auctioning off some game used jerseys. If you'd like to get your hands on a Horvat (or Liberati) jersey now is a pretty good time to do it. http://londonknights...ns.asp?catID=15 Deadline is 10pm ET today to bid. For note, I'm not actually associated with the Knights. This isn't an advert. I'm just putting it out there for anyone interested

I'd say it's pretty accurate. I don't think I've ever really been "wowed" by the skill that he has when it comes to stick handling. Especially when he lines up to a player like Domi BUT if he wants to get something done you are almost assured he'll get it done. SO competitive and SO driven. I've never seen him make a lazy play. Being coached by Dale Hunter has definitely been great for him.

Read this and tell me this doesn't sound like the kind of man we need behind our bench: http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Michael-Stuart/A-Ringing-Endorsement-for-Guy-Boucher/173/51726#.UZ7OoqLMC8A I'd love to have Boucher. His system would work great with the core group we have and his passion is unmatchable.

Ontario? haha Some of the OHL games are on Rogers digital cable but I'm not sure the channel. It's very unlikely that there would be a stream though.

Honestly, watching that game I was much more impressed with McEneny than Corrado and that isn't even an insult to Frank. He played sooo steady and had really quick hands on the defensive end, breaking up a lot of rushes just with his stick. Last game they were both caught flat footed on the second Knights goal but this game they were both great.

OHL is best of 7 all the way through the playoffs

Offensively I thought he has performed well enough. He just needs to be found like he was last year to unleash his bombs. Defensively he's been fine (in his own zone). One thing I will say though, is that he has to be our worst defenseman for picking terrible times to pinch in. That may be a timing thing that will be corrected throughout the season but it's been scary.

Watching him play against the Knights today and he looks really big in his own end. He's paired with Murphy and is getting a lot of minutes. It seems no matter what he's using his size out front of the net while Murphy is the one along the board. I'm not sure if that is by design but it's just something I've noticed so far. He's on the top PP and top PK line. Obviously Murphy runs things for the most part on the PP and that kind of limits his involvement because they keep things on the right side. I'm no scout, obviously, but I like what I see in his game. Big steadying influence who looks calm no matter where he is.

I wouldn't even say he's really struggled. The points just haven't come. He's been playing a pretty solid game throughout the time that I've watched. It's really unfair to him to judge based solely on the score sheet.

He DID get on the score sheet though, after being ejected from the game in OT. Edit: Source - http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/schedule/show/game/63209

I'm saying that he WILL play 20min a game no matter what his role is five on five. The only reason he'd be considered a third line center is if he's playing a shut down role but he's still going to get the minutes. There's no reason to worry about him taking the third line if that turns out to be what AV decides. Schroeder could potentially take the offensive responsibilities five on five (and give us a good set up man on our second PP which we have been seriously lacking) but will still leave a huge amount of responsibility for Kesler to shoulder. Third line does not mean reduced minutes, especially if he's playing top PP and PK minutes.

Stop getting sucked into the number attached to the line. If he plays against the other teams top line every single time they're out in a defensive role he certainly wouldn't be playing 15min. If he plays on the top PP and top PK unit he's definitely not getting 15min.

Did anyone else notice how much he licks his lips in interviews? It kind of threw me off a bit. I'm not hating... just seeing if I'm the only one haha