WhoseTruckWasIt Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 2 minutes ago, UticaHockey said: Darren Archibald has plenty of straight line speed and a surprisingly good wrist shot which he has scored on multiple times outside from the top of the circle while going toe to toe with the defender. He is heavy on the forecheck and goes hard to the net and is responsible in the defensive zone. Green even has Archie on the PK and has been very effective. Where his skating is an issue is lack of quickness. While he is fast once he gets going that quick, stop-turn-pivot isn't top end particularly since injuring his knee during the playoffs in 2015. Archie is a different player than he was a couple years ago and pretty much never fights anymore and has stepped up his overall game. He is currently tied for the lead on the Comets with 14 goals. Does he look like he can fill-in in the NHL? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UticaHockey Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 1 minute ago, WhoseTruckWasIt said: Does he look like he can fill-in in the NHL? I think he could handle a fourth line depth role. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhoseTruckWasIt Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 2 minutes ago, UticaHockey said: I think he could handle a fourth line depth role. Hmm. I guess we didn't want to waste the contract. I seem to remember rooting for him in the 2012 training camp. I think his boat has passed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alfstonker Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 54 minutes ago, S'all Good Man said: Maybe getting out of our zone, but no we was not effective passing, taking passes or scoring when used on the top 3 lines. As a 4th line guy, sure OK, he's got the classic "energy guy" qualifications other than fighting. Honestly i don't see why it has to be so controversial to swap other guys for Megna, he's not going to be the difference in a game. Well on your last question I think it is simple. Megna will fit in on the 4th, and he imo doesn't deserve to be replaced. If a player is playing well, giving it everything he's got and then gets replaced by an unknown quantity (and someone with no real pedigree, a waiver grab) what kind of message does that send out? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alfstonker Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 6 minutes ago, UticaHockey said: I think he could handle a fourth line depth role. Personally I would rather give Valk a chance. Sign him and play him, I loved his effort and ability when he was here 2 seasons ago in the pre-season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JM_ Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 26 minutes ago, WhoseTruckWasIt said: I guess that's what's annoying. You write-off a guy with the assumption that any other fringe NHLer is just as good or better. That's debatable. And as I said, it's easy for you to say when your job's not on the line. If we played Boucher and lost you'd come back with the complaint that a guy needs 10 minutes to show what he can do. That's not the NHL. I'm not "writing off" anyone. Megna has had minutes on all 4 lines this year and he cannot score, other than one night in Florida. I'm looking at the results, and just that. Based on that, he shouldn't be anywhere near a top 9. It is what it is and I'm basing it on what he did, not an opinion. Its all there in the box scores. So, based on that, its a low-risk thing to do, to see what someone else can do for a game or two, like I've said a dozen times, IF Boucher's in game shape. Why is that such a sore point for you? As far as Nik goes, I was in full support of his decision to not go to the AHL, that was my particular soap box. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhoseTruckWasIt Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 3 minutes ago, S'all Good Man said: I'm not "writing off" anyone. Megna has had minutes on all 4 lines this year and he cannot score, other than one night in Florida. I'm looking at the results, and just that. Based on that, he shouldn't be anywhere near a top 9. It is what it is and I'm basing it on what he did, not an opinion. Its all there in the box scores. So, based on that, its a low-risk thing to do, to see what someone else can do for a game or two, like I've said a dozen times, IF Boucher's in game shape. Why is that such a sore point for you? As far as Nik goes, I was in full support of his decision to not go to the AHL, that was my particular soap box. Okay fair enough. But let's assume Boucher's not in game shape (look at his season)....who are we supposed to play instead of worthless Megna? If you say Subban on forward I'll punch my computer and you can be rid of me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 Careful what you wish for...Gaunce was doing his job as a 4th liner (playing less than 8 minutes per game). Who will take his place and play better than him in the 4th line role? The fourth line players are not the problem...but they could add to the problem if they can't do the job. 4th line players are not excepted to score many goals, their role is to create energy and play good defensive hockey...Gaunce made the 4th line better because he was defensively responsible. He did what was asked of him with limited ice time. He was not a liability and his line did bring energy most nights. This team is offensively challenged. When your $6 M plus players aren't your best players every game, then the team has a big problem. Good teams have a legitimate top line and 2 good secondary lines that can score...the fourth line is the energy line that brings some physicality to the game...if anything, Gaunce could bring more physical play to the fourth line. With Larsen in the line up and Gaunce out, this team isn't as good defensively...if the team isn't good defensively and they are offensively challenged, then this team will have a hard time winning games. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
73 Percent Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 3 minutes ago, Pete M said: Careful what you wish for...Gaunce was doing his job as a 4th liner (playing less than 8 minutes per game). Who will take his place and play better than him in the 4th line role? The fourth line players are not the problem...but they could add to the problem if they can't do the job. 4th line players are not excepted to score many goals, their role is to create energy and play good defensive hockey...Gaunce made the 4th line better because he was defensively responsible. He did what was asked of him with limited ice time. He was not a liability and his line did bring energy most nights. This team is offensively challenged. When your $6 M plus players aren't your best players every game, then the team has a big problem. Good teams have a legitimate top line and 2 good secondary lines that can score...the fourth line is the energy line that brings some physicality to the game...if anything, Gaunce could bring more physical play to the fourth line. With Larsen in the line up and Gaunce out, this team isn't as good defensively...if the team isn't good defensively and they are offensively challenged, then this team will have a hard time winning games. 100% right here. Although Gaunce didn't hit the score sheet as often in this stint with the club he rarely made a mistake. On a side note. I'm beginning to despise who benning keeps and sends down. I was to the understanding that the best player plays. No way that larsen Chaput and Megna are better than our scratches and all utica players. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JM_ Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 27 minutes ago, WhoseTruckWasIt said: Okay fair enough. But let's assume Boucher's not in game shape (look at his season)....who are we supposed to play instead of worthless Megna? If you say Subban on forward I'll punch my computer and you can be rid of me. no don't do that Well thats just it, no one. I am a believer in guys earning their time (which is part of what annoys me about Megna with the Sedin's over Loui but thats another thread). It sounds like Benning wants to get Gaunce more time in Utica as part of long-term planning for his career so I'm OK with that. If Boucher can't get into shape and make a case for himself in practice then he's not going to get any time. Boucher was put back on waivers because NJ took a look, saw he needed conditioning, and risked waivers on him since he wasn't in game shape. Now, you'd think after that he'd be busting his ass to get ready. If he has, lets see what the kid has, thats all I'm saying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhoseTruckWasIt Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 3 minutes ago, S'all Good Man said: no don't do that Well thats just it, no one. I am a believer in guys earning their time (which is part of what annoys me about Megna with the Sedin's over Loui but thats another thread). It sounds like Benning wants to get Gaunce more time in Utica as part of long-term planning for his career so I'm OK with that. If Boucher can't get into shape and make a case for himself in practice then he's not going to get any time. Boucher was put back on waivers because NJ took a look, saw he needed conditioning, and risked waivers on him since he wasn't in game shape. Now, you'd think after that he'd be busting his ass to get ready. If he has, lets see what the kid has, thats all I'm saying. Fair ball. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boudrias Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 25 minutes ago, S'all Good Man said: no don't do that Well thats just it, no one. I am a believer in guys earning their time (which is part of what annoys me about Megna with the Sedin's over Loui but thats another thread). It sounds like Benning wants to get Gaunce more time in Utica as part of long-term planning for his career so I'm OK with that. If Boucher can't get into shape and make a case for himself in practice then he's not going to get any time. Boucher was put back on waivers because NJ took a look, saw he needed conditioning, and risked waivers on him since he wasn't in game shape. Now, you'd think after that he'd be busting his ass to get ready. If he has, lets see what the kid has, thats all I'm saying. I suspect Boucher will get a chance. That is probably why Gaunce was sent down. I like that Gaunce got +40 games and can go to Utica, get top TOI, and hopefully help get the Comets to a playoff spot. Playoffs in Utica give those players valuable experience. I do think a number of prospects sign pro contracts to end the season in Utica. Megna and Boucher stay in Vancouver so that management can make up their minds about new contracts. Also a necessary process. It all works since I highly doubt Van makes playoffs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JM_ Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 1 minute ago, Boudrias said: I suspect Boucher will get a chance. That is probably why Gaunce was sent down. I like that Gaunce got +40 games and can go to Utica, get top TOI, and hopefully help get the Comets to a playoff spot. Playoffs in Utica give those players valuable experience. I do think a number of prospects sign pro contracts to end the season in Utica. Megna and Boucher stay in Vancouver so that management can make up their minds about new contracts. Also a necessary process. It all works since I highly doubt Van makes playoffs. Has any of our crack media said anything about the kid re: readiness or fitness? Or are Donny and Moj still talking about their favorite movie from the 1980s? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ForsbergTheGreat Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 50 minutes ago, WhoseTruckWasIt said: Okay fair enough. But let's assume Boucher's not in game shape (look at his season)....who are we supposed to play instead of worthless Megna? If you say Subban on forward I'll punch my computer and you can be rid of me. If Boucher isn't in game shape, Why did the canucks not just waive him instead of sending down Gaunce. I mean were in a tight playoff race with only 10 games left before TD and we have a player that's been in one game over the last month vs Gaunce who's providing strength to the 4th line. At least gaunce brought something. If Boucher wasn't ready to play he wouldn't be here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhoseTruckWasIt Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 2 minutes ago, S'all Good Man said: Has any of our crack media said anything about the kid re: readiness or fitness? Or are Donny and Moj still talking about their favorite movie from the 1980s? They're mostly speculating that his junior scoring will translate to the bigs. Reports are a bit beyond them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhoseTruckWasIt Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 4 minutes ago, ForsbergTheGreat said: If Boucher isn't in game shape, Why did the canucks not just waive him instead of sending down Gaunce. I mean were in a tight playoff race with only 10 games left before TD and we have a player that's been in one game over the last month vs Gaunce who's providing strength to the 4th line. At least gaunce brought something. If Boucher wasn't ready to play he wouldn't be here. Well it's hard to be in game shape in his position. But that's not why I think he's not playing. Personally, I think that they are happy to have him as a backup. They don't think he's better than the guys playing and they aren't focused on his emotions. Also, his footspeed looked questionable. I was just responding to the comment that he must be just as good as Megna. I don't think that they think that. Also, I do think that they see it as pretty difficult to hit the ground running when you've been out long term. As regards Gaunce, I think that they are hoping he becomes a guy that can score a bit and they're concerned that he's had so little offense. That is what Benning said last year, that he already has good D and he stayed down to develop his scoring. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ForsbergTheGreat Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 3 minutes ago, WhoseTruckWasIt said: Well it's hard to be in game shape in his position. But that's not why I think he's not playing. Personally, I think that they are happy to have him as a backup. They don't think he's better than the guys playing and they aren't focused on his emotions. Also, his footspeed looked questionable. I was just responding to the comment that he must be just as good as Megna. I don't think that they think that. Also, I do think that they see it as pretty difficult to hit the ground running when you've been out long term. As regards Gaunce, I think that they are hoping he becomes a guy that can score a bit and they're concerned that he's had so little offense. That is what Benning said last year, that he already has good D and he stayed down to develop his scoring. If Megna was sent down, do you think he gets claimed? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilentSam Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 I'm Thinking Willie's excuse for players "in" or "not in game shape" is a weak one to begin with.. perhaps an excuse in the grab bag to play some players over others.. especially at this time of year. Boucher should get a good look, and get on a "game in - next game out" rotation regardless.. Just like every player-prospect who has traveled with the team should have from day one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boudrias Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 43 minutes ago, S'all Good Man said: Has any of our crack media said anything about the kid re: readiness or fitness? Or are Donny and Moj still talking about their favorite movie from the 1980s? While your 'dripping sarcasm' is entirely warranted I was thinking more of the morning group. Most the time I enjoy Donny and Moj. Is age a factor? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tortorella's Rant Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 At least he scored a goal. It might be his only one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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