Prospects in Charlotte
by prplmnkydw on May 3, 2011 2:08 PM EDT
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Anyone else go to the Checkers game last night? Good game. I was particularly impressed by Mike Murphy. Sanguinetti also stood out, as did Justin Faulk. The rest of the defense was efficient but forgettable as far as individuals go.
On offense, I thought Dalpe looked like the most skilled player out there. I like the effort from Matsumoto and Nash, though I am afraid Nash might not be a very smart hockey guy. Never seemed to see the easy pass or easy play. Bowman through a lot of hits, though he never struck me as much of an offensive threat. I liked Dodge and Terry, mostly for their effort and skating. Unfortunately, Zach Boychuk looked entirely invisible the whole game. I bet he gets traded this summer.
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Both Charlotte Playoff games I’ve been too I barely noticed Boychuk at all as well… I don’t know if he was just silently doing his job or being largely invisible, but he did always manage to show up on the scorecard.
Conversely… guys like Dalpe, Terry, and Osala were extremely noticeable. Always in the middle of the action.
Boychuk isn’t really one of those players who will stand out. But just because you don’t notice him doesn’t mean he isn’t skilled. He is the second leading scorer, only slightly behind Dalpe.
It is a concern when Boychuk doesn’t stand out. He has to make a difference on offense or he’s not going to make it.
Anybody have observations about why he seems to disappear? Are other teams doing something to take him away, or is he unable to cope with certain types of teams or players?
It is a bit of a mystery how he can be the leading or second-leading scorer in Charlotte and yet generate so many comments that he wasn’t even noticeable during games.
He did score 10 pts including 5 goals in 5 games against Wilkes-Barre in the regular season. That’s enough to make the other team focus its defense on him.
by curiouscanesfan on May 3, 2011 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions
That may well be it, the Penguins were beating on him pretty good. The AHL game is kind of funny to watch. It looks like the NHL, but without the quick flashes of brilliance that make the NHL stars so fun to watch. Dalpe was almost there, Boychuck not so much.
Osala did look good too. He has nice size.
Boychuck had only a point less than Dalpe in the first series, but he also had a point in every game—No one else did…
…Hard to say why he’s not as noticeable except he’s small and not looking to shoot or score as much as the other guys—he seems to look more to pass.
In much the same way most of the NHL overlooks Stillman—yet he does a lot of smart things and has some awesome passes. But most wouldn’t see those passes or assists as much as they would see Cole using speed, power or scoring at the end of the pass. It’s why he was an easy pickup for us despite how much he contributed to Tampa’s Cup success yet wasn’t retained (and he was missed).
The second highest scorer on the team seems like a person who makes a difference on offense.
I think the reason he is not too noticeable is because he is a small player who sets up plays. He is a Whitney type player. Whitney definitely was not noticeable every game unless you looked out for him.
Well, I can’t explain it. He is a player that does not seem to be too noticeable. He’s not as good as Dalpe, but he is still very talented. And he is obviously doing something right according to the stats.
It is amazing that some fans could take a player who had the longest scoring streak in the AHL, the second leading scorer on the team despite playing far fewer games, one of the leading scorers in the playoffs and then complain because he was “invisible.” Those statistics speak for themselves. Why would an NHL General Manager trade a player who is scoring at rate in the regular season and in the playoffs? Certainly, not because some fans thought the player was not visible enough.
Come on AD, we’ve talked about this a lot. I thought you were in agreement that Maurice seemed to have no confidence/like for Boychuk.
And yes, I am aware of the stats, but as you yourself love to point out, there are many more aspects to our game than just stats. Watching our top guys last night (for the first time in person in CLT), Boychuk was most noticeable for negative reasons, where as Dalpe, Sanguinetti, etc, all showed great speed, poise, effort, etc.
I didnt say that Boychuk’s stats were a mistake, and I did not say that he is a bad player. I said he was easy to miss in last night’s game. I then went on to speculate that perhaps I was seeing a little of whatever Maurice was seeing when he seemed to turn sour on Boychuk. We have all speculated before that he might get traded if the coaching staff in Raleigh seems to see no future for him there. It would certainly be better to trade him while he had value than keep him buried in the minors.
But thanks for belittling my observations, it was nice hearing from you.
by prplmnkydw on May 4, 2011 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The disconnect is to assert that Boychuk is invisible when he has been the leading scorer for the Checkers during the regular season in fewer games that Terry and has also been in the top two scorers for the Checkers during the playoffs. Then to further make the jump that Jim Rutherford would decide to trade Boychuk based on the argument that Boychuk was invisible despite those outstanding statistics is also a disconnect between conclusions and the data.
I agree that Maurice did not use any of his younger players this season well other than Skinner – and Skinner was too talented not to play. In these playoffs, the Dalpe/Boychuk/Sutter trio have been responsible for keep goals as a result of their play – sometimes as a line, sometimes individually, sometimes as duos.
The final disconnect is that one has to make a huge leap of faith that if Boychuk is as invisible as you suggest, why would another GM fall in love with him and offer the kind of return that would get Jim Rutherford’s interest?
boychuk's got skillz
he’s just not completely dominant … yet….
"We've got to look at this," Columbus general manager Scott Howson said Monday after exit interviews with the players. "Because whatever we have right now isn't working."
by Sergeant Stinky on May 4, 2011 7:13 AM EDT up reply actions
That point, the lack of being a dominating figure shift after shift, is what the coaches have been saying to Boychuk and about Boychuk from a wide range of articles and interviews. The coaches term is “consistency.” It’s not unique to Boychuk, but it does include Boychuk. A comparison between the energy level shift after shift between Skinner and Boychuk demonstrates the difference. Small players really need to have that relentless pursuit of the puck and conditioning to be dominating players in the NHL. Boychuk has made huge strides this year in his game. He still has room to improve. On the other hand, virtually all the comments about consistency have been said about Dalpe and Bowman.
Listened to one Checkers broadcast and ...
announcer seemed to have the same tendency to miss Boychuk. He raved about Dalpe as a sure-fire NHL star. He hardly mentioned Boychuk. Both players were often on the ice at the same time. There was not a peep about how Boychuk does the little things, sets up other players, etc., or how some important contributions don’t show up on score sheets. The only mentions of Boychuk that I recall were of Boychuk trying to get past a defenseman and failing to do so. This was disconcerting because I was listening for impressions of Boychuk. There was not a single positive word and I probably heard 80% of the game.
by curiouscanesfan on May 4, 2011 7:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Checkers' Radio Broadcasts
If you listen to Round 2, Game 1 at WBS, listen to the first minute of the game. The announcers rave on about Boychuk. He stole the puck after some intense forechecking, passed the puck to Dalpe who shot. The shot rebounded off the goalie and Sutter lifted the rebound into the back of the net. The Checkers’ announcers lavished praise on Boychuk and Dalpe. Similarly, if you check the assists Boychuk had and watch/listen or the goals Boychuk had on the highlights at AHLLIVE, you’ll hear similar comments.
WBS was one of the best teams in the AHL. They are very big, fast, and physical. They are a defense first team that grinds down opposing teams. This round of the playoffs is a war zone on the ice. Nobody is getting open ice for the Checkers. It’s how WBS plays. These games are battles of will and a test of which team will blink first.
Over the course of the season and the course of the playoffs, Dalpe, Boychuk, Sutter, Dodge, and Bowman have been the most productive forwards. In a one goal game during regulation, nobody on either team was able to generate much offense.
i'll take all three on the 'canes next year at this point
"We've got to look at this," Columbus general manager Scott Howson said Monday after exit interviews with the players. "Because whatever we have right now isn't working."
by Sergeant Stinky on May 4, 2011 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m sorry I missed the part of the broadcast that had exactly the information I was listening for. Thanks for passing along the reassuring report, AD.
by curiouscanesfan on May 4, 2011 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Moving on..
Who has any input on Bret Sutter, and his potential to make the Canes? It would seem he has a certain amount of skill/ energy…
He’s got grit and determination, a hard working grinder type I think would be perfect for our team somewhere.
Hate to see him lost and languishing on the bench as a 4th liner under Mo earning 4-5 minutes a night….
This Sutter sounds as though he might play as right wing with his cousin on the 3rd line or with the 4th line—but with the 4th line put to more extensive and better use than last year.
From what I’ve been able to figure out, Brett Sutter’s productivity leapt when the Checkers put him on the line with Boychuk and Dalpe. Not sure what that says about where to play him on the Canes.
Brett Sutter is listed as a center in a lot of places. Wonder how he is at faceoffs?
by curiouscanesfan on May 4, 2011 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions
The only problem with him playing with his cousin on the 3rd line is that we will have two B. Sutters on the same line. That could get confusing.
But seriously, I think he could end up playing there. He could certainly be a 4th line player eventually, and I think there is little doubt about that fact.
toss out 'canes current fourth line
replace it next year w/boychuk-dalpe-sutter, give ’em 10 minutes per game
"We've got to look at this," Columbus general manager Scott Howson said Monday after exit interviews with the players. "Because whatever we have right now isn't working."
by Sergeant Stinky on May 5, 2011 7:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Mike Murphy MVP
I’m gald he’s back from injury. Checkers win again behind a 44 save performance by Murphy. He raises our whole defense up a notch. We roll lots of forwards who can score, and it’s been whomever is in the right place at the right time that’s getting the scoring done.
But it’s been Mike keeping us in the game and battling against the AHL best teams defensively.
Checkers Offensive Forward Playing Hard-Nosed Defense
Tonight’s Checkers’ game was intense, hard-nosed playoff hockey. The offensively talented forwards are battling for every puck and giving as much as they are having to take from a very physical Pens team. Murphy has been playing at an elite level. That’s not a surprise to me because he has been that kind of big game goalie his entire hockey life as far as I can tell. This game would be worth watching for those fans who wonder if the Checkers have enough toughness.
I’ve thought it since the day we Drafted him… Mike Murphy is a legit future NHL goalie. Is a shame his top-end with the Canes will be Cam’s backup. He deserves a legit shot at a starter job.
Which is why, I believe, one day, we'll trade one of them.
Problem being, of course, that either choice is tough. You either have to trade your franchise goalie or try and get a solid return for a player who doesn’t have the ability to prove himself as an NHL-caliber starter.
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '010: Save the Richardson family coffers! We'll take the winning if we stumble into it.
by MichaelProcton on May 6, 2011 12:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Very true. The only way we could probably get decent value for Mike Murphy in a trade is probably to let him go deep in the Calder Cup Playoffs again and then give him a season or two of at least 20-30 games as Cam’s backup to let him show off. Which will never happen under Paul “ride Cam like a pack mule” Maurice.
The goalie market isn’t a very strong one right now either, unfortunately. Might get better.
by JussiJuice on May 6, 2011 7:15 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
pete dawg for picks, then bring up murphy
"We've got to look at this," Columbus general manager Scott Howson said Monday after exit interviews with the players. "Because whatever we have right now isn't working."
by Sergeant Stinky on May 6, 2011 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Boychuk Last Night
Boychuk did not score last night, but he also had one of his best games. The Pens are targeting Boychuk and Dalpe; and last night each received some late hits. Boychuk responded by getting angry and physically engaged. He had a number of shifts where he was all over the ice stealing pucks and winning puck battles behind the net. For Boychuk in particular, he needs to play with that kind of anger to be his most effective.
Thanks for the report. The radio announcer mentioned Boychuk a lot last night. You could tell he was in the game.
by curiouscanesfan on May 5, 2011 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions
One thing I mentioned to add was that last night he was starting and stopping. When Boychuk uses his skating skills to twist defenders like pretzels he is a very difficult player to defend. Tomorrow night is such a huge game for the Checkers in general and for Boychuk and Dalpe in particular. They are the two top forward prospects on the team; and the Pens have made it their mission to stop Dalpe and Boychuk at all costs. Both Dalpe and Boychuk have another level they can reach. Tomorrow would be a great time for them to find that extra gear.
That's kind of the point.
It’s not about scoring. Plenty of players can score at the AHL level without having the requisite skills to succeed in the bigs (see Aucoin, Keith.)
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '010: Save the Richardson family coffers! We'll take the winning if we stumble into it.
by MichaelProcton on May 6, 2011 12:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Dalpe and Boychuk and perceptions
For some fans it’s all about perceptions. Dalpe is the kind of special, superbly skilled player who gets my attention on the ice immediately. To that extent he is like Skinner and Ruutu. When Skinner and Ruutu are on the ice, it feels to me as if the entire arena has an eye on them because there is a sense something is about to happen. Dalpe has that effect on me as well. From the moment I saw him at Camp Brindy, he was a player in the spotlight.
Boychuk on the other hand is a player that can make incredible plays but somehow the spotlight is less on him. The reality is, however, that a goal is a goal. Ugly goals or highlight reel goals, they are equal in value. Assists, either through pure hockey luck or through the most exquisitely soft hands likewise count the same. Similarly, the truth is that as far as NHL production to date, Dalpe and Boychuk are in the same ballpark. In the regular season with the Checkers, Dalpe and Boychuk are in the same ballpark. They are in the same ballpark in the playoffs.
Other teams’ announcers at the AHL level rave on about both Dalpe and Boychuk. Denis Potvin in the Ottawa game this year was effusive in his praise for Boychuk. As far as scouting reports in the broad view, Dalpe’s speed, size, incredible shot, superb hands, charismatic personality, and his ability to rise to the occasion make him one of the Hurricanes’ best young prospects. There is no area of weakness to Dalpe’s game at all. He isn’t at his peak, but he has a tremendous upper end. Boychuk, however, has different skills but his skill set is hard to find in today’s NHL. Kane and Ennis play similar styles. With the right linemates, Boychuk can be a major offensive force. Defensively, he can disrupt opposing teams’ flow and can create turnovers that lead to goals.
Both Dalpe and Boychuk should be on the Hurricanes’ roster next season. Both players will need to focus in the off-season on elite NHL conditioning. They both would improve their success significantly if they improved their upper body strength with respect to keeping defenders from lifting their sticks when they are getting ready to shot the puck. Boychuk needs to continue to harness that extra gear that comes when he plays angry.
Of the players on the Checkers who play as duos, the Dalpe/Boychuk duo has the most chemistry and synergy. Sutter has brought out the physical element of both Dalpe and Boychuk. Sutter’s will to drive the net and his soft hands inside a phone booth elevate both Dalpe’s and Boychuk’s play. Bowman recently is trying a little bit too hard, but when he relaxes, he adds scoring punch and physicality to the Dalpe/Boychuk duo.
Dalpe and Boychuk are both prospects any NHL team would love to have. The fact they score goals using different skill sets and styles is irrelevant. The most important thing is that they are both scorers with speed, great hands, and a strong work ethic.
AD – good analysis, although your man-crush on Zach Boychuk is hanging out…;-). At any rate, I’ve felt the same about the “big three” in Charlotte (Bowman, Boychuk, and Dalpe). To my mind they represent 1/2 of the future Top 6 for the Canes. Yet, I think we overlook 3 or 4 other very good forwards that we have down on the farm. Osala, Terry (who is clearly coming into his own), Dodge (slow start, may have been hindered by an injury, but is coming on strong in the playoffs, and Matsumoto (perhaps the most underrated Checker). What do we do with this talent, all of which is nearly ready to make the jump (or the attempt at a jump) to the NHL. As I’ve said other places, Osala is Cole/Ruutu insurance and I think Dodge is Dwyer/LaRose w/a touch more skill. Terry and Matsumoto are the wild cards. Terry’s size is his biggest hindrance but he’s scored at every level so far. Last year he proved he can be a sound defensive forward. Matsumoto is a more difficult challenge. He played well during his call up this year and has scored 20 or more goals in each of his last 4 years…but that’s the point. He’ll be 25 this year and that ship is almost ready to sail. Does he become a chip in a trade again or is he beyond that? 2012 is the year of answers for all of these guys.
The Boychuk Analysis
I am often wrong, but I am seldom in doubt (so say friends and less than friends alike). I could give a detailed scouting report on each of the areas in which the Checkers and the Hurricanes players need work, including Boychuk. I do have a high evaluation for Boychuk, which I readily concede, acknowledge, and admit. All I can say is that I lack the intellectual sophistication required to be evasive, but at least it is an unfiltered opinion.
From just watching the game last night, I have to say that Boychuk was pretty noticeable to me. In fact, I would say I noticed him more than Dalpe and Bowman combined. But I will say that Dalpe definitely looked better at the times I noticed him.
I also didn’t really like the defensive play of Sanguinetti. I’ve seen a lot of praise for him and I was excited to watch him play finally. But to be honest, I didn’t think he was that good. In the defensive zone, he didn’t seem to have the same commitment to skating hard as he did in the offensive zone (which can be taught, thankfully). He also was very disappointing along the boards. I kept seeing him tripping over himself and flailing his stick in the air. His lateral skating is not the best. Maybe these things have to do with his recent injury. But the bright side is that he did look very good on the offensive side, and would often jump in the plays and create chances. If he can sure up his defensive game, I think he could make the big club. But at his current state, he is going to be in the AHL again next season.
AD on Boychuk - true to both your head and heart
AD – I’m in agreement on Boychuk. I think that there was a brief period where he didn’t realize fully what it took to be an NHL’er. I believe he has overcome that deficiency. He’s a little bit “Whitney-esque”, but tougher…and even faster. I’ve been a fan since he was drafted.
Now I admit my own personal man crushes on Bowman, Terry, and Dalpe. I always felt that they tended to get the short end of the recognition stick for a while. This year that changed with Dalpe. Bowman’s play in the NHL, to those what honestly watched him, clearly indicated some great potential for things to come. He always added jump, mostly demonstrated great stick handling, and proved to be defensively responsible (sure he made mistakes, but he didn’t lack for defensive effort). He was snake-bit a few times, but he’s a scorer and if given a chance again this year, he will put major points on the board. The same is true for Dalpe – that kid has got “it”….skills and the head for the game. I expect great things from him in ‘12 (if given the chance on an appropriate line). I would also love to see Boychuk and/or Dalpe given a long audition on Staal’s line (I’m assuming that Stillman isn’t resigned). That would leave a 3rd line of Boychuk/Dalpe – Sutter – Bowman. I’m assuming that the Skinner/Finner line remains intact. The 4th line would be similar to what it was at the end of last season – Bodie/Samson/Dwyer.
The only concern then is that our 3rd line doesn’t look like a typical “checking” line…but then again, other teams would be hard-pressed to defend against the speed and offensive skill of that line. Kind of a nice problem to have….
If this is the way things shake out then I’d be more inclined to spend $10 or $11 million on a couple of shut down defenders (which implies a trade of one of the existing crew). This way we get to the floor and still have room to add a missing piece come deadline time.
I could also see forwards coming in if Cole/Jokinen/Stillman/LaRose are not re-signed (I’m assuming Stiller and Rosey are gone in this scenario). Ah….to dream….
A Hybrid Third Line
I really think the Hurricanes ought to go with a hybrid third line as you describe in your post. Also, Brett Sutter is having a fantastic playoff series. He took off at the end of the season and continues to be more and more impressive through a tough playoff series. He could challenge for a roster spot next season. Osala has kicked it up a gear as well. He is starting to channel Ruutu and is hitting everything in sight. I was at the Charlotte game on Friday and was on the second row. Osala made some hits that made the board vibrate. I think he has added much more intensity and physicality to his game of late. Additionally, Pistilli had some key shifts for the Checkers. He is big and strong and has a wicked shot. One has to love Terry’s clutch play and his offensive wizardry. I have no idea how Jim Rutherford is going to fit all those young players onto one team. He may ultimately have to build a hybrid fourth line as well. Daniels uses that approach and his fourth line is often lethal.
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