Post by PW on Sept 2, 2004 11:44:09 GMT 1
of the 'new' Blaze-stronger, faster and more skilful than the old (even taking into account that they were taking on a team of a supposedly lower level, the rise in standard from last season was obvious)
The Lightning played extremely well-they'll steamroller the EPL this season, however the class of Vrabel and Mihalik in particular was evident, and just too much. Here, for what it's worth, is a player-by-player analysis
JODY LEHMAN
Looked his usual self-which meant that on a good night he'll stop anything-also was a lot less troubled by people standing in front of him, which was mainly due to the efforts of...
MICHAL VRABEL
What a gem-tall, powerful, great defensively, and with a cannon of a shot-once he sorts that out and gets his range, he'll be a very important part of the Blaze attack also, (one particular pass from the blue-line to Payette at the back post was inspired..)
PAVOL MIHALIK
Great skater, with passing to match. Along with Vrabel, a crowd-favourite in waiting...
JAMES PEASE
Looked a different player to this time last season-got involved in every bit of physical play he could, harried, chased and generally worked his arse off, and came damn close to scoring to boot.
DOUG SCHUELLER
Did exactly what it says on the tin-calm, unhurried and another huge presence on the blue-line-also right-handed, which could b an advantage on the point during powerplays...
ANDRE PAYETTE
And you thought this guy could only fight. What a snapshot! As Greg Randall's head will testify (on two seperate occasions) he's got a mean streak as well-he looks like he'll clobber anyone and anything, including lifting smaller players physically and throwing them out of his way. With people singing his name by the end of the game, he's a definite crowd favourite.
ADAM BRITTLE
Saw a lot of ice time, and gained an assist in his first Blaze game-smallest on the ice, but looks like a big prospect..
GRAHAM SCHLENDER
Exactly the same as the end of last year. Which is no bad thing-he could prove the lightweight fighter who'll handle the wind-up merchants on the opposition who are unwilling to take on Payette-Vezio Sacratini anyone?-a third-line leader...
TOM CARLON
He's a big guy for 17, isn't he? Highly-rated at Telford, and with reason-fast-skating, in the right place at the right time more often than not-one to watch.
RUSS COWLEY
Has moved on again from last season-faster, more powerful still, and will go nicely as a second/third-liner...
DAN MACKRIEL
Could easily do a job in the BNL, by the looks of things-has earned his chance in the EIHL with hard work in the lower-leagues, and will be a capable third-liner.
TOM WATKINS
Another player who will be highly useful-the same way he has been the last four seasons-digs the puck out along the boards, and will make a great checking winger.
ASHLEY TAIT
How often do you hear the words 'Ashley Tait' and 'overshadowed' in the same sentence? He played like his usual excellent self, and will give the Blaze yet another attacking threat for the opposition to worry about, rather than carrying the load as he seemed to feel the need to do at times last year, but was a little quiet last night.
ADAM CALDER
Speed, accuracy and a great passer. He was noticeably involved every shift-another crowd-favourite in waiting.
JOEL POIRIER
Another great season in prospect-to get MoM after stepping straight off the plane, and play with that high-level work-rate he always has, was phenomenal..
NATHANEAL WILLIAMS
Having trained with this guy, I knew something of his talent, but playing against bigger, older, more experienced players he didn't look anything out of place-given a season he could be the next Russ Cowley.
So there you are-my view of the team-bear in mind also bear in mind that Blaze were lacking theirat least the top two centres (in Carlson and the rumoured NHLer) and arguably their top defenseman in Neal Martin. The rest of the league should be very worried...
The Lightning played extremely well-they'll steamroller the EPL this season, however the class of Vrabel and Mihalik in particular was evident, and just too much. Here, for what it's worth, is a player-by-player analysis
JODY LEHMAN
Looked his usual self-which meant that on a good night he'll stop anything-also was a lot less troubled by people standing in front of him, which was mainly due to the efforts of...
MICHAL VRABEL
What a gem-tall, powerful, great defensively, and with a cannon of a shot-once he sorts that out and gets his range, he'll be a very important part of the Blaze attack also, (one particular pass from the blue-line to Payette at the back post was inspired..)
PAVOL MIHALIK
Great skater, with passing to match. Along with Vrabel, a crowd-favourite in waiting...
JAMES PEASE
Looked a different player to this time last season-got involved in every bit of physical play he could, harried, chased and generally worked his arse off, and came damn close to scoring to boot.
DOUG SCHUELLER
Did exactly what it says on the tin-calm, unhurried and another huge presence on the blue-line-also right-handed, which could b an advantage on the point during powerplays...
ANDRE PAYETTE
And you thought this guy could only fight. What a snapshot! As Greg Randall's head will testify (on two seperate occasions) he's got a mean streak as well-he looks like he'll clobber anyone and anything, including lifting smaller players physically and throwing them out of his way. With people singing his name by the end of the game, he's a definite crowd favourite.
ADAM BRITTLE
Saw a lot of ice time, and gained an assist in his first Blaze game-smallest on the ice, but looks like a big prospect..
GRAHAM SCHLENDER
Exactly the same as the end of last year. Which is no bad thing-he could prove the lightweight fighter who'll handle the wind-up merchants on the opposition who are unwilling to take on Payette-Vezio Sacratini anyone?-a third-line leader...
TOM CARLON
He's a big guy for 17, isn't he? Highly-rated at Telford, and with reason-fast-skating, in the right place at the right time more often than not-one to watch.
RUSS COWLEY
Has moved on again from last season-faster, more powerful still, and will go nicely as a second/third-liner...
DAN MACKRIEL
Could easily do a job in the BNL, by the looks of things-has earned his chance in the EIHL with hard work in the lower-leagues, and will be a capable third-liner.
TOM WATKINS
Another player who will be highly useful-the same way he has been the last four seasons-digs the puck out along the boards, and will make a great checking winger.
ASHLEY TAIT
How often do you hear the words 'Ashley Tait' and 'overshadowed' in the same sentence? He played like his usual excellent self, and will give the Blaze yet another attacking threat for the opposition to worry about, rather than carrying the load as he seemed to feel the need to do at times last year, but was a little quiet last night.
ADAM CALDER
Speed, accuracy and a great passer. He was noticeably involved every shift-another crowd-favourite in waiting.
JOEL POIRIER
Another great season in prospect-to get MoM after stepping straight off the plane, and play with that high-level work-rate he always has, was phenomenal..
NATHANEAL WILLIAMS
Having trained with this guy, I knew something of his talent, but playing against bigger, older, more experienced players he didn't look anything out of place-given a season he could be the next Russ Cowley.
So there you are-my view of the team-bear in mind also bear in mind that Blaze were lacking theirat least the top two centres (in Carlson and the rumoured NHLer) and arguably their top defenseman in Neal Martin. The rest of the league should be very worried...