L GDT: Canucks host leaves - Oct 31 - 4pm SN/ ESPM+

[Cousin Strawberry]

One positive note is the improved play of Willander over the last half dozen games. He has just started to turn a corner in my opinion.

I was starting to wonder if he had it

[donlever]

First Buium and now Willander.

85 games man.

On a bullshit hockey team to boot.

Both were excellent College players.

Give these kids some time.

Tough crowd.

[Cornuck]

Some people can't handle a rebuild.

[Carl Yagro]

The scouts pegged it right... Willander > Pellikka

On the worst team in the league for a second consecutive season, Tom has shown a good overall game. Meanwhile, Axel's D is still so piss-poor that he can't even crack the 3rd pairing.

I was happy with the Willander pick. I believe he can be a good middle pairing guy for years to come.

[donlever]

He's got Salo value minimim is my guess....

[Cousin Strawberry]

All I wanted to see was some form of growth which hadn't happened yet. He had been fumbling pucks and seemed to lack hockey sense/awareness. I have maintained that he needed to spend at least last season in Abby and was rushed up long before he was ready.

This isn't impatience on my part. In fact I have been very happy with his selection but not how they rushed him

[Carl Yagro]

That's fair enough, Cousin.

Ted Frickin' Bluegear, folks.

[Cornuck]

Well..Fuck.... at least it was close.

[Megaterio Llamas]

Corn gearing up for a run at theman's standard.

[Ronning's Ghost]

All I wanted to see was some form of growth...

Same. I just don't have any sense of how good they're expected to be at this point.

I don't care how well they're doing this season, as long as they are on track, and no previously overlooked deficiencies that might limit them long-term have been observed.

[Hockey Widow]

This is what I was saying about DPetey last season. I did not really see him as a legit NHL Man over the long haul. Maybe a depth Dman. But this season he looks like a different player to me. More confidence. Not making as many mistakes. Showing a bit of Offence. Reading plays better. The fact he wants to be Luke Schenn when he grows up always gives me hope. This season I do see him as a legit NHL Man. Don't know if that is top 4 or bottom pairing and of course than depends upon who else is on the team.

Point being we need to give Willander and Buium time. Buium to me is focusing less on O and more on his D play. This maybe by design or lack of confidence, or both. Willander keeps making steady progress. As their leadership roles on the team grow so too will their game, I hope. But so far I am pleased with the 3 of them.