I have a few questions regarding the Bulldogs. I know a few of you have been going to the games, so maybe you can help me.
Are either Locke or Grabovski playing centre this year?
Chipchura is racking up the assists. Is that because he is setting people up or is he just getting credit for other people's efforts?
Does Grabovski look like he has shaken off the rust from the injury? In general, how does he look down there?
Of the forwards, Only D'ago, Locke, Milroy, and Lapierre have good looking stats (including plus minus), which of those are looking ready for a call up?
Kost's stats are way below what he should be getting: no goals and minus 1. Any insight into why he is struggling? Is he at least creating chances?
Aubin has only played 2 games. Were there injuries or was he sent down to the ECHL?
The Dogs are losing a lot of games, but have scored almost as many as they let in. Which stat is more reflective of the way they are playing? Are they a bad team or an average team so far?
Ferland also has terrible stats. What gives?
Given that Lapierre is working so hard and being quite dominant, does he look ready to take the 4th line centre spot in Montreal so that Begin can move back to the wing?
I know I asked a lot of questions, but I am very curious about this guys especially since we are meant to have one of the top groups of prospects yet they are getting slaughtered. Which begs one more question, how is the coaching? Do they look coherent out there or are they lost?
I almost forgot, how are the goalies doing? Are either Halak or Danis looking ready to play backup in the big leagues should we trade either of our current top 2?
I haven't gotten to many games this year yet but from what i know,
Kostitsyn sat out a number of games due to back spasms. He came back and recorded an assist. He should be ready for full time duty now. For the time he was playing he had his moments but looked 10 times better in Montreal last year than he has looked this year or last year in Hamilton for that matter.
Grabovski has looked (in my opinion) awfull, he takes many shifts off, this could be from the injury. I did notice some sparks from him late in one game and he looked good. He went to the net hard and posses good hands. I missed his first AHL goal.
Locke is playing center. He looks as if he has found new life, speed was once a factor for this little guy but he seems to be improving it every game. He's got great Hands and a wicked slapshot, he seems to have also worked on his strenght, he wins some battles along the boards but due to his size still has some troubles. He is a leader in Hamilton, i think he could play in the NHL now but next year would be better for his devolpment. I think he is really hungry out there.
Milroy is far from the offensive threat that he was in junior, he still posses a great wrist shot though, right now he is an above avrege role player. he kills penelties well.
Danis has looked shakey so far he just got married so he looks a little tired but he makes some great saves sometimes but has been letting in suspect goals, one game he even gave up the puck while playing it with three seconds left which allowed the oppostion an empty net, shorthanded, gamewinning goal. I think hes upset with not being in MOntreal now, i think he thinks he deserves it.
I havent seen Dags (Dagostini) play much, but from what i have seen he looks good, looks like a smart hockey player.
Chipchura has looked great, although he does not posses speed he is very smart, he is also excellent along the boards, almost all of his asists are well deserved, He also battles very hard in front of the net. Not NHL ready now but will be, only time will tell how long though.
Ferland is one of the hardest working players i have seen, he plays with intesity and grit, very strong along the boards but he needs to work on his speed and his scoring touch. In training camp he proved his ability to play but in Hamilton he only has two goals thus far.
Any other players? id be sure to give my thoughts on them