Look for a much more improved Jonas Hiller next season. Hiller was stuck with trying to fight to be the No 1 goalie with former Duck J.S. Giguere the two goalies supported each other through thick and thin, and denied the fact that they were competing against one another for the No 1 spot. Obviously, both of them wanted to be the number one goalie wearing a Ducks sweater and fought for the opportunity to play the position and overall, Hiller won it as the management gave him the go ahead by giving him a $18 million four year contract. Giguere was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Vesa Toskala who was traded at the deadline for Curtis McElhinney.
The goalie situation was a hot topic in Anaheim when it came to hockey. The situation also showed constant goalie switching, both goaltenders had the potential threat of if they weren't in for a win; the next game, they would be riding the bench. Hiller did get some consistent starts but after Randy Carlyle had started the win, you're in. His minutes started to dwindle. This wasn't good for EITHER goalie, the fact that you take out a goaltender because he was in for a loss will damage his play overall. It doesn't allow him to get into a rhythm and this is going off of wins not his performance which clearly for the longest time that was what Randy was doing with both Giguere and Hiller at the time. It took him awhile for him to actually figure that fact out.
Carlyle also overplayed his main goaltender after Giguere left. Giguere struggled throughout the season and so did Hiller both goalies as said weren't able to get anything going because of the "If you win, you're in" Carlyle overplayed Hiller refusing to play his back-up, which consisted of young goalies like Justin Pogge, Timo Pielmeier,, yes, the young guys were serving as emergency back-ups to Hiller, but when Toskala was with us, we should of seen him at least one game before he was traded away. Overplaying Hiller both mental and physical stress on him. Overplaying could of been a result on why Hiller eneded up with bad back spasms. When Hiller starting having back spasms, this is where we actually were able to get the best look at McElhinney. A goalie who has proven to be an excellent backup for Hiller and someone, who can answer the call when needed.
Overall, Hiller stayed strong mentally even though he did show lapses of showing mental and physical fatigue throughout the season. Especially after the Olympics, it was mentally hard for him to get back into the game at such a quick pace. The Olympics, of course, didn't only affect Hiller it did with a few other goalies, and skaters in general. The Ducks couldn't get much going from the beginning though, but the second half despite some struggles after the break they were booming.
Again, look for Hiller to improve next season (as well with the rest of the team) Hiller knowing he is the No 1 goalie will definitely help him being the goalie we all know he's capable of being. This will help him being less mentally worn down from the very beginning of the season. Improving his game over the summer will definitely help him, and as what has been read in various articles and else where and from what has been seen; Hiller has a very good work ethic and has excellent dedication to the game of hockey. Look for McElhinney next season as a back up to Hiller and for him to have some consistent minutes. Lets hope Carlyle actually realizes overplaying a goalie isn't the greatest idea. He should realize this from experience (the overplaying of Hiller in situations such as back to back games, almost every game after the Olympics before he was injured, give or take a game or two.) and from around the league such as the examples of Craig Anderson of the Colorado Avalanche, who showed some mental and physical exhaustion in games. With Hiller being able to completely rest his re-injured back (4/11/10) and a clean physical and mental slate his game will improve and he will play at the level we're all used to seeing.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Play McElhinney
With the Ducks officially out of the playoffs andthree more games left in the regular season, all teams that Anaheim will play against are not in the playoffs on Thursday (4/08/10) against the Dallas Stars, Friday (4/09/10) against St. Louis Blues and on Sunday (4/11/10) against the Edmonton Oilers. Anaheim shouldn't play Ryan Getzlaf (like said in the previous post) let him completely heal. The Ducks lost to the Los Angeles Kings last night giving up a 3 goal lead and losing in the shootout. As was, it didn't really matter the outcome of the game after the Colorado Avalanche beat the San Jose Sharks in overtime and the Avalanche beating the Vancouver Canucks yesterday in the shootout.
Jonas Hiller is another player who should be shelfed; if he does return it would only be for two games, the issue with this because as well with Getzlaf he hasn't played since March 24 against the Vancouver Canucks. Shelfing Hiller would be the best thing, two games won't allow Hiller to get into a rhythm. Even if Hiller does feel better and is able to play at least one of the three games; Hiller should still be sitting on the bench because it'd be too much of a mental toll on him just for three games when his team isn't even going to make the playoffs this season. Give Curtis McElhinney the next three games this will help him improve his game and playing him the next three games, despite losing to the Kings will keep him in his rhythm that he had from the beginning. Allow Hiller to start on a clean slate next season where his back should and will be spasm free next season.
The question stay lies will we see McElhinney next season, will he offered an extension and would he accept that offer? Curtis may stay with the Ducks for at least one more season as a back-up to Hiller. Something else comes into a factor, how many more teams are looking at McElhinney and are willing to sign him. McElhinney was acquired over Toskala because he was cheaper than Tosky was, something the Ducks needed to do, so they stayed under the cap. It is unknown how well Toskala would of played with Anaheim, but he did struggle when he was with Toronto.
Other teams may be interested in McElhinney especially since he's played so well but I do see him re-signing with Anaheim next season. If the Ducks do give him consistent minutes next season and NOT over play Hilller. McElhinney will have a much, much improved game. The Ducks are giving him his best chance to become a better goaltender. The Anaheim coaching/staff and the fans can see his potential. If McElhinney isn't able to play the next two games, this may and will interfere with his rhythm, putting in a goalie who won't have an immediate rhythm, this isn't anything against Hiller because this applies for every goalie, one cannot just magically come into a perfect rhythm specifically after an injury interfered with it. It's because, as cliche as it sounds, "We're all human." being human doesn't allow anyone to be some well oiled machine. Giving Hiller the next three games would give the impression as if he were not too good of a goalie because he'd be struggling to keep in the game.
Allowing Hiller to start on a clean slate would allow him to rest both physically and mentally, as starting him for the final two games, when they really don't count could put too much stress on him and he needs to be mentally strong as a goalie to play the game he does. However, another factor that could go into an argument to play him is it would help him physically, such as keeping his limbs lose and that he should be played since these three games don't count. Physically though, this could injury has back even more, he will probably not play the next three games; it is unknown if he is still feeling tightness in his back. It would be best as said to give McElhinney the last games; let him improve and become a better goaltender, let him know w hat he needs to improve in his game. McElhinney will not only learn from Pete Peeters but he'll learn from Hiller and the best way he'll learn is by experience and the next three games if played would give him that needed experience.
Jonas Hiller is another player who should be shelfed; if he does return it would only be for two games, the issue with this because as well with Getzlaf he hasn't played since March 24 against the Vancouver Canucks. Shelfing Hiller would be the best thing, two games won't allow Hiller to get into a rhythm. Even if Hiller does feel better and is able to play at least one of the three games; Hiller should still be sitting on the bench because it'd be too much of a mental toll on him just for three games when his team isn't even going to make the playoffs this season. Give Curtis McElhinney the next three games this will help him improve his game and playing him the next three games, despite losing to the Kings will keep him in his rhythm that he had from the beginning. Allow Hiller to start on a clean slate next season where his back should and will be spasm free next season.
The question stay lies will we see McElhinney next season, will he offered an extension and would he accept that offer? Curtis may stay with the Ducks for at least one more season as a back-up to Hiller. Something else comes into a factor, how many more teams are looking at McElhinney and are willing to sign him. McElhinney was acquired over Toskala because he was cheaper than Tosky was, something the Ducks needed to do, so they stayed under the cap. It is unknown how well Toskala would of played with Anaheim, but he did struggle when he was with Toronto.
Other teams may be interested in McElhinney especially since he's played so well but I do see him re-signing with Anaheim next season. If the Ducks do give him consistent minutes next season and NOT over play Hilller. McElhinney will have a much, much improved game. The Ducks are giving him his best chance to become a better goaltender. The Anaheim coaching/staff and the fans can see his potential. If McElhinney isn't able to play the next two games, this may and will interfere with his rhythm, putting in a goalie who won't have an immediate rhythm, this isn't anything against Hiller because this applies for every goalie, one cannot just magically come into a perfect rhythm specifically after an injury interfered with it. It's because, as cliche as it sounds, "We're all human." being human doesn't allow anyone to be some well oiled machine. Giving Hiller the next three games would give the impression as if he were not too good of a goalie because he'd be struggling to keep in the game.
Allowing Hiller to start on a clean slate would allow him to rest both physically and mentally, as starting him for the final two games, when they really don't count could put too much stress on him and he needs to be mentally strong as a goalie to play the game he does. However, another factor that could go into an argument to play him is it would help him physically, such as keeping his limbs lose and that he should be played since these three games don't count. Physically though, this could injury has back even more, he will probably not play the next three games; it is unknown if he is still feeling tightness in his back. It would be best as said to give McElhinney the last games; let him improve and become a better goaltender, let him know w hat he needs to improve in his game. McElhinney will not only learn from Pete Peeters but he'll learn from Hiller and the best way he'll learn is by experience and the next three games if played would give him that needed experience.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Still No Hiller
Jonas Hiller remains out of Anaheim's lineup as well does Ryan Getzlaf. Getzlaf, who is out with a troublesome ankle could be out for the remainder of the season, though Getzlaf is hoping to play before the end the regular season ends also out of the line up is Joffrey Lupul but he's been out for half of the season which was originally a raptured disk, but he contracted a blood infection and will most likely play the 2010-2011 season.
Hiller has suffered from back spasms and has been out for at five games and has handed Curtis McElhinney the reigns while he's out on injury. McElhinney has taken an advantage of this opportunity he is currently 5-0-1, each game he is more confident in net and he has great footwork and hands. The injury to Hiller has helped McElhinney show his true potential but he still has a little ways to go if he wants to be a No 1 goalie like Hiller did. McElhinney will need to take what he's given and make the best of it. This enables a goalie to improve his game and learn from his mistakes. The best thing right now for McElhinney is he's receiving consistent starts that has let him get into a rhythm which is something that is needed by a goaltender because playing a goalie one game, then taking him out in favor of his teammate takes him out of the rhythm or more likely, it does not allow him to fall into a consistent rhythm. For Anaheim fans the best example would of been when the Ducks' coach Randy Carlyle installed his "You win. You're in" earlier in the season between J.S. Giguere and Jonas Hiller before Hiller signed his 4-year contract extension worth $18 million and Giguere was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Vesa Toskala, who did not play a game in a Ducks uniform despite him making all his gear more fitting for Anaheim. Toskala was traded to the Calgary Flames and was re-united with his old teammate from the San Jose Sharks, who drafted himself (Toskala) and Mikka Kippursoff. When Hiller signed his extension the first person to know about the contract was Giguere; Hiller said he had told Jiggy first even before the contract was official and before the rest of the team had any idea, he said "we're just honest with each other that way" The 'you win, you're in' did not work and it took awhile for Carlyle to figure that out.
Hiller has been overplayed for most of the season but especially after the Olympics, where he played every game for Switzerland, the back spasms were mostly caused by the overplaying of the goaltender .Giving a goalie consistent starts does help a goaltender but giving him an overabundance of starts and minutes, may hurt him in the long run. Yes, there are goalies who can deal with a huge workload of games, but they're also have a lot of experience such as the Flames' Mikka Kippursoff and the Sharks' Evgeni Nabokov. Goalies who are used to playing a large amount of the games in the regular NHL season and sometimes the playoffs. Hiller is a goalie who has improved in back to back games, but he still struggles mightily a lot of times, when he is giving back to back games especially games, which require long travel periods outside the state of California. If Hiller played less back to back games and a little less in general he may of been saved from missing so many games due to back spasms. As a goalie, this is a normal injury which one cause is a lot of stress (work) on the back, twisting of the back, etc. In part because Carlyle refused to let the leash loose a little on Hiller; Carlyle may be part of why Hiller is experiencing long and deliberating back spasms/tighting of the back. Joey MacDonald so far still remains as the back-up goaltender to McElhinney. Although, despite both players wanting to come back it may be best to "shelf" them for the rest of the season, giving them the rest and letting them start and a brand new clean slate next season this would give them the rest they need, and would prevent them from playing through pain which is not needed especially so late into the season. In Getzlaf's case, it would give him a chance for the ankle to heal completely which would help him in the long run. In Hiller's case, back pain even just a little is something which cannot be taken lightly. Give Hiller more time to heal along with Getzlaf and this will help them with their careers in the long run.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
It's a learning process
The Anaheim Ducks kept with Curtis McElhinney for the game against the Canucks, where the Canucks would beat the Ducks in a shootout to clinch a playoff spot.
One of McElhinney's problems in his game is he leaves big rebounds. He also has stiff leg pads, which is another factor that helps leave big rebounds, as the puck bounces off like a ping-pong ball off a paddle, which was hit a little too hard. Sometimes, McElhinney seems to be swimming but he does have the ability to stop pucks, despite him being all over the place. Rebound control is something McElhinney will need to learn to control and the only way he's going to learn is by more game time. As with Jonas Hiller last season as the back-up to J.S. Giguere. Giguere suffered through injuries late in the season, this is where Hiller got his chance to play in consistent games as Giguere recovered. Hiller took the opportunity by storm helping the Ducks barely squeak into the playoffs, clinching the 8th spot and then being matched up against the Sharks for the first round playoffs. Hiller showed his true potential as the Ducks would beat the President Trophy Sharks in six games. Hiller also would help the Ducks take the Red Wings to seven games, but would ultimate lose in a rip out your heart loss, as Daniel Clearly would score the winning goal breaking the tie. Hiller fought back tears, as he engaged in a conversation with the referee as he tried to tell the ref that it was indeed goaltender interference but the ref virtually shrugged Hiller's disagreements on the goal off. This gave Hiller tons of experience and helped in making the hard decision of trading the franchise goaltender, Giguere to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Both goaltenders wanted to remain in a Ducks uniform but at the same time, either goalie said they'd be willing to be traded to another team if they did not get the No. 1 spot. Giguere and Hiller also remained very good friends on and off the ice. And if it weren't for Giguere, Hiller wouldn't be the goalie he is today, despite the different styles each of them play.
This is what McElhinney seems to be getting; Hiller is suffering some minor injuries late in the season, where the Ducks have a slim chance of making the playoffs, but with the injury to Hiller McElhinney is getting the chance to play. The goalie who took the back-seat to Mikka Kipprusoff when he was with Calgary is getting most of his chance with Anaheim. As McElhinney is getting more and more consistent starts his game is improving. As playing more, he is able to figure out his weaknesses and where he is either consistently strong and/or strong but needs some patch work. As with every goalie, McElhinney will learn as he goes. This is the best way he's going to actually learn something about himself as a goalie at the NHL level. As of now, McElhinney with the Ducks is 4-0-1.
There isn't a doubt that Hiller is helping McElhinney improve on his game in each practice and game, as goalies, they're going to bounce suggestions off of each other but Hiller as he has more playing experience is more of a Mentor to McElhinney. The two goalies seem to be getting along just fine, if McElhinney does stay another year look for another strong relationship between the Ducks two goaltenders. Also look for a more improved McElhinney and a better poised Hiller. Hiller has had some struggles this season but every game, every season, no matter how old someone is...is still a learning process. McElhinney is taking his learning process to heart and is loving and thriving in the opportunity of consistent minutes with a team, where he doesn't only play once and then is thrown on the bench for the next few weeks so that one of the best goalies, Kippursoff, in the league munches much more on the time.
NOTES: The Ducks re-assigned J.P. Levasseur and recalled the 30-year old, Joey MacDonald as a back up for McElhinney for the game against the Canucks. MacDonald was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings. Joey was born in Pictou, NS, Canada on February 7, 1980. The Ducks seem to be switching the guards, giving more goalies a chance to at least be up with NHL players as Hiller recovers from his back spasms. Hiller is not expected to be back for Saturday's game vs the Los Angeles Kings. However, it is a possibility he may be available for the next game against the Kings on Tuesday. James Wisniewski will be available for Saturday's game, as his 8 game suspension is up after hitting Chicago's Brent Seabrook, where Seabrook hit his head against the glass and then Wiz got a inflated Suspension. Welcome back, Wiz!
One of McElhinney's problems in his game is he leaves big rebounds. He also has stiff leg pads, which is another factor that helps leave big rebounds, as the puck bounces off like a ping-pong ball off a paddle, which was hit a little too hard. Sometimes, McElhinney seems to be swimming but he does have the ability to stop pucks, despite him being all over the place. Rebound control is something McElhinney will need to learn to control and the only way he's going to learn is by more game time. As with Jonas Hiller last season as the back-up to J.S. Giguere. Giguere suffered through injuries late in the season, this is where Hiller got his chance to play in consistent games as Giguere recovered. Hiller took the opportunity by storm helping the Ducks barely squeak into the playoffs, clinching the 8th spot and then being matched up against the Sharks for the first round playoffs. Hiller showed his true potential as the Ducks would beat the President Trophy Sharks in six games. Hiller also would help the Ducks take the Red Wings to seven games, but would ultimate lose in a rip out your heart loss, as Daniel Clearly would score the winning goal breaking the tie. Hiller fought back tears, as he engaged in a conversation with the referee as he tried to tell the ref that it was indeed goaltender interference but the ref virtually shrugged Hiller's disagreements on the goal off. This gave Hiller tons of experience and helped in making the hard decision of trading the franchise goaltender, Giguere to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Both goaltenders wanted to remain in a Ducks uniform but at the same time, either goalie said they'd be willing to be traded to another team if they did not get the No. 1 spot. Giguere and Hiller also remained very good friends on and off the ice. And if it weren't for Giguere, Hiller wouldn't be the goalie he is today, despite the different styles each of them play.
This is what McElhinney seems to be getting; Hiller is suffering some minor injuries late in the season, where the Ducks have a slim chance of making the playoffs, but with the injury to Hiller McElhinney is getting the chance to play. The goalie who took the back-seat to Mikka Kipprusoff when he was with Calgary is getting most of his chance with Anaheim. As McElhinney is getting more and more consistent starts his game is improving. As playing more, he is able to figure out his weaknesses and where he is either consistently strong and/or strong but needs some patch work. As with every goalie, McElhinney will learn as he goes. This is the best way he's going to actually learn something about himself as a goalie at the NHL level. As of now, McElhinney with the Ducks is 4-0-1.
There isn't a doubt that Hiller is helping McElhinney improve on his game in each practice and game, as goalies, they're going to bounce suggestions off of each other but Hiller as he has more playing experience is more of a Mentor to McElhinney. The two goalies seem to be getting along just fine, if McElhinney does stay another year look for another strong relationship between the Ducks two goaltenders. Also look for a more improved McElhinney and a better poised Hiller. Hiller has had some struggles this season but every game, every season, no matter how old someone is...is still a learning process. McElhinney is taking his learning process to heart and is loving and thriving in the opportunity of consistent minutes with a team, where he doesn't only play once and then is thrown on the bench for the next few weeks so that one of the best goalies, Kippursoff, in the league munches much more on the time.
NOTES: The Ducks re-assigned J.P. Levasseur and recalled the 30-year old, Joey MacDonald as a back up for McElhinney for the game against the Canucks. MacDonald was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings. Joey was born in Pictou, NS, Canada on February 7, 1980. The Ducks seem to be switching the guards, giving more goalies a chance to at least be up with NHL players as Hiller recovers from his back spasms. Hiller is not expected to be back for Saturday's game vs the Los Angeles Kings. However, it is a possibility he may be available for the next game against the Kings on Tuesday. James Wisniewski will be available for Saturday's game, as his 8 game suspension is up after hitting Chicago's Brent Seabrook, where Seabrook hit his head against the glass and then Wiz got a inflated Suspension. Welcome back, Wiz!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Hiller stays home
J.P. Levasseur is recalled to back-up McElhinney
Jonas Hiller was promised to play against the rival Dallas Stars at the Honda Center on Teemu Selanne's night, but the new comer Curtis McElhinney was instead thrown into the net. McElhinney had to answer the call at the last minute as Hiller had suffered back spasms during warm-ups according to reports. According to Brian Ahlers Hiller left at the end of the first period holding his back and in pain as his back had tighten up. Hiller was not seen on the bench as the television cameras scanned the benches
Hiller did not make the trip to Denver, Colorado for tomorrow's game against the Avalanche; McElhinney will start the game for his 3rd consecutive stare. He is undefeated in two starts and third time overall. J.P Levasseur was recalled from the American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons. As a cautionary process, Hiller was suggested to stay at home as told by the source the OC Register
“He’s better today, but it doesn’t make any sense to risk it,” Carlyle said.Something like this will have to be closely watched but as far as is known there has been no tests scheduled for the Ducks No.1 goalie. RC said he is better today but there isn't a doubt that Anaheim is keeping an eye on him and is asking Hiller to give any type of discomfort to the medical staff immediately. McElhinney has proven to be a very viable back up goalie.
Anaheim drafted Jean-Philippe Levasseur, 23, in the 2005 entry draft, he was the Ducks 7th (197th overall). Levasseur was born in Victoriaville, Quebec, Canada on January 15, 1987. He was one of the goalies invited to Training Camp, where he performed fairly well. He has also played with the Ducks as he as gotten the call to back up Hiller during injury to J.S. Giguere
Monday, March 29, 2010
Resting Him Up.
Coach Randy Carlyle and Anaheim have made the decision to rest their number one goaltender Jonas Hiller for the first time in 19 games, Hiller was the one watching the game from the bench as Curtis McElhinney played in net for his first start as a Duck and second time playing as a Duck overall. McElhinney got the start against the Edmonton Oilers, where he played fairly well. McElhinney made 34 of 36 saves to help the Ducks win 3-2. McElhinney showed a massive amount of trust in his teammates as he left rebound after rebound in nearly the most perfect place for the team in front of him to clear. Sometimes McElhinney seemed lost while the Oilers created tons of traffic in front and started whacking away at the puck but he was there to prevent Edmonton from scoring, as was he had trust with the team in front of him to help him clear the puck.
As Anaheim most likely will not be making the playoffs the decision has been made to rest Hiller up and give McElhinney a more of a chance down the stretch for the next 8 games or so. Though, Hiller probably will not sit out for the remainder of the season but probably a good chunk of it. McElhinney has definitely showed what he's worth. He's a good and focused goaltender that will benefit a lot from starting a good amount of the games down the stretch. As for Hiller this did take more of a mental tow on him than a physical, especially the fact that he was just fresh off the Olympics.
As he stated in this comment to the Orange County Register's Curtis Zupke:
Quotes from Boys in the Crease:
Giving Hiller the chance to rest may benefit him in the long run the Ducks had been riding him like a workhorse with little rest tiring him out both mentally and physically. Hiller will improve his play next season as well with the Ducks. The clean slate will help both but Anaheim may find ways to win while getting used to with most likely two too familiar faces in Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne in the locker room next season. (There is still a slight chance of Teemu returning though not Scotty who is most likely done, as he has won it all even though Anaheim did not make the playoffs this season. He has four Stanley Cups and he just recently won the Gold Medal virtually in his own backyard, which most likely was the cherry on top)
As for Hiller he will probably be at the rink a lot trying to improve his game this by the given impression of former Duck J.S. Giguere's light-hearted comment last season saying how Hiller is always at the rink. "Jonas, he's always at the rink. He needs a girlfriend" He'd probably be home in Switzerland working on his game and doing whatever he does over there like fixing up cars.
Timo Pielmeier is always oneg goalie who Anaheim is definitely looking at for the chance of McElhinney not resigning next season with Anaheim; Pielmeier most likely is high on t he list for the Ducks to call as a backup for Hiller. Pielmeier is an excellent goaltender who is one that has made himself stand out in the crop of excellent goalies "In the System"" for Anaheim. There is also no doubt that the Ducks are also taking a good long hard look at J.P. Levasseur, Joey MacDonald, Marco Cousineau who are all playing in North America and also the three goaltenders who are playing overseas on Europe or Russia. Igor Bobkov (Russia), Matias Modig (Sweden), and Sebastian Stefaniszin (Germany).
The fans also seem to be liking McElhinney and with McElhinney's seeming of liking it in Anaheim there is a pretty good chance we'll see him next season in a Ducks uniform. Resting Hiller up is a great idea where he has been overworked as of late however he should and most likely will be starting more games down the stretch in the remainder of the season. Which will give Anaheim a lengthy summer...unfortunately.
As Anaheim most likely will not be making the playoffs the decision has been made to rest Hiller up and give McElhinney a more of a chance down the stretch for the next 8 games or so. Though, Hiller probably will not sit out for the remainder of the season but probably a good chunk of it. McElhinney has definitely showed what he's worth. He's a good and focused goaltender that will benefit a lot from starting a good amount of the games down the stretch. As for Hiller this did take more of a mental tow on him than a physical, especially the fact that he was just fresh off the Olympics.
As he stated in this comment to the Orange County Register's Curtis Zupke:
Quotes from Boys in the Crease:
“Toward the end, it was mostly mental, especially after the Olympics to stay focused, to play here again, to get ready for another challenge to make the playoffs,” Hiller said. “It was tough and, mentally, there were a lot of games on the schedule, so it wasn’t easy.”The question still lies for McElhinney who seems to enjoy his time with Anaheim the answer was much clearer with Vesa Toskala of if he was going to remain a Duck or not. For Toskala the answer was most likely no. McElhinney he may not remain a Duck next season but that answer isn't clear. He seems to be a viable back-up for Hiller next season. McElhinney, who turns 27 on May 23rd still has the youth and a lot left in him. Giving McElhinney the chance will help improve his play if he does play with Anaheim next season. This will give him more of a chance to know how the Ducks play despite the struggling this season. Where if he does play next season, he'll most likely have a more of an improved play than he does now.
Giving Hiller the chance to rest may benefit him in the long run the Ducks had been riding him like a workhorse with little rest tiring him out both mentally and physically. Hiller will improve his play next season as well with the Ducks. The clean slate will help both but Anaheim may find ways to win while getting used to with most likely two too familiar faces in Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne in the locker room next season. (There is still a slight chance of Teemu returning though not Scotty who is most likely done, as he has won it all even though Anaheim did not make the playoffs this season. He has four Stanley Cups and he just recently won the Gold Medal virtually in his own backyard, which most likely was the cherry on top)
As for Hiller he will probably be at the rink a lot trying to improve his game this by the given impression of former Duck J.S. Giguere's light-hearted comment last season saying how Hiller is always at the rink. "Jonas, he's always at the rink. He needs a girlfriend" He'd probably be home in Switzerland working on his game and doing whatever he does over there like fixing up cars.
Timo Pielmeier is always oneg goalie who Anaheim is definitely looking at for the chance of McElhinney not resigning next season with Anaheim; Pielmeier most likely is high on t he list for the Ducks to call as a backup for Hiller. Pielmeier is an excellent goaltender who is one that has made himself stand out in the crop of excellent goalies "In the System"" for Anaheim. There is also no doubt that the Ducks are also taking a good long hard look at J.P. Levasseur, Joey MacDonald, Marco Cousineau who are all playing in North America and also the three goaltenders who are playing overseas on Europe or Russia. Igor Bobkov (Russia), Matias Modig (Sweden), and Sebastian Stefaniszin (Germany).
The fans also seem to be liking McElhinney and with McElhinney's seeming of liking it in Anaheim there is a pretty good chance we'll see him next season in a Ducks uniform. Resting Hiller up is a great idea where he has been overworked as of late however he should and most likely will be starting more games down the stretch in the remainder of the season. Which will give Anaheim a lengthy summer...unfortunately.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
The Young Russian: Igor Bobkov
Not a name that is thrown around in North America too much but at the World Junior Championships his name did get some recognition.
The 19-year old born in Segund, Russia (Jan 2, 1991) Igor Bobkov goaltender who Anaheim drafted in 2009 had strong play in the WJCs, against Switzerland he played a strong game despite Russia losing 3-2.
Bobkov, who The Hockey News lists as No 8 in the Top 10 prospects for the Anaheim Ducks. Bobkov is not eligible to play for Russia in the World Juniors in Buffalo, New York in 2011 as he has just barely aged out within the group of WJC players.
Bobkov in the game against Finland. He is No 20 in white. He made 46 saves for the shutout win against the Finns 2-0.
He plays in Russia but the Ducks should really consider trying to bring him over to North America, as a permanent stay. This would definitely help him get accustomed to North American Hockey, it'd give him experience past the small tastes he's gotten over the years of being in the WJC tournaments. He still has room to learn before he could make a trip up to the NHL but he has time. He's not even legally allowed to drink in the United States, and is just barely legal to drink in Canada. Giving Bobkov some good long experience in Northern American hockey would improve his game all around. He has the Russian style of hockey, a country who has turned players into well rounded and very good players.
As said, he had a strong performance in the World Junior Championships, where he was a strong asset for the Russians, despite them not medaling in the World Juniors. In the WJC, Bobkov's record was 3-2-0 with a 2.45 goals against average and a .930 save percentage. Bobkov is also a big goalie, he stands at 6-4 and currently weighs 192lbs. Bobkov tends to play on the top of his crease. He's aggressive with shoots and sometimes makes shooters shoot early and cuts off possible angles. He does have some struggles when he plays deep in his crease. Bobkov still has some room for development but as said, he's only 19 years of age.
He has a weak glove side. This is something he'll need to work on with the most this is an area where he has a lot of goals scored against him. He also needs to put on some more muscle on his frame but as he gets older; his natural muscle will start to fully develop "Fill Out" (men don't fully develop until they're 25). Part of his development must be working on a stronger glove. His reaction is a little slower and players tend to see his weak area. They shoot top shelf and not always but a lot of the time the red light ends up flashing behind him. As a big goalie, Bobkov has learned to use his size but in a different style of hockey, such as more North American style this may come to be against him. He'll have to learn how to use such a big frame in net in North American style. This means he'll need to improve better on dropping and his lateral movement which is fairly strong currently.
Bobkov was solid in net for Russia but he still has some things to learn and improve on. Otherwise, Bobkov definitely has potential and the Ducks could definitely use him down the road assuming he'll be kept within Anaheim's system for awhile to come. As with being solid in net for Russia he has definitely given something for the Ducks scouts and staff to write about in their notes as a positive and possibly of trying to get him overseas to play and to watch him at a closer distance develop his game.
Bobkov is on the list of many good goaltenders "In the System" and he is very worthy of being looked at and brought to the NHL level even if it's just for practice much like Timo Pielemeier had the chance to come up from practice as he covered for Jonas Hiller during/after the Olympic break once the Ducks had taken the ice. As the Ducks had traded away Vesa Toskala to Calgary getting Curtis McElhinney in return. Pielmeier had the chance to attend a regular NHL Ducks game as Hiller's backup he did not play but he did get the chance to be up there with the big boys. Bobkov really does deserve a chance just like that.
(Not too sure how well Matias Modig or Sebastien Stefaniszin plays) Joey MacDonald is also a strong goalie, he played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and made a strong impression with the Leafs despite a team who was struggling on the ice in front of him. He still had strong games and big saves. MacDonald, an older prospect is looking for more of a solid NHL experience and one where he knows he won't have to stray off the road almost all the time.
The 19-year old born in Segund, Russia (Jan 2, 1991) Igor Bobkov goaltender who Anaheim drafted in 2009 had strong play in the WJCs, against Switzerland he played a strong game despite Russia losing 3-2.
Bobkov, who The Hockey News lists as No 8 in the Top 10 prospects for the Anaheim Ducks. Bobkov is not eligible to play for Russia in the World Juniors in Buffalo, New York in 2011 as he has just barely aged out within the group of WJC players.
Bobkov in the game against Finland. He is No 20 in white. He made 46 saves for the shutout win against the Finns 2-0.
He plays in Russia but the Ducks should really consider trying to bring him over to North America, as a permanent stay. This would definitely help him get accustomed to North American Hockey, it'd give him experience past the small tastes he's gotten over the years of being in the WJC tournaments. He still has room to learn before he could make a trip up to the NHL but he has time. He's not even legally allowed to drink in the United States, and is just barely legal to drink in Canada. Giving Bobkov some good long experience in Northern American hockey would improve his game all around. He has the Russian style of hockey, a country who has turned players into well rounded and very good players.
As said, he had a strong performance in the World Junior Championships, where he was a strong asset for the Russians, despite them not medaling in the World Juniors. In the WJC, Bobkov's record was 3-2-0 with a 2.45 goals against average and a .930 save percentage. Bobkov is also a big goalie, he stands at 6-4 and currently weighs 192lbs. Bobkov tends to play on the top of his crease. He's aggressive with shoots and sometimes makes shooters shoot early and cuts off possible angles. He does have some struggles when he plays deep in his crease. Bobkov still has some room for development but as said, he's only 19 years of age.
He has a weak glove side. This is something he'll need to work on with the most this is an area where he has a lot of goals scored against him. He also needs to put on some more muscle on his frame but as he gets older; his natural muscle will start to fully develop "Fill Out" (men don't fully develop until they're 25). Part of his development must be working on a stronger glove. His reaction is a little slower and players tend to see his weak area. They shoot top shelf and not always but a lot of the time the red light ends up flashing behind him. As a big goalie, Bobkov has learned to use his size but in a different style of hockey, such as more North American style this may come to be against him. He'll have to learn how to use such a big frame in net in North American style. This means he'll need to improve better on dropping and his lateral movement which is fairly strong currently.
Bobkov was solid in net for Russia but he still has some things to learn and improve on. Otherwise, Bobkov definitely has potential and the Ducks could definitely use him down the road assuming he'll be kept within Anaheim's system for awhile to come. As with being solid in net for Russia he has definitely given something for the Ducks scouts and staff to write about in their notes as a positive and possibly of trying to get him overseas to play and to watch him at a closer distance develop his game.
Bobkov is on the list of many good goaltenders "In the System" and he is very worthy of being looked at and brought to the NHL level even if it's just for practice much like Timo Pielemeier had the chance to come up from practice as he covered for Jonas Hiller during/after the Olympic break once the Ducks had taken the ice. As the Ducks had traded away Vesa Toskala to Calgary getting Curtis McElhinney in return. Pielmeier had the chance to attend a regular NHL Ducks game as Hiller's backup he did not play but he did get the chance to be up there with the big boys. Bobkov really does deserve a chance just like that.
(Not too sure how well Matias Modig or Sebastien Stefaniszin plays) Joey MacDonald is also a strong goalie, he played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and made a strong impression with the Leafs despite a team who was struggling on the ice in front of him. He still had strong games and big saves. MacDonald, an older prospect is looking for more of a solid NHL experience and one where he knows he won't have to stray off the road almost all the time.
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