Here’s an excerpt from the Hamilton Spectator article by Garry McKay who writes about the Bulldogs recent successes and Max Pacioretty’s shootout success:
The shootout was the Dogs first of the year and they outscored Toronto 3-2 to win it.
Tim Stapleton and Brent Aubin scored for the Marlies.
Yanick Lehoux and Mike Glumac equalled their efforts and then Max Pacioretty won it with a nifty backhand-forehand move.
“I practice (shootout moves) a lot including in the summer so it was almost a relief when he called my name because I have confidence in it,” said Pacioretty. “He came out to poke-check me and when he did that I knew I had him.
“It was nice to the get the goal and even nicer to win all our games this weekend.”
Especially nice to see the AHL newcomers doing to well. David Desharnais and Ben Maxwell are both in top 10 of rookie scorers, I believe. Max Pacioretty and Yannick Weber are off to great starts as two of the youngest players in the league. Ryan White has been solid in a checking role.
Hey Robert Ethan,
Thanks for the comments, they’re appreciated!!
You’re right, it is nice to see the Habs prospects starting to develop their games at the AHL level. You’re right about Desharnais and Maxwell as they’re 6th and 10th in rookie scoring. Both are highly skilled players who are thriving at the AHL level. I can definitely see Maxwell in a Canadiens uniform sooner than later. Desharnais will have a harder time because of his small stature (5’6″ 160lbs) but there is no denying his skill set.
Ryan White has done a good job in a defensive role and has even added 4 points (G-2 A-2) in 11 games. My concern with Ryan has always been his lack of foot speed but he makes up for it with smart positioning.
Max Pacioretty is also starting to round into form in recent games while Yannick Weber is leading the team in shots on net (32) and defensemen in points (4).
To think there are even more prospects heading to Hamilton next season…..future looks bright!!
I think Desharnais is 180 pounds, so while he may be short, he isn’t necessarily “small”. I don’t discout his playing in the NHL. As for next season, Philippe Paquet graduates from Clarkson University, but he has been injured so much the past couple of years it is hard to get a read on his ability. P.K. Subban will turn pro, and probably follow the path of Yannick Weber from this season. Olivier Fortier is a question mark, he hasn’t exactly dominated at the junior level. I don’t think he is a prospect of the level of Maxwell and White. Not sure if they will sign Fischer or McDonagh, neither looks pro ready at the moment. Perhaps if the Hab brass feels they are stagnating at the college level. Fischer seems more of a serious student who would probably choose to graduate in any case. McDonagh (and Kristo) I can see wanting to turn pro as soon as possible, they seem to be better athletes than students.
Truthfully, when I look over the past couple of drafts, after Pacioretty and Weber, who have already turned pro, I can’t see anything until Trunev from later in the 2008 draft, along with Greg Pateryn, who I think is a sleeper, and free agent Robert Mayer. All of those players are a ways off. Trunev may opt to stay at home in any case. Pateryn is looking at at least 3 NCAA seasons before he is ready, and Mayer has extensive European connections as well.
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