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Players Cut & Preseason Game 5 preview - Habs vs Penguins in Quebec City |
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The Montreal Canadiens training camp is finally getting down to business, having made numerous cuts over the weekend. After having played 4 games in 5 nights, the Canadiens management team has a strong idea on how most of their rookies and prospects are developing and where they stand in the organization's depth charts.
There were not any real surprises in the players that were sent to St. John's. Michael McCarron was the early darling of training camp but it is clear that he needs to spend some time in the minors to properly adjust to the professional game. His future looks bright and if continues to progress in the right direction, I have no doubt that he will have played his way into the Canadiens lineup sooner rather than later. Darren Dietz looked solid and probably the closest to being NHL ready of the defensemen prospects in the AHL (after Barbiero, Tinordi)..). Brett Lernout impressed in his first preseason game but looked lost in the second. Time in the AHL will be very good for him. He'll need 2-3 years to further improve his game but the potential I believe is there. Daniel Carr didn't play badly but he also did not do enough during the preseason to outshine Charles Hudon or Sven Andrighetto, both of whom are still up with the Canadiens. I had hoped to see a bit more of Bud Holloway during training camp but perhaps he needs some time to readjust to the North American style of hockey. Holloway, Christian Thomas, Morgan Ellis and Gabriel Dumont all cleared waivers before being assigned to St. John's.
Tomas Fleischmann has surpassed most people's expectations and has looked excellent thus far playing with David Desharnais and Dale Weise. Tonight's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins should be a solid and probably final test for Fleischmann in terms of his tryout. So far he has proved to be a welcome addition. If the Habs don't sign him, it would be hard to imagine that other teams won't be interested. The Canadiens do have a lack depth on the left side and If this Fleischmann continues to show up it should work out well for all parties. Perhaps the player whose job is most in danger if Fleischmann signs with the Habs is Jacob de la Rose. The young winger has not been overly impress during his opportunities. De la Rose is still only 20 years old and some time in St. John’s would certainly not hurt his development. Playing extended minutes in the AHL would benefit him. Not that they are the same style of player, but Max Pacioretty bounced up and down between Hamilton and Montreal for three years until he became a full time NHLer. Young players need time, especially over an 82 game season. As de la Rose doesn’t have to clear waivers to be sent down, it makes it an easier choice as well...
Nikita Scherbak is finally healthy and will play in his first preseason game tonight. While many fans were hoping he would come into camp ready to claim a spot on the opening roster, look for him to develop and spend time in St. John's as well. His skills are dynamic and his day will come in a Canadiens uniform. 2015 first round pick Noah Juulsen has also been cleared for contact and will probably play in Thursday's preseason game before being sent back to Junior hockey.
I would not read very much into Nathan Beaulieu practicing with Greg Pateryn and Mark Barberio partnering with Tom Gilbert. It has been evident to most that Beaulieu has been quite impressive so far and I would chalk this up to Therrien not wanting Beaulieu to get too overconfident.
There is no way that Mark Barberio has outplayed Beaulieu throughout training camp. In fact I would say that Beaulieu and Pateryn have both outplayed Gilbert. There is a logjam at the 7th, 8th, 9th defefensemen on the Canadiens and it is widely imagined that some type of trade will happen before the season starts as GM Marc Bergevin will not want to lose one of his defensemen for nothing on waivers.
Goalie Mike Condon has become the topic du jour as his play through two preseason games has been quite impressive. The 6’2” netminder has not allowed a goal in regulation. Condon reads the play well, has a calm demeanour and is usually in the right position to make the save. Dustin Tokarski on the other hand does not seem to be playing with the same level confidence. With Carey Price most likely playing the full game tonight, I imagine that Tokarski will get the chance on Thursday to play as he has only appeared in half a game thus far. This is one unexpected battle that will be interesting to see how it all plays out.
The Canadiens are bringing 20 skaters to Quebec City tonight and so look for players rotating in and out of lines. Unfortunately, the Penguins are not playing Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel. However, Marc-Andre Fleury and Kris Letang will play. Here are the lineups for tonight:
Only 9 more days until the puck drops for real!
Enjoy the game tonight, note the start time is 7pm.
Cheers and follow along!
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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