Youth in Revolt: Boucher Arrives

[MCDevils]

Just when I started making an outline about a nice write up on Reid Boucher adjusting very well to the AHL and Matteau finally starting to click in the A, REID HAS ARRIVED.

I wouldn't expect a huge impact just yet, but he's now leading Albany in scoring and has picked up the pace after a slightly tepid start.

Quick Look at Reid:
Oct: 9 Games, 3goals
Nov: 12 Games, 7goals

Last 10 G: 7g, 11pts
5g, in last 5 games.


Matteau is now firing on all cylinders as well after a terrible start.

Still only 19 though.

Matteau: 1G, 0A, through 12 to start the year.
4G, 6A in his last 10 games.

 

[MCDevils]

Damon Severson is also having a ridiculous season in JRs, again.

 

[Nasty_Magician]

2014 WJHC Roster - United States

Santini and Matteau both invited to US Juniors camp, hopefully they make the team and perform well in the tournament.

 

[MCDevils]

I couldn't watch the game, how did he do? Just saw the NHL highlights. Nice SO Goal, how did he look besides that and the Ryder Assist?

 

[MCDevils]

Also, Matteau got another G tonight in Alb and was a +2. I have no idea what clicked for this kid, but thank goodness.

He and Boucher basically make up the entirety of our offensive prospects ATM, so it would be wonderful if they both worked out.

Note: One other thing to consider is that Matteau is actually playing in the AHL underage. Normally he would need to be playing in JRs since he isn't 20 yet (normal AHL minimum for North American players).

Kid is still only 19 y/o, and among the fans he carries the iron cross of the forfeited pick. I've also been quick to judge him but frankly, we have no idea what our pick this year will end up being, and we don't know what player he'll turn out to be.

 

[Nasty_Magician]

Santini and Matteau both survive first cuts for world junior roster.

 

[irishwhip03]

NOW he has arrived!

What a blast by Gelinas too.

 

[Nasty_Magician]

What a time to bump this thread. Any other threads we want to bump? Anybody in a scoring drought that we've made a thread about?

 

[irishwhip03]

Might not be a bad idea to bump the Henrique contract extension thread lol.

Although he did almost pot one late. He needs one tonight!

 

[MCDevils]

Tonight was the first night I got to see Boucher live, and I was pleasantly surprised with his speed. That was really the only thing people were pointing to that might hold him back. He seemed fine to me regarding his foot speed. Good acceleration, good top end. Not elite, but more than enough. Kid looked really, really hungry.

Also, really hoping for Jr and Santini that they both make the WJC squad. Would be nice to see them in some game action, especially Matteau who we've never really seen play against similar aged players.

 

[nj_cup]

liked that the kid LIFTED the puck top shelf.

what a rip by gelinas though on the fly too he didnt even stop to rip it

 

[Nasty_Magician]

They mentioned it last night and it got me thinking, does Gelinas have the hardest shot we've seen from a Devils player? They mentioned Kovy in the conversation, I don't really know too many others we've had that could rip it like that.

 

[nj_cup]

gelinas does have a cannon the thing i like is he shoots it from the top of the zone. kovy used his shot from like the top of the circles. cutting his angle down big time. never understood that

 

[irishwhip03]

Kovy's shot was more accurate obviously. But to me it was always more deadly when he was in Atlanta.

Not that they mean much and not that I even watch them , but I hope Gelinas is in the hardest shot contest at the All Star Game this year. Would love to see how he matches up against Chara and Weber.

I think each side last season had a rookie so it would make sense that he would be the one chosen.

 

[rp2five]

One thing Kovy had was the ability to slap it while skating full speed. Not sure how many of you guys played hockey, but its one thing to shoot a slapshot while in one spot or slowly gliding, but its a lot tougher skating full speed.
Also, skating full speed and taking a slapshot is tougher on goalies because they are trying to skate back to adjust the angle and then also have to react to make the save (while hoping they are in position to play the angle correctly).

 

[rp2five]

Kovy also had a quicker release. He also had quicker and more talented stickhandling ability which of course would freeze the goalie when ready to release.

But, Gelinas' shot is a bomb. Speed wise, I think Gelinas is higher. But its important to know that speed is not the only factor.

 

[MCDevils]

That was a ridiculously hard shot that he took on the Boucher goal. Was basically even with where he took the shot from. Right near Ott's blueline. The whole building let out an audible gasp before Reid scored because he cranked that thing so damn hard. I've read he gets up to triple digits no problem, but would love to see him with a radar gun. I don't know if he's in the 105+ class that Chara and Weber are, but he certainly can't be too far behind.

 

[nj_cup]

dont worry cangy threw the jinx on him by bringing up the rookie of the year

 

[rp2five]

When was the last time we had a defenseman who could shoot even close to that?
Souray, but I don't remember him shooting like that until after he left the team.
Stevens had a good shot, but you don't really remember him taking slappers from the point much.

 

[Nasty_Magician]

Apparently Colin White won the hardest shot contest a few years back, I think he got a little over 100, but it probably took him 10 minutes to wind up so you never saw that in games.