NorwegianOiler: Thank you. I hope to spend a bit more time discussing things here now that I have finished my master’s thesis.
It’s hard to dislike someone like Strudwick, but from a hockey perspective (which is at the core here, obviously), there is no way to justify him occupying a roster spot. Similarly, Vandermeer is another player that at his best is still does not cut it. Then again, Plante, Belle, Petry are getting top minutes in Oklahoma, which developmentally might be the best option right now. There is a case for using Belle over either of the former two, given that he’s an older player and should learn more from NHL minutes than another season in the AHL.
The good compete level last night was enjoyable. Even at 3-1 down I was satisfied with the amount of chances we were creating with a swift forecheck and good puck support. That we scraped back to win made it that much sweeter. Still, how our PK manages to crumble at almost every opportunity is gruelling to watch. There’s a puck magnet in our net at all times. (And Vandermeer decided to join Whitney as LHD on the first goal…ugh) Peckham had a very good game again, his stickwork was deceptively good. The second coming of Greene is welcome.
Now where is that Stoll-clone?

Why am I not surprised you’ve got, or will have a masters. In what field? Hockey? You have a masters in that too.

Anyways, I wasn’t ever much of a Greene fan, but I suppose there are comparisons there. Peckham seems a lot less sluggish and less prone to horrible penalties. If I had a choice between the two at equal stages of development, I’d go with Peckham for sure, so I’m glad we’ve got him and things are working well for him. Greene did seem to come into his own the year he was moved though. Plus he shoots right, which is always tough to come by. But anyways, very happy we have Peckham here as he’s been our best / most consistent player this year, in my opinion. Hard to argue anyone over Hemmer though who has been quite good, himself. But I think Peckham has surprised many with his rise to awesomeness and his ability to stay at that level thus far.

It’s hard to dislike someone like Strudwick, but from a hockey perspective (which is at the core here, obviously), there is no way to justify him occupying a roster spot. Similarly, Vandermeer is another player that at his best is still does not cut it. Then again, Plante, Belle, Petry are getting top minutes in Oklahoma, which developmentally might be the best option right now. There is a case for using Belle over either of the former two, given that he’s an older player and should learn more from NHL minutes than another season in the AHL.

The good compete level last night was enjoyable. Even at 3-1 down I was satisfied with the amount of chances we were creating with a swift forecheck and good puck support. That we scraped back to win made it that much sweeter. Still, how our PK manages to crumble at almost every opportunity is gruelling to watch. There’s a puck magnet in our net at all times. (And Vandermeer decided to join Whitney as LHD on the first goal…ugh) Peckham had a very good game again, his stickwork was deceptively good. The second coming of Greene is welcome.
Now where is that Stoll-clone?

I agree about Gerber vs. Khabi. Good idea. Not likely they’ll sit Khabi a few games in favour of Gerbs, but I hope they try it.

I also agree re: Strudwick. He’s playing awful. Everyone knows he’s a great guy – so can they move him into a junior assistant coaching position or something since he has such great rapport with the youngsters & the locker room? I don’t know about his aptitude for such a position, but some people are better teachers than they are “doers”. (I may be wrong, just trying to be positive. I like the guy.)