https://theahl.com/2018-calder-cup-schedules

Well well well look who is back to read my ramblings on Thursday. Let me being

*************

On Tuesday the Texas Stars forced a game seven over the Toronto Marlies by a score of 5-2.

In period one the Marlies outshot Texas 16-4 but the score stayed 0-0. In period two Texas scored three goals in about 10 minutes with no one of future NHL impact factoring on the scoring. In period three Calle Rosen scored to make it 3-1, on an assist from Andreas Johnsson, only to have it taken away by Sheldon Dries (assist to Jason Dickinson yay a prospect!). Holl scored for the Marlies to make it 4-2, but that was all the Marlies could muster as Mike McKenna shut the door most of the game saving 43 or 45 shots. Garret Sparks did have a poor game but he has been fantastic for the Marlies all season.

Thursday will be fantastic, and also the last bit of hockey before training camp starts… :(

The Stars are a veteran laden squad (especially with the routine playoff scratches of Denis Gurianov) and up against what is essentially the best built AHL squad, with loads of young players. I am kind of rooting for the Stars here (no I do not hate the Leafs) but I want this squad of AHL vets to win, especially with journeyman McKenna who at 35 has never won an AHL championship and has stated his desire to win this one.

****************

I am going to steal a bit of Hayden Soboleski’s idea on ramblings yesterday, but focus on my out rankings that were perhaps outlandish compared to the others. So mostly just crap on myself (not literally):

Gusev at #6 – My thinking here is that IF (when hopefully) he comes to the NHL, Gusev will post 60+ points, he is that good, and what other prospect right now could have 60 points as his floor? Answer: None. There were two other VERY SMART dobber writers who had him in their top 10’s, and four who didn’t even have him ranked, likely because they feel he will not come over to the NHL

Brady Tkachuk – I had him the lowest ranked and I stand by it, but I surprisingly did not have him the lowest ranked as someone had him off of their list completely.

Once I read my other colleagues’ charts I realize I was FAR too hard on Gabe Vilardi, Cody Glass (though Nick Suzuki is better), and Robert Thomas. I just get this feeling that Thomas will become a fantastic third line centre, as in he will shut down other teams’ best players instead of scoring lots of points.

Here is my moron moment of my top 50, and I am COMPLETELY embarrassed by it. I completely forgot about Philippe Myers and I have no idea how. I have my team pages set up and just passed him over every time, perhaps I thought he played an NHL game. But yeah, feel free to shame me forever for this. I would rank him mid-30’s to mid-40’s if I was smarter.

I am the only writer who does not have Michael Rasmussen ranked at all. Sorry Wings fans I never understood the hype

I was the only one to rank Alexander Khovanov in my top 50. If he can come in healthy next season, and move his feet in the play more, he will be a steal of a pick in the NHL.

I also was the only one to rank Jesper Boqvist, as the kid has so much skill but he needs to learn to play defense better, and learn to not put himself in dangerous positions.

I also ranked Axel Jonsson Fjallby at #50, perhaps I am crazy, but I think there is some goal scoring skill here along with an NHL player. Will he be a top scorer no but… well I wanted a Capital and it was either him or Garrett Pilon, who in hindsight I should have put at #50 instead.

Ok that is all from me. I now have to go send hilarious tweet to Soboleski (@soboleskih) on how he thinks Brady Tkachuk is better than all other 2018 prospects not named Dahlin, Svechnikov, Zadina, and Bouchard.

Here is my Twitter, follow it and I don’t know send money I guess? @FHPQuinn