Team Cherry defeated Team Orr 4-2, in a game that included many of the top prospects such as Taylor Hall, Tyler Seguin, Cam Fowler, etc.
It was only one game but I have to state that I have a serious man-crush on Nino Neiderreiter. He and Skinner were the best two forwards for Team Orr. Nino had the first goal and Skinner picked up a goal and an assist. Nino plays an NHL game already. He is big, makes simple plays (dump in, cycle, etc.), has a heavy shot and had arguably the best back-check in the game. His line was great on the forecheck, causing problems all night for Team Cherry.
Seguin vs. Hall?
Hall picked up an assist and showed his NHL speed, hands and shot. He and Seguin both tried to stickhandle through everyone too often but Hall was more successful. While I haven't seen enough of Seguin, I will say that Hall will have to change his game if he wants to be an NHL All-Star. He has speed, hands and makes good plays, but he plays selfish and tries to toe-drag everyone. He will get crushed if/when he tries that in the NHL.
Seguin had a great first period when he was using his teammates, as he was backchecking, making good passes and showing great hockey IQ. But, the second and third period seemed like he wanted to score no matter what, which caused him to turn over the puck too many times. With that said, one game will not deter scouts and GMs from debating who is the better forward.
Fowler was easily the best defenseman. He skates like the wind and makes a great first pass. He reminds me of Jaybo. He isn't overly physical but does not get caught flat-footed and always makes the right play.
The Wild are currently 11th overall in the standings, which probably means the above mentioned players will be gone. But, as of late, the Wild have not been playing well. They are on a 3-game losing streak and host Detroit tomorrow night.
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The Gophers had a great weekend as they took 3 points from the Sioux. Nick Leddy is very mobile, does not get beat defensively but lacks confidence in the offensive zone. He also has a weak shot, something that hopefully gets better as Leddy gets stronger. He is a freshman who has been the Gopher's best defenseman, which is no small feat.
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Burns has been cleared to play. Russo and others have reported he might be in the lineup tomorrow night, or he may get a 1-2 game conditioning stint in Houston. Personally, I hope he takes the safest route back possible. I have always been a Brent Burns fan and he has all the tools to be a #1 defenseman. His return will be huge in deciding the fate of UFA Zidlicky and possibly Johnsson
Also, as all Wild fans know, Sykora was put on and cleared waivers. His time with the Wild was short as he was injured early on and could not earn a spot on the top two lines. If he is not traded or picked up on re-entry waivers, look for Sykora to say goodbye to the NHL and hello to Europe, as he has a clause in his contract that allows Minnesota and Sykora to agree to a transfer.
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Since I have made my man-crush on Nino public, here is a link to his brilliant one-handed backhand goal in the CHL skills competition.
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