Blues deciding between Schenn & Pietrangelo

Saw this over on hockeybuzz.com -- not breaking news or anything but assuming the Doughty and Bogosian are off the board, Blues beat writer Andy Strickland says they will decide between Schenn or Pietrangelo:

Assuming Drew Doughty and Zach Bogosian are taken before the Blues are on the clock St. Louis will be selecting one of two D-men, either Kelowna’s Luke Schenn or Niagra’s Alex Pietrangelo.

The Blues love both players and without question value hockey sense over talent. With that being said it certainly helps if the player has a little bit of both. These two D-men bring enough of both to the table.

I’m a little confused why Schenn is being labeled by some as a stay at home defenseman. He may not put up eye popping offensive numbers, but he can definitely handle himself just fine in the offensive zone. He is more a shutdown defenseman, but sees the ice very well and has the ability to see the second and third option.

International Scouting Service has St. Louis taking Schenn with the fourth overall pick next week.

I know St. Louis is high on Schenn but they are also more than impressed with Pietrangelo’s offensive upside. It is a close call at this point and I wouldn’t be surprised if they took either guy.
I had a scout recently tell me Pietrangelo has incredible hockey sense, vision, and passing ability.
I don’t want to drive Blues fans nuts here because I know I recently said and wrote that I thought the Blues would be drafting Schenn. I also know for a fact that they love Pietrangelo and many in the organization feel his game may be best suited for today’s NHL game.

Of course that is assuming Bogosian and Doughty are off the board. I won't be surprised if Nikita Filatov is picked between #2 and #3 and then things will get real interesting.

If Stamkos, Doughty and Bogosian all fall off the board by pick #4 I suspsect that the Jackets will take whomever the Blues don't as I think its all but a lock that the Islanders will gobble up what many say is the 2nd best propsect in the draft in Filatov at #5.

My mock top 6 is still unchanged:

1. Tampa - Stamkos

2. LA - Bogosian

3. Atlanta - Doughty

4. St. Louis - Schenn

5. NYI - Filatov

6. Columbus - Pietrangelo

Honestly if we hold onto the pick I'll be happy with any of those guys.

-LTL

Draft notes

Red Line has released their top 10 d-men. Here is the list:

Rank Name Ht./Wt. Shoots Birthdate 2007-08 Team Projected Round

1 Drew Doughty 6-0/213 R 8-Dec-89 Guelph 1st round

2 Zach Bogosian 6-2/199 R 15-Jul-90 Peterborough 1st

3 Luke Schenn 6-2/210 R 2-Nov-89 Kelowna 1st

4 Alex Pietrangelo 6-3/202 R 18-Jan-90 Niagara 1st

5 Tyler Myers 6-7/210 R 1-Feb-90 Kelowna 1st

6 Colten Teubert 6-4/195 R 8-Mar-90 Regina 1st

7 Tyler Cuma 6-1/185 L 19-Jan-90 Ottawa 1st

8 Roman Josi 6-1/183 L 1-Jun-90 Bern 1st

9 Luca Sbisa 6-1/197 L 1-Mar-90 Lethbridge 1st

10 Brandon Burlon 6-0/190 L 5-Mar-90 St. Mikes 1st

What's interesting is that in the article they suggest that they don't see Luke Schenn getting past Atlanta or St. Louis. They said he could be the best shutdown defensemen to come along since, you guessed it, Adam Foote 19 years ago.

That's pretty high praise.

First I'm hearing of Roman Joso or Brandan Burlon as well. Should we trade the 6th pick and keep the 19th Colton Teubert seems like a pretty juicy target.

Here is my projected top 6:

Tampa - Stamkos
LA - Bogosian
Atlanta - Doughty
St. Louis - Schenn
NYI - Filatov
Columbus - Peitrangelo

Got to say though my favorite d-men out of this draft is Bogosian. From the limited video I've seen and the scouting reports this kid really reminds me of a young Ray Bourque (who is my all time favorite d-man).

One final note - I just read from Gare Joyce that Luke Schenn is in Columbus now for testing.

-LTL

New draft ranking

Redline just released their final draft ranking.

For those just getting up to speed on this whole draft ranking business there are three key independent services; International Scouting Services (ISS), McKeens & Redline.

The NHL also has their own scouting service called Central Scouting Service. Their final rankings can be found here.

Its interesting to follow all the rankings including the independent services - especially when your Columbus and are always drafting so high in the first round.

Last month the 3 services were pretty tightly ranked in the top 10. They each had Stamkos #1 and then Filatov #2 and then Doughty/Bogosian mixed and matched at 3 and 4. That hasn't changed with Redline's new ranking but there is a lot of differences after the top 4:

NO. PLAYER POS HT/WT S DOB TEAM

1 Steven Stamkos C 6-1/180 R 7-Feb-90 Sarnia

2 Nikita Filatov LW 6-0/172 R 25-May-90 CSKA

3 Drew Doughty D 6-0/213 R 8-Dec-89 Guelph

4 Zach Bogosian D 6-2/199 R 15-Jul-90 Peterborough

5 Mikkel Bodker RW 5-11/201 L 16-Dec-89 Kitchener

6 Alex Pietrangelo D 6-3/198 R 18-Jan-90 Niagara

7 Luke Schenn D 6-2/210 R 2-Nov-89 Kelowna

8 Kirill Petrov RW 6-3/218 L 13-Apr-90 Ak Bars Kazan

9 Cody Hodgson C 5-11/182 R 18-Feb-90 Brampton

10 Tyler Myers D 6-7/210 R 1-Feb-90 Kelowna

Interesting that there is no Wilson or no Hodgson in the top 10. Also Mikkel Bodker is really climbing at #5. From there are two defensemen sitting pretty (potentially for us) at 6 and 7 in Pietrangelo and Schenn.

So what does this all tell us?

Perhaps the top 6 isn't quite as set as we/I thought. A month ago Pietrangelo was thought to be a sure fire top 4 pick but he seems to be slipping. Bodker was more in that 8-10 range and now he's managed to climb into the top 5 at Redline of an impressive playoff performance. For those that have the NHL Network you can actually catch Bodker playing for Kitchner in the Memorial Cup.

..and how about Filatov? This kid is consistantly getting ranked the 2nd best prospect in this draft behind Stamkos. Of course there is that nasty lack of transfer agreement with Russia that is hanging over team's heads as they put their own draft lists together. Will he drop? He says he wants to come over which may be enough for a team in the top 5 to grab this offensive dynamo.

For Columbus, a team that could really use a defensive stud in their system, this is all good news. The question for me will be if both Pietrangelo and Schenn are indeed available at 6, which I still think is unlikely, who does Columbus choose? That would be a nice problem to have.

I am certainly liking Columbus' chances to land one of Doughty, Bogosian, Pietrangelo or Schenn though the more and more I read these rankings. Especially with Bodker really climbing and Filatov staying locked at #2.

Stay tuned for more draft coverage on lightthelamp!

-LTL

More draft stuff..

Its certianly the year of the d-man.

Here is a great blog entry on Luke Schenn and Tyler Myers. Both guys have a real possibility of being Jackets if they retain that #6 pick. These descriptions are from a Phoenix Coyotes scout:

Luke Schenn:

"He's a guy that looks like he can step in next year. Unless you are going to pick in the top five, I don't think you are going to get him or Tyler Myers. I think Myers is right up there in that picture too. Luke is probably the most mature guy physically-wise and mentally-wise in the draft that can step in and play at the National Hockey League level.""He keeps the game the way he should play it. He keeps it simple. He moves the puck, he's very strong in his own end. He could get stronger physically, which he will with maturity, but their are not many holes in his game.""We want a guy who is mobile, a guy who can move the puck quickly and accurately to the forwards, and he does that. He's strong in his own end, he clears the front of the net well and he's strong in the corners. Luke has a good low shot from the point, which I would like to see him use more often, but he's the whole package."

Tyler Myers:

"If you saw him last year, you saw him this summer, you saw him at the start of this year to where he is now, it's unbelievable the strides he has taken. I mean, 6 foot 7 and he can skate. The other night he took off down the wing and he just blew by everybody. Their is no doubt about it, this kid...we were hoping he would drop down but I don't think so. I think he has a good chance to go in the top five."

"If you look at Luke Schenn right now, he is the more complete player. But you say to yourself, down the road will Tyler be better than Luke Schenn? But hey, we would be happy to have either one of them on our team. I think Myers has Chris Pronger potential. The other night he cranked a few guys. This kid is going up and up and up, so he's going to be a hell of a pick for someone."

Rest of blog post can be found here.

That post definitely gets me a little more excited about Myers. Like the scout says, 6'7" and can skate? Very rare combination indeed. Definitely starting to warm up to him at #6 if Schenn and the other big 4 are gone.

-LTL

Blues eyeing Schenn at 4?

That is what Andy Stickland is reporting on Hockeybuzz.com. Check it out:

Sources say the LA Kings will select Guelph D-man Drew Doughty with the 2nd overall pick.

I’m told the Thrashers will also take a D-man with the 3rd selection and they are leaning towards Peterborough stud Zach Bogosian.

Don’t be surprised if St.Louis takes Kelowna D-man Luke Schenn at number 4. He may not be as offensive as the other top D-men in the draft, but anybody who paid attention to the World Junior Championships last spring knows he was a stalwart and was a huge part of Canada’s success. One scout recently told me he’s the total package who can control the pace of the game. He’s calm with the puck, makes a terrific first pass, and is being compared to Hall of Famer Scott Stevens.

There is a lot of hype for Russian star Nikita Filatov, but the combination of his lack of size and speed is scaring a few teams away. Small players without explosiveness don’t normally turn into superstars in the NHL. One person recently told me that people need to understand that this
isn’t Ovechkin or Malkin. Scouts have told me Nikolai Zherdev is a stronger comparison.

According to Stickland it would be:

Tampa - Stamkos
LA - Doughty
Atlanta - Bogosian
St. Louis - Schenn
NYI - ?
Columbus ?

One thing about Andy Strickland is that he is usually bang on with his info on the Blues considering he is their beat guy.

So if Schenn is gone at 4 then that leaves two of the big 6 remaining - Russian forward Nikita Filatov and Canadian defensemen Alex Pietrangelo.

If the Jackets were to hold onto this pick you would have to think they would be crossing every finger and toe that the Islanders go with the dynamic forward and that Pietrangelo slides to them. It has been rumored heavily that the Islanders are very high on Filatov. I think the Jackets would be thrilled to get any one of the big four in Doughty, Bogosian, Pietrangelo or Schenn. Until now most thought it would Schenn who slides.

If the Islanders opt for Pietrangelo and Filatov is the guy left standing what do the Jackets do? I would think they'd have to trade down or out of the pick all together. I just don't think they have an interest in anyone who is comparable to Nik Zherdev at thus point. If they did stay in that slot I really hope they'd draft Colin Wilson but they may opt for the 6'7" tower defensemen Tyler Myers.

Pietrangelo Profile:
Pietrangelo is showing why most 'experts' think he is a lock to be a top 5 pick in the 2008 NHL Draft in Ottawa.

The only knock on him was that he was not physical enough. We agreed with that and it's clear to us that Alex heard the talk.

He has stepped up his physical game a bit but it's his smarts and poise that we love so much. It almost seems like he's not trying at times because he makes it all look so easy. Alex is so smart with and without the puck. He is one of those players that seems to slow the game down, his vision on the ice is outstanding. He makes great reads on when to hold the blueline and has a knack for keeping the puck in.

He consistantly sports a great plus/minus and averages almost a point per game. He makes great reads on the powerplay and like all great players, he makes players around him better. Petro's top end potential ceiling is very high, we expect him to be a top end NHL'er for many years.

Through all hype Alex just keeps everything under control and puts the team first. He is the most mature 17 year old I have ever met, I swear he's 27.

Season Team GP G A PTS +/- PIM
2006-07 Regular Season Mississauga IceDogs 59 7 45 52 40 45
2007-08 Regular Season Niagara IceDogs 60 13 40 53 29 94

Yeah, I think I'd be pretty happy with that at 6. No question.

Still over 40 days until we'll find out.

-LTL

Blue biscuits

Some very various items to write about today.

The Dispatch reported that Stephan Legein has been released from the Crunch team to get started on his offseason conditioning.

This is probably much adu about nothing but it just strikes me kind of odd. Why not let the kid hang around the Crunch and see what it takes to be a winner? Can't he work out and do that at the same time?

I think realistically the Crunch just don't need him right now. They have enough players especially with Pineault and Sestito back from injury/suspension.

Team Canada vs. Team USA today at 3:30 p.m. EST! The first big test for both team's takes place today. Hitch, Nash, Leclaire, Chimera and the rest of Team Canada will face off against the US squad led by Kane, Mueller, Parise, Pomminville, Kessel & Brown. Both teams are 2-0 through round play thus far.

I think Canada will have to much for the US as they are a more seasoned and more talented, at least on paper, group. The US team, however, is young and hungry and for most of these players its their first time representing the stars and stripes at the World Championships. They will be hungry.

You can follow the game here. Just click on the game graphic in the banner at the top half of the page.

The Syracuse Crunch face off in game 3 of their second round series against the Toronto Marlies tonight. The Crunch are up 2-0 in the series after winning both game in Toronto. Tonight will be their first game of the round played at home.

The Crunch have gotten outstanding performances by their goaltender Karl Gohering and the offense has opened up a bit. The will look to continue the momentum tonight at 7 EST.

You can follow the game here. Or listen live here.

Here is an interesting nugget from Lindsay Kramer's Crunch blog:

Syracuse's current hot streak might be unprecedented in the history of the AHL.

Since Feb. 18, the Crunch has played 31 games, including six in the postseason. It has only lost once in regulation, in Game 4 to Manitoba. Overall, its record is 26 wins, one regulation loss, one overtime loss and three shootout losses.

The only comparable streak was turned in by Cleveland in 1948. That team was 21-0-6 in its last 27 games in the regular season and then went 8-1 in winning the Calder Cup. So it closed 29-1-6.

A new mock draft for you draft gurus like me out there. This one, like most, has us taking Luke Schenn with our 6th overall pick:

6. Columbus Blue Jackets•
Luke Schenn, Kelowna (WHL), D: Would compare more than favorably with last year's No. 5 overall, Karl Alzner, who went to Washington. (Schenn looks to have more offensive upside.)
Five-season projection: Top 4 defenseman, possibly top 2.

Its only a 14 team mock so Colorado's pick is not included.

What's interesting about this one is that this writer is projecting what the players will be 5 years from when they are drafted - not what they'll ultimately end up in the prime of their career.

As far as the Schenn pick I think it could easily happen. I do however disagree somewhat with the Alzner comparison. I think both are more defensive defensemen but I think Schenn is more physically imposing where Alzner is the more positional player.

Draft year statistics and profile:

Karl Alzner
2006-07 Calgary Hitmen WHL 63 8 39 47 32

Is an ultra-smooth defenseman who has good hockey sense and instincts, which define good players from the great ones. Has an active stick when shadowing the opposing team’s forwards. Plays with great position and is not shy about initiating contact.

Luke Schenn
2007-08 Kelowna Rockets WHL 57 7 21 28 100

Luke Schenn has incredible upside and at 6'2 210 he has the size to be a top blue line defenseman. Solid skater who holds well in his zone has good shot from the point and can make great outlet passes on the tape he has the ability to be a All-Star defenseman if he stays focused.

Alzner had almost 20 more points but Schenn had almost 70 more PIMs.

The full 14 pick mock can be found here.

Some good hockey on tap for today as we wait for round 3 of the Stanley Cup finals to begin and for me personally, to re-ignite my Detroit hatred.

-LTL

Crunch win again + Howson nugget for you draft gurus

The Syracuse Crunch win again in a 3-1 victory over Toronto. I didn't get to listen to the game but judgin by the stats it looks like Karl Gohering played on hell of a game stopping 44 of 45 shots.

Konopka, MacKenzie & Rycroft each had the tallies for the Crunch. Brassard, Westcott, MacKenzi, Motherwell all had an assist a piece.

Believe it or not no fights in this one. The 3rd Crunch goal was an empty netter by Rycroft.

The Crunch train is rolling along. They head back home to Syracuse for their next game on Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. EST.

Kind of fun actually rooting for a team in spring isn't it?! I could get used to this.

Also I just read this Howson nugget from a Leafs poster on HFBoards:

Scott Howson GM Columbus was on the intermission program between periods of Marlies and Syracuse today ..

He said they're looking for a top line center and then joked that Stamkos will not there when they pick at #6.. He stated that his organization is missing good young Dmen and the draft is TOP heavy in them this year and as many as 6 of the top 10 picks will be Dmen this year, so he is looking at taking one this year.

He mentioned no names but one could assume that if the big 3 go in the TOP 5 then Luke Schenn might be their guy at #6 and if a player like Alex Pietrangelo falls out of the top 5 then he might take him.

No real surprise there. This organization is definitely missing an elite prospect in the system on the blueline.

What is a bit surprising is that there is no mention of trading that pick but then again he could have noted that in the interview but this particular poster may have omitted it.

Anyhow if the Jackets stand pat at #6 I think its a near certainty they grab a d-man. Here is my mock draft in terms of the top 10:

Tampa Bay - Steven Stamkos

LA - Zach Bogosian

Atlanta - Drew Doughty

St. Louis - Alex Pietrangelo

NYI - Nikita Filatov

Columbus - Luke Schenn

Toronto - Cody Hodgson

Phoenix - Colin Wilson

Nashville - Tyler Myers

Vancouver - Mikkel Boedker

Luke Schenn player proflie:

Ht/Wt:6.02/210 lbs

Position:D

Drafted From:Kelowna

Luke Schenn has incredible upside and at 6'2 210 he has the size to be a top blue line defenseman. Solid skater who holds well in his zone has good shot from the point and can make great outlet passes on the tape he has the ability to be a All-Star Defenseman if he stays focused.

-LTL