Ryan Murphy really impressed me. He is a whiz going up the ice but actually also broke up a bunch of plays in his own end as well. Another example of size being no reason not to draft a guy. (and here is hoping the Avs don't regret not choosing him with the #11 pick we had that year...)
I didn't think Murphy had a good game. I think he needs another one of those "sit in the press box and observe the game" games. Also, I think you can really only fault Peters on the fourth goal. I still stand by that the first was kicked in. Peters seemed to be flopping around a lot too. As if he was completely comfortable. Hopefully Skinner will be back on Monday.
I agree on both assessments on Murphy. Friday was not his best game. He had a couple significant rookie oopses in the 1st period alone in pinching at the wrong time for a 2-on-1 the other way and also when he fell at the blue line leading to a penalty (probably a bad call) and a 1-on-none attempt before the delayed whistle.
But to the positive which is where I sit overall with him after 11 games:
--His ability to skate with the puck transitioned instantly to the NHL level without any need to adjust to the better/faster players. That is impressive and is his key skill that made him a high draft pick and puts his ceiling real high.
--I am not so much concerned about his size. The biggest thing about players like him is the ability/willingness to take contact to make plays. He does. He is never going to become Tim Gleason, and that is fine, but I think he has enough bulldog in him to be fine in the NHL game.
--He just makes a lot of very good plays with the puck and increasingly without it.
--I think he has already reached the level of being a decent 3rd pairing defenseman that brings unique skills. My summer prediction was that it would take a year or more in the AHL for him to get there, so for me he is way ahead of schedule. He does need to improve his play without the puck to become an NHL top 4, but for a 20-year old making the jump straight from juniors, you have to allow a bit of time and patience.
Its time for the Canes' to pick another back-up goalie. No disrespect to Peters, but he isn't an NHL-caliber net-minder. Rumor is Bryzgalov and all his wackiness, might just fit in perfectly.
Its time for the Canes' to pick another back-up goalie. No disrespect to Peters, but he isn't an NHL-caliber net-minder. Rumor is Bryzgalov and all his wackiness, might just fit in perfectly. - CappyJr.
