Ryan Martindale: NHL Prospect Profile/Scouting Report

Photo courtesy of Blitzen Photography & Ottawa 67's Fan Blog

Team: Ottawa 67’s
League: Ontario Hockey League
Position: C
Born: October 27, 1991
Hometown: Brooklin, ON
Height: 6.03
Weight: 190

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Second Round Picks

Since I did so well in my 1st round picks, including my pick of Montreal over Washington, I figured I should probably blog it this time so that there was some more tangible proof besides my conversations with people. So here are my second round picks, with some basic explanations as to why I'm making them.

Pittsburgh vs. Montreal

My pick: Pittsburgh

Why?: Once again, just I said for the Habs series versus the Caps, I'm warning that this is going to be a much more difficult series than people realize. A lot of that is based on the goaltending of Jaroslav Halak, but it's also because of Jacques Martin's ability to create a defensive game plan. In the end though, the Pens will be just too much for the Habs to handle. There are fundamental differences between the Caps and the Pens that makes this series infinitely more difficult for Montreal to win. Chief among those is Pittsburgh's ability to play defense when it matters. Unlike Washington, who has some very subject goaltending, it's very difficult to score on the Pens from the perimeter. That means getting to the front of the net and getting a lot of dirty goals on Fleury. While Fleury hasn't looked stellar so far in these playoffs, it is hard to get clear net drive through the centre lane against the Pens. Their strength is down the middle, and with that strength is both size and speed which will make it much more difficult for Montreal to score goals in this series. Is it likely that Halak can steal a game or two in this series? Absolutely. And if he manages to steal the right one or two, this could become a very interesting series in a real hurry, but in all fairness, and with loads of respect to Halak, I think the Pens get this done.

Boston vs. Philadelphia

My Pick: Boston

Why?: If you look at these two teams on paper, they are actually remarkably similar. Both have oversized forwards, and both have a singular tower of strength on the back end. The biggest difference between these teams is goaltending. Boston has two, and the Flyers have to hope Brian Boucher doesn't falter. The Bruins have the luxury of knowing that Rask is going to hold them in pretty much every game they play. He may manage to steal a game, but in all likelihood, he's not going to lose you game. This series will be incredibly physical though, and that essentially means that neither team, regardless of the winner will survive the Eastern final, no matter who they play. In the end, I'm counting on Boston's goaltending to be just a little bit better than Philly's and get them the win.

Dalton Smith: NHL Prospect Profile/Scouting Report

Photo courtesy of Blitzen Photography & Ottawa 67's Fan Blog

Team: Ottawa 67’s
League: Ontario Hockey League
Position: LW
Born: June 30, 1992
Hometown: Oshawa, ON
Height: 6.01
Weight: 195

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Tyler Toffoli: NHL Prospect Profile/Scouting Report

Photo courtesy of Blitzen Photography & Ottawa 67's Fan Blog

Team: Ottawa 67’s
League: Ontario Hockey League
Position: RW / C
Born: April 24, 1992
Hometown: Scarborough, ON
Height: 6.00
Weight: 180

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How the Sens can crush the Pens

via B_Hurdis

The playoffs are kicking off tonight, and the talking heads have had their say. Few are picking the Sens to really challenge the Pens in the first round. Almost every prognosticator, regardless of the team they chose say this series ends in 6 games. Most, including the formerly bias Ian Mendes, are saying that Ottawa gives the Pens a run, but Pittsburgh comes out on top. But, there's also the belief that if Ottawa plays this series right, they can move on to the second round. Here's how they do it:

The primary focus of every "expert" is Sidney Crosby. Crosby, they say, is an immovable object; an unstoppable force. And against most of the league, that's true. But, here's Crosby's stat line against the Sens this year:

vs. Ottawa 4 0 3 3 -3 2 12 0.0 0 2 0 0 0 0 21:19 28:25

That's 3 assists, with 12 shots on goal over 4 games averaging 21:19 on ice.

That's an impressive stat line if you're Ottawa, but what does it mean? Well, it means taking Crosby out of the equation is a simple formula that's hard to succeed at. First, you need to make him play defensively. That means matching him up against your top line. Second, you have to limit his shooting avenues. That means keeping him to the outside and making sure you have back pressure from your forwards. You can't let the 80 year old Bill Guerin beat you up the ice if you're Jason Spezza, or Daniel Alfredsson, or whoever gets thrown onto the other wing. Simple enough. Keep Sid to the outside and clog the middle of the ice with backchecking forwards.

Obviously the first two games will be difficult in that regard because the Pens will have last change. The 2nd period, with the long change will be especially hard. That means constant awareness by every player. The matchup in this series is very important. But, as the Sens have proven so far this year Sid can be shut down if everyone is on their game.

Stopping Sid from scoring is possible, but you still have to manage to score your own goals. Marc-Andre Fleury has proven over the last two years that he is an elite goalie come playoff time, so how do you beat him?

In order to prove my point, here's a goal map from Ottawa's 6-2 win over the Pens earlier this year:

Mike Hoffman: Ottawa Senators Prospect/Scouting Report

I had the chance to check out Saint John Sea Dogs star forward and Ottawa Senators prospect, Mike Hoffman at the Rob Guertin Arena in Gatineau tonight. Hoffman did not disappoint.

Mike Hoffman is a 20-year old native of Kitchener, Ontario. He was drafted 130th overall by the Ottawa Senators in 2009. Considering his late round status, I really didn't go into the game expecting much.

Boy was I wrong. Mike Hoffman was all over the ice tonight. He was playing the point on the power play, taking faceoffs and even playing along the wing. Hoffman's skating and hard shot are two things that stood out the most.

Everything about Hoffman's skating impressed me. Not only was he fast, but he had very quick feet. His mobility was phenomenal - his footwork, his pivots, and over all his agility were all signs that complement the argument that his skating is already at the NHL standards.

Hoffman also showcased his shot. He had a great slapshot and an even better wrist shot. Not only was the shot quick and hard, but it was, for the most part, very accurate. He is was a great addition on the point for the Sea Dog's powerplay.

I wouldn't consider Hoffman a gritty player, but he sure doesn't shy away from physical play. If he could add a few more pounds and a few more muscles during the off season, I feel this could elevate his game to a whole new level.

Another positive was Hoffman's great vision and his hockey IQ. Hoffman was very aware of where his teammates were and tried to put himself in positions to open lanes and create more open ice.

Scouting Report: Kyle Turris - NHL Draft Prospect

Photo courtesy of The Province

Team: Burnaby Express
League: British Columbia Hockey League, Tier II
Position: C
Born: August 14, 1989
Hometown: New Westminster, BC
Height: 6.00
Weight: 165 lbs

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