Recrutes

Recrutes: Hockey scouting from a professional perspective from Grant McCagg and Habs coverage from a 33 year veteran covering the NHL from Brian Wilde.

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McLean’s Pub Call of the Wilde: Heading Home On A High

November 5, 2017

By Brian Wilde

Wilde Horses

– I hope Alex Galchenyuk and Jonathan Drouin are given some time to gel. They seem to really see each other. And if they are not a defensive liability, there is no reason why your best players shouldn’t be playing the most minutes. Drouin and Galchenyuk had tough assignments yet they were, with Lehkonen, the only trio who didn’t spend long stretches in their own zone. Galchenyuk is really coming out of his malaise well. Drouin is still doing gorgeous things over and over again. He had the best looks on the night and set up other looks. This feels like a matter of time but it’s results that count and you hope that Claude Julien has some confidence that this is going to translate into goals. Finally, in the third period, it did translate, with Galchenyuk seeing the streaking Drouin take it to the net to open the scoring. That ended 170 plus minutes of perfection for Corey Crawford.

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About Brian Wilde

Brian Wilde has worked in hockey since he was 20. He was the rink side host for the Edmonton Oilers at CTV and Ottawa Senators for Sportsnet. He was also lead reporter on the Montreal Canadiens for 17 years at CTV Montreal.

View all posts by Brian Wilde

  • Angelo Palucci says

    Do you think Bergevin is maybe waiting to see what Schlemko can do in that #2 role before he makes a play for a D?

      • Grant McCagg says

        Who is then..a 19-year-old? Alzner? Benn? Schlemko looked like a very capable top 4 dman for San Jose last playoffs..he is a late-blooming NHL dman. Weber has made a lot of defencemen looked like competent top-two blueliners over the years..even Emelin and NB at times. I’m not ready to say Schlemko definitely can’t play with Wber on the top pairing..we shall see.

  • Eric Seligman says

    Poehling will never be a 2C as long as Pacioretty doesn’t seem to be able to play with anyone but Danault. Sad but true.

  • Don Cattani says

    Again this was an entertaining game to watch. Lindgren and Drouin particularly good and Galchenyuk getting better and better. Danault sneaky good and Shaw and Gallagher just don’t quit.

  • Scott Murray says

    Another excellent piece, Brian. Is there hope for a Markov return, especially now the KHL appears ready to balk at Olympic competition? Or was Morrow so good last night we may not need him?

  • Elisabeth Di Niro says

    I actually really like Danault!! I’ve always said since last season. He may be considered a 3C but for some reason, he plays great on the first line. Sometimes it’s all about chemistry and not about where you are supposed to be on the depth chart.

    Grant got what he wanted- internal competition for the goalie job. Lindgren was great and this will definitely get something out of carry price.

  • Elisabeth Di Niro says

    loving Galchenuyk with Drouin as well. I know this has been a debate put to bed, but do you believe 27 can actually eventually get back to the C position with his improved and great play?

    • Brian Wilde says

      He’s still quite a young man but I would say this regime is done with the thought he is a center.

  • Andrew Kujavsky says

    The more you play Lindgren now the higher value you create if you ever need to use that asset in a trade. Of course this assumes Piece will still be Price which, quite frankly, I am concerned about given his significant knee injuries. What I see in Price is major fear about that knee. The knee has likely entered his head at this point which is a terrifying thought going forward. In any event, if Lindgren is given an opportunity to shine it can do nothing but good for this organization. Man, did he look good in this game.

  • Tony sollazzo says

    Yes a top 4 D is what they need. That 1C has been found. Drouin is good at it and will keep getting better. A 2C is easier to get but MB’s priority right now has to be a D partner for Weber. This will have to take patience.

  • Roland Briere says

    If the goaltending comes around, be it Carey, or Charlie, they will be in the hunt till the deadline. MB should be able to find a piece he needs then. I agree, a C would be nice, but I feel a puck moving D #1 issue.

  • Darren Dembicki says

    I’m with you on the Alzner take. Contain and chase doesn’t work here. Eventually tires every one out and results in chances. Yuck!