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MONTREAL, QC — We’re very fortunate to have knowledgeable readers (especially the ones who agree with me.) With a few exceptions, comments to articles are well thought out and reflect a commitment to following the Canadiens, twelve months of the year.
We attempt to pool some of this wisdom in the All Habs Poll of the Week. Looking back in the archive, we see that readers expect Mike Cammalleri to be the leading point-getter this season, and that Brian Gionta is the preferred choice for captain. You believe that Max Pacioretty has the best chance of making the 2010-11 lineup, if a spot becomes available.
This week, we asked who “will make the biggest impression at the Canadiens rookie camp?” Presently, Lars Eller is the run-away leader with close to 50 per cent of the vote.
Eller is expected to center the third line for the Habs when the season opens. Some suggest that he has a legitimate shot at a place alongside Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta if the ‘incumbent’, Benoit Pouliot, doesn’t raise his game.
Eller was an astute choice in the poll by readers. He had a very impressive debut on the Brossard ice when he attended the development camp in July.
At the time, I wrote, “Eller has been very impressive this week too. He is known as a playmaker but has a quick release and is a very accurate shooter. Eller competes hard, plays physical, and can get to top speed in only a few strides.”
Unfortunately, the only skating that Eller has been doing this week is on his own, or with Andrei Markov as he recovers from surgery. Eller is sidelined with a suspected abdominal injury.
With Eller out, who is occupying the number two position in the poll so far? All Habs readers are pointing to Alexander Avtsin, and again, they are correct. Over the first two days of the camp, in drills and one scrimmage, he has been a stand out.
It’s the first real look at Avtsin this year. Caution regarding a wrist injury limited his participation in the development camp.
His skill is evident immediately. Avtsin has excellent hands, great vision, and moves that are a challenge to defend. You’ve heard broadcasting phrases for this type of player before: shifty or slippery. I peg it as elusiveness and knowing how to get to a spot on the ice before his defender can react.
Given his size, Avtsin doesn’t shy away from contact. He could use his time in Hamilton to work on his defensive game and add some muscle to his large frame.
Defending the Bulldogs goal will be the tandem of Curtis Sanford and Robert Mayer.
Mayer is the only goalie under contract at the camp. He makes the jump to Hamilton from Cincinnati where he earned co-MVP honours in the ECHL playoffs as the Cyclones won the Kelly Cup. Mayer’s fine play, age, and development potential made Cedrick Desjardins expendable.
Mayer has looked good at the rookie camp. He is a strong positional goaltender, and does a good job staying square to the shooter. He has an excellent glove hand. Mayer has had a tendency to be too aggressive, but it seems to be something he is addressing.
On Tuesday, skaters worked on forechecking, creating turnovers and 3-on-3 drills.
Hunter Bishop (upper body) is the latest rookie to be added to the injury list after a solid hit by P.K. Subban in Monday’s scrimmage.
The rookies will be back on the Brossard ice on Wednesday for testing, drills and a scrimmage. Before you head to the rink, be sure to pick up a copy of the schedule and roster.
(photo credit: RDS)