The score in prospect games means almost nothing, except to the players on the ice. Sunday afternoon, the Flames and Oilers prospects met in their second game of the Next Gen Showcase with the Flames getting the edge 5-4. Some impressions were quite good, others not so much. Here's who stood out.
Matvei Gridin
My goodness what an incredible shot, deceptive and quick. On one of the Flames goals Samuel Honzek wins a puck battle along the half wall, playing it into the middle of the ice to Carter King who then taps it towards Gridin who just launches it into the back of the net in a blink and you'll miss it moment. He just might be the best shooter the Flames had in the game.
Arsenii Sergeev
He's a large goaltender, standing 6'3 but he plays way too deep in his net and it cost him. Even with his size he couldn't cut down the angles and allowed 4 to get past him. He was able to be aggressive on breakaway's and if he can translate that into when teams are on the cycle as well he'll be a National Hockey League goaltender on any team, he's just not quite there yet.
Mace'o Phillips
Holy big boy, Phillips is huge standing 6'6 and is still at the age of filling out. His skating is silky smooth but there's work left to do. He made a great recovery after turning it over in the neutral zone, but his ability to make a first pass on the breakout isn't quite NHL level, as well as positioning. A little too much puck watching particularly in the first period on a two on two for Edmonton where he left the pass open.
Etienne Morin
Silky skating ability along the offensive blueline, holding the zone with skill and ability to get shots through from the point, which is something the Flames lacked last season. His speed and vision on rushes into the offensive zone are at a level that could put him in the conversation of a roster spot, or in first position to be called up on the blue line.
Samuel Honzek
I have to say it, Honzek was disappointing in this game. After playing so well in training camp last season I was expecting more from him this season, he'll need to have an incredible preseason to be considered for a roster spot to start the season.
All that being said, I'd expect most to start their seasons back at their junior clubs or with the Wranglers in the American Hockey League. The season is getting closer and closer with training camps getting into full swing on Wednesday and preseason action in a split squad game against Edmonton on September 21.
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