The callup of 2011 first round pick Joe Morrow is more of situation arising (injuries) of the Penguins wanting to get one of their top prospects some NHL experience of just being around the team (potential practice time, being involved in meetings) on a short-term stay, even if Morrow doesn’t step on the ice for a game. The callup doesn’t mean by any means that the Penguins feel Morrow is NHL ready, as he isn’t in his own end. Overall, Morrow has not had a strong season in Wilkes Barre, his first professional season in the American Hockey League. Morrow’s been playing a third pairing role in Wilkes Barre and during the NHL lockout Morrow was regarded as being “exposed” defensively when better talent league wide was playing in the AHL due to the work stoppage. Now that some of that talent is backup in the NHL, it’s not aRead More »
Alex Grant
Day 5 Practice Notes
The players went through about 30 minutes of practice drills before Saturday’s drills. One intriguing drill was a 1-on-1 drill where a defenseman would go up against three forwards in the course of one sequence. Drill Description: One forward would start in the right face-off circle with the puck and go 1-on-1 against a defender. Once the play was broken up or a goal was scored, a forward in the left face-off circle would go against the same defender. Once the play was broken up or a goal was scored, the defenseman would skate up to the closest blueline, pivot and a forward placed at the red line would go in 1-on-1 against the defender. 1-on-1 Notes *2009 1st round pick Simon Despres was exceptional in this drill – good positioning, took the body well. – Bumped Kevin Veilleux (6-5, 200lbs) off the puck in one situation. – Uses hisRead More »
Penguins Prospect Camp: Day 2
Scouting Reports Day 1: Defensemen
Brian Strait, Age 21 Height: 6-1 Weight: 200 lbs 2006, 3rd round pick *Notes from today’s Skate – Among the most disappointing players on day 1 – Has below average speed – Struggled during the 1-on-1 drills; Was beat by Eric Tangradi and Nick Petersen consecutively – Relied too much on his upper body strength instead of moving his feet – In talking to David Quinn (few months ago) who was Boston University’s assistant coach last season, Strait is not a practice player by any means but David did mention to me that Brian must become more consistent in the defensive zone. Alex Grant, Age 20 Height: 6-2 Weight: 185lbs 2007, 4th round pick *Notes from Today’s Skate – Wasn’t very noticable this afternoon – Had choppy strides, especially when it came to moving side to side – Smooth on the few occassions during partial breakout drills – Relies onRead More »
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