Blogs › NDN 'Blades Blog
Reinforcements at the right time
Posted November 13, 2008
Talked to the Blades' newest defenseman Doug O'Brien today and got a little more information on him from coach Malcolm Cameron, so I thought I'd add more to the thoughts from yesterday.
First of all, though, it's pretty amazing that the Blades lose their top scoring dman -- Jon Paiement -- but could actually be improved on the blueline this weekend: with the additions of Peter Metcalf and O'Brien. In the ECHL, the way to win is be able to make enough countermoves of your own at the right time in order to counteract call-ups and injuries. Although it's early, the Blades have done it well.
Anyway, on O'Brien, I feel like I maybe misled his offensive numbers a little bit. He's not exactly a stay-at-home dman, and Cameron said O'Brien's offensive instincts are equal to Paiements.
Plus, "O'Brien's probably a more fluid skater," said Cameron, who first saw the 24-year-old skate in the QMJHL, where O'Brien was named d-man of the year in '03-04.
With the chaos in Rochester this year, it's a little easier for players to swallow being sent down to the ECHL. Doesn't make it a happy occasion for O'Brien, who's only played three ECHL games in his career and returned to North America to try and push for the NHL, where he played five games in '05-06.
But, as Cameron said, "It's always a lot more fun to be winning."
Said O'Brien: "It was tough (in Rochester)," O'Brien said. "Obviously it's not the start they wanted, and it's hard right now ... going from last place to first place (with the Blades) is definitely a positive."
"It's nice to be with a team where everybody's already gelled together," he added.
Doesn't mean O'Brien wouldn't jump at the next chance he gets to go back up to the AHL, but ...
For the Blades, it's good to hear O'Brien had that impression -- and Cameron added that this week at practice plus the last few games have been really positive -- easy to do on a four-game win streak.
"The guys like the feeling in our locker room," he said. "We've been flying at practice this week."
As some have mentioned on here, there are always going to changes and things to complain about. But my impressions the past few games/practices jibe with Cameron's. Guys are looser, more relaxed, more comfortable with each other -- and that goes a long way to keeping the winning going.
We'll see if they keep it up against Augusta.
Comments
This site does not necessarily agree with comments posted below. Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. Break our rules, and we will ban you. No exceptions, no second chances. Read our privacy policy & user agreement.
BHF....new blog master. Not sure how you got involved, but my response: yyyyaaaawwwnnnnnnnn
#1 Posted by Philly on November 13, 2008 at 2:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Really looking forward to the weekend's games ... especially Saturday since many of my friends are going to attend for a pre-birthday celebration ... some major action and a few fights would be fabulous!!!
Good Luck Metcalf ! Kick some butt! O Brien - welcome aboard!!
Go Blades
#2 Posted by AloraPurefoy on November 13, 2008 at 6:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ALIEUP SOMETHING ----
Where do you sit -- let us know----------
Don't want anyone to know ? ? ? ?
#3 Posted by WYMAN on November 13, 2008 at 6:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What's that?
The Stingrays beat the Checkers 6-1 tonight?
The Stingrays are now in 1st place?
Say it ain't so?
#4 Posted by StingrayFan on November 13, 2008 at 10:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Time for some call-ups in South Carolina...
#5 Posted by CJ on November 13, 2008 at 10:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
No callups yet.
Since South Carolina got their top two goalies back from Hershey, the Stingrays have only given up 3 goals in 4 games. 3 of those 4 games were on the road too.
By the way, the Stingrays today traded the goalie that Florida faced in all 4 games to Gwinnett. A 2-2 record against Florida just wasn't good enough....lol
#6 Posted by StingrayFan on November 13, 2008 at 10:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Trends and streaks are made to be stopped...and because South Carolina is SOO good the call-ups will come...
#7 Posted by CJ on November 13, 2008 at 10:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good Lord.
StingRay fan is the only one talking hocky here today...
Uh.....
Congrats on the win SRF. You folks definitely have one heck of a hockey team again this year
Looking for ward to the SD finals match up with you guys.
Anyways....
The Sea Wolves acquired a intriguing player in Mike Salekin from the Reading Nobili's today.
For those looking for the extracurricular entertainment, this guy will not disappoint.
He wins some... he loses more and he's a CSA.
MFH will undoubtedly have fun with this guy
A few of you may remember this link from back on March 1. The now infamous Mike Sgroi/Salekin tilt
http://www.royalshockey.com/multimedi...
#8 Posted by CSA on November 13, 2008 at 10:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If only the ref was Jason Nissen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPWNiv...
#9 Posted by CSA on November 13, 2008 at 10:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
CSA talk about a guy who is going to get the short end of the stick on every call if he continues to even play.
BTW the first video is no longer available...
#10 Posted by BUSSYFAN on November 14, 2008 at 12:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
9 hours til puck drop!
Going to be a long day.
#11 Posted by hambling on November 14, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ANGIE,
Who is net for the Blades tonight..LEGGIO
ham,
RE: Passing the Time
Try discounting some of those "super suckers", also do you still have the promo Bring your Old Vacuum In and we will take $250.00 off a new unit???
Wyman,
Your last post sounds if you bought some more Blo-Booze........
#12 Posted by MFH on November 14, 2008 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Melon Head: Passing the Time:
Try stading around the intake area of the Jail in Monroe St. and pass out business cards to the guyes entering into the building with handcuff on.
Or offer buy 1 DUI defence get the 2nd one free!
#13 Posted by hambling on November 14, 2008 at 12:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
well I have been informed that my long awaited transfer has come to pass so I will be leaving, I know you are all very sad especially you Philly.
so before I go I will tell CB what his adminastration is doing just like texas, They are keeping quiet about what the paying public has to say about the way MC treats everyone (seen it with my own eyes).
They will keep quiet just like texas and I am guessing LB before that then when the fan base is gone and they have no job they will wonder why!
so keep up the good work Admin.
#14 Posted by hockeyhound on November 14, 2008 at 2:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hhound,
Anyway you could PLEASE take Ham & Philly with you.......
#15 Posted by MFH on November 14, 2008 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hh, as long as the team wins, fans will be in the building.. Hell I bet people would still show up even if they were average.
Use your noggin...
#16 Posted by Squirrel on November 14, 2008 at 3:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
HH....one non-fan off the blog... good news (sarcasm). Honestly, never had a problem with you. Just didn't understand what you were saying without backing it up. Good luck to you...
Squirrel: you are correct. Fan base is strong. Estero and the area like hockey.
Good crowds again this weekend. MFH wil be cheering then back to crying on the blog ....
#17 Posted by Philly on November 14, 2008 at 3:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tonights officials
Ref - Pochmara
Linesmen - Campbell, Blankenship
#18 Posted by BHF on November 14, 2008 at 4:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Lightning fire Barry Melrose...lol
http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/...
#19 Posted by StingrayFan on November 14, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
SRF I went to the Lightning/Panther Game on Wed night and posted on the last blog that it was time for Melrose to go back to Versus. I did not realize I was a prophet!
#20 Posted by hambling on November 14, 2008 at 6:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
New blog posted ...
#21 Posted by ABusch on November 14, 2008 at 11:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
One goal allowed in the last 3 games including back to back shutouts for the Homies!!
DEFENSE!! DEFENSE!!
Woo Hoo!!
#22 Posted by CSA on November 14, 2008 at 11:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Post your comment
(Requires free registration.)