Game Day - Ottawa @ Carolina, 7:00PM, Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Big Ev wrote:

wprager wrote:You know, Rundblad oozes offensive confidence and how many points does he have? Granted, he's played 2 fewer games than Zibanejad, but point remains -- offense is not guaranteed. The effort is there and, frankly, I thought he showed a bit more confidence last few games. I almost wish he'd been given a night off to watch from up above *before* his 9th game. It's too late now to give him a night off unless they decided to keep him here.

Last night he was carrying the puck more but he's still hesitant in the offensive zone and, as someone (probably asq2) said, seems to fall back to the defensive zone at the first sign of trouble -- not the worst thing in the world (especially given how the D and G had been playing until recently).

I also agree that the 9-game thing is causing some of his issues -- being afraid to make a mistake. He's on probation, and he knows it. I'd love to see what he'd be like when game 10 rolled around and he knew he was here to stay.

Who are you talking about? Rundblad doesn't have a 9 game try-out.

wprager wrote:
I'm talking about Z-Bad, of course. Just bringing Rundblad into the discussion to compare. No-one is saying Rundblad is not scoring, send him back. Offense will come.

SeawaySensFan wrote:
He hasn't even proven which league he's more suited for at this point because he'd basically done nothing of consequence in either instance. The best place for him and the organization (if anyone cares about that) is the AHL. If that's an option at all, fine, if not send him back because the NHL is not a developmental league.

SeawaySensFan wrote:

NEELY wrote:

SeawaySensFan wrote:

Big Ev wrote:I think it's the offensive ability to produce right now. He didn't even light it up too much for Djurgarden in J20. He just needs some more time to develop his offence.

Pretty much. It's not a "nothing left to learn in Sweden" scenario.

Never has been. It's a "whats best for his development" scenario. Do they feel he will learn more playing the NA game (which he is much more suited for) or do they believe going back is the best option as they feel his offense can improve over there playing against lesser players.

He hasn't even proven which league he's more suited for at this point because he'd basically done nothing of consequence in either instance. The best place for him and the organization (if anyone cares about that) is the AHL. If that's an option at all, fine, if not send him back because the NHL is not a developmental league.

Hoags wrote:

SeawaySensFan wrote:
He hasn't even proven which league he's more suited for at this point because he'd basically done nothing of consequence in either instance. The best place for him and the organization (if anyone cares about that) is the AHL. If that's an option at all, fine, if not send him back because the NHL is not a developmental league.

Yeah he hasn't really done a whole lot in the SEL. Usual way of thinking for such a prospect is let them dominate their pre-NHL league and then have them adapt to the NHL. Look at Rundblad he has nothing to prove in the SEL.

Zibby playing the NHL right now seems NHL seems stupid, he has little confidence out there like he's Dung his pants every shift. What's going to happen to his confidence if he gets rocked by a hit or suffers a serious injury ?
Only reason this is an issue is because Regin is injured again(probably long-term), Da Costa isn't ready, and we traded away all our depth at centre last season.

Hoags wrote:

SeawaySensFan wrote:
He hasn't even proven which league he's more suited for at this point because he'd basically done nothing of consequence in either instance. The best place for him and the organization (if anyone cares about that) is the AHL. If that's an option at all, fine, if not send him back because the NHL is not a developmental league.

Yeah he hasn't really done a whole lot in the SEL. Usual way of thinking for such a prospect is let them dominate their pre-NHL league and then have them adapt to the NHL. Look at Rundblad he has nothing to prove in the SEL.

Zibby playing the NHL right now seems NHL seems stupid, he has little confidence out there like he's Dung his pants every shift. What's going to happen to his confidence if he gets rocked by a hit or suffers a serious injury ?

Only reason this is an issue is because Regin is injured again(probably long-term), Da Costa isn't ready, and we traded away all our depth at centre last season.

NEELY wrote:
Who cares if he gets rocked? Again, it's about maturity and attitude. You bring up Regin being injured again, he's basically a china doll as opposed to Zibanejad who is built like a man already.

SpezDispenser wrote:
No worries there to be honest. There's not much of a gap between 2nd line C and 4th line C for us right now, if he's sent back, then someone will win the job.

Hoags wrote:

SpezDispenser wrote:
No worries there to be honest. There's not much of a gap between 2nd line C and 4th line C for us right now, if he's sent back, then someone will win the job.

Ice time, PP time and linemates. How much will he learn playing a few mins a night on the 4th line ? when he could be getting top ice time in Sweden ?

Hoags wrote:

NEELY wrote:
Who cares if he gets rocked? Again, it's about maturity and attitude. You bring up Regin being injured again, he's basically a china doll as opposed to Zibanejad who is built like a man already.

Because his confidence doesn't look all that good out there. Getting nailed or sitting on the IR won't help.

What's the rush ?? we don't need a Josh Bailey, Gilbert Brule, James Sheppard etc.

NEELY wrote:

So players have to come in and be able to dominate right off the bat? Who ever said the NHL isn't a development league is wrong, that's a big part of it.

The other thing people are not taking into account are his attitude, practice habits, and general overall work ethic. Also it's important how the other players on the team view him.

Vandelay wrote:

NEELY wrote:

So players have to come in and be able to dominate right off the bat? Who ever said the NHL isn't a development league is wrong, that's a big part of it.

The other thing people are not taking into account are his attitude, practice habits, and general overall work ethic. Also it's important how the other players on the team view him.

Actually, he said it's not a "developmental league"...apparently there are concerns about his mental stability? He does seem to have a case of the "crazy eyes" but that's about the only indication I've seen...