Stall, Williams and Brind'Amour

On Thu, 29 Sep 2005 12:15:05 -0400, "Brent Harrison"
<brentharrison.DeleteThis@sympatico.ca> wrote:

>Hey, here in Ottawa I haven't been able to fins out much about the Canes.
>I'm really interested on how Stall, Williams and Brind'Amour are doing. Do
>they a look ready to go or are any of them looking rusty?

I dunno about Brind'Amour. I saw him in the opening preseason game
against Washington, but I think the Lock Monsters could've held their
own against that team. He's been on the shelf with a groin injury for
every other game. My guess: he'll still dominate face-offs, will
score about 15-20 goals, and will be the main penalty killer. I'm
also gonna go out on a limb and say that he doesn't see regular PP
time. He'll get some, but not a lot...

Staal is visibly stronger than last year. He is a great center behind
the boards and in the corners, but his push-rushing skills need more
time - and attempts - to develop. He's going to get top billing as
the Canes center this year, and I think he'll do well. I don't think
we'll talk about him as we have Rick Nash, but he'll be the Canes best
center and will have a respectable showing statistically. My guess:
20-25 goals, many coming on the PP, he'll be a even or just slightly
negative in +/-, and will see more PT than any other forward.

Williams seems very determined and focused. I think he realizes that
in the past he's been hyped and paid as a young player with potential,
and that now he has to perform...he said as much when he signed his
deal this past summer. I think he's a good all-around winger, but I
see him scoring more to the order of 13-18 goals than 20+. But this
is for sure: that won't be for lack of opportunity...he's going to
get plenty of ice time.

None of them look rusty, but then again, what is rusty? If they
consistently put the puck in the back of the net when we saw them
last, then I'd have something to compare to. But honestly none of
them were consistent scorers previously, so there's no apparent
drop-off. I think the only one of the 3 that will improve
significantly among the 3 is Staal.