Nicholas Tropper, Author at Focused Hockey Scouting

June 26th, 2015 at 06:39pm

2015 NHL Mock Draft

This is an excercise, mostly for fun, where I put myself in each General Manager’s shoes, and make a selection based on that team’s current needs, prospects, and aspirations. I am not so much predicting the draft, but simply identifying what I would do in each situation. I am also proceeding under the assumption everyone is keeping their draft pick, which may not be the case.

For a complete list of my prospect rankings purely based of projection of success, you can refer back to my previous post, www.focusedscouting.com/2015-nhl-draft-prospect-rankings/ .

June 24th, 2015 at 11:11pm

2015 NHL Draft Prospect Rankings

In anticipation of the 2015 NHL Draft, I listed the top 150 prospects (in my opinion). Please keep in mind, I am projecting careers, and ranking players in an order of potential success. I am not predicting the draft, and am not taking into account which team is drafting in which slot, and what their needs are. I will be sharing a mock draft of the first round tomorrow, where I put myself in each General Manager’s shoes, and make a selection in their place. But for today, here are my rankings for the 2015 NHL Draft class.

June 5th, 2015 at 12:06am

Why Juggling Lines Will Not Compromise Chemistry

I have recently heard a lot of criticism over coaches changing their lines too frequently, and wish to chime in with my stance on the issue. A lot of this criticism is directed at Montreal Canadiens coach Michel Therrien, though he is far from being the only one under fire for doing so.

Most of the criticism revolves around the notion that changing lines frequently hinders the chemistry. It prevents players from developing chemistry with one another, and places them with players with whom there is no pre-existing chemistry.

What is chemistry?

In my opinion, there are two types of chemistry.

June 1st, 2015 at 08:44pm

Memorial Cup Final – Overtime Thriller

Memorial Cup Final – Kelowna Rockets vs Oshawa Generals

Final: Kelowna 1 – Oshawa 2 ( OT )

What an exciting end to a fantastic tournament. I expected Oshawa would emerge as the winners, but Kelowna certainly made it more interesting than I expected. The Rockets have nothing to be ashamed of, as they were the better team on the ice for long stretches of time.

May 29th, 2015 at 07:36pm

Memorial Cup – May 27, 2015

Game 6 – Quebec Remparts vs Rimouski Oceanic

Final : Quebec 0 – Rimouski 4

For two teams that pushed their QJMHL final series to the second overtime of the seventh game, this one was a bit of a letdown. Going in, Quebec knew that as long as they did not lose by eight goals or more, they would advance in the tournament. The amount of energy they came out with reflected that.

May 29th, 2015 at 07:34pm

Memorial Cup – May 26, 2015

Game 5- Oshawa Generals vs Kelowna Rockets

Final: Oshawa 2 – Kelowna 1

After cruising to a fairly easy victory the night before, the Rockets were in for a more difficult matchup with the Generals. In the end, Oshawa came out on top, going 3-0 in the tournament and clinching a berth in the Memorial Cup Final. They are truly the best team in this tournament, and the close scores does not accurately represent their ability to control and dominate the game. By no means is this a bold prediction, but Oshawa should win this year’s championship.

May 29th, 2015 at 07:30pm

Memorial Cup – May 24, 2015

Game 3 – Quebec Remparts vs Oshawa Generals

Final Score: Quebec 4 – Oshawa Generals 5 ( Overtime )

After two regulation one-goal games that came down to the wire, this phenomenal tournament continued with the third game going to overtime. Unlike the previous games of the tournament, neither goalie seemed particularly dominant. One or two additional key saves from either goalie could have drastically changed the outcome of this game.

Although Oshawa controlled the puck for the vast majority of the game, Quebec were opportunistic offensively, thus putting pressure on Oshawa to continue scoring.

May 24th, 2015 at 07:02pm

Memorial Cup – May 23, 2015

Game 2- Oceanic de Rimouski vs Oshawa Generals
Final Score: Rimouski 3 – Oshawa 4

We are two games into this tournament, and they have both been thrillers. Oshawa came out strong and seemed to be in a position to run away with it early on, but two quick goals from Rimouski late in the first put them back in contention. Both teams traded goals late in the second period and early in the first. Hunter Smith eventually scored the winner for Oshawa on a strong individual effort. Rimouski played with desperation late in the game, but eventually fell short.

Ken Appleby played well for Oshawa, without necessarily stealing the game. Many goalies would have fallen apart after giving up two quick goals early, but the experienced goalie remained focused and made some key saves for the Generals. His biggest save came with under seven seconds left to the game, to secure the win.

May 24th, 2015 at 06:59pm

Memorial Cup – May 22, 2015

We are under way in Quebec City, and it is time to enjoy the highest level of competition in junior hockey. Throughout the tournament I will share my thoughts on the games, as well as player notes and observations.

Kelowna Rockets vs Quebec Remparts
Final Score: 4-3 Quebec

Some years, the team hosting the Memorial Cup can seem out of place against the three league champions, but not this year. Quebec pushed Rimouski to a double-overtime game 7, falling just short of a QJMHL Championship. They came out looking to send a message in the tournament’s first game, and did just that against a team many consider the favorites.

March 26th, 2015 at 02:39pm

OHL Awards

The OHL announced their Player award finalists. I will go over each award, list the finalists, choose who I believe should receive the award, and explain why. Note: I am not predicting the winners. I do not vote on these awards and do not have inside information as to who may be most likely to receive them. I am stating who I feel is most deserving of each award.

Posts by Nicholas Tropper