The action really picked up today, as the Nashville Predators' prospects took to the ice today at Centennial Sportsplex for their first day of on-ice drills. The coaches worked with the players on everything from skating to shooting to defense. Some players made some great impressions, while others.... not so much.
Follow after the jump for some thoughts on today's camp and some pictures and video from the day's action.
Thoughts from Day 2
- Ryan Ellis can play hockey. Watching him skate alongside the other defensemen, you can tell that he is a step above the rest. He made some great plays today and really stood out from the others, especially with his speed. Additionally, the knock on Ellis has always been his size, but watching him today, I'm not sure it'll be as big of a problem as everyone thinks.
- Some of you guys got onto me for maybe being a little too quick to judge Magnus Hellberg just from talking to him, and rightfully so, but today we got to see him in action and he didn't disappoint on his first day. People have made the obvious comparison to Rinne and Lindback, but that's the way he plays. Hellberg made a lot of nice glove saves, snagging the puck out of the air, and gobbled pucks up, preventing rebounds.
- Austin Watson made a nice play to bat the puck out of the air and score a goal. Last year's first round draft pick has a little ways to go in his development but could turn into a solid contributor.
- A guy I hadn't really heard much about, but impressed me today, was Gabriel Bourque. He scored twice during the breakout drill on some nice wristshots, one of which I happened to catch on camera, and another time made a nifty pass in front of the net that led to a great chance on goal.
- It was pretty apparent who all had some experience playing at the professional level, and who hadn't. Taylor Beck, Michael Latta, and Roman Josi all looked solid today. Josi will more than likely see some time in Nashville at some point or another.
- If you haven't had a chance to make it out, I'd highly recommend it. But before you do, check out Seth's previews on goalies and defensemen, and forwards. Even I was checking it on my phone today for a little background info... You can also find the full schedule here. And now, a few pictures and video for your viewing enjoyment...
First, a video of one of Gabriel Borque's goals:
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A few prospects going through some skating drills (they're a lot faster in person):
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Hellberg making a nice pad save:
You can also view the Predators' photo album from today on their site here.