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"The egg came before the chicken, so you must listen"
Hamilton, ON • Canada • 22 Years Old • Male
None eggshmeg35 [email protected] [email protected] None
I had an opportunity to see the Leafs future #1 netminder tonight, as his Marlies visited Hamilton in the first game of a home-and-home, picking up a 3-2 victory in overtime. I say "future #1" with conviction after what I saw tonight. Not that there was any doubt before I got to see him in person, we all remember his great World Junior run, a tournament where he was named MVP of the gold medal winning Canadian squad.

First Impression

At first glance he looks very big, and takes up a lot of net. He is strong and powerful, but his balance and skating could still be improved. He likes to wander when playing the puck, but has a hard shot and great hockey sense. He always seems to know where his teammates are, and is able to get them the puck, even under pressure. That doesn't mean he is immune from any mistakes. A couple of times tonight he was caught hanging on to the puck for too long, and it nearly cost him.

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Pros

He uses his size to his advantage, cutting down the angle very well. He is rarely caught out of position because of his power, which is a credit to his conditioning. His rebound control and reflexes both seem to be above-average, although one of the goals was scored when he got a large piece of a puck with his glove hand, it popped up in the air and landed in the net. I would write that off as a fluke because even getting his glove on the shot in the first place was remarkable.

Cons

His only downsides are his skating and balance, and they aren't even that bad. I'm really nitpicking when I say those are issues. They are just some areas he can improve at, although he is already better than most goaltenders in those areas. His maturity has also improved from last year, he now knows player's tendencies and has adapted very well to professional hockey.

Future

Pogge's future remains unchanged from when they brought him up from the Calgary Hitmen. Play 2 or 3 years in the AHL and gradually make his way to the #1 job in Toronto. I believe that a 3rd year in the AHL can only be a good thing for Pogge. There is absolutely no reason to rush him, especially when it is up to a lackluster team such as the Leafs. I can see him splitting time with Vesa Toskala next season, but I wouldn't like it. It's not that he can't handle it, he's just as ready as Carey Price, but he can only get better from playing in the AHL. The Leafs don't need him, and shouldn't waste him. I know for Leafs fans keeping Pogge down in the minors feels a little like Christmas Eve, but it's for the better if you wait until morning to open your present. You don't want to spoil the surprise.
Filed Under:   scouting report   leafs   marlies   pogge   eggshmeg  
March 22, 2008 3:25 AM ET | Delete
As ready as as Carey Price and as good as Carey Price are two very different things. Keep Dreaming.
March 22, 2008 3:38 AM ET | Delete
Yes, I was very careful how I worded that.
March 22, 2008 4:25 AM ET | Delete
moron habs fan trying to discredit you. typical jerk. decent blog.
March 22, 2008 10:02 AM ET | Delete
No doubt, Habs fans think Price is the second coming of Christ... lets see what happens when he blows up in the playoffs. I dont think Habs fans realize that Pogge has won gold with the juniors too and he had an underdog team.
March 22, 2008 10:57 AM ET | Delete
Jim, he would have to be dreaming to say Pogge was only as good as Price :Dgreat blog eggshmeg
March 23, 2008 2:28 AM ET | Delete
Hello Eggshmeg, nice blog. Do not worry about the Habs fan trolling your forum. Price hasnt proved anything yet - other then he has made the jump to the NHL. Both of these goalies futures are up in the air still and personally I do not think Price should be given the crown just because he was rushed to the NHL. In 3-5 years, we will have a better idea of which one is the better goalie. Based on your review and comments, I have no doubt that Pogge has a bright future in front of him.
March 23, 2008 11:47 AM ET | Delete
Good call Egg. I think you have acknowledged Price's skills. It remains to be seen by everyone the consistency of the skills in playoffs - not a guarantee or a dis. I agree if Pogge isn't needed at this stage in his young career, he's better off playing in the AHL than sitting in the NHL.
March 24, 2008 1:47 AM ET | Delete
let's not forget that a few years ago, Pogge was regarded as at least the goalie that Price was, scouts saw both as high-ceiling guys... the key difference was that Pogge struggled in his first taste of the AHL and Price hit the ground running and hasn't looked back... now having seen both play at a pro level, it seems although Price has a higher ceiling and is more league ready, but don't discount a young player with a very solid resume and the potential to be a great goalie in the NHL for years to come.
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