With the radar gun in play, each skater fired eight shots on net (two each of the snap, wrist, slap, and backhand variety). For the sake of data capture, the best scores of the snap and wrist shots are combined into one category. Not only was the general speed for each player's snap and wrister roughly 1-2 MPH apart, but most of the guys released the puck in the same manner during those sets.
Below is a MPH chart for each participant.
Blueliners T.J. Brennan (93), Drew Schiestel (88), Mike Kotska (88), and Alex Biega (87) clocked in with the fastest slappers. We knew that Brennan and Biega could bring the heat, while the howitzers of Schiestel and Kostka were a pleasant surprise. Biega also flicked the quickest backhander (49 MPH).
On the wrist/snap shot side of things, Mike Weber (74), Mark Van Guilder (73), T.J. Brennan (71), Luke Adam (71), Chris Butler (70), and Marc-Andre Gragnani (70) all eclipsed the 70-MPH plateau. Van Guilder's snap shot was just five miles-per-hour off his 78-MPH slapper.
Today's moment of levity came when the first Blue group hit the radar station. To my point earlier, Felix Schutz didn't really know the difference between a snap shot and a wrist shot (we actually remarked about his snap ability two days ago in this space). When explained to him, it was clear that a traditional wrist shot is not part of repertoire. This was further evidenced by his awkward looking 57-MPH "bomb". Don't worry, Felix. We know you can play. (Gogulla later debunked the notion that German coaches don't teach that part of the game by executing a textbook wrister.)
The two squads switched pads midway through the session, with skating and conditioning drills being conducted on the other side.
The players will take the ice from 3-5 PM tomorrow and Tuesday before going their separate ways to hopefully catch some rays. These guys deserve it.
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12 Responses to "Eyeballing the shot clock"When they where aloud to skate into the shot with more strides ala NHL rule Schiestel cranked one at 91 mph and then not to be outdone Brennan hit one at an outstanding 95 mph.
Yes, I caught those as well. I knew Drew could punch it, but I didn't know he could smoke it like that. Very impressive.
(For the chart, I only recorded their official highs during the drill to keep it at a level playing field).
If my math is correct, the average slapper was 81.9 MPH, while the average wrist/snapper was 65.5. MPH.
impressive detail, dude
All three had pretty good wristers to, Schiestel 68, Biega 69 and Brennan at 71.
Great shots from the point.
Kris will Brennan be up with Portland this year? From what i saw, he probably should.
Anon 958, no on Brennan to the AHL. He won't be 20 until next April. He must turn 20 on or before 12/31/08 to be AHL eligible this season.
How come Funk didnt practice this weekend?
Not sure about Funk. He's been in the vicinity, but hasn't skated since in camp (at least Thursday-Sunday). Stafford, Byron, Hunter, and Dennis also remained off the ice this weekend.
I'm pretty sure I saw Hunter on Sat. I thought the Gerbe, Zagrapan, and Gogulla line really stood out. I'm betting they want to put those guys togther in Portland & have wanted that all along. Hopefully Gogulla stays in NA. Zagrapan looked pretty good centering that line. I wouldn't mind giving him a shot and see if he can take Connolly's place if we choose to part ways with him.
correct on Hunter...he centered Kennedy and Allard on Saturday. I agree regarding Zagrapan.
Myers being under 80 on the slapper is a bit concerning.
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