2009 In The Game Between The Pipes
This is a pretty solid pack, first off the Masked Men insert (Silver Edition) of Manny Fernandez is fantastic, the scan doesn’t do it justice, it is a very sharp card. It’s not serial numbered or anything, but even if you aren’t a Bruins fan you have to appreciate the clarity of the mask.
Leland Irving is the possibly the best goalie prospect in their minor league system. Last year for the Quad City Flames he put up a respecatble 24-18-2 and a GAA of 2.23. He was the 26th overall pick in the 2006 draft and his time is coming soon in Calgary.
Kevin Poulin is a former 5th round pick of the New York Islanders. He is still in the Junior ranks as he continues to improve each year. Last season for the Victoriaville Tigres he 18-16-3 with a 3.01 GAA. He needs more seasoning but he appears to be headed in the right direction.
Al Smith was a star of the New England Whalers of the WHA, who was named Goalie of the Year after the 1977-78 season. His career WHA numbers are 141-98 with a 3.25 GAA.
Pack Rating: 4.0/5.0 – Nice mix of prospects, current and former goaltenders.
2009 In the Game Heroes and Prospects
Brian Lee was the 9th overall pick in 2005 by the Sens. He spent most of 2009 with the club but was sent down mid season where he put up identical numbers in half the time played. Next year he should stick with the Sens. They have a young and exciting team, should prove to be fun to watch.
Keven Veillieux is the 2007 2nd round draft pick for the Pens. Still in the juniors (although this was his last season) expect him to surface in Scranton next season and for probably 2 years there.
Alexander Ovechkin, he’s a pretty good player for the Caps.
Vladimir Mihalik had a solid season for the Norfolk Admirals where he put up 15 points. He is still at least a year away from Tampa though.
Philippe Cornet is someone who you should keep an eye out for. Lots of teams passed on him, but he has really come out since being drafted by the Oilers in the 5th round of the 2008 draft. This past season he put up a 29-48-77 stat line and expect it to get better next year (his last of the juniors). He should be ready for Edmonton by 2011.
Pack Rating – 3.0/5.0 – The Ovechkin lifts this pack quite a bit, but also the Cornet and Lee cards are good prospects.
Don’t agree with my pack ratings, leave a comment and give us your own! Also know anything about these guys? Tell us what you know.
Agreed….Ovie on his own makes that pack a 3/5. The best player in the league on his own by far. He doesn’t raise other players as much as a Malkin or Crosby though.