Advantage of Being ‘Good Mates Off the Ice’
“Numerous the chemistry with Jagger is pure,” stated Morrison after observe final week. “We’re two good gamers. We each see the ice in comparable methods. We will learn off one another in that approach. Nevertheless it entails communication too. We’re actually good associates off the ice. We’re not scared to inform one another if we’re open or and totally different performs that we see.”
Because the youngest AHL group, the Firebirds are impressively within the hunt for home-ice benefit within the Western Convention postseason and simply seven standing factors from notching a 3rd convention title in simply 4 seasons.
Morrison is incomes excessive marks from Laxdal for each his management and upping his defensive sport on the top-line middle. His chief instincts kicked into excessive gear when veteran middle Ben Meyers was referred to as as much as the Kraken to kind an energizer fourth line with Jacob Melanson and Ryan Winterton, each former leaders in their very own methods on the AHL stage.
Veteran of Kinds – and By Necessity
“I do not think about myself an older man,” stated the 23-year-old now in his third AHL season. “I really feel like, I imply, in comparison with a variety of guys on our group and their age, I really feel like I’m an older man. So I did have to take that management function [when Meyers was recalled after posting a nine-game point streak with the Firebirds. I have a big role in the team, especially with “Meysie’ doing great in Seattle. I feel like I need to step up and lead the guys.”
Laxdal said Morrison, who has appeared in four Kraken games, is working on executing the smaller details of a pro center’s role. Laxdal speaks from 67 NHL games played, 16 pro seasons in North America and Europe plus three years as an assistant coach with the Dallas Stars.
“Mo has done a good job of incorporating some of the things I’ve been asking him to do on his defensive zone play,” said the Firebirds head coach. “He’s obviously playing well on both sides of the puck, elevating his game offensively. He’s putting up points for us. For him to take the next step, it will be about the little things of the game that he’s starting to incorporate every night, game in, game out.
“There are areas of games he’s got to continue to work on. He will keep working on getting stronger, having that foundation of not getting bounced off puck battles as easy, as it does happen sometimes. I’m pretty blunt with Mo.”
