Date Published: 12-27-2022
Photo Credit: Team USA
What a game by Cutter Gauthier and Team USA. Gauthier did not register a point against Latvia, but he was by far one of the best skaters and one of the best skaters on the ice for that matter. He logged the third most ice time for an American last night with 19:21, registered five shots on net, and was a plus one for his efforts. Yes, both Red Savage and Dylan Duke had a day with 1g,1a each, but Gauthier stood out amongst the rest especially with the way he carries the puck up the ice.
Gauthier, 18, stands at 6’2 and weighs in at 189 pounds. Not only is this a solid build for not only a pro hockey player, but it gives the Flyers much needed size down the middle in the future. His size and skating really wreaked havoc on the Latvian team, and it felt like he was always making a play. The puck appeared to be glued to his stick, do not panic fans the points will come.
A young Gauthier was born in Sweden. His father was a goalie in the Swedish Elite League, so it’s kind of shocking he has become a Power Forward. The first name Cutter came from a Swedish cookbook, yup a cook book as Cutter exclaimed after he was drafted by the orange and black. For his efforts he is killing it for the Boston College Men’s Hockey Team this season, as he has netted nine goals and six assists in 13 games played.
Believe it or not Gauthier was the guy the Flyers wanted from day one, they love his shot, size, and his skating abilities for being a more sizeable prospect in the pipeline. Moreover, they love what he can eventually become, especially with his candidness to shoot the puck. The Flyers are now targeting shoot-first players, and it’s become evident with the past two drafts. For instance, Tyson Foerster’s best ability is his shot, while Samu Tuomaala, although struggling in the Liiga League, is a first shot mentality player. The Flyers are really trying to find a sniper(s) to wreak havoc on their opponents in the future.
Gauthier and Team USA do not play today.
Brian Zanetti
Zanetti believe it or not struggled a bit yesterday in the 3-2 overtime upset victory over Finland. He only logged 17:30 of ice time and registered a minus one for his efforts. Zanetti did manage to fire two shots on net, but he didn’t have that smoothness and calmness to his game like people are used to seeing. He loves to transition with the play up the ice, and Zanetti appeared to be hesitant with that yesterday.
One main reason why he may have been used scarcely is they play today. The Swiss play today at 4pm EST against a tough Latvian team, so maybe his low ice time played a factor yesterday.
This young 19-year-old, 6’2, weighing 181 pounds in Zanetti needs time to develop. Like most prospects he has to get bigger and stronger, he’s a bit lanky, and he reminds me of the build of Mason Millman when he was first drafted by the Flyers. However, Zanetti likes to join the rush, and is a smooth skating defenseman.
Brian is a solid two-way defenceman, has good puck skills, and uses his size well to protect the puck. He closes gaps well which is a bonus, but he needs to work on playing the body more as well.
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There is some rawness, but he knows what he needs to work on. He has the height as he stands at 6’2, now he just needs to fill in. That will come in time.
Switzerland faces a tough Latvian team today at 4pm EST.
