Quote:
Originally Posted by howard_the_duck
To me in his limited ice time, what screamed about his game was hockey I.Q. Quick chip plays on the boards, combined with moments where he needed to hang on for a few moments to get an open passing lane on breakout.
Ironically hockey I.Q was seen as a weakness during his time with the Sens (according to fans, anyway).
I was very encouraged with what I saw, and to me embodied the traits of why the Flames brass is so bullish on him.
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Maybe he benefited mentally from sitting in the press box here with his eyes glued to the hottest team in the NHL. With the coaches having said "we aren't changing the lineup until we lose" I think he could sit there without any pressure & soak it all in without the negative baggage he accumulated in Ottawa.
The other noticeable thing was how the coaching staff & veterans alike were beaming with what seemed like pride & encouragement. It was like Lazar was their prized Labrador puppy & he just aced his obedience training...
Anyway, it seems to me that he's well-liked and seems to be happy to be here. A nice injection of youthful enthusiasm for the stretch drive.