Just a few observations from the game. Granlund is a NHL player. Very slick at times and works hard in both ends. The concerns about his skating have been over-blown. He's not Emile Poirier, but he gets around just fine. Speaking of skating, Monahan must have spent the break working on his stride. There is a visible difference in his skating. He looks much more stable and confident out there. Starting to look like a guy whose been in the league for several years and not a wet-behind-the-ears rookie. Thought to myself on a couple of occasions, there is the new franchise.
The Abby players were just crazy good tonight. None of them looked out of place. Knight is ready and should be sticking around. Awesome in the faceoff dot and played a solid two way game. I'd like to see what he could do with some talented players around him. Still, very effective in the spots he played. Hanowski is quicker than last season but still has an awkward stride. He is effective, but he just looks uncomfortable out there. Reminds me of Bouma when he first appeared on the radar. Still a solid two way guy, and you can't have enough of those in the system. Good depth. Reinhart is another guy that the Flames have to make room for. Does everything well. He actually looked like he needed a faster puck last night, as he was ahead of the play rather than trailing. He was effective on both sides of the puck and showed he could handle the physical game. Finally, from the farm, Ortio looked great in his second start. Didn't look awkward at times like he did in his first game. Stayed square to the shooter and didn't give up many big juicy rebounds. Looks like a kid who has a bright future.
On the veteran side of the roster, Giordano is Mr. Everything to this team. Glad Burke thinks he's a keeper, because he appears to be the glue that pulls everything together for this club. I thought Hudler had a great game going until he got hurt. Another one of those guys that makes the kids better players. A guy that surprised me was Butler. The way he jumped in when Hudler got smoked along the boards really made a positive impression. In a bottom pairing role I could stomach him being around until one of our defensive prospects shows they are ready.
All-in-all that was a very enjoyable game to watch, especially knowing that Ottawa was a buyer and considered a real up-and-coming team in the east. A good test for the Heat, and they passed with flying colors! Can't wait to see the influx of Gaudreau, Arnold and Agostino into the system too. I wish we had a couple of defensemen ready to make the jump. Things are looking bright down the road.
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