A frustrating game for sure. Lots of chances, especially near the end. Gaudreau was all over the ice, I though for sure he was going to have something to do with the tying goal.
I'd like to see all the call ups slot into the line-up for next game, just to get some fresh blood and remind a few guys that there are guys nipping at their heels.
Gaudreau - Monahan - Hudler
Sven - Backlund - Colborne
Bouma - Jooris - Jones
Wolf - Stajan - Byron
Brodie - Giordano
Russell - Wideman
Wotherspoon - Diaz
Raymond needs to be in-check, he's just not affecting the play at all. Might as well see of someone can do better. All Sven would have to do is match his defensive play (which is mediocre) and bring some more offensive creativity and he would be a better option. And don't shout about his AHL totals vs Raymonds NHL. Raymond has been bad, and Sven has been hot in the A the last 15 or so games. Sven may not be lighting it up, but Raymond is not doing anything. Give a call-up a shot.
Byron missing another breakaway is frustrating, but he impacts the game elsewhere. He's physical, fast and back checks like a demon. He turned over multiple pucks in the neutral zone using his speed. Not sure what people want more than that. It's more than Raymond does for sure.
Engelland is a bad NHL defenseman. Simple keeps at the blueline. Simple, open cross-ice passes. He just can't execute and I'd rather see how Spoon would do. Diaz had a good game I thought. Although I'd rather have Spoon-Smid if he was healthy.
Hopefully Glencross can go, in that case, I'd give Byron the bench and still try Sven/Wolf. I haven't been a Sven cheerleader, but I think will bring than Raymond, if only just some effort and enthusiasm.
Dubnyk played great. Gotta give him credit.
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