[calgARI]

Vancouver is extremely bad. Their execution is pathetic in all situations.

Calgary played well, but still clearly very early in the season. They are big time undisciplined and it isn't just the slashing crackdown either. That said, their PK was outstanding though slightly aided by Vancouver being so terrible.

The forward group has unreal potential. Bennett and Lazar are both so close to breaking through offensively. Backlund, Tkachuk, Gaudreau, Versteeg, Frolik are all playing very well and at capacity. Monahan has been fine but has another gear. Jagr is really dynamic of course and just needs more time. One issue in my mind is that there are only two right handed shots (I think) in the top nine - Versteeg and Lazar, who were on the same line a good amount. The lack of a righty can hurt the execution. Bennett I think belongs on the wing, just lacks a bit on the creativity end of things when he plays in the middle.

Brouwer was very good on the PK I thought. Struggles mightily on the PP, just too far behind.

The D was very good, but felt they were too loose with their sticks at points. Giordano particularly good. Brodie becoming one of the most dynamic blueliners in the league. Good to see Hamilton break through.

Smith has been really outstanding. What a difference-maker as far as puck-handling. And he reliably stops shots, unlike his last couple of predecessors.

4-2 is a nice start, especially with 4 of those games being on the road. Any of us would have taken 3-1 this week with 4 in 6 nights, 3 on the road. There is very serious upside with this team. Need to tighten defensively and gain stronger cohesion in all situations, but that's of course normal for this point in the season. Special scoring depth, best in the league potential. Blueline best in the league potential. Interested to see where it goes. I put a lot of stock in the coaching this year as far as the group gelling X's and O's plus finding the right combinations - if they do their job, this is a Stanley Cup contender, no question.