I want to see some dynamic offence from the team. By that I mean players like Brodie and Hanafin given the green light to get up in the attack - even lead it. I'd like to see less reliance on chipping the puck in and more true puck possession (the puck is carried into the offensive zone, players hold on to it and make plays). I don't want to see the rigid, robotic D to D and up that was seemingly mandated last season.
I'd like to see the PP move the puck quickly and across the ice and I want to see some one timers off those passes. I want to see some creativity and flair without playing too loose in the defensive zone.
I'd like for Smith to continue to cut out the high risk puck handling he did last season compared to his ARZ days but if he can fire it up to the forwards smartly (no opponents near by to steal puck for easy goals) then I'd love to see him add making the transition lightning fast.
I want to see Czarnik show the hands, stick handling and speed that allows him to carry the puck and give Bennett and Jankowski's line that zone entry force that Gaudreau is for his line.
I want to see some elite skill out of Lindholm - his scouting reports from his draft year are pretty amazing and it would be fantastic if he can unlock all that talent. I want to see this guy play to make plays and not be scared.
That's the big thing I want to see from Peters. Instill the mindset of an attacking team that isn't afraid to make mistakes and just play aggressive all over the ice all the time. Last season was a team afraid to make mistakes and it lead to static boring hockey. Cut that out.
Play with speed, play with flair and just be relentless. Regain that hard working identity but combine it with the skill and talent that is in the roster. Make the in game adjustments and just assert a greater will and belief.
Play hard and be fun to watch.
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