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Enoch Root · 09-29-2018, 09:23 PM

My thoughts on the pre-season overall:

Loved the aggressive forecheck and tight gap control in all 3 zones.
Loved the team speed and the up-tempo play
Saw some really promising things on the PP, particularly the play going down low, then back up to the slot for a quick shot
Thought the PK was more aggressive than last year, which is good
Overall, I didn’t see anything from the coaching staff that upset me. The style of play seems significantly better than last year.
The new additions were all positive:

Lindholm is as advertised, a really solid player
Hanifin has all the tools and for the most part, was better defensively than I expected
Czarnik looks to be a steal of a pickup
Ryan adds good depth
Neal has done nothing, but that doesn’t concern me in the slightest – he is exactly the kind of vet that couldn’t give a #### about the pre-season, especially after back-to-back cup appearances

Was very pleasantly surprised by the kids.

Mangiapane was solid and is ready for the NHL.
Valimaki was more poised than I expected for a 20 year old, and looks ready for the NHL (though I think Stockton still makes sense)
Andersson is NHL ready
Dube was even better than expected. His speed and dynamic play make him a must for the team IMO. This kid is a player, and regardless of where he starts the season, will be a full time member of the top 9 in no time

The kids have pushed Lazar and Hathaway out of the lineup. One of them, either Mangiapane or Dube, has to be in the opening lineup. My vote is Dube, but both are worthy, and either is an upgrade.
Giordano is going to have a monster season
Brodano showed some good things and I believe they will build as they regain their confidence and familiarity
Not confident in Kulak, and not at all confident in Kulak-Stone as a pairing
I am not worried about the goaltending, but it is hard to argue that any of them did anything positive to be excited about. If they get off to a shaky start, it could get ugly quickly.

09-29-2018, 09:23 PM	#73
Enoch Root Franchise Player Join Date: May 2012 Exp:	My thoughts on the pre-season overall: Loved the aggressive forecheck and tight gap control in all 3 zones. Loved the team speed and the up-tempo play Saw some really promising things on the PP, particularly the play going down low, then back up to the slot for a quick shot Thought the PK was more aggressive than last year, which is good Overall, I didn’t see anything from the coaching staff that upset me. The style of play seems significantly better than last year. The new additions were all positive: Lindholm is as advertised, a really solid player Hanifin has all the tools and for the most part, was better defensively than I expected Czarnik looks to be a steal of a pickup Ryan adds good depth Neal has done nothing, but that doesn’t concern me in the slightest – he is exactly the kind of vet that couldn’t give a #### about the pre-season, especially after back-to-back cup appearances Was very pleasantly surprised by the kids. Mangiapane was solid and is ready for the NHL. Valimaki was more poised than I expected for a 20 year old, and looks ready for the NHL (though I think Stockton still makes sense) Andersson is NHL ready Dube was even better than expected. His speed and dynamic play make him a must for the team IMO. This kid is a player, and regardless of where he starts the season, will be a full time member of the top 9 in no time The kids have pushed Lazar and Hathaway out of the lineup. One of them, either Mangiapane or Dube, has to be in the opening lineup. My vote is Dube, but both are worthy, and either is an upgrade. Giordano is going to have a monster season Brodano showed some good things and I believe they will build as they regain their confidence and familiarity Not confident in Kulak, and not at all confident in Kulak-Stone as a pairing I am not worried about the goaltending, but it is hard to argue that any of them did anything positive to be excited about. If they get off to a shaky start, it could get ugly quickly.