I thought Cassie Campbell was really good last night. Her insights have always been good, but her delivery was somewhat awkward (like most people as they start in that field). But she is clearly getting more comfortable. Might have been her best game covering the Flames.
The goal on Smith wasn't good - you have to push forward and challenge the shooter, but he sat back and made himself small. The epitome of a lack of confidence. However, the save in the 3rd was huge, and overall, you have to say he had a solid game. He seems to be coming around, and that would be great news for this team.
The D is ridiculous. Stone is a solid 5/6 guy, who can step up and be a decent #4 for a while when needed. Yet he can't crack a lineup that now boasts 4 guys that average 21.4 years old, and only one has celebrated his 22nd birthday. And they aren't just holding their own, they're all good. THREE years from now, these 4 will average 24 years old, the age that defensemen usually start to get comfortable in this league. It's scary how bright the future is with these guys. Kyllington was rock-solid last night.
Really liked Bennett's game - continuing to play physical and aggressive, but also looked very confident in dropping a couple nasty dangles. I also thought Neal had a solid game. Good to see Backlund get a couple - hopefully that ignites him offensively.
Johnny was off the charts in that game, not just dangling, but flat-out embarrassing guys. He embarrassed Doughty, among others. Could easily have had a hattie.
Some people talking about a lack of finish or lack of killer instinct, but there were lots of grade A chances (form Johnny alone!) that could have broken the game open. He destroyed Peterson on the wrap-around, and that's a goal 99 times out of 100.
Solid home win against a really bad team. 10-4-1 in their last 15. And it still doesn't feel like they're playing as well as they can, nor can you say they're firing on all cylinders yet.
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