[united]

Much better in person rather than the close-up/low camera angle from Red Deer. Thought the pace was a bit quicker too but hard to say with certainty.

Pelletier
Another game I noticed him everywhere doing all the right little things that typically go unnoticed or unappreciated, and displaying his non-stop motor. Is able to competently and confidently assume C when first F back. Excellent IQ.

Yelesin
Looked more comfortable this game than last, and I thought he was easily the best defenceman in the game. Excited for a few more looks over the next three weeks against better competition.

Ruzicka
Had one of his "on" games - engaged and moving his feet in all three zones. He looks so good when he comes to work. Just needs that consistency.

Pospisil
Such an #######, but an ####### with skill and skating ability. Always screwing around with little ####, like Tkachuk, but with far less discipline when it comes to the obvious stuff.

Gawdin
I thought Gawdin was terrific tonight as well, even aside from his goal. Noticeable directing traffic and dictating which faceoff sets they were running.


I can't believe how poor the Oilers are, especially considering the state of the Flames' defense aside from Yelesin (all other D looked poor IMO - what a fall Nielsen has had). You would think a guy like Marody would light it up but he was terrible, and I didn't even know Lavoie played until reading about the game afterward.

I also think I finally figured out the answer to something that had been bugging me for a while...who Bouchard stylistically reminds me of: fellow ex-Knight, (prime) Dennis Wideman.
Awesome vision and exceptional ability to hit tape in transition whether a slip pass, bank, mid-range, sauce, or multi-zone bomb, and is good at getting pucks through traffic. But, like Wideman, those attributes are coupled with below average skating and a laconic demeanor.