I'm pretty happy with that outing overall, so it sucks that we lost. Officiating took away some flow from that game.
Some positive notes:
- Happy Johnny, Mony and Lindholm got on the scoresheet in game 1. Offensive guys need confidence and getting that first point/goal out of the way early is important IMO.
- Rittich looked good and made great saves. Looked a little rattled at times, so hopefully he settles in and believes in himself. I sure do.
- Loved Lucic sticking up for a 4th line teammate. I think that galvanized the team and they kept pushing despite having momentum taken away from them time and again with chintzy penalty calls.
- The d-men looked good, particularly Gio and Hanifin. Not sure what all the fuss is about with Brodie, the guy is a top pair d-man in the NHL with great positive metrics. Kylington continues to be a deer on the ice, and Andersson exceedingly high hockey IQ.
- Love Bennett's intensity and he made many smart plays.
Some negative notes:
- Frolik tough game. As a vet, you give him some time to figure it out before you look at benchings, trade or waive.
- Janko normally is solid defensively. Left a lot to be desired last night.
- First period the whole team except Rittich and maybe Lindholm were tentative, but did a 180 after the 2nd intermission.
I thought Dube would be on the opening night roster, I like the speed he brings. If you end up sitting Frolik, I'd put Bennett on 2nd line and Dube can take Bennett's spot.
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