Quote:
Originally Posted by djsFlames
What changed there. Seems like something clicked for them.
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A few things. Some players like Ekblad are having big bounceback years. He's key to their success at both ends of the ice. But Huberdeau and Barkov have shown that they are part of the elite class in the NHL. Just dominant out there most nights.
But there have been key additions. Carter Verhaeghe was picked out of Tampa's organization for nothing, and he's been a big boost offensively. Hornqvist has been a strong addition as well, bringing veteran savvy and net front presence. Wennberg, Duclair, and even Luostarinen have filled out the middle six well.
Gudas has been a really strong pick up, doing heavy lifting in his own end defensively (He's a team leading +10 with just 2 points to his name). That's helped to fill out a defense group that is usually focused more on offense.
Chris Driedger has picked up where he left off last year and has been even better. He's slowly taking away the net from Bobrovsky, who hasn't been awful, but he still lets in enough soft goals that it frustrates you.
But really, nothing else other than I think Coach Q is finally getting through to these guys. They're committed to defense, and although they aren't great at it yet, they no longer bleed scoring chances and goals like they used to. Special teams have been pretty good as well, which speaks to coaching and systems.
But more than anything, the team attacks relentlessly. They lead the league in SOG/game at 34.7, a full shot above team #2. They have 4 lines that contribute goals all the time and they don't give up a lot of easy ones anymore. Simple as that.