Regarding the interference call from backlund that was clear oilers benefit. They need a ref in the stands or in a video booth to help the on ice guys with a different angle. That play is a cross check on a guy skating through the neutral zone. How many times does that ever get called that way?
Man it’s nice to beat those coilers and that lottery team. Flames weren’t great but that fight really propelled them to play more aggressively than I have seen in a while. I know, coaching. Darryl is so refreshing to lead a team with championship aspirations. He has such respected insights that you can tell the league is on notice.
Eats bread lucic backlund line were gamers. Mangiapane punches above his weight class. Wicked cattle dog like effort. Lucic is reborn.
Monny looks to be better In His own zone and neutral zone. I will happily eat crow if he turns his game around and becomes more solid in his own zone and the neutral zone. Ritchie has really made a difference on that line. He’s a cop. He’s not that skilled but he’s a good cycle option offensively. Monny and Johnny need to play to his style. That’s what’s gonna get them playoff glory. But at least Jonny is making the right play at the blue lines.
Lindy dube and chucky. The first two are really gelling. Chucki is biding his time I suppose. Lindy being addressed by sutter on the postgame is good. Sutter is such an effective media presence. He uses what’s at his disposal besides ice time. He’s gonna have these media types serving as fuel for our teams reflective captivation. These guys read the clippings and hear their names in interviews. He’s putting his psychological chops on display. Lindy will blossom with this style of leadership. Sutter even called him a quiet leader.
“4th” line was good again they were close a couple times. I like their straight line play he’s together by doc. Benny and leivo lol inspired and focused. They have a good balance for that line. Our depth should be better than most depth around the league. We are a cap team with no upper tier contracts rather numerous value contracts. This teams depth should be a problem for other clubs. Sutter knew before taking the job. Soldier and solider up!
Hanifin. Wow this good is really appreciating the coaching change. It looks good on him. I was a huge fan of the Dougie trade but know we are starting to see why. These two for Doug? Come on easy all day especially with Dougie wanting pietrangelo money.
I hope Noah blossoms more on the pp now. When we acquired him I saw a stat coming from Carolina saying hanifin was elite at gaining the zone. So Jonny and Noah with lindy as puck carries on pp1 seems like it could really work. Hopefully Noah works on his shot to become more of a threat to shoot on pp1. But him and Tanev were a revelation as a duo.
Tanev was such a good signing and I knew immediately. I have watched him bail out Vancouver for years. They miss him. But man I never knew he was this fast. He can really skate. He’s like a young Rhett warrener with his shot blocking.
OK is ok. Phew. That looked ugly but his speed is more welcome than nesterov. The shine has worn off from nesterov. Too indecisive to play up tempo hockey. Valimaki is setting into 11 minutes territory. That’s perfect for him. Play hanifin and Tanev moar.
Gio and Rasmus getting more comfortable playing faster and more physical below the Gil line. Less bad pinches from ras will stabilize his play.
Marky was strong when we needed him. Clutch save prevented a three point outcome.
BT has saved this season and this core while guaranteeing his own replacement. Worth it. This group is who we thought they were. Keep that brass bonanza playing.