Anybody still of the opinion that Sutter hockey is smash-mouth hockey? LoL
Yeah, Gaudreau, Lindholm, Mangiapane - not built for Sutter hockey? I knew Gaudreau is because he has a high compete level. That's Sutter hockey. Just the sheer relentless waves. So damn refreshing to see.
I wasn't worried about the forwards. I liked the additions and felt that they really played towards an identity for the team. The defence really worried me in terms of the transition and generating offence, but so far so good! I think they are all getting better at moving the puck forward more quickly - they haven't done this since Bob Hartley's tenure. Sure, they don't have Gio, Brodie and even Wideman back there whipping passes right onto player's tapes, but they are moving it quickly, and so far, hasn't seemed to be impacting the transition negatively.
If they keep-up with their relentless 2-way play (and I think they will), they will take the division. I think things will get interesting when they hit the inevitable dry-patch - a losing streak coupled with a goal-less streak - but Sutter knows how to guide a team through that well enough.
Also, they are fun to watch. I still see some unforced errors at times, so not everything is ironed-out, but it is coming along nicely. Exciting times ahead.
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