Quote:
Originally Posted by Robbob
After seeing the rosters I thought that the Flames were in a no win position. Putting up 10 put that to bed. They won as expected, in a fashion that was as good as you could. Top grade for a preseason game. The chefs kiss was sitting beside Canuck fans that paid to watch that.
|
This is what I thought going into yesterday:s game, as well. My takeaway was this:
When it comes to preseason, it is nearly impossible to read much of anything into the games. Veterans are pacing their way up to getting into game-shape, and getting their timing back; systems are usually works in progress; lines are juggled. As a rule, I have found that putting ANY stock in a veteran's preseason performance is a fool's errand (take a look at posters complaints about Toffoli all through last year's preseason.) Win or lose; look great or terrible; it means literally nothing. I like it when players play great, but if they don't there is no reason to panic. It's always good to see prospects shine in preseason, as this is the time when they are pushing for jobs. We certainly saw that last night in Coronato. I was also pleased to see Oesterle and Solovyov play well.
But, I do think that last night was a little different just because of how poorly things went in 2023. It was important that Huberdeau, Kadri and Markstrom put in such excellent performances, if only as a statement to everyone watching that they are better than what they showed last year. It was so good to see the powerplay moving the puck like it did, even if this was just at a game against AHL shlubs. I have been excited to see how this team looks on the ice, and last night did not disappoint.
Sent from my moto g stylus 5G (2022) using Tapatalk