Kerins looks really good. He still has flaws in his game with his puck management and defensive play, but he's all over the ice tonight making plays.
Yan Kuznetsov has really impressed me. Smart defensive plays, handling his zone with ease. He's made a couple of really nice outlet passes to spring a forward as well.
Solovyov looks pretty good defensively, a couple hiccups, but that's expected in preseason.
Both those guys have been better than Bahl or Pachal defensively, and I know it's preseason, but it is something to note that they seem ready to take a step into the NHL.
I didn't love Parekh's coverage on the Seattle goal, but he has made some very nice plays as well. If he does make the team, I can already see how polarizing he will be for the traditional hockey fan vs. the modern fan.
Brzustewicz quietly put up 2 assists and a +2 so far. Impressive. I haven't noticed anything bad about his game, but he is under the radar, so maybe I just didn't pay enough attention.
Honzek has had a couple of flashes, but is playing way too passively still despite his added weight. He's probably going to have to go back to the AHL to figure out how to play aggressively with his larger size. What he's doing now is not going to keep him in the NHL, despite his high IQ and skills.
Stromgren has not impressed me. I just don't see an NHL player in him yet. Maybe he'll continue to develop in the AHL this year.
Kirkland looks lost out there. I wonder if last year was a flash in the pan because he doesn't look like the same player right now.
Gridin is all over it, but his instincts are going to have to adapt to the pace of NHL hockey. I suspect he is sent down to work on it to start the season, but he's very close. I think he plays NHL games this year.
Morton has been solid, but his shot attempts aren't going to scare anyone. Still, he works hard and is usually on the right side of the puck, and he does generate some offense. He's on the radar for the 4th line center spot.
Overall, a fun game, even if it is early pre-season sloppy hockey. I look forward to seeing Owen Say in the 3rd.
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