My thoughts cause I can't help myself
Leo: not as good a game as his first preseason appearance but he made the right plays at the right time to put up a three point night. There's still a bit of inexperience showing with him where the timing is just a bit off. But he's a lot more confident with the puck and that's going to lead to more offense as he continues to refine his game at this level. His faceoff performance was better but still bad. Just not 12% bad.
Cutter: Not as good a performance as his last game either but can't argue with that goal. The chemistry between him and Leo is still unquestionable, just a question of how much better it can get. I think Cutter needs to slow his game down at times. He has a tendency to try to make his passing plays before he's gotten a sense for whether he has a lane or if it's even possible to make the connection. He had a nice pass in the neutral zone to spring his linemates on a 2 on 1 and it's because he stopped, looked, and saw Leo was turning on the jets and he made a nice dish that was well timed. Other times he'd get the puck and just throw it towards a teammate with no real care for aim and timing. This is why I'm not comfortable with him as one of our centers. If the worst he'll be is a complimentary triggerman, then he shouldn't be the pivot. These are things he can work one but for right now he's a bit careless with the puck. But I'll give him a pass cause he still only has one real NHL game under his belt.
Mac: I didn't think he had the best third period. He needs to work on his defense without question. But the added speed and his more decisive style of play should see him get a bump in his production.
Fabbri: I mean everyone saw it. His speed and tenacity was a difference maker. As long as his disregard for his own health doesn't result in an injury this looks like a pretty solid pick up for this team.
Luneau: looked to me like he was focusing on trying to work on his defensive assignment marking. He wasn't perfect in that regard but at least it looked like he had a plan to work on that aspect of his game and he was pretty solid. Wasn't overly involved offensively like that first rookie game but his awareness to jump in the play with Fabbri for that give and go set up was pretty damn good.
Lacombe: I don't know why he was the third star but I'll give him the credit that he seems more responsible in all three zones, he just didn't really do anything remarkable offensively. There's 7 d for 6 spots on this team and I couldn't tell you what this team is going to do. If Lacombe builds on this defensive responsibility it would be tough to leave him out of the lineup.
Killorn: overall I thought he had a better outing tonight than his first game where it looked like he was fighting himself to get and keep control of the puck. A couple good set ups here and there but for a veteran like him, I'd still like to see him be a more positive impact on offensive zone puck possession.
Sennecke: you watch him on a night like tonight and think man, if he was just the right size he could join this team right now. He had some rookie mistakes here and there but overall his vision, passing and involvement in the flow of NHL style hockey was at a much higher level than I was expecting. And, there's something to be said for him laying a guy out with a check even when it looks like he weights 150 pounds soaking wet. I hope we get to see him again in the last game. Very promising future. It really looks like the only thing preventing him from being a top 6 forward is the lack of bulk. His absolute floor is second line winger in the NHL, the way I see it.
Dostal: really strong performance from him. You can tell his abilities have improved over the summer and especially after that WC run. He's tracking the puck really well, he's composed in the net and he made a lot of great saves. I'd say that unless his play collapses somehow, it's his net whether Gibson is healthy or not.
Fowler: he had his weak moments but overall I though he played a solid game at both ends. Fowler is what he is at this point. He has his strong moments and his weak moments. I'm impartial on trading him personally but I lean towards not being comfortable to having more than half our blueline composed of a rookie and three sophomores.
Gudas: was Gudas. No real notes. He didn't look any better or worse than what we're accustomed to.
Mintyukov: definitely some rust and seemed a little apprehensive for most of the game until the last ten minutes and I *loved* seeing him step up to defend Carlsson when he was getting mobbed by Bortuzzo. This team needs more of that camaraderie on the ice. Hopefully he gains confidence little by little cause overall, he didn't have too much of an impact.
Dumoulin: he just looks solid. I don't really have complaints or praise. He's a solid #4 type guy playing to his role.
Colangelo: this is where things get interesting, the battle for fourth line spots. I was pretty critical of Colangelo's play in the rookie tournament but he's definitely stepped it up in preseason and I think he's one of the stronger candidates for one of those spots. Strong on the forecheck, made solid plays with the puck, I can't complain too much about his game tonight. A few times he lost his man in the defensive zone but everyone did at least once.
Nesterenko: I've been rooting for Nester for a while now, I just don't think he's right for a fourth line spot. He had a few solid moments attacking the net including that solo rush from the neutral zone. I just don't think he does enough away from the puck to warrant a fourth line spot. He plays like a top 6er but he's not good enough to bump anyone out of that spot or force Verbeek to make a move to give him one. I think he goes back to the AHL unfortunately but will probably be one of the first guys they call up in case of injury. I like his game better than Pastujov at least.
Gaucher: I liked what I saw from Gaucher as a whole, he had good energy and was properly involved on the forecheck. He'll make this team eventually but I think it comes down to him and Leason for the spot in question and I think at this point Leason is more effective with the puck on his stick. Still one more game for him to prove otherwise.
McGinn: he had a better game but historically he's always been whatever. He's playing to earn a spot but what I've seen him do with a spot when he has it is not inspiring. I'd rather the team just move on from him and cut their losses. I don't see him playing this way on a nightly basis. But maybe that's negativity bias.
Harkins: honestly I didn't notice him much and I'm not gonna pretend I did just to have something to say but if he didn't stick out to me, I don't see him as a top contender to make this team. But maybe my blindness is wrong and you guys have better insight.
Johnston: is Johnston.
