So it's been a couple of weeks.
On the downside, Nieves blew a wide open net.
And worse, he got undressed by Kopitar leading directly to a goal.
I am not concerned as all players miss open nets. Vesey did on a gorgeous Nieves set up, costing Boo an assist. It happens, and comes with the territory.
And that wasn't the first, nor will it be the last, time that Kopitar overwhelms someone.
Focusing now on the rule more than the exceptions to, on the positive side, Nieves is trending upwards, + 2 over the last 5 games. He is now net positive for a career and is erasing the small +/- deficit for this season, despite being told to play our of position at W a couple of games and being typically with minimal 4th line talent [including the likes of McLeod], sometimes if not often checking vs. potent opposite lines.
He is clearly able to play solid defense, skate like the wind, and use the big body, while making smooth passes. He only lacks so far scoring, but he seems to be able to step when, the few times it has occurred, playing with better talent.
I am very interested to see how he works with Chytil.
I predicted if Zib dealt, until Kravtsov gets here, the line should be
Kreider - Nieves - Chytil
let's see how the TD goes...