Just got back from the game, so a few notes:
There were some very scary moments. Harrison deflecting a caps pass right on net comes to mind, but there were others.
We need to dictate intensity better. The first was pretty lackluster. If one player on either team grabs the pucks and turns on the afterburners, the whole character of the game shifts. It was tentative hockey, and that means you can take advantage with one good shift, and it also means the other team can take advantage of you.
We were playing really, really horribly early in the second. That timeout did a world of good- whatever Muller said or didn't say, it worked. The reverse with Murphy and Hainsey(?) right before the timeout was one of the worst examples of defensive teamwork I've ever seen- fortunately, it wasn't at a high pressure moment of the game.
The first goal looked pretty weak.
Gerbe is awesome. He's both quick and fast, and just keeps going. Offside a couple of times, but he creates pressure and turnovers with his speed, and he can actually convert them into goals.
Holtby really likes to put the puck back into play after gloving it. I don't think I've ever seen a goalie do that so much.
The Canes did a good job in making use of the ice. They spread the puck around and did a good job at keeping the caps moving, opening up lanes.
Lindholm! Woot! May it be the first of many.
Now, I will read the thread and see what ya'll thought of it.
Also, many thanks to These Is The Times for bringing me one of the backpacks from the home opener!
