Smith made multiple great passes that his linemates weren't ready for and didn't have any WTF turnovers. He still needs to get stronger on the puck but that will develop over time.
Gushchin on the other hand was a complete non-factor apart from taking a penalty. It's almost like the preseason bears little resemblance to actual NHL hockey.
I remember one obvious one to granlund off the gift turnover. that was nice for sure and granny shoulda buried it.
Gush played so -so, but he is put in a position to fail. Very poor line creation and asset management there. Playing 10 mins with dyllandrea and sturm is not the right spot for a guy of his profile. he did look quick out there to me, but he needs to play with more skilled guys to maximize his value. I bet it would be very exciting if he were on the line with Zetts and Granny.
As for Warsofky, he screwed the pooch in the third, but I still love his interviews. I love that he stresses the details. I love that he mentioned that he made some poor choices in the third too. I love that his goal is work hard and keep getting better. That's the right message, and he addressed the "It's last year all over again" clearly. He just seems different than Quinn in his approach, knowledge of the game, and expectations and teaching.
In some ways, this was the perfect game 1. Great second period. Great debut for celly. Some great play. AND terrible third, and weak 1st too. lots to learn and work on. Thats what you want, lots of learning tools, but also some successes to enjoy.
My over 63.5 bet is looking good
! 82 pt pace! hahaha, just kiddin'...
Btw, really want to shout out Jake Walman. He's just so clearly head and shoulders above any other defenseman we have. Legit second pairing guy. He was constantly noticeable not just for actually being able to handle the puck but also for making strong defensive plays and executing successful breakouts.
We desperately need another Walman-caliber defenseman, stat.
Totally agreed. Walman was excellent. I was realllly impressed. Ceci was also solidly boring.
Benning, on the other hand, is not an NHLer. His turnovers in the preseason were impressive, and he continued being god awful in this game. I wonder if he finds the pine shortly when Mukh comes back or if Thompson steps up in the A. Benning feels like the real weakest link on the D to me.