Maplebeasts
I See Demons!!!!!
The results of this game and for Canada going forward depend on two things.
1). Can Lowry adjust his strategies? It is no secret that we're playing a very individual game, relying more on individual talent to score goals than using our highly skilled roster for a more sustainable cooperative approach to offense. Our defense and goaltending have been fairly shaky, and the shift lengths need to be shortened. 35-45 seconds would be ideal.
2). Can the 96ers step up their game? Aside from Sanheim and Hickey, the 19 year olds have been really disappointing. Virtanen has struggled, Perlini hasn't contributed much, Point isn't the force we thought he would be, Mckeown, and Fleury have been questionable at best, Hicketts hasn't lived up to the letter on his sweater and I can't remember a single chance created or finished by Quenneville. Our best players so far have been from 97 (Strome, Barzal, Marner, Chabot, Crouse) with Hickey and Sanheim as exceptions.
If Lowry pulls his head out of his bum and the 19 year olds can raise their game, I don't see why we can't repeat, but we won't be cruising to the finals like last year's team.
1). Can Lowry adjust his strategies? It is no secret that we're playing a very individual game, relying more on individual talent to score goals than using our highly skilled roster for a more sustainable cooperative approach to offense. Our defense and goaltending have been fairly shaky, and the shift lengths need to be shortened. 35-45 seconds would be ideal.
2). Can the 96ers step up their game? Aside from Sanheim and Hickey, the 19 year olds have been really disappointing. Virtanen has struggled, Perlini hasn't contributed much, Point isn't the force we thought he would be, Mckeown, and Fleury have been questionable at best, Hicketts hasn't lived up to the letter on his sweater and I can't remember a single chance created or finished by Quenneville. Our best players so far have been from 97 (Strome, Barzal, Marner, Chabot, Crouse) with Hickey and Sanheim as exceptions.
If Lowry pulls his head out of his bum and the 19 year olds can raise their game, I don't see why we can't repeat, but we won't be cruising to the finals like last year's team.