taylord22
Registered User
- Mar 30, 2009
- 1,529
- 323
That's how I saw it, as well. There were forced passes by all of the top line, but they also created a lot of high danger chances — and, perhaps most importantly — were disruptive in the defensive zone against the Seguin/Benn line(s) for 2 periods. I would've liked to see more chances, but..."Heiskanen" ... he was the best skater on the ice.The top line is good, but I am not sure about they middle 6. Maybe the just need time to gel, but it’s a bit of an odd collection of parts this game.
Schenn had a good game, and Saad had some good moments, but there weren't many looks from the middle-6 players. I would like to see Kap/Vrana switch spots for some shifts. Kap just wasn't in scoring position when 10/20 did have possession, and while Vrana does technically add some much needed speed to the Hayes/Blais line, he's not a straight line player.
The 4th line showed a lot of promise. They were effective against Dallas which bodes well about them causing a lot more chaos against lesser teams.
What disappointed me the most about last night was:
1.) Bottom 9 forwards passing up shots to make the extra pass - especially when big bodies were around the net.
2.) Puck keep-ins. We were bad last year. We were terrible, last night. The defense has to start making better plays under pressure at the line, and being in better position to stop the puck from coming out. If the forwards don't stop the puck at the half-wall, it's nearly automatic that the puck is coming out. OZ possession is not the sole responsibility of the forwards. It felt like 3 on 5 when the Thomas line did get an established OZ possession.
3.) Faceoffs — unsurprised Dallas got the better of us -they get the better of most teams- but that was extremely slanted.