I think the smartest posters we have look at these things holistically. Basing opinions of players play off seasons and not game-by-game. One game doesn't change anyone's mind. But 20 games or half a season definitely will.
Love that Pionk is putting up huge numbers and has been good most games. Doesn't move the needle for me a lot for what to do with him the next 5 years. Yet.
Love that Connor is playing well and showing more effort defensively and part of a great PK. On top of leading the charge scoring for the best PP in the league 10 games in. When that's been maintained for 20 games or half a season I will absolutely look at him in a new light.
And nothing much has changed with Ehlers as he is doing what most thought he can do with full time top PP unit. The 5v5 stuff didn't change much from one game, but it's always nice to see our top line dominate.
This team is so similar in personnel and coaching system it really does feel to me like a continuation of last year. Every year is a new year, but I don't think of it that way when evaluating guys and forming an opinion. In my mind it's almost like game 98 of 2023-25
Looking like maybe the coaching transition to Arniel may be the right move at the right time. We can't keep up our torrid pace but if we keep getting better we are in for an amazing season.