Lots of big organ energy on the ice tonight.
Wheeler, especially. Niku especially. Kulikov. Laine, Myers, Lemieux, Hellebuyck, Roslovic. Lots of players stepped right up, as though the season had finally started.
Laine found space, made space, had some amazing chances. He was joking with Rinne in the first few minutes, but he was
angry not to score on the Little goal. If you'd only seen him play that game, you'd think he was a lot closer to Auston Motthows than Kyle Connor. Top game from him. I'm ready for the floodgates.
In a game like that you can kinda see why they're stubbornly trying to stick with Lemieux in the lineup. Not just the goals, but that line was difficult to play against tonight, and Copp had a bit of a quiet game. When I first saw that that they were matched up against the Perds top line I shuddered--20 seconds later the Jets took the lead and didn't look back.
Lemieux also needs a bunch of credit for having a good penalty differential. Weird, undeserved penalty tonight--though I kind of understand the urge to call it, given his reputation--and other than that awful hit against Trochek he's been quite well-disciplined, while drawing quite a few penalties. If he can make that a habit, that could be a real plus for him.
Too bad that he didn't play, but it was really nice to see that Petan had so much family there. Losing a parent too young stinks, but it's also an opportunity to take stock of what family means and to fortify some relationships that you've maybe never thought to cherish. I really hope they're having a good time.
KC's a beaut. As is Moz.
I cannot f***ing believe McCauley had the balls to call the Trouba penalty after that goal was called back. Soft as f***.
Felt like Laviolette made a tactical mistake not matching their top line against the Scheifele line.
I think he knew he was going to be struggling with the matchups without Turris. Though I hear the Jets have a second line centre 'problem', too.
I think we may have gotten the best Oilers Boy Club member with Charlie Huddy.
I know he's got a lot of grief--much more-so when Stuart was still in town--but both the players and Maurice seem to love him. I'd be interested to learn what his priorities are, but we never really hear from assistant coaching staff.
Missed the entire game, but 0.974 just to get it in here
Still a meaningless stat.
Have a great Friday.
This was seconds after Schiefele got high-sticked (again).
they missed Turris tonight
That they did. Gaudreau line got pounded by a Jets line that usually struggles to carry play.