I thought Scott Arniel did a heck of a job in his first game behind the bench. Close game in a next goal wins kind of game, and he puts out the 4th line late against a tired Rangers team, and looks like a genius with the move.
There were some hiccups in this game, where synchronism was off, and some sloppy passes partcularly in the 2nd period, but as an ensemble I liked what I saw.
The checking line was outstanding. They won a lot of possession time, Lowry and Barron are going to be a formidable cycle line if they play that way. Both Appleton and Lowry made some very strong plays on the backcheck. Throw Gustafsson in there as another player who did well to limit dangerous chances in a defensive role, who got rewarded for his hard work.
Top line is going to be exciting making plays at high speed. Some real strong playmaking between the 3, but they also gave up the most chances. Scheifele was pretty engaged I thought, minus a few mistakes. Not his best game in the circle.
Liked Perfetti's game at both ends of the ice. Wheeler probably should have buried one, but he played a very disciplined and strong game. Dubois was a little careless, but that was a bigtime play to set up the dagger.
I thought Dillon-Pionk was the best defensive pairing tonight. Lots of good details. I didn't think Stanley was bad, got a bit of a bad bounce on the goal the Rags scored. Made some strong plays out there tonight.
Hellebuyck was the 1st star, which was nice to see him dialed in.
Special teams were good on opening night.
Decision not to put Scheifele out for the hattrick with the goalie pulled was a sign of a coaching change. Arniel put the guys who worked the hardest out at the end, and they did their job.
Bowness said he wanted the new guy in against Dallas, be interesting to see who would come out after tonight. I think everyone did their job.
Nice to have meaningful hockey back. Made for a Friday night that was alright. Cheers!
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