voyageur
Hockey fanatic
- Jul 10, 2011
- 10,459
- 9,825
The late start gave this game a strange feel from the get go. Then being broadcast on Sportsnet made it a challenge to stay awake.
Hellebuyck with some big saves early in the game, which Ottawa should have led in the first 10 minutes. Hellebuyck with some soft goals to give Ottawa the lead. Hellebuyck for the W.
Early in the game I was thinking that Stastny looked hurt, because he seemed a step behind the play, but he made a difference. That line had a really strong game. Led by Ehlers zone entries and two smart players making smart plays. Copp was noticeably strong on a few defensive plays.
Connor was feeling it tonight too. The instinctual chemistry of this line is fun to watch. The defensive lapses can be frustrating to watch, but that's hockey.
3rd line looked better with Vesalainen demoted. He just didn't seem to match the pace of Lowry and Appleton, and was tentative for much of the game. I'd still like to see Ves and Gus with Lewis at some point, maybe next game? But I don't think Harkins should come out of the lineup to keep Vesalainen in it. So be interesting to see if there are changes for the Oilers game. I can't say I noticed Harkins much at centre. Perreault was good, I was cheering for the TD lob pass, that would have been a beaut.
PP won it for us, which was nice to see. I am really digging this look with Wheeler behind the goal line, he's using all of his options which makes it hard to read what he is going to do.
Defense was still pretty scrambled, especially early. Morrissey-De Melo did not look tight at all. De Melo seemed a bit off, but I thought gradually improved. Forbort again had a strong game. Beaulieu is undoubtedly our toughest defenseman. Another strong effort on the PK, and he moved the puck well. His scrap in the 1st seemed to change the tide a little, but at the same time it was also kind of pointless. I was amazed he didn't go into concussion protocol after getting a puck off the bean, but I wouldn't be surprised if he sat next game, especially if Poolman is ready to come back in. Just for a rest. Thought Stanley was pretty good too. Having that wing span is something he seems to be using more to his advantage. I thought it was good to keep him in this game over Heinola, just because you knew it was going to be amped up a bit physically.
Good team effort to win tonight.
Hellebuyck with some big saves early in the game, which Ottawa should have led in the first 10 minutes. Hellebuyck with some soft goals to give Ottawa the lead. Hellebuyck for the W.
Early in the game I was thinking that Stastny looked hurt, because he seemed a step behind the play, but he made a difference. That line had a really strong game. Led by Ehlers zone entries and two smart players making smart plays. Copp was noticeably strong on a few defensive plays.
Connor was feeling it tonight too. The instinctual chemistry of this line is fun to watch. The defensive lapses can be frustrating to watch, but that's hockey.
3rd line looked better with Vesalainen demoted. He just didn't seem to match the pace of Lowry and Appleton, and was tentative for much of the game. I'd still like to see Ves and Gus with Lewis at some point, maybe next game? But I don't think Harkins should come out of the lineup to keep Vesalainen in it. So be interesting to see if there are changes for the Oilers game. I can't say I noticed Harkins much at centre. Perreault was good, I was cheering for the TD lob pass, that would have been a beaut.
PP won it for us, which was nice to see. I am really digging this look with Wheeler behind the goal line, he's using all of his options which makes it hard to read what he is going to do.
Defense was still pretty scrambled, especially early. Morrissey-De Melo did not look tight at all. De Melo seemed a bit off, but I thought gradually improved. Forbort again had a strong game. Beaulieu is undoubtedly our toughest defenseman. Another strong effort on the PK, and he moved the puck well. His scrap in the 1st seemed to change the tide a little, but at the same time it was also kind of pointless. I was amazed he didn't go into concussion protocol after getting a puck off the bean, but I wouldn't be surprised if he sat next game, especially if Poolman is ready to come back in. Just for a rest. Thought Stanley was pretty good too. Having that wing span is something he seems to be using more to his advantage. I thought it was good to keep him in this game over Heinola, just because you knew it was going to be amped up a bit physically.
Good team effort to win tonight.
