Not sure why we're just looking at the standings (don't forget they play in the hardest division). Just watch the games, they've been playing immensely better, particularly on team defense in the last 10 or so games. If Ingram didn't have as off of a season as he was having (possibly related to his injury) then maybe they don't dip as low as they did. Then again, they clearly had to adjust some things because Vejmelka was standing on his head and getting no goal support.
Real concern is Vejmelka getting overworked and slipping.
Penalties are down too, and it's the kind where someone is out of position and has to take one or sloppy defensive penalties. Too many men on the ice are hopefully gone too. Looks to me like the adjustments have happened.
All in all, good development across a number of vital young players (Cooley, Guenther, Kesselring). Getting to have 2 solid offensive lines for the first time in forever. A few issues still need to be sorted out, but you can't expect everything. Really excited to see how the defense continues to develop in the coming season or so and also this season once we get some injuries healed up.
Little concerned about Crouse, but he still plays well on the penalty kill. I think we just know what he is capable of, so it's disconcerting to see him turn into a blackhole on offense. I think Maccelli has improved a bit of late, but still isn't quite there.
I kid i kid
