2 Minute Minor
Hi Keeba!
Here are some uninvited observations from a Blues fan:
Slepyshev looks very promising. I hadn't heard much about him before the game, but he looks like a guy ready to play in the NHL.
The coaching structure is visibly better. I think Edmonton made a good hire here, and the integration of forwards and defense is good....whereas last year this time it was painful to watch.
I wonder how much bad habits have taken root in young high potential players. I was still surprised at how many times Hall in particular was trying to play on the wrong side of the puck. I don't mean to single him out, but I do think there are some lasting costs to the developmental ceiling for some of the young players who have had suboptimal development.
The Blues are very good at face offs, but I think that will be a good way to measure improvement in the coaching. Winning face offs is a team activity, not the center alone. Edmonton will need to (and I have confidence McLellan will cause) improvement in this area.
I think the defense isn't as far off as it looked last year. With better EFFECTIVE support from the forwards, I think the Oilers will have an average defense. With the young horses coming up there will be enough to build on. But it would still be nice to acquire a top pairing veteran
McDavid is fast as lightning and will be a joy to watch. You are lucky to have him. I hope the media will give him space to be a rookie and grow.
Slepyshev looks very promising. I hadn't heard much about him before the game, but he looks like a guy ready to play in the NHL.
The coaching structure is visibly better. I think Edmonton made a good hire here, and the integration of forwards and defense is good....whereas last year this time it was painful to watch.
I wonder how much bad habits have taken root in young high potential players. I was still surprised at how many times Hall in particular was trying to play on the wrong side of the puck. I don't mean to single him out, but I do think there are some lasting costs to the developmental ceiling for some of the young players who have had suboptimal development.
The Blues are very good at face offs, but I think that will be a good way to measure improvement in the coaching. Winning face offs is a team activity, not the center alone. Edmonton will need to (and I have confidence McLellan will cause) improvement in this area.
I think the defense isn't as far off as it looked last year. With better EFFECTIVE support from the forwards, I think the Oilers will have an average defense. With the young horses coming up there will be enough to build on. But it would still be nice to acquire a top pairing veteran
McDavid is fast as lightning and will be a joy to watch. You are lucky to have him. I hope the media will give him space to be a rookie and grow.