I was at the game tonight.
I tried to watch Pitkick, Belov, Nurse and Arcobello particularly, and all four impressed me in some capacity.
Pitlick hits everything he can and he's trying really hard to find a niche in the NHL. The thing that separates him from other plug hitters and grinders is his innate hockey sense. He knows where the play is going to go and although it doesn't translate into offense, it makes him a really responsible player.
Nurse was unreal. Wow. This guy is so poised, so responsible, so mature. He honestly looked like Pronger at times which is a comparison I do not throw around like its nothing. He can seemingly shut anybody down, always makes the perfect pass and once he bulks up, will be a dominant force. We have a gem on our hands.
Belov has also been a pleasant surprise, as he looks like a diamond in the rough. Like Nurse, he plays a poised and responsible game. He isn't a great skater but he never gets caught out of position because if his hockey sense. He's easily in our top 6, and maybe our top 4 by the end of the year.
I'm really rooting for Arcobello, but he seems outmatched at times. He's pretty average outside of the offensive zone, but he's creative with the puck and seems to have some nice chemistry with Eberle. I think he deserves a shot as Gagner's replacement.
Smyth and Hemsky also looked a lot better than usual.