Well that was your typical first preseason game. Lots of rust, some confusion and the players still learning their new reads.
Still I liked a lot of what I saw systems wise. I liked that our NZ was much more organized and disrupted the opposition more. I liked that we were in quick on pucks in the Oz and forced some turn overs. Lots of ironing out still to do but I like the framework.
Players:
Dubois - Vet who was shaking off the rust and largely going through the motions. Nothing really to say. He just needs to be ready for puck drop in October.
Perfetti had a good first preseason game. He got better and more confident as the game went a long. I liked his play without the puck, his reads were good, he was turning pucks over. He was also opening up really well for his teammates on the breakouts. Offensively he flashed his his skill both at 5 on 5 and the PP. What I liked is he was looking to shoot much more. Good opening game but he has a higher level he can still grow into through the rest of the preseason.
Lucious: Had a solid first game for the org. He was in good position and turned some pucks over. He took some shots and battled hard. He's nowhere near ready yet but a good confidence booster for him.
Stanley: He definitely didn't do himself any favors tonight with regards to the battle for the 6th d spot. He was a turnover machine and continually got torched with speed. You can't be a defenseman in this league nowadays with slow feet and that's what Stanley showed today. Factor in for a big strong guy he was pick pocketed in bad positions of the ice numerous times. Ville and Dylan the door is wide open.
The battle for the bottom 6 spots:
Riechel, played well alongside Dubois and Perfetti. Was in hard on pucks and Pk'd well. Put himself in line for another game.
Gus, played well. He was hard on pucks, turned a number of them over. He reads the play well and fits in well with what we are trying to do. Also good on PK. Definitely made a strong case.
Harkins does what Harkins does. He always has his feet moving and is always involved and trying to make things happen. I'm haply he was used on the PK tonight. He also had a good showing.
Essyimont: another depth guy with a strong and feisty game. Hes a pest and knows his role.
Toninoto and the Finns all played solidly as well. Might be a battle to the end of camp for those slots.
Chisholm had a nice game and is my dark horse to take his opportunity and stick when he gets it this year. I love the offensive confidence and his assertiveness. Couple that with his great skating and breakout ability and he is what Bowness is looking for. Defensively he was fine as well.
Gawanke was up and down.
Kovacevik played within himself and had a solid night. That is really all he can do.
Yeah he was bad and killed the flow on the pp numerous times. I don't like why the heck he was on the top unit.
