If this doesn’t sum up the entire damn problem with our offseason I don’t know what does.
I noticed Blais getting a lot of praise. I’m not entirely sure why. He hit a lot of people I guess. Does that help them win though? Really?
That brand of hockey can really work in the playoffs, where the refs swallow their whistles, and you can really grind down guys game after game.
As far as the regular season, the Caps probably woke up sore this morning, but there won't be any lasting scars.
I liked that we were finishing our checks last night, but the other players on the ice need to read and react when that happens. We were giving up odd man rushes all night.
I'm obviously upset at the result, but it's not time for panic. My expectation was never that we would be a finished product game 1. You have a new coach, and there is going to be a learning curve while players settle in. Problem is, we need to at least keep our heads above water these first 15-20 games. A slow start could easily cost us a playoff berth.
Some thoughts on specific players:
-Tinordi should be in the press box or in Hartford. He's just not good enough to be a regular.
-Nemeth looked ok, but I think in a perfect world, he's your 7th D.
-Miller's leash should be getting shorter. You see all the tools and wonder what could be, but trotting him out there for Top-4 minutes doesn't appear to be doing him any favors.
-Trouba looked comfortable. He's never going to be an $8M guy, but I try to divorce his contract from what he actually does on the ice.
-Lindgren looked a little rusty, but nothing concerning.
-Fox is Fox. Dude is absolutely unreal.
-Kreider still struggles to make an impact game in and game out at ES. He threw a couple solid hits, but was mostly invisible.
-Mika looked invisible. He's not someone I worry about though. He'll find his game.
-Laf looked invisible at ES, and straight up bad on the PP. Really not seeing any dynamic aspect to his play, which is concerning.
-Kakko looks primed to break out. Still not his best game, but he found ways to get scoring chances regardless.
-Strome was invisible. I don't know if it's physical limitation, or just poor conditioning, but the kid has always looked like a lazy hockey player, even as he continues to put up points.
-Panarin had moments of brilliance despite looking absolutely gassed the second half of the game.
-Blais looked good, but the kid thinks he's more skilled than he is and carries the puck way too long. Still, a lot to like about his game.
-Chytil needs wingers who can get him the puck. Really don't like that line composition. I really think he might pair well with Panarin, but I think Strome becomes a net negative if you push him down the lineup.
-Goodrow looked ok. He's a hound on the puck, and he moves with purpose. I'm just skeptical about his place in the lineup. He's paid like a 3rd liner, but I think his optimal place in on the 4th line.
-Hunt played well. Did everything you could ask a 4th liner to do.
-Rooney was alright. Didn't really make an glaring mistakes, but I feel like he's not really a plus player on the 4th line.
-Reaves was as advertised. Absolutely punishing, but terrible with the puck on his stick. While I appreciate what he brings, I really hope he doesn't play 82 games. Play him against the heavy teams, but insert other players when a different aspect is needed.
