It happens by having the offensive talent to outscore your mistakes. I disagree. I think we looked good, just not when it comes to defensive structure and play. Which, is to be expected when your defense consists of Marc Staal, two rookies, Brady Skjei that is regressing at an alarming pace and, a guy that held out through the preseason.
Things we can expect that should surprise no one:
- Mika slowing down at some point
- The rest of the offense beginning to chip in
- Fox and DeAngelo improving
- Hajek improving or being replaced (he has looked iffy)
- A defense that is porous and mistake prone, but slowly improves
- A lot of 5-4 or 6-5 games
- Georgiev getting more starts than last year
All valid points. Whether we are 2-0 or 0-2, I don't think anyone should expect everything we've witnessed to continue throughout the entire season.
Right now, we're essentially a one line team. Granted that line is performing like a video game right now, but that will evolve over time. Mika's not scoring 320 points, and Kakko isn't going to go pointless all season.
Some players will step up, others will see their contributions decrease, and things will even out a bit.
I expect improvement throughout the year, but I also expect a degree of frustration.
The offense doesn't worry me nearly as much as the defense, and I am intrigued to see if Lundqvist can hold on to the starting role.
My hope, is at some point several kids start assuming the roles we're hoping to see filled. Patience is key, but it has come with some degree of progress.