We need a new player for imaginary trade.scenarios every week - maybe we should make a poll to see who is thisnyears Travis sanheim
Well Konecny is off the board now. But Sidney Crosby is likely in his final year in Pittsburgh.
This kind of game isn't going to suit a player like Barlow because it's very scrambly and wingers that lack top speed can get lost in the scramble. I'd like to see him in a more structured setting to see how he uses his skillset, which revolves around straight-line hockey, structured fire checking, and finding soft areas in the offensive zone for scoring. He also has good anticipation in his zone and decent acceleration, as he showed on the OT winner last night.
It's losing puck battles that is concerning. Offensive zone puck battles, that go the other way. If Barlow is 50/50 on the puck, the Jets top line would have sustained some chances...same thing in the defensive zone, lose those battles and the shifts can drag out. And then it is a scramble. Or in the back of the net.
A guy like Torgersson, who has more leg strength, played a strong cycle game, was a big reason why the 3rd line got some offensive zone time. Hounding the puck, moving it quickly, and getting to the net. Disruptive on the PK. I think Torgersson was the best winger out there, when you talk about translating a game to pro style, with less defensive break downs, trench work, that's what you want to see, though it's only one tuneup game.
I was surprised that Barlow didn't get 1st PP time, that it went to Levis instead. Then he gives up a SH goal, again getting beat to the front of the net, when he does get PP time. However, that's an area where his heavy shot will get him points. And as you say finding those soft spots in the zone, like Brett Hull used to.
I feel like his OT 2-0 was a bit of good luck, in a game of battles, and if Nikkanen doesn't win his, Barlow's on the wrong side of the puck, giving up a 2-1 in the low zone...one bounce can often be the difference between good offensive instincts, and bad ones, in hockey.
In the end I'm just glad hockey is back.