While I believe our overall play has slipped a few notches from our best last year, one area of our game has definitely improved. The powerplay. The powerplay earned us a point tonight going 2 for 4. It makes me wonder what our team would have been able to do if we had this powerplay last year. The unit deserves a big credit for the 3-2 shootout win tonight.
Games against the Oil always seem to be frustrating for me. There are stretches where we look like we outclass them and you wonder how the game is so close, but the next thing you know we rattle off 5 minutes of being dominated.
Dustin Penner is much better than I have seen before. This year could be a major breakout for him.
Mathieu Garon was again very solid for us. The only goals were scored on the powerplay. He made many big saves that could otherwise could have killed out momentum. I’ve been very happy with his play of late.Two shootout wins in a row. That’s stealing points.
Antoine Vermette has been a pretty solid player for us this year and he has done it really quietly. He’s putting up the best offensive numbers of his career. His tip on the Powerplay tonight was stellar.
I love the Anton Strahlman shot. Simply having a right handed shot makes our unit so much more threatening.
I missed the start of this one and I missed 2 fights. Was it a little chippy tonight? I didn’t get that feeling when I picked it up in the 2nd. Kudos to the Crunchies, Sesito and Blunden for throwing down.I like Sesito and I am torn on his upside. It all comes down his skating for me. I like his game and overall I liked him tonight even though he played less than 5 minutes.
We really only played 3 lines tonight. I know Pahlsson being out kind of makes us do a makeshift third line (which I think affects ice time). Hopefully he comes back soon.
Mancrush of the Night: The Powerplay. It sure is nice to have a unit that can get a big goal when you need one.
Whipping Boy of the Night: It has to be me tonight. I missed the first period for child birthing classes. I didn’t even check the score. I’m not sure that constitutes carrying the flag.
Last thought… that shot from Jake Voracek in the SO was pretty sweet. Lets do it in a game Jake. Props to Tyuts as well.
11-6-2 and we really having started to play well. I’ll take it. Comments? Fire Away!