I kind of wish Tryamkin was here and eligible for game 2. He would clear the front of the net with ease lol. He is going to be a monster in the playoffs.
Fanta looked ok last night. One good breakout pass to Sutter but aside from that he was largely invisible imo. I wouldn't be upset if we went with Juolevi in game 3 if we lose game 2 with fanta in the lineup. A few points from last night noticed.
- Stecher's size makes it difficult for him/us to get the puck out of the zone when forwards are barrelling down on him. He has to try and contain them to the boards. A larger player would stop the forward in his place and steal the puck or press him to the boards. Stech as hard as he works and I love the guy. He in our D zone often leads to them having zone time for at least 7-10 seconds it seems when he doesn't have enough room to take it out cleanly. (I love stech's compete but im worried about his D zone play along the boards when its tight)
- Sutter showed some strong glimpses of what he can do with open ice. In the exhibition game vs WPG he had a shift at C where he was dynamic and much faster on his skates. Given his injury history, him playing center might be best for his health and production. He does not skate up the wings fast (aside from the 1 off wing chance from fanta's pass. I think he might be more useful for us at C.)
- Gaudette needs to play more at C. Pulling him off of C duties imo would be a dis-service to him and his development. Let the kid battle and figure it out. Maybe let Sutter take D zone draws on his line and have Gaudette take O zone chances. (The kid will figure it out)
- Pearson has provided zero offence on that 2nd line with Bo. (1st line?). I believe he would be a better fit on the 3rd line but I know Green will say he's been there all season and has been productive. Against another team I would keep him there but vs this Minny team Pearson's style of play is completing shutting down Bo and Boeser's production. They need someone who will either scare the opposition (Ferland) or a player who is shifty, agitating, who is hungry. (Roussel). Boeser tried hard last night but Bo couldn't get open and Pearson did nothing to help create offence in the o zone.
- Markstrom will be fine. Zero concern. Only way I would even consider putting demmer in is if Marky completely fumbles game 2 but he looked sharp after that first goal. I loved his risky aggression outside of his paint lol. Very risky but it paid off for the most part.
- Virtanen If healthy, give him a go. Tell him to hit their D and play a strong offensive game. We were unable to cycle in their zone , his speed could break their systems down off the rush. We need to get them off balance and Virt may be a good fit. I want the Virtanen that played jr though. Hard hitting, rushing the net, and laser beaming the puck. We need that complete package a version of Jake we haven't seen yet in the NHL. I think he may have it in him yet.
- Motte was really solid in the first half of the game. He matched that hit everything that moved scheme that Green rolled out. Latter half of the game he wasn't all that impactful minus the PK. I blame that largely on the fact Sutter was on his wing. Sutter is a terrible winger. I'd keep him in but if Green wants to give Loui a try I am game. The team may outgrow Motte in the next years or two. If we do that is a positive sign. He set has set the benchmark for the team last 2 years of what compete is. He has been invaluable but with beagle in his current role he isn't all that scary. I kind of would like to see him moved up to the 3rd line at some point. I believe he has more offence in him then he has shown.