Game Assessment vs Columbus

The team played hard last night. Above all other accolades, this is the most important one…because it’s SIMPLE. They started by playing a SIMPLE game with hard work on the boards, aggression to the puck, forechecking, net presence, etc.

Something I thought was VASTLY improved was their neutral zone play. They simply didn’t stay in the neutral zone much. They were constantly driving THROUGH the NZ instead of mulling in it. Made all the difference in the world. Guys like Kopitar and Doughty were just 100% committed to possessing the o-zone, even if it was 1-4. It was making their D- turn and giving our team a chance to establish possession to set up shots.

Speaking of shots, they were of MUCH better quality than the shots in the Boston game. Sure there were still ‘Perimeter’ shots, but with all of the buzzing around the puck and the net, Columbus was basically treading water until the inevitable score. We were dominate in a lot of ways last night. We dictated pace and style of play pretty much all night. When they had chances and momentum seemed to start swinging the other way, it was quickly stuffed and put back in our favor.

All of this came from playing 60 MINUTES OF HOCKEY! Constant movement, crisp passing and focus.

A few shoutouts-

KOPITAR – He FINALLY flipped the switch ON and LEFT IT THERE the whole game! Duct tape that thing in place son! He was like Joe Thornton and Ryan Kesler’s love child out there! Absolute brilliance. If he ever starts to lose focus in his game again, he should watch this game tape. He took over on SO many plays, I mean, was Rick Nash even playing? THIS is the Kopitar we all know and want to see EVERY SHIFT of EVERY GAME! Well Done!

DOUGHTY – A solid game tonight. I like the fact he is back to pushing the envelope with his o-zone rushes, trying to take hold as a leader and gain possession at all costs. It’s a smart move and he’s doing it with smarts. He’s doing it at the right times and is getting support from the wingers when he does it. I liked seeing the smile with the high five enthusiasm after the game. Drew, I believe is an emotional barometer of this team. His goofy, upbeat demeanor means something to this team’s emotional swagger. I think it’s back.

PENNER – I saw something from DP I have not seen from him since he got here: HE BEAT OUT A GUY FOR THE PUCK 1 ON 1 on the counterattack! It was just him and a Blue Jacket racing for a puck and you just see him completely lay stride on the guy to win the puck at full speed and head towards the net. It was a thing of beauty! It gives me a renewed hope in this guy’s role on the team. He was tough on the boards and was constantly moving his feet. NO LAZY PLAY! Nice to see.

DREWISKIE – How cool is it to see a guy ride the pine for tons of games to get back on the ice and light the spark that refuels the fire for this team? When he scored that goal, you could see and feel the collective group jump out of their skin! (I know I did). It was like the gorilla had been shot and tranquilized. It had to be extra special for Whiskey to be the one to get that goal. The best part about being on a team is being able to contribute and right now, that goal is a top 3 moment of the year so far.

STOLL & WILLIAMS – I don’t know what’s going on with you guys, but any failure you’re feeling is NOT from lack of effort. I’d still like to see Stoll challenge more for loose pucks and position, but he is skating hard and winning faceoffs. Willie has been POUNDING the boards more than I’ve ever seen him do! My only beef with him right now is to quit second guessing your decisions with the puck! You keep doubling back with it when you can simply move it forward. CARRY THE PUCK FORWARD! Just advance it. If you lose it, you’ll get it back, but move it NORTH!

BROWN – Don’t lose your tenacity! The game in Boston was the nastiness you should have every game. Last night was a great game too, but don’t lose your edge. Piss some people off and make them dread that you’re coming for the puck. You were stellar in front of the net and I really think you got in Sanford’s head for a moment on that first goal. Don’t let up man!

RICHARDSON-LOKTIONOV-LEWIS – (I was so jacked when I saw this in the pregame lineup) John Stevens, this is the BEST move you have made so far as coach! Richie & Lewie played ULTRA HARD for you last night! Loktionov played pretty hard too, but he’s still hesitating. Stoll would be a better fit for these guys right now, but even with Lokti in there, they were looking like a version of the old 1-2-3 line from back in the day with Donnelly(11)-Millen(23)-Granato(21). Fast, heavy forecheck, tenacious and actually better defense than the old line. KEEP THIS ONE TOGETHER! At the very least, Richie & Lewie should be our wingers on the 3rd line. PERIOD!

QUICK – Once again, played like a boss. This kid is gonna be SO elite it makes my teeth hurt!

SANFORD – What? Props to the opposition? YES! Curtis Sanford was a solid, well focused netminder tonight and we had to work extremely hard to get the 2 goals we had by him. He saw EVERYTHING! You can just tell when a goalie is on his game and he definitely was. Props to you dude. You deserve to be an NHL goaltender. I was impressed.

Just gotta keep this train rollin’ now that the wreck is cleared off the tracks. Detroit is gonna be interesting, but I think if we play with the same intensity we did last night, Detroit will be a little on their heels. Not a lot, I mean, they’re Detroit! Hit HARD, tenacious forecheck, make Jimmy Howard crazy in the crease and Quick needs to stand on his head. We can win 3-2. My prediction.