Much as Boudreau was a fun and decent guy, this team is looking a lot better under Tocchet. Team is doing a lot og big and little things better. These include the way they pop over the boards on line changes, the way they play along the boards, the way they defend and most of all how they play from the inside out. I think, in the end, you win in this League with superior players (and that's were the draft is key) but having the coaching is huge step towards being competitive.
Good
Miller - never thought Miller would play center as well as he is. Key player in this game and making his salary look fine.
Demko - thought he was doing more than he had to, late in the game. Better when he just sits back and plays his angles. Still had another good game. Clear now, if wasn't already abundantly clear, that goal-tending was main failing this season.
Wolanin - pleased get him signed. Price is only going up. Has excellent mobility and is high end passer. Looks like the player people thought he would be when he first joined the Sens just out of college.
Myers - got caught on the one rush but overall was good in his match up against Tkachuk. Playing a defensive style he has to play to be successful and spending less time overhandling the puck. Gets it, moves it. Helps to have players in position to take a pass.
Aman - showed some cleverness with the puck. Seems to have some offensive upside. Certainly has the wheels to get him in a position to make a play.
Joshua - question now is can he grow his game at the NHL level. I think he has established that he is a legit NHL player.
Hughes - another awesome game. One of the best players in the League.
Garland - was creating things through his efforts. Helped established some good o-zone time with his checking.
DiGuiseppe - plays the Tocchet system so well. In position all the time both ways and making a lots of good little plays along the boards. Complimenting Miller very well. Use to be DiGuiseppe seemed to be mostly looking for offense. Coaching in Abby and now with Tochett has turned him into a solid checker. Lots of players survive in the NHL for along time playing that role.
Bad
Boeser - yes he made the unselfish pass at the end of the game but overall always chasing the play. Big doubts he can play the game at the pace Tocchet wants. Interesting comments from Tocchet about Boeser's off season training. Sounds like Tocchet wants to be in the gym with Boeser this off season. That might be a very interesting and trying experience for puffy Brock.
Others
Juulsen - lots made here of Woalanin but Juulsen has been very solid in the time he gets. Another who seems close to NHL material. The signing of lot of these fringe NHLers to reinforce Abby looks like it might end up providing some very serviceable NHLer to the Canucks. We'll see.
Pettersson - didn't think it was his best game. Wasn't bad but timing seemed off on some of his rushes and on his passing and shooting on the PP. Believe it was Miller and the foot soldiers that were most important in this game.
Kravtsov and Podkolzin seem still players under construction by Tocchet. Still need to learn the NHL game.
Beauvillier - had so many chances. Needs to do a better job of converting them. However, at least, he is getting them
