GDT: Capitals RedWings 7pm

[bacchist]

So if Kuzy and Bäckström look like they can be as good as we know they can, do we have..................hope?

I'm trying to manage my expectations. We can and should be better than last year, but that's a pretty low bar.

 

[trick9]

Just don't repeat the past mistakes.

If Backstrom is as done as last season, no reason to force-feed him top minutes again. Bump him down to the 3rd line and find wingers that'll work as his feet.

Pray Kuznetsov cares. If he plays good and we still end up outside of Playoff race, trade him at the earliest possible chance. Even if it's just for cap space. He's not going to give a shit once we enter the tanking phase.

 

[AlexBrovechkin8]

So what’d I miss? The kids looked alright and Backstrom has wound back the clock?

 

[Marshall]

Watching the replay this morning.

- Cristall's puck skills are so unconscious at this point that he made a prosaic backhand pass up to another forward to gain the zone look beautiful: head up, at speed, he threw a little curl and drag sauce on that backhand, and I'm convinced he didn't even think about it. (Pass was on-target.)
- HaHA looked like a big defensive D with a good first pass. Good signing if this is his level of play.
- 19 & 92 both looked good.
- Miroshnichenko won board battles.
- CMC's game was good - he worked.

 

[Langway]

Carbery & Love get a lot of shine but I'm intrigued by Muller's potential impact on the PP, the centers and faceoff plays. We saw the bumper spot flip down to more of a playmaking role at times, mirroring the opposite side's lower hub, into a rotating left shot in a flipper bumper role. It's not a massively different look but is a new wrinkle. Oshie has the hands to execute it. Maybe not so much the feet when D come at him but it's the start of variety.

Muller could also pay off at the faceoff circle and the center's positioning given his resume. Not expecting miracles at this stage but just adding further to their professionalism and the respect he's earned makes for a welcome contrast.

 

[Misery74]

So if Kuzy and Bäckström look like they can be as good as we know they can, do we have..................hope?

This season is about coaching and mixing in youth.

Looking forward to seeing exactly what we have.

 

[itsjustsurvival]

It's really refreshing to have talented offensive prospects again.

Super happy for Backstrom. He made me hurt when I watched him try to skate the last couple years. He looked good to me. Liked their line a lot.

Alexeyev and Häman Aktell looked good to me. Alexeyev's skating looks improved and Häman Aktell moves the puck really well. Alexeyev definitely rolls the dice a bit, but having two large mobile puck moving defenders available is awesome. Hope they can continue to impress through preseason.

 

[Raikkonen]

hopefully guys wont have much injuries and we will be entertained

that little much I saw tell me Oshie, Backstrom and Wilson could have a better season this time around

if Kuzy will also, that's a backbone of a team

defensively suspect still though

PS: And Dowd is already making exciting offensive plays too what a man!

 

[kicksavedave]

Raise your hand if you miss Blaine Forsythe yet?

 

[usiel]

The Good Good

• Backstrom's speed and just looked much more natural on the ice out there
• Miro..having rarely played RW was impressed, he as physical and looks from that stand point ready for the NHL.
• Kuz in general

The Hey Not Bad

• Aktel
• Alexyev playing on the off side.

The fairly meh

• Did Strome actually play?
• LucasJo
• Snively

 

[YippieKaey]

Watching the game now, i gotta say my boy Hardy is looking pretty solid. Just steady, and a good first pass. Granted, opposition is not NHL level really but still.

Bäckström also looks quicker than i remember him, the acceleration is quite decent.

 

[AlexBrovechkin8]

Watching the game now, i gotta say my boy Hardy is looking pretty solid. Just steady, and a good first pass. Granted, opposition is not NHL level really but still.

You must be a proud papa

 

[YippieKaey]

You must be a proud papa

I raised that kid right Now he's gonna buy daddy a new house.

 

[YippieKaey]

Just realized im actually old enough to be HHA:s dad for real.

Okay joke's over........

 

[Raikkonen]

If Backstrom is even at about 80% his real version thats a big upgrade for C depth.

 

[Dr John Carlson]

I also thought Backstrom looked to be moving around much more fluidly. Good sign.

 

[Calicaps]

Imagine if it turns out that Backstrom actually knows his own body best and recognized what he needed to do to get his groove back....

 

[um]

The Good Good

• Backstrom's speed and just looked much more natural on the ice out there
• Miro..having rarely played RW was impressed, he as physical and looks from that stand point ready for the NHL.
• Kuz in general

The Hey Not Bad

• Aktel
• Alexyev playing on the off side.

The fairly meh

• Did Strome actually play?
• LucasJo
• Snively

Now that you mention it, I have no memory of Strome playing.

 

[HTFN]

Now that you mention it, I have no memory of Strome playing.

Pretty sure he didn’t but you know what? That’s no excuse. Good players find a way to make an impact, and I’m pretty disappointed in him

 

[HTFN]

phone was really dedicated to that double post

 

[notDkristich]

The Sandin-Carlson duo rocking an 80%+ xGF. Sure, it might be a preseason game against some AI-generated players from Detroit, but 38-74 are going to be just fine.

I'm holding onto this post, and placing it in my back pocket