As always, for those who missed the game (ranked from best to worst):
FORWARDS
1. Matt Duchene: Electrifying. Simply outstanding. All game long.
2. Alex Formenton: As electrifying as Duchene. Skilled, strong, fast, physical. At this point, there are almost no arguments left as to why he should return to London, though skill/scoring wise, it still might be the best development course for him.
3. Logan Brown: All world game from at both ends of the ice tonight. It’s been a long time coming, but he finally arrived. Several dazzling moments in the offensive zone, great defensive play, but more importantly, flawless compete level. This guy is the single biggest X factor as far as the Sens future goes. As he showed tonight, when he puts his mind to it, he can be absolutely dominant. There will be no contest as to which center wins that 2nd/3rd line spot if he keeps this up.
4. Filip Chlapik: Not as good as last game where he looked like a legitimate top 6 NHL center, but still, very solid outing. The skill and the edge are still there and it’ll be a battle to the bitter end between him, White, Brown and Paul.
5. Jack Skille: Had a solid game last time expect for an egregious mistake that directly led to a goal. Showed why he just might be a great depth option tonight.
6. Mikkel Boedker: Through two games, I have yet to notice him for good reasons offensively. He made several good defensive plays and back-checked hard, but if offense is what we should expect, then we’re still looking.
7. Ryan Dzingel: Left me on my appetite. Not for lack of scoring chances. Clearly saving himself for the regular season as we all know there's a another gear there that has yet to be reached.
8. Zack Smith: After a GREAT showing last time around, good old average Smitty is back.
9. Chase Balisy: Left me indifferent through 2 periods. Didn’t really look good or bad until the 3rd period where his line managed to actually push the pace, provide energy and make some very smart plays in the offensive zone.
10. Drake Batherson: Dating back to summer camp, he has been severely outplayed by other prominent rookies. I still see him as the most skilled prospect in the Sens system and he’s still my personal favorite, but tonight he was given every possible chance to succeed (5v5, 1PP) and he fell flat on his face. Needs seasoning as a pro.
11. Ben Sexton: A skilled AHL forward that should remain in the AHL. Nothing new here.
12. Parker Kelly: He might have a future as a bottom 6 energy guy, but tonight he simply looked out of place among professional hockey players. Recurrent theme with him, which probably means it’s time to go back to the WHL.