Just saw the game. Lots to like. A few things that need some work though. My thoughts...
-I think we match up well against NJ. Really took it to them physically for the most part and skated circles around them once or twice.
-Montoya-Good, dependable, solid. Wasn't tested too much I didn't think but was good when needed. Couldn't ask for more out of your backup.
-That is how our top 4 should look with Buff-Enstrom-Bogo-Trouba.
-Enstrom was quietly solid for most of the night. A few miscues. Needs to pull the trigger a little more though. There was one point where he didn't and I think we ended up losing possession. But like in the 3rd when he had that great opportunity and put a low slapper at the goalies pads as two Jets came in for a rebound, he has a good, accurate shot, and it tends to generate scoring chances as he is so good at getting it through. Was up against the Zubrus-Elias-Jagr line all night so it's understandable he might struggle against those two big strong wingers. Even the strongest defensemen struggle handling Jagr.
-Buff was good. Made some really nice plays and was physical. Loved that big hit. He might be the best defenseman in the league at poke checking the puck off of a forwards stick right before they come in the zone. Does it once or twice every game and completely stifles the rush.
-Bogo-What? You played physical and had your best game of the year? Go figure!
Keep it up.
-Trouba- He doesn't look like he belongs at all. He looks like a top pairing defenseman. So smart at when to take the puck up the ice. Has an elite sense to make the right read and timing when to do that. Good on the PK as well, again.
-Stuart-Liked him tonight. Was solid for the most part and had a couple of key blocks.
-Postma-meh...
-Slater- Best, monster, hard worker, etc. You get the picture. Exactly what you want out of a 4th line center and then some last night.
-Wright-Like him in his role now. Good on the 4th line and pk. It plays to his strengths very well.
-Kane-Great game for the most part. Skated circles around the NJ defense. Not the first time either.
-Jokinen-Really like him as our 3rd line center. Suits him well and liked the unselfish play for the empty netter.
-Scheif-Struggling a bit right now. I'm sure he'll find a groove at some point.
-Frolik didn't show too much. Did a lot of the little things well and was nice to see him end up with 2 points at the end. Liking him on our 3rd line.
-Little-Similar to Frolik. Did the little things well.
-Wheeler-You play like a cloud bro. You have half a foot on Little and he's stronger on the boards then you. I mean geezz. This is why I've always like Little more the Wheeler because even when Little isn't scoring, he's doing the little things well either way. Wheeler, not so much. Will be so glad when he gets going.
-Ladd-Similar to Frolik and Little. Nice to see him get a goal.
-Tangradi-Like him being a physical presence. Adds something else to the 3rd line that doesn't otherwise have it.
-Halischuk-Not really getting any ice time but seems solid when he's out there. Not a liability to say the least.