A couple quick thoughts on the game:
- Merrill: He had two pretty bad turnovers BUT his 1v1, gap control / backward skating seems much improved. At this point, I just want the youth to make gains and he seems to be doing that. I agree, though, that it was a mixed game.
- Stollery: Seems like a stop-gap, Peter Harrold clone, which I was never as negative about.
- Santini: I love the way he thinks about the game and my trust grows game to game. Last year, it was how I felt about Larsson. "Oh Adam's on the ice...no worries..." I hope Santini can grow into that role.
- Woods: I didn't love his game last night, but not as much as I did not like...
- Cammo: Man, he had a stinker. The puck was not his friend and he was not winning pucks just like...
- Kalinin: Dude lost a few key board battles and I just don't see his defensive game being elite as the coaches must. I remember one clearance he failed, in particular that almost led to a goal against. He brings nothing and I don't even think his defensive game is all that great.
- DSP: Put out good effort, but he cannot make the little plays. I would rather see more of...
- Coleman: I thought he was getting better and he seems to think the game at a fast pace. He put up points in the USHL and he seems to get better as time passes from level to level. So, if he's a kid that can improve given challenges, I say give him some ice time.
- Palms: I also thought Palms had one of his best games as a Devil. He was possessing, driving and playing with heart. His trigger is a little off, but it was encouraging unlike...
- Rico: Very disappointing effort. I hate how streaky he is. Maybe he's Russian? I keed. I once thought he might be captain material, but there's just no way. He takes too many shifts and games off.
Preferred lineup:
Hall - Zajac - Palms
Cammo - Zacha - PAP
Woods - Rico - Coleman (maybe 2 energy guys will teach the old man to skate)
BB8 - JJ - DSP (Mr. Glass played ok before his latest injury)
I know this will never happen because Kalinin probably practices hard and that's all Mr. Clean II cares about...but that's my hope.