The obvious and most exciting thing last night was the Byfield line. I know I bring up the hit stat a lot and, yes, I know it is somewhat subjective (Byfield should have been credited with at least one last night) but I really look at it as an effort stat. It isn't perfect but it helps tell me if someone is getting their nose dirty. Thought all three guys on the line did that last night and, lo and behold, the results were infinitely better. Kupari, especially, was something else.
Talking more rookies...Kaliyev was awesome save for one bad turn over in his own zone. What a shot on the goal and that goal scorer's mentality of his really showed as he was firing at the net nonstop. Is there a better play sometimes? Maybe, but please keep firing if your shot is as good as his.
Nobody ever hits on every top pick during one of these rebuilds. For every Doughty, there is a Hickey or Teubert. For every Kane/Toews, there is a Barker/Beach. These later, more unheralded picks really can push things over the top. Jordan Spence looks like a guy that will help cover up any potential sins of missing in the first round. Immediately comfortable out there. Really exciting. Having a mobile defense and guys that can make great break out passes will make these forwards look better.
