As someone who doesn't see the game as in depth as some of you, what was so bad about Hayes in preseason that most thought he needed "seasoning". I saw him using his body on offense just as well as he is now. Was it defensively? I know face offs have been a weak point but what else is new with the Rangers.
Speaking only for me, I thought Hayes has looked much more assertive on the rush and in all three zones on the boards. There were several times he bullied his way behind the Carolina and Islanders nets to make good plays and work the cycle. He also made a great play last night, slamming a Hurricanes' player against our boards and separating him from the puck. Alongside improved faceoffs and a better understanding of defensive positioning, those are the things I've noticed. Though, to be clear, I liked his preseason a lot and thought he should stick.