1) Youth. Yes, youth. It injects energy, creates camaraderie, forces the vets to take on a larger responsibility in picking slack and mentoring them and leading by example.
2) Ryan McDonagh looked good again, tonight. He looks good any time he is off of Girardi.
3) Marc Staal looked much improved tonight. Wow he looks night and day with a mobile and defensively responsible partner. And while I'm not in favor of moving McDonagh to the right side permanently, seeing him play the way he did tonight gave me hope moving forward.
4) Brady Skjei, if he continues to play this way, deserves to stay. Losing Staal will not hurt if he can play this way. The defense was good tonight, as a whole, and will only improve as Staal, Boyle, and Girardi begin to get phased out.
5) Dylan McIlrath. Man, he's fun to watch. G and Boyle should alternate games moving forward once Klein returns. Dylan needs to remain.
6) Stalberg-Moore-Fast. That needs to be your 4th line. Man, they were great on the forecheck at the end there.
7) Hayes had Gaudreau on his line at BC when he turned his entire hockey career around. He had Hagelin last year when he broke onto the scene. Gaudrea and Hagelin are two pesky, quick, puck possessors who attract defenders along the boards and open ice for Hayes. He desperately needs this type of player to be successful. He has no open room, and therefore he looks lost. He just needs help on his line.
8) Kreider looks more engaged lately. And I believe once Stepan returns this uptick in energy and determination will lead to more production on the stats sheet. Now we just need another top 6 forward.
- Find a 3rd line pesky, fast, puck possessor who is great on the forecheck.
- Find top 6 help.
Nash-Brassard-Zucc
Kreider-Stepan-Top 6 Acquisition
Top 9 Puck Possessor-Hayes-Miller
Stalberg-Moore-Fast
McDonagh-Klein
Yandle-McIlrath
Skjei-Girardi
Boyle
