Beau Bennett had a fantastic game. Basically, he looked like an NHLer playing an AHL game, and that will only further prove to be the case as he shakes the rust off, which will happen quickly.
Bennett had a tremendous pass to Pouliot in overtime, and Pouliot had an even better pass to Megna for the GWG. All proceeded by Megna mucking along the boards to get the puck to BB in the first place, before getting into great position to get open for Pouliot's pass. It's a straight up highlight reel goal all the way around.
Also, speaking of rust, Rust had another really strong game. His one shift, where he both drew a penalty and (somehow) also got one for diving, was "Peter Forsberg-esque". Obviously not saying he'll be Peter, but he really seems to be putting together a great game of speed, hustle & determination, and a surprising skill level, that actually looks like it could translate to the NHL game. I've been a Rust critic over the years, but this year he's taken things to another level, and I'm happy to give credit where credit is due.
Other plusses:
- Scott Wilson: for him to be the next Kunitz (a mid-level scoring forward who plays physically and can play with great players), he'll have to get a bit stronger/thicker and also a bit quicker. Not saying he's not quick, but just getting that extra gear to excel amongst the big boys. But he's got unbelievable hands, great vision, and makes fantastic little plays and passes with the puck that are extremely creative; and which he can do in tight corners and at full speed. He's really got some special and unique skills, and could be a VERY good player one day. Pretty impressive that he's on the first PP unit already as a rookie, which I think speaks volumes about how he's playing and the skills he's showing.
- Josh Archibald: he didn't do a ton tonight, and it's expected that he'll need 6 to 10 games to get his game to where he/we want it to be, but the speed that he has is really, really a difference maker. He makes Tyler Kennedy look slow. He's absolutely blazing. And with his tenacity, grit/physicality and natural nose for the net and scoring ability, it's really tantalizing watching him play. He was a guy whom I expected would make an impact in his first season, and now that he's getting healthy, I expect that to happen in the not too distant future.
