Some things never change. Still the worst officiated sport and still refs just wanta be part of the show. Some dreadful and inconsistent calls all round. Level of incompetence of NHL refs is unbelieveable. Lots of youth games get excellent refereeing and these bozos can't do a job at the professional level.
On the game biggest difference was goal tending. Demko was shaky and let out way too many rebounds while Grubauer was very good. Plays like this and the Kracken are in every game.
Biggest positive was Podkolzin. Skating was much smoother and quicker. Made a number of good plays and and with better linemates looked like he could have accomplished something. That should have been acknowledged by between period commentator (banal and boring as usual - like say something else besides what everyone knows). Off tonight, there is a real chance Podkolzin can help one of the top 3 lines as the season goes on.
Biggest negative was Myers who was again a nightmare. (kids should wear Myers mask on Halloween) . He has been just horrible all pre-season and seems set on becoming the new version of Eriksson. Off the game tonight, you have to think best place for him is in the press box. So much wrong here you don't know where to start. Would prefer Gudbranson.
On the defense.
Rathbone had some good stretches of play but took a pounding deep in his end and will need to get stronger around his net. Strength lies in open ice play and he can be excellent here. Weakness is when the play slows along the boards. However, given the holes on the defense is clearly on the team.
Joulevi - Not all bad but at the moment he is going to cough up gilt-edged opportunities every game he plays. Got the puck moving well at times but still can't take players around the net. In spite of his problems, Joulevi is showing some improvement. Not enough to be, legitimately, on an NHL roster but enough to have some hope that after a year in Abby he can provide some bottom pairing relief work. Maybe wishful thinking but at least he now seems to be trying and getting his nose dirty.
OEL - far and away the best d-man. Tragedy is he had to play with the train wreck Myers in this game.
Burroughs - lack of competition might well allow him to be on the team. Not really an NHL player but was decent in this game.
Schenn - plods along and tries to use positioning to keep out of trouble. Very limited and absolutely fringe NHLer. Looks like he might have lost a step since his last stay in Vancouver and that's a step he couldn't lose.
Forwards
Past time to send some of these not ready and never will be players packing. Dries and Focht should have already been down the road. Also becoming apparent that all of Highmore, Dowling, Guiseepe, Lockwood, McEwen have big holes in their games. Given the injuries some of these guys will stick around (most like Highmore, McEwen and Dowling). But you are not winning with minor league players like these.
Dickinson started well and had probably his best game. His skating and coverage were better and, with better linemates, looked like he could provide some offense. Could see glimpses in this game of how he could help the team.
