Tough game, the SC finalists coming extra hungry from 0-2 start and we still weren't ready at the start. Loved the resurgence in the third, this was like the third best outcome (after win and ot point), dominate the end and even get slightly robbed (the uncalled obvious trip on Mercer).
Unfortunately my biggest question marks are showing up a bit. 1. The coaching, I thought it was a big mistake letting Bruno go. It can't be a coincidence that every team is shit until Brunette shows up and then they are a top team in the league. I'm sure they know better, whose responsible of what, but I personally would of made Bruno the head coach. 2. Goaltending, both goalies have been "ok", I thought Vanecek was great in the first game, but here he was average. Both goalies save close to what they are supposed to and not a single bit more. A contending team needs a goalie that outplays xGA. Switch goalies and we win that game. 3. Defence, say what you want but the defence kinda misses Graves and Severson (and also Tatar in the offense). I think Bahl has looked good and Hughes is holding on his own (though with his style I think he needs to contribute more offensively), but there's definitely an adjustment period and the former mentioned guys probably had the system better figured out. I think ultimately it was the right call to let them go, but it's gonna show a bit in the first couple of months (maybe year).
Also doesn't help that Nico is still without a point (?) and Meier is lost. As long as some players are definitely out of their usual level it's hard to gauge where we are. Timo really needs to get his shit together. I think Holtz earned a top6 spot with this game, probably his best game defensively and also had a couple of good shots and passes. Put him at least with Nico. I would even put him in the first with Hughes and Bratt.
Bratt Hughes Holtz
Meier/Toffoli Hischier Mercer
Palat Haula Meier/Toffoli
I think both Meier and Toffoli have played both wings, so could be worth a try (especially for Timo)