Chibisov looked great again tonight, he’s gonna make the team. Made some big hits, and wasn’t out of place playing with Scheifele and Perreault. Excellent stuff from him.
Luoto played another good game, saw some Tanev like qualities in his game, that hard working, grinding game. I think Chibisov is slightly ahead, but still he’s got a shot.
Seuss played good as well, but I think he’s still Moose-bound.
Niku was amazing, and I think he led the team in icetime? Not fully sure but he played an awful lot, and he was amazing. Awesome pass on Copp’s goal. Defense looked better as well. Morrissey played great like usual, but I hope he doesn’t play too many preseason games since he’s going to be a candidate for highest TOI league wide this year even if Buff plays. I think this will be the 1st pairing this year. I'm excited.
Poolman was a beast tonight, great defense even though he was paired with Bitetto, and he drove through the neutral zone a lot to jump start o-zone time. He's going to be on the team for sure.
Kulikov honestly was fine tonight, and I would be fine with him on the 3rd pairing this year carrying a young guy or on the 2nd pairing with Pionk (well not fine, but it's the best we can do with Buff potentially being out)
Negatives: Vesalainen was invisible out there, he's going to at least start with the Moose for sure, he needs time. Only way I see him making the team is if both Connor and Laine hold out. Heinola wasn't a negative per say, but he simply isn't ready yet, which in all honestly is not a bad thing since he's only 18 lol. 1 more year in Finland, or maybe half a season with the Moose and he will be ready to go.
And for the most important part of the night... Maurice split up Schiefele and Wheeler!
Copp-Lowry-Wheeler looked real good, real similiar to how Copp-Lowry played last year, but with Wheeler's driving ability and obvious passing ability. Losing a little bit of speed with Tanev not there, but oh well. If they play that line more 5on5 as a 2nd hybrid line (scoring and shutdown) It may work. Should leave Ehlers/Connor -Scheifele-Laine and the remaining Ehlers/Connor with Perreault as a great 3rd scoring line. Also Roslovic pls be a centre, we will need you soon as 2C. Give him a giant in Chibisov and Appleton, could be an effective 4th line.
I thought ves made a few smart plays but your right, he needs some AHL time to start at least, which isn’t the worst thing. Niku looks really good and improved from last season. If it’s mo and Sami to start I’m excited to see what they can do. It’s kinda a minor thing but looks like broswall is still the same broswall from last year. Excited to see how helly performs against the blues.
Heinola looked pretty good tonight and Kulikov had a good game as well, would really need to see Heinola in some regualar season games but he looks like it wouldn't take too long for him to be ready for the NHL.
I thought Vesalainen looked decent, not a standout but more noticeable then in any other NHL game I've watched him in.
Seuss has the makings of being a solid bottom 6 player, really like Spacek' game as well, good offensive instincts.
I thought ves made a few smart plays but your right, he needs some AHL time to start at least, which isn’t the worst thing. Niku looks really good and improved from last season. If it’s mo and Sami to start I’m excited to see what they can do. It’s kinda a minor thing but looks like broswall is still the same broswall from last year. Excited to see how helly performs against the blues.
Ooh yes forgot about Brossoit, he showed no signs of rust tonight. I’m really confident in him, I think if Bucky gets hurt he could manage a starter’s load.
Heinola looked pretty good tonight and Kulikov had a good game as well, would really need to see Heinola in some regualar season games but he looks like it wouldn't take too long for him to be ready for the NHL
Yeah I’d imagine Heinola gets the 9 games and we see where he is at that point. Agree on the Kulikov part as well, I think he’s over his back injury fully now, and Myers isn’t there anymore to hold him back. He definitely will be better than last year.