Got a little busy this weekend, and frankly was so annoyed Friday that I didn't feel like writing anything after the Winnipeg game. Do you care? Probably not.
I was pretty pissed after the deadline, but we have to move forward. I was good with the addition of Glass and Sprong, guys with upside that want to prove something. Fine. What I do have a problem with is these two were available months ago and could've likely bolstered our lineup and insulated us against the losses of Jack and Dougie somewhat - giving some more need to add a little bigger at the actual deadline.
I have some experience working for two teams, the league, and an agency (albeit on the business side) so I do have a sense of how difficult the GM job is. You're dealing with millions of dollars that aren't yours, people's lives with families, and a lot of logistics that aren't really thought too much about. That being said, there were three deals that finally pushed me across the #FireFitz line: Cozens, Zetterlund, Sturm. The rest of the marketplace was pretty rough and none of Tuch, Rakell, Peterka, McCann, Donato, Boeser, not even fucking Palmieri, moved so it seems like the seller's market shot prices through the roof. However the Cozens package (Norris+), Zetterlund (picks and scrubs), and Sturm (picks) could've easily been matched and I have no idea why Fitz wasn't in on these as we could've easily beat the offers. Did Lindy/Buffalo not like Mercer as the centerpiece of a Cozens deal? Did we not like Cozens? WHY?!! Did SJ not want any of our prospects? DOESNT FITZ'S FUCKING BROTHER WORK FOR SAN JOSE and great now I'm pissed again.
Anyway, we got our asses kicked by Winnipeg. To quote Coach form Letterkenney: FUCKING EMBARRASSING! Yet another high end team that we are just not in the same league as. But I was told "These guys probably wont be disappointed." You sure about that? They sure seemed to play like a defeated team that was hoping for better reinforcements.
Nemec had an absolutely awful 3rd period, and frankly looked lost and like his confidence is at it's lowest point. Not sure if he is in his head because of the Kovacevic deal, but he is here and needs to get his head out of his ass. I am still very high on him, he didn't forget how to play hockey, but the early season injury and rumors swirling around him have really gotten in his head. I am certain he was the centerpiece of several packages at the deadline - and don't get it twisted - he has significant value as a young elite two-way RHD and is not "tanking his value" - that's not how it works. He is quite possibly the most valuable asset a team can have. We will see if he gets moved in the off-season, but we still control his rights and can do whatever we want with him. But he needs to prove he can play at this level, and hasn't looked like it AT ALL.
So, we finally got all the new guys for the Flyer game, and I am slightly encouraged. This game had "new rock bottom" written all over it: afternoon game, national TV, no Jack.. Basically I was pre-mad that we were going to throw together another defeated, lifeless performance. But we didn't. Actually, we put together a close to flawless performance and the blueprint for games moving forward: solid D, Great goaltending, Disciplined, finished opportunities - 3-1 with an ENG.
Our new look 3rd line led the way, and Glass and Sprong really breathed some new life into our lineup (don't get mad they could've been here two months ago, don't get mad they could've been here two months ago, don't get mad they could've been here two months ago). They were controlling play, Sprong fires form EVERWHERE. They wound up after 20 minutes with an 85% CF, 86% xGF, 2-0 Chance differential and a goal from Glass. We actually finished? What the hell is this? Haula looked absolutely revitalized on the wing, and maybe that's the right spot for him moving forward, but the new guys did what new guys do - gave this team some life and joy. They actually celebrated after a goal like they cared. They delivered goal #2 in the 2nd and Haula FINALLY got out of the bad place - we have seen the clocks fall back and spring forward since his last point, let alone goal. Glass was a gem in his post-game and is clearly not a dickhead.
I was also encouraged by Timo-Nico-Noesen, who netted out very well: 63% CF, 72% xGF, 9-3 Scoring chances, and 7-3 HD Scoring Chances. Nico in particular showed some menace and emotion and if there is ANYTHING to critique about him is his public body language. Well that changed, and watching him smile like the Joker after throwing Brink into the Flyers bench was encouraging. We need this line to be massive for us moving forward, and playing with a little edge was encouraging. Timo was his normal bull self (still having a tough time scoring) but with 2 goals in 4 games, a breakthrough is coming (Please be coming). Noesen had been pretty bad 5v5 of late, and even got taken off PP1, but he looked the best he has in a few games - forechecking like an animal, and really is a great combo with Nico and Timo.
The Mercer-Bratt-Palat line was the only line in the negative from a metric perspective but it was more low event than anything. Mercer potted the ENG, and rung a snipe off the crossbar - he has been shooting a lot more, and is no longer hesitating.. Don't let Dawgson get hot (please get hot). He has been light years better the past 3-4 games, has looked actually pretty good at Center - maybe letting him settle in there is a good thing and getting him off the wall where he struggles is finally going to pay off. But we need him to finish strong. Bratt had a great couple of chances, but man, this guy is autistic about the 5-hole to a fault, and loves to shoot low. He made an incredible play, putting on the brakes but my guy, go short side high! Shoving that 5-hole doesn't even look cool. Palat still sucks.
The 4th line did their job, low event, got in on the forecheck and left the subsequent lines in good shape offensively. More of that please.
Dumoulin has been ok, just what we expected, steady, veteran presence - low event, good first pass, doesn't get beat. After a couple tough outings, he has provided that steadiness that pairs well with Kovacevic, and he'll be a good fill-in until Siegs returns. They did get burned for the only goal against, and he got caught a little flat footed, but he's the type of guy that will never let that happen again.
Cholowski sucks, no wonder he was in the AHL.
Last.. Jake Allen was FANTASTIC again. He continues to be an absolute revelation and has taken the reins of best back-up in the league and sits 6th OVERALL in GSAE, which is insane considering GSAE is a cumulative stat. Do I say something controversial and brave?
Biggest game of the season to date Tuesday against CBJ. If I had written that and showed myself in October, I would've been pretty confused and credit to them, they are a fun, fast, high octane team and after what they endured this season I don't hate it. Well I will if they knock us out.
They dummied the Rangers last night who no-showed and surrendered a touchdown.
LOL, Fuck you Steve.
