How far is Ottawa from you?
6 hour drive
Nice road trip.
The Bs have done a good job at beating the teams they're supposed to - but they have played 5 non-playoff teams from last year. Still, undefeated is undefeated.
I've been largely unimpressed. Ullmark and Swayman have saved their asses. They've been great.
On D they seem ok. McAvoy is much better (healthier) than last year, but Lindholm has taken a step back. Not sure what the issue is.
I was NOT in favor of signing Shattenkirk. Would've liked them to introduce some young blood there, as Mason Lorei was their last cut to go to Providence. That kid is going to be a stud. But Shattenkirk is playing on the 3rd pair, and he has been rock solid. The guy is in position, makes the smart play, and his cool as a cucumber in traffic.
Up front, I don't think this team is as fast as they were last year. Losing Bergeron is huge obviously. Not just on the ice, but off of it. I think he had a way of calming or focusing the room. Bergeron wasn't a garbage goal guy. His goals always came at critical spots.
Losing Krejci I don't think is a big deal, honestly, but you still need to replace him with someone competent.
They're playing two rookies at center. 2022 2nd round pick Matthew Poitras (19 y/o) is playing 2nd line and has been great. He's up on his 9game tryout as it's NHL of back to Juniors for him, but he's staying.
Johnny Beecher (2019 1st rd) is playing 4th line center and that line has been most noticeable on most nights.
But yes, they've played nobody. They play the Ducks at home tomorrow, and then next week, they have Detroit twice, Florida and Toronto. I'll take their temp after next week.