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Good write-up, as usual.
Saw where the league has decided to enforce cross-checking more strictly. Will be interesting to see what the effect is. Maybe the injuries caused by overly aggressive cross-checks is finally sinking in??? Better late than never, I guess.
I like the mentality being shown by the guys. It’s senseless to go into a season thinking “Meh. We suck, so I think we’re going to be able to draft #1 this year, probably next.” You expect kids to think they’re going to contend. But, the reality is what you pointed out: the division is stacked. I’d venture to say that, on paper, our division has the potential to be the hardest in the NHL. Could be wrong, but could be right. Boston, I feel, isn’t going to be as strong and will finally start dropping down the charts. But, Detroit has a way to go before they’re strong enough to contend.
Mo Sides is just impressive. There’s no way people cannot be excited about him and what he’s bringing to the ice. I watched the past few streams, he’s got amazing anticipatory skills (knows where the puck is going and hauls the mail to get there), good shot, sees the ice at such a high level. I remember Jim Rice (may have been Carl Yazstremski…), say that the incoming pitch slows down for them, they could see the rotation of the stitches on the ball which gave them an idea of what pitch was coming. Great players of any sport have this ability to see the game in a slower speed than “normal” people. He’s never been asked, not has he said, if this happens to him. But it seems to me like it does.
Ned’s got a great outlook. Loved his quote about stopping pucks. Our D-line has vastly improved this year over last, and last year’s GAA dropped from 2 seasons ago (not sure how the impact of COVID had on that, as to playing different teams, different schedule, more recovery time, blah blah blah). But he has to know that his chances of seeing high % shots, and really a whole bunch of banging around, will be much greater in Detroit than in Raleigh. His numbers are going to take a hit. There’s no doubt about it. Again, like with Mo Sides, it’s best for fans to manage their expectations. He’s not the panacea, neither player is. There will be struggles this season.
But the overall mentality these guys are showing is VERY promising. I liked the interview with Leddy yesterday, he’s looking forward to playing with Mo, knows his role on the PP, knows he’s a mentor for the kids. He’s got his collective crap wired tight. The Red-White game tomorrow will be a good watch. Will be refreshing to see butts in the seats in pre-season games, and Opening Night. The energy, the change in faces, the culture…..this is going to be a good season. And we just might do better than some think. |
