We’re So Back

We are so back- let’s just say Dallas didn’t agree to the new 84 game schedule; borrowing a joke- we were simply boycotting the first two games. A rough start to the season, with Miro the hero being the only goal scorer in 6 periods, he’s showing out as the best defenseman in the league. Game 3 we snapped out of it and one can’t help but notice- why do we only play well against good teams? It’s clear the Sharks are more basking than bull without Celebrini, but we can’t ignore the shutout Oettinger accomplished for the team, clearly kickstarting the confidence boost that led to another one against fully healthy Sabres team.

Coming back this season with a fresh vibe is captain, Benn, who put up a goal and an assist against the Sharks. Although the game started a little slow, second period was one to replay on a rainy day. 5 explosive goals that left the opponent scrambling and unable to answer the remainder of the game. It all started with Benn assisting Miro for a goal that would have our blue line taking the puck to the back of the net.

When going on the road to New York we kept the same aggressive control of the puck with another shutout and nearly double the saves from Otter. Rantanen was a matching focal point on the ice, giving teammates a trio of assists and a goal- it leaves us wondering when he will get the A on his jersey.

In Pittsburgh I won’t call it a loss, giving we slipped in shootout, it was a game of grit ending in 1-1 at the end of regulation. What we did get to see is Seguin finally back in action after a couple of long seasons away- keeping us in the game in the last 30 seconds. We can hope the energy hasn’t plateaued and we can continue pushing through with the same energy brought to the ice against every team.

With injuries already collecting on our roster this season, and Duchene being out on LTIR with a lower body surgery for the next 3 months we’re grateful Kiviranta and Faksa are expected to be back for Colorado’s game. Who can we expect to see over the first half of the season to fill the slot as the rotation of players try to fill the sheet- I’m liking what we’re seeing out of Kiviranta coming up over Blackwell, and why he fills 4th line. Is this a repercussion of a short training camp when we saw so many players, not just those who ended the season injured, putting in the extra work during offseason. Will we see more preseason madness with Hyry being pulled up to help get goals in, or how Taylor followed suit on ice given such a short time with the team. Their fluidity playing both sides of the ice and elite face off wins can’t be ignored just because of preseason games, as key players are trying to get their 2 games in and warmed up for regular season.

Tonight’s game against Colorado has me thinking we will go traditional with our lines. Seeing the same as back in late spring, gambling new lines doesn’t seem necessary when we know Rant is the key to shaking this team up- especially when they’re in white. I think this will be a productive game for a couple stars that have been quiet, Johnston and Ritzy are over due on the stat sheet. Robertson is short on what we’re accustomed to seeing from him as well, an getting Rant to set the rowdy tone against a team he plays his best against we can hope the team follows suit.