Three Stars:
- Trevor Van Reimsdyk, 2 A
- Andrew Ladd, GWG
- Scott Darling, 28 SV
I don’t think clinching was ever in doubt last night. We never fell behind and it was just a matter of putting a goal in before time expired. Darling’s performance wasn’t bad either.
Positives:
- Scott Darling continues a reign of dominance over non-contenders. That’s what we need right now, and it’s good he’s playing this well, considering that the Predators still lurk just around the corner. The two goals weren’t his fault and came out of defensive ineptitude.
- Ladd and Shaw continue to be the impressive members of the team. Shaw’s fourth line move has turned out to be a great thing, and that should have been a goal. He fought hard for one and it confuses me why he wasn’t given the puck on the empty net attempt.
- Toews finally stepped up his offensive game in time to look like his playoff threat self. About damn time.
- Trevor Van Reimsdyk was the bright spot of the defense last night on both ends of the ice. Without him neither of our first two goals are possible, and he stepped up on the back end as well. It sometimes makes sense why he’s the defensive prospect Q and Kitchen have been willing to develop.
- Kane got to point #94. If he gets a hat trick soon he’ll make 100 for the first time in his career.
- Teuvo stepped up as the Artem replacement. I don’t believe this is a long term solution, but it doesn’t have to be. Although we all know how long day t0 day injuries can last. I miss Crawford.
Negatives:
- Svedberg directly contributed to the second goal last night. Make no mistake, it was entirely his fault, not Darling’s. He needs to be off the team and I don’t know whether Q or Kitchen are making defensive decisions but they’re mistaken in starting Lurch over Goose. It needs to stop. Ehrhoff was good and he and Goose as a partnership would be dynamite.