I actually don't think Lindback's control is that bad, or at least it's gotten better in each start. If you want bad rebound control.... #danellisproblems ...
I don't think the shots are really indicative of the game...I think Dallas had a good deal more "scary" chances. Tampa was playing from behind for most of the game, and had to go into desperation mode in the third. Their fourth line was actually the most effective against us the whole night. This is probably because they played a grinding physical game, similar to what the Stars did last night. The Bolts' "money" line was pretty quiet on the whole, despite getting out against Sulzer\Franson with regularity.
Sullivan's diving swipe to negate the icing sums up why he's still worth 3.75 a season, and why I hope we can somehow bring him back next season. He might not pitch in 30 goals anymore, but if we can get 20-25 and that kind of effort, he's well worth it.
On the other hand, 6 million dollar man Erat needs to ride the pine when Goc or Lombardi comes back. I know that there may be some lingering back issues, but he's become the patron saint of boneheaded penalties at key moments, and while the Wilson goal worked out in the end, it was set up by Erat making a bad decision and passing when he should have shot. Again...it worked out this time, but lately it hasn't been, and most of the time it won't.
Dumont looked a little better tonight than he has lately. Really counting on a rebound year from him.
Glad SK finally got a goal...I think his confidence needed that. I think he had a good game overall tonight. Hopefully that means his toe is feeling better.
Got to give the Devil his due...Klein played a solid game tonight. With that said, I hope that this is the last game we have to play without Suter. There needs to be someone more stable than Sulzer out there with Franson.
To the point about improvement clearing rebounds...I've noticed that as well, and I think a lot of that is replacing Dan Hamhuis with Shane O'Brien. I know that sounds kooky, but Hammer used to give me fits with the way he played in front of his own net...either chipping\deflecting pucks past his own goalie or getting manhandled to the point that he was doing more harm than good. O'Brien has been pretty solid with clearing the crease of both bodies and rebounds. Again, he's probably better as a number 5, but he's acquittted himself well as a number 4 as needed.
Number 1...for now!
