Quote:
Originally Posted by BelovedIsles
Haha, I find myself doing this more and more. I figure the wins are few and far in between, so savor the rare ones. And now with JT getting the notoriety he deserves, me thinks they'll be more of the NYI publicity; NHL Tonight here I come.
So glad this organization has him to build around, and to think we debated the pick for MONTHS before the 2009 draft. Furthermore, it's a true testament to the faith coaching has in him to put his line out there in the waning minutes, simply, that's the ONLY line that can consistently exit the zone; and guess what, they did...twice (for goals).
Poulin played well, but on a few chances he seemed to overplay the puck and be out of position; he doesn't have the poise back there yet.
The Canes played hard tonight, Staal actually had a pulse in this one.
Grabner's play is very frustrating, he is anemic to physical play and cannot win a single board battle. Someone mentioned his technique, but I also believe there's an underlying unwillingness to winning 50-50 pucks there.
|
Not only did that line exit the zone in the final minutes to score big put-away goals, they did it with poise and an incredible display of unselfishness. On Okies goal, JT had a chance to fire it from a few steps BEHIND center ice, but put a nice pass on KO's stick, & Kyle buried it, avoiding a possible icing if he missed wide. Then on JT's 2nd goal, Kyle, who could use the goal to get him closer to 20, made a great centering feed to JT, staying onside, for an easy tap it. That line has a chemistry that hasn't been had on the island in some time. PAP was nice on the wing, but it seems Kyle brings something PA didn't. His ability to grind along the boards, put his head down & go to the net, which gives JT more space and just his overall strength. Add that to one of the most dynamic C in the game, and it'll be fun to watch.
Poulin made big saves in the 1st. That's kick save on Staal(iirc) was incredible. The kid has the talent & mindset. Give him the rest of the year in Bport and I think he can jump in and be a stud. Having him AND Nilsson will be huge for this franchise moving forward btwn the pipes
