The B team was not ready
Detroit’s preseason started strong this week, however things did not go smoothly in Pittsburgh. Unlike Detroit’s 5-2 win over Buffalo, tonight’s team was lacking most of the top players. The team had a good first period, but were clearly outplayed for most of the game.
John Gibson’s first half appearance saw and impressive 12 saves on 13 shots against. There was a lot to like about the veteran goalie, and he held the team in good standing with his play. Postava, however, was not able to withstand Pittsburgh’s offense. Unfortunately, Detroit’s defensive structure was lacking throughout the contest.
John Leonard and Nate Danielson
John Leonard scored both of Detroit’s goals, and put the team on the board. His opening tally came off of a turnover in the neutral zone, resulting in a one on “0” chance. Leonard cashed in on a nice play, and looks like a potentially good depth acquisition.
Nate Danielson , impressively, continues to battle over all 200 feet of ice. Results not withstanding, Danielson isn’t swayed by the ebbs and flows. His effort is there for the entire game, and that may well earn him a spot. Emmitt Finnie had some nice moments, but his first relatively quiet game so far.
Is JT Compher getting worried?
Once again, centerman J.T. Compher just does not look engaged during play. Moments of indecision, coupled with weak execution seem to continue to haunt his game. There were a few bad sequences with he and Justin Holl that resulted in turnovers and chances against.
While the team at large just seemed disengaged, Compher in particular is going to be the focus of this contest. He and Andrew Copp have both been on notice that more is needed from them. Thus far, Compher has not answered that challenge this post season. He has a modified 10 team no trade clause, and it’s worth wondering if those teams have been submitted yet.
They did not look good very good. I’m not a hockey expert, I just know what I see. They didn’t really look coordinated. The last two games, they seemed in the same page. They looked like they’ve been playing together for a while. Last night I didn’t see so much of that.
Where was Berggy? Actually, where was anyone? No one seemed to take charge. Earlier games it was Fannie or Lombardi, or someone. No one stood out to me except Gibson and Leonard, how about him?
I don’t know what’s going on with Compher. He’s not helping himself. I thought he played okay with Berggy the other night but nothing last night. Would one call that a lack of chemistry?
Oh! Those centennial Jerseys are awesome! I don’t know whether to get a Seider or Konstantinov. I already have two of Vladdies , maybe it’s time for something different.
That was definitely flat, Gibson make a few key saves that kept the team going for the first half. This felt like a “sink or swim” lineup. You pointed it out well, a couple of standouts and then….if the battle is Copp or Compher, Copp has the edge right now. No clue what you do with Compher.
Leonard had a solid first period for sure. The turnover caused by Doucet turned into a beauty.
My stupid device keeps changing Finnie to Fannie. He certainly is not the butt of this team.