1) The consensus seemed to be that Brock McGinn was the Checkers' best forward last weekend. Coach Mark Morris said McGinn was "flying out there." I also think it's important to mention Zach Boychuk. In my opinion, it was the best I've seen him play in quite a while. He was not just involved offensively but he brought a physicality to the game that takes him to another level.
2) The Checkers only gave up three shots in the second period on Sunday night and two of them went past goalie Drew MacIntyre. But, if you break down what happened, there is a reason. After sitting in the room during the entire first intermission, Drew went almost another 11 minutes of game time without seeing a single shot on net. About 30 minutes in real time goes by and he faces a slap shot from 20 feet away. No goalie can go that long and see that kind of shot and handle it perfectly. You lose your adrenaline and focus after watching the game from 200 feet away for so long.
3) T.J. Hensick scored on a nice shootout goal to help the Checkers to a 5-4 comeback win on Sunday. The former Wolverine probably had a good idea where to shoot on Wild goalie Jeremy Smith since they both skate together during the summer in Michigan. Earlier in the game, Smith had what will be a save of the year candidate on Hensick no matter what else any other goalie does this season.
4) It won't be long before the Pittsburgh Penguins have a new head coach. They can't afford to start like they have with that much firepower up front.
"I didn’t think we started on time and I didn’t think we competed. I didn’t think we won any races and we didn’t look like we were hungry to get to the puck."
There is no excuse for a poor effort at home this early in the season. I don't think Ron Francis and company will stand by and watch it happen again.
6) I know it's still early in the NHL season but the coach's review is something the league should have done many years ago.
7) I thought Patrick Brown played terrific on both nights along with his linemates Kyle Hagel and David Wohlberg. Brown, who has been moved to the wing, was highly effective in all scenarios. He showed the same tenacity this weekend as he did early in his rookie season.
8) If what goalie Rasmus Tirronen displayed on Sunday is any indication of what he is capable of doing in his pro career, the Hurricanes could have one heck of a steal on their hands. I'm aware the sample size is small and certainly there will be some bumps in the road, but he was put into the fire in relief of MacIntyre and left the game unscathed.
9) What the under/over on Rasmus Rissanen's cross checking penalties this season?
10) The team is leaving for 18 days on the road. I have no idea how to pack for 18 days. I don't even think if I took all of my clothes, it would suffice. Pray for me.
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