A Hockey Gods' "test"; Lundqvist starts vs CBJ; Brassard OK
First, thanks to Michael Lewis for pinch-hitting today and filing some notes from his interviews that I'll share here...
"The last few games we've gotten a little bit too aggressive and given up too many odd-man rushes. It's getting back to focusing -- we were doing a little controlled scrimmmage today -- focusing on having a third forward high and making good reads on when to pinch and when not to pinch and just maybe bit a little more patient as opposed to kind of forcing the offense. I look back at some of our games. We were in real good defensive position, which led to our offensive chances. That's just an adjustment we're working on and a little bit different mindset."
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First, thanks to Michael Lewis for pinch-hitting today and filing some notes from his interviews that I'll share here...
"The last few games we've gotten a little bit too aggressive and given up too many odd-man rushes. It's getting back to focusing -- we were doing a little controlled scrimmmage today -- focusing on having a third forward high and making good reads on when to pinch and when not to pinch and just maybe bit a little more patient as opposed to kind of forcing the offense. I look back at some of our games. We were in real good defensive position, which led to our offensive chances. That's just an adjustment we're working on and a little bit different mindset."
On facing former Blue Jackets teammates Thursday, Derek Dorsett, as you might imagine, insisted that two points matter more than the opponent:
"We've got to pull together. With Cally going down, and Staalsie, gives guys opportunities to get more minutes. That's when you've got to see what guys are made of. I think we've got to come out with a solid effort tomorrow night. Columbus is going to come in and work hard and we have to make sure we out-match them."
Derick Brassard, another former Jacket, did not practice. Coach Alain Vigneault said he fell on his "posterior" during the loss to the the Preds, and should be ready for Thursday.
Here's more from Vigneault, who took a positive tone::