In last night’s game, the score didn’t matter. The contest only served as a sort of evaluation of the different facets of the game for the team; a way for the coaching staff to know what they will have to work on before the matchup with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
After 60 minutes of exhibition hockey, the answer to those questions is clear. Everything needs work.
From the power-play breakouts to defensive-zone coverage, from offensive-zone timing to transition passing, all of the different systems will need to be re-studied, practised, and honed.
This isn’t surprising.