The first day of training camp is always a little like the first day of school. Everyone is happy to be back, with some extra giddiness in knowing their captain and leader is signed up for a few more years. But it’s also a professional competition for players angling to make an impression and stand out over what is not a very long time to settle things out.
“I think it will be a competitive camp,” coach Mike Sullivan said after yesterday’s first day of practice. “What we’re looking for is competitive spirit, execution, hockey IQ… those are the things that I think add up to make a positive impact.