Petrielli on the level of optimism vs. pessimism after a 6-5-2 start:
It is important to keep in mind that they had the exact same record through 13 games at this point last year. They got hot in November.
Certain things have improved to this point. They have been better at five-on-five in terms of controlling play. Their defense is clearly better. Their goaltending is better. It is early — we will see how they continue down the path — but there are certain things you can point to that are genuinely improved and will matter.