Kessel demonstrated what a class act he is last night. The multitude of rookies and call ups (with 5 key players out, including 3 left wingers, 4 wingers total) are doing great, all things considered. 6-1 bitches!
An ugly win, but they continue to get things done. Their ability to score while constantly being outshot, and the fact that they're the worst in the league at turnovers while simultaneously being #1 in takeaways suggests they have the depth and skill, but are lacking cohesiveness and teamwork. Luckily, these attributes are way easier to teach and improve over the course of a season than the first two. And as their roster gets over their injuries, I can only see them becoming even better still.
Oh, and Mason Raymond is looking like a genius pickup right now, sorry haters. The guy has 8 points (4 G, 4 A) in 7 games. I don't seriously think he'll maintain over a point per game, but for the cost of getting him, it would still be justified even with just a fraction of the production. It doesn't hurt that he's also one of the quickest skaters in the league too. Another player acquired for very little (a few late-round draft picks) who is probably having an even bigger impact for the team, (though only with a "mere" 5 points in 7 games), is the dude with last year's very clutch Stanley Cup-winning goal, a man known as one Dave Bolland. Thanks, Chicago!
