Yep. Optionality is a good thing and puck possession is a good thing.
If you went to the game last night, you saw a D-man Mike Green score a goal on a sweet backhand and then skate the entire length of the ice to shoot on goal in overtime. The shot rebounded to Backstrom who put in the game winner. There was another play where Poti stopped a shot in from goal; skated the length of the ice; shoveled a pass; got it back and almost scored again. Having D-men that can skate and pass and lets us attack as a unit is a key change for us as a team this year. Puck possession is key and we now look more organized on our transition game.
All six of the D-men who dressed last night played well for the most part, other than a few lapses in the 3rd period, two of which led to goals by the ‘Canes. The second goal was a complete lapse by Pothier and Schultz, and was going to be a power play for the ‘Canes if they hadn’t scored.
Poti did look good in transition, but on at least one occasion got caught up when he made a bad pass, but that’s going to come in the NHL in this day and age, and I think the chances he creates for the Caps will outweight the mistakes he sometimes makes on the way up the ice.
Green looked very good, other than the silly penalty in the first period for delaying the game (although when his rush for the first goal came from him joining a transition from the penalty box…)
I envy but don’t relish the decision that George and Glen have to make with the defense. Obviously Poti, Pothier, Morrisson and Jurcina will make the team, but then they have to pick between Erskine, Schultz, Green and Emminger for spots 5-7. One of them has to go to Hershey. Likely it won’t be Erskine (he’s more than likely going to be their 7th D-man) so one of the others has to go to Hershey so they will play. A tough call to be sure.