I can't really complain about the things I normally complain about after tonight, so I won't even try it.
That said, even in our triumph, Josh Bailey has been not great. When Beauvillier returns, I'd like to see Bailey's role reevaluated. He's not a bad player by any means, but something is just off right now. I think in a reduced role, giving Pageau some help on that 3rd line would be a good spot to stick him in. Meanwhile, Wahlstrom would move up to 2RW, he's been very good and I think could help spark Nelson. MDC had a nice game against Pittsburgh but was pretty iffy tonight. I think he can stay, assuming Beauvillier comes back on Thursday (not guaranteed), but if he has another poor performance (lowest CF% and xGF% on the team by a longshot tonight) Bellows should go back in 100%. And then I'd just let them play until they hit another snag. I think this is as good as it's gonna get until someone gets injured or they finally retire the 4th line (which was very, very good tonight, in large part due to Cizikas being Cizikas).
No complaints with the defense tonight either. Pelech was incredible tonight, his underlying numbers were mediocre kinda, but if you watched, you know he was great. He does all of the little stuff right and was rewarded with a point tonight. Andy Greene also impressed me, his offense is nonexistent, but he did some good defensive stuff which I appreciated. Would still like to see Aho get in soon, but can't take anything away from Greene tonight.
We've got some momentum now, hopefully we can ride it a bit longer and pick up some more Ws.
Bailey has been kinda brutal lately. As soon as Beau comes back, he's gotta go to the 3rd line. Like it or not (and I hate it), that line probably has the smallest role of the 4 forward lines, so reducing his responsibility and allowing him to figure out what his issue is could be the best thing for him. I'd even demote him before Beauvillier comes back honestly and give Bellows or Wahlstrom a shot in the top 6
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