Good to see Steel is skating

I hope we get to see Comtois play during this road trip

Also, I'm a little surprised to see the 3rd D pairing is still Larsson + MDZ. I figured after last game either player could get swapped for Holzer

I’m hoping to see Comtois as well. I know part of the call up was because the Gulls don’t play again till Friday. But one game would be nice since it’s been almost a year since we’ve seen him in action.

I think Holzer really left a bad taste in Eakins mouth. MDZ may have to really bomb to get replaced. Though I also think it’s entirely possible Holzer gets slotted without skating with Larsson today.

IMO, MDZ has been way better than Holzer and the Larsson - MDZ pairing has been solid. Not flashy, but just not a noticeable liability. I think that pairing should stick. Larsson needs more experience at this level and doesn't need to be hampered by a bad partner. Overall, I have been very impressed with Larsson. He gets flustered when put under pressure, but that's normal for kids not used to the speed of the NHL. Hopefully, by sticking at this level, he'll learn to deal with those situations. Once/if we can improve, he's going to be a very good D-first top 4D.



Getting a look at Comtois would be great. Jones has been pure energy, but I could see him being benched for Comtois.

I feel like it's been hard for me at asses fully since Larsson and MDZ have been utilized less overall. Larsson is getting the fewest minutes and not much special teams time, which Guhle really isn't either. Other than a couple mistakes, Larsson has looked good overall. But he definitely needs more confidence and poise.

I think Jones just needs to score and he'll really get rolling. But I dont think sitting out a game would hurt him if it means Comtois gets some time. Jones is likely staying up all year so a few games sat out wont be bad for him.

I agree benching Jones for a game or so to give Comtois a look shouldn't be that big of a deal for his development, but I'd much rather scratch Ritchie. The pucks will start going in for Jones if he keeps working as hard as he does. I'd just really hate to sacrifice the speed and effort he brings to the lineup.

I'm all aboard the "Scartch Ritchie" train. I think Eakins has higher expectations for him than RC did but he seems like the kind of coach who will bench under-performing players. Eakins rolls 4 lines so being up and down the lineup isnt really a punishment anymore.