"In all periods, there were times when we were playing really well, playing our game, and playing the way we needed to play. And then I thought we were on our heels. In all periods, it seemed the same. They kind of took it to us, and then I thought we flipped the script. Our best 15 minutes were the last. I thought we played with some urgency."
"The game was his progression from last season. I thought he started a little slow, got better as it went on, and the last period was by far his best. It was kind of like the tale of his season last year. I am guessing he will get his feet underneath him, will understand why he was successful in the third period, and will play more to his identity. Again, there is a lot to like there."
"If you asked them, I don't think they thought they were at their best. I think it takes time. None of them have really played together, other than two practices. It is not enough. You don't really know until you start playing games with them. I think they started off a little slow but got better. I thought they were really good in the third period."
The team alternated between stretches of strong play and periods where it was on its heels throughout the game. The opponent often took the initiative, but the team flipped the script late. The best 15 minutes occurred in the final period, marked by urgency, attention to small details, and difficulty for the opponent's defense to break pucks out. Jacob Quillan showed clear progression from last season, starting slow but finishing strongly and expected to settle into his identity. The Valis-Quillan-Cowan line improved as they gained game time together. Luke Haymes and Ryan Kirwan adapted quickly and looked like they belonged at the prospect level.
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