the improvement started before the AS break, noted

Posted on: February 18, 2019 at 10:39:22 CT

on a 3 game Western swing.

Berube focuses on some simple things (defend from the inside out in your zone, collapse to the center/protect your net, and speed, speed speed out of your zone)

the difference is getting everyone to do it without hesitation, total commitment and faith the other guy is doing his part if you act.

Great example is the massive improvement in D scoring and D aggressiveness in the O zone by Parayko, Petro, Dunn and Edmundson - even bortuzzo and Jay B are more aggressive, cutting to the net.

Binnington's astonishing play is definitely a huge factor - they aren't hedging in fears a soft goal is going in on the first 3 on 2.

It's been terrific, but the last 3 games, despite being wins and shutouts, weren't quite as strong.

Talent was always there. This is about the record most thought they would have at this point; just not the way they thought it would play out!