After the 2 games in Sweden, Hartsburg spoke on the Team 1200. I ran to grab my radio at work, wrote it down quickly, then forgot to post it here after all that. :D
The gist was:
Going in the right direction - would've liked to get all 4 points - though we played well enough to legitimately get all 4. Through the practice regimes before the games in Sweden, he feels we're making steps forward.
Hard skate today (which would've been yesterday) and off ice training today - and then individual meetings with players after that. He wants (nix that, he'll get) 2 more hard practices before Saturday's game.
Going to Sweden, the biggest thing to adjust to was the time difference. Guys were mature enough to get into the swing quickly and adjusted well.
No disputing that Martin Gerber is the "number one guy".
After the first goal, feels that Gerber made huge saves that kept the team in the game - especially during the 5 straight penalties called against us. From what he's seen in practice and early in the year - we should get good goaltending.
We want to be a nightmare to play against - he doesn't want teams to have a nice time when they play us. Complimented Ruutu several times in this. Loves his game, loves his competitive edge, loves what he brings. Confessed to not knowing that Ruutu brought as much to the table as he does.
Must be an honest team! Compete for the puck at all times and be strong on puck when have it. He feels that a major key will be ensuring that everyone buys into that - he wants them practicing this in their sleep (LOL).
He glowed about Jesse Winschester. Says that each and every game he played, he got better - which culminated in an outstanding play on Vermettes goal. He believes that Winchester will continue to improve and grow - but he's already taking massive steps. Loves that he is strong along the boards as well. NHL player - and a good one.
From the minute camp started, he feels Dany Heatley has been outstanding. He wants to do whatever he can (more) to help the team and become a total player (well-rounded)
Loved the PK. Said guys caught on to what he wanted quickly with: "smart pressure, blocking shots, active sticks in lanes". He wants the team to be one of the, if not the top PKing team in the league.
Can't wait to have Fisher back. He thinks Saturday, fingers crossed. Fisher is skating on his own - and he says he looks good.
Kuba and Picard were 'outstanding'. Thank gosh for the trade that brought him two massive bodies on the back end. Other defense was real good - especially adapting to different partners. These are a group that will always compete hard and allow for smart puck movement. Jason Smith is a powerful figure on the ice and hard to intimidate. He loves the way he competes.
Picard is a full time NHLer that has a big body and is smart with the puck. Ideally Picard will get more and more ice time as the season progresses until he's in the 20 minute range. Thinks he will open a lot of eyes in Ottawa.
The gist was:
Going in the right direction - would've liked to get all 4 points - though we played well enough to legitimately get all 4. Through the practice regimes before the games in Sweden, he feels we're making steps forward.
Hard skate today (which would've been yesterday) and off ice training today - and then individual meetings with players after that. He wants (nix that, he'll get) 2 more hard practices before Saturday's game.
Going to Sweden, the biggest thing to adjust to was the time difference. Guys were mature enough to get into the swing quickly and adjusted well.
No disputing that Martin Gerber is the "number one guy".
After the first goal, feels that Gerber made huge saves that kept the team in the game - especially during the 5 straight penalties called against us. From what he's seen in practice and early in the year - we should get good goaltending.
We want to be a nightmare to play against - he doesn't want teams to have a nice time when they play us. Complimented Ruutu several times in this. Loves his game, loves his competitive edge, loves what he brings. Confessed to not knowing that Ruutu brought as much to the table as he does.
Must be an honest team! Compete for the puck at all times and be strong on puck when have it. He feels that a major key will be ensuring that everyone buys into that - he wants them practicing this in their sleep (LOL).
He glowed about Jesse Winschester. Says that each and every game he played, he got better - which culminated in an outstanding play on Vermettes goal. He believes that Winchester will continue to improve and grow - but he's already taking massive steps. Loves that he is strong along the boards as well. NHL player - and a good one.
From the minute camp started, he feels Dany Heatley has been outstanding. He wants to do whatever he can (more) to help the team and become a total player (well-rounded)
Loved the PK. Said guys caught on to what he wanted quickly with: "smart pressure, blocking shots, active sticks in lanes". He wants the team to be one of the, if not the top PKing team in the league.
Can't wait to have Fisher back. He thinks Saturday, fingers crossed. Fisher is skating on his own - and he says he looks good.
Kuba and Picard were 'outstanding'. Thank gosh for the trade that brought him two massive bodies on the back end. Other defense was real good - especially adapting to different partners. These are a group that will always compete hard and allow for smart puck movement. Jason Smith is a powerful figure on the ice and hard to intimidate. He loves the way he competes.
Picard is a full time NHLer that has a big body and is smart with the puck. Ideally Picard will get more and more ice time as the season progresses until he's in the 20 minute range. Thinks he will open a lot of eyes in Ottawa.