11 Comments
User's avatar
Carl's avatar

Better goaltending helps too.

Prashanth Iyer's avatar

Absolutely. An on-ice 5v5 SV% of >.980 never hurt anyone’s defensive stats

Graham Schave's avatar

Great write up. As an unapologetic AJo fan, I was bummed to see him struggling in the first half. I still think he has #4 potential long term so seeing him take a step back in the right direction is awesome.

Frank's avatar

Tons of credit to AJo for stepping up his game, but I’d like to say I appreciate the patience of Yzerman and McLellan. I think a lot of us were ready to pull the plug on certain players after ~30 games. Several times this season a few players have really struggled and they found a way to help them dig out and become successful. I’d love to listen in on the conversations those 2 have on the regular.

Robert Sackleh's avatar

He’s been noticeably better via the eye test too. He’s even been more aggressive offensively (or at least trying to be).

James Hewett's avatar

I'd still be looking at a LH D man with size for the playoffs....Soucy or Stanley come to mind. Also factor in how much longer Chiarot wants to/can play.

Simon's avatar

Nice writeup and crazy stat, just one goal in 200 min. Curious, does getting away from Hamonic explains some of it?

Prashanth Iyer's avatar

I don’t think that’s it because Hamonic only played 19 of 37 games with AlJo…I think the answer is really that AlJo just stepped up his game

Simon's avatar

Great timing, great game by Albert! On a side note, what's your opinion on Hamonic vs Holl or Gustafsson? Are they afraid of losing them to waivers? Don't want to risk the good vibes in Grand Rapids? Or do they prefer Hamonic? What would you do?

Prashanth Iyer's avatar

I’m honestly surprised. To my eyes Gus is > Hamonic

Simon's avatar

Agree. Thanks for replying!