This article is part of our Frozen Fantasy series.
Hockey is so secondary to the state of the world today. But its return is a wonderful distraction. And a tiny signal of hope.
Order has returned. Or at least a little bit.
We can't wish COVID away. We all need to keep doing our part to stop it from spreading. But we can use hockey to pretend our world has order.
If only for a few hours at a time.
I miss the crowd noise, but love the game sounds that suddenly seem louder. Blades on the ice. Bodies on the boards. Pucks ringing posts.
I like the broadcasts this season – no offense, but it feels like the US feeds have finally improved their camera locations and angles. That's a huge deal to a Canadian raised on near-perfect visuals.
I love the division splits, especially the north. Again, it's a Canadian dream to have our teams pounding each other. Montreal-Toronto is going to be epic. Ditto Calgary-Edmonton.
I don't like the sloppy play so far, even though there are a lot of chances AND goals. I worry the Leafs lack heart, just like they have for years. Did you see newcomer Wayne Simmonds call out his own bench? In the the second period of Game One?
Yikes.
I know that P.K. Subban still has a big shot. And no ability to play D.
I love that Steven Stamkos is back. And that Auston Matthews' talent is growing, if that's even possible.
I'm impressed by the Devils –
