Bringing the Intensity
Friday focused on Utah’s defensive systems, including d-zone coverage and neutral zone forecheck. After a high-energy practice on Day 1, Utah continued to bring that same level of intensity on Day 2.
“I think staying with the same intensity and focus we had day one,” Hayton said of Friday’s focus. “A couple different themes, d-zone coverage, forecheck, neutral zone forecheck. But keeping the same character speed and intensity. I thought it was a good day.”
“I did like that part,” Tourigny said on Day 2’s energy. “First day, everybody’s excited. We were aware of the possibility of (a drop off with energy), and there was no drop off. The pace was really high, the boys were focused, they were tuned in. I think we made a good step forward today in practice in terms of structure, in terms of understanding what we’re doing. Happy about the business (on the ice).”
The first two practices of training camp have also brought a high level of physicality. This is helping the players get up to speed quickly before the season starts, especially since they aren't playing with the same level of intensity in the offseason.
“Just getting used to the physicality again,” McBain said of his focus at camp. “…I’m getting used to the (hits) on you and I think just getting into the groove of things. Getting used to linemates again, all of that. So, it’s important to get up the pace quick and go from there.”
Learning from Each Other
As much as training camp is learning the systems and getting ready for the season, it’s also a time for players to learn from each other. Vincent Trocheck was tied for the 13th best face off win percentage in the NHL (56.9%) last season and he has been a consistent threat at the dot during his career. Following practice, Hayton discussed what he learned from the center.
“We did some face offs today, talking with (Vincent Trocheck), he’s been a guy throughout the years, whenever we played the Rangers, he was a challenge for sure,” Barret Hayton said on Trocheck. “So, it’s cool to kind of see his different point of view. And him being in the league for so long, kind of having those matchups between different guys. So many good faceoff guys in the league. I feel like throughout the years you kind of learn things about different players. You got those matchups and it’s cool to get a different perspective.
“Him obviously being a righty,” Hayton continued. “Kind of some things he sees against lefties that I can transfer over again to the righties and what not.”
Hayton has also worked with veteran forward Anders Lee during the offseason and training camp. Lee is known for being a force around the net who can score some greasy goals.
“(Lee), even before camp I was on the ice with him a little bit doing some touches,” Hayton said. “He’s just perfected so much around the net. That’s an area that over the years I’ve tried to kind of fine tune and learn different things, but it’s something that you’re forever trying to get better at. He’s been so effective at it. He’s super smart at it so it’s been fun.”
The Young Guns
For the second straight day, rookie forward Daniil But played on a line with captain Clayton Keller and center Nick Schmaltz. It’s an opportunity for the young forward to show the improvements to his game since he first made his NHL debut last season.
“I think he did a good job today,” Tourigny said on But’s performance with Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz. “I feel he’s just bigger, more confident, stronger, he can make plays. We know eventually it’s a guy who will be able to play in that kind of a role. What we want to know is, where is he? Is he ready now or is (he) a year away, six months away? What it is exactly. So, we have a window here to give him a really good look with that kind of a line. Then (it’ll) be up to us to take the decision. But first we need to give him the opportunity. So, we’ve given the opportunity the first two days and we like what we saw.”
Before training camp started, But participated in Utah’s rookie camp and Rookie Faceoff tournament. But felt the two games he played in helped him get up to speed ahead of main camp.
“I think the two games helped me a lot,” But said. “I feel more comfortable with the puck, without, in the corners, everywhere. I think those games helped me.”
Following Friday’s practice, Tourigny discussed how Desnoyers and Iginla fared in their first Group A practice of this year’s camp.
“I like (Iginla),” Tourigny said. “I think he was strong in his battle. Was rock solid in his positioning down low as well. He was good in the d-zone and d-zone drills. I think he had a really good day.”
“For (Desnoyers), great speed, great pop,” Tourigny continued. “I think there’s a lot of teachings, this (is the) first time really on the ice with us … I like the way he carries himself. I like the way he thinks the game. I like his speed; I like his stick. There’s a lot to like.”
