I try not to read too much into just a couple games, especially if they're against the same team, but it's tough not to be at least a little impressed with the Komets after their 2-0-0 start to their 64th season.

That included a 3-1 victory tonight at Memorial Coliseum in the home opener.

Yes, they have scoring (tonight from Peter Sivak, Trevor Cheek and Shawn Szydlowski) and good goaltending (Pat Nagle has been great so far), but it's been the little things that have stood out to me.

With the Komets clinging to a one-goal lead in the second period tonight, Jordon Southorn broke up a 3-on-1 rush by sliding across the ice and Cody Sol saved a goal by diving to bat a puck that had gotten past Nagle.

“That was the desperation of guys doing whatever it takes,” Komets coach Gary Graham said.

The Komets said they would have more grit this season and it looks like they do. And remember, they haven't even played one of their grittier players, Kyle Thomas, yet. And they also haven't yet played Dean Ouellet, who is a top-six caliber forward in this league.

“A lot of guys have really bought into the systems of what Grahamer is preaching to us," forward Garrett Thompson said. "Whether it’s blocking shots or going and playing low or being in front of the net and creating traffic, just making plays, everybody has found a role. Looking around the locker room, everybody has talent, everybody has skill and can make plays, so whomever you’re with – everybody on this team can play.”

By the way, my video highlights all of Chad Ryan's photos from tonight are above this post.

jcohn@jg.net