Ethan Bridges moves swiftly and smoothly up the ice in transition, flashing his quick hands and mobility. He is most dominant as a puck carrier, transporting the puck from his own zone into the offensive end and facilitating play using his passing ability and vision. There is a strong defensive game there as well with sound positioning and the checking ability to hone in on his opponents and win pucks back. His hockey sense is what carries much of his value and projectability.

Similar to Miller, I noticed Bridges for his play in small areas, using his fluid skating to control play and extend offensive zone time. Ethan showed flashes of confidence and assertiveness, using his hands to try to attack the middle and was effective walking off the wall to get shots through. It all just was a display of making smart reads, using his tools to his advantage, and creating chances as a result of those two elements. In open ice he had some flashes of explosive skating, blowing by defenders off the rush and beating them wide and cutting in for quality chances.

At times Ethan Bridges looked like he was shot out of a cannon, especially when he had the puck. He showed some evasiveness, eluding pressure with his speed working around defenders and getting into open space. He moved the puck well and has strong puckskill. His lone goal was nice as he carried it into the O-zone and was able to take a sniper’s shot right past the goaltender.

Ethan Bridges was showing off his quick skating and puckhandling abilities all game, with carry-ins and strong transition play. He also showed some willingness to battle and forecheck hard against his opponents, helping his team to establish themselves inside the opposing offence. He did not get himself on the scoresheet by the final buzzer but he was a noticeable player for the Lakers throughout the entire contest.

He was a dog on a bone in this game, although not overly intense, Ethan Bridges seemed to always find himself in the thick of action on both ends of the ice. He was making plays and solid passes inside the opposing end with some flashes of offensive vision. In his own end he was breaking up plays and stealing pucks. An all-around effort in this game.

Bridges impressed with his handling and on-puck assertiveness, showing the confidence to flex his puck skills to dangle his way by defenders and make something happen. Especially along the wall and off the cycle, Ethan had a few really nice moments of flashing his hands in small areas and navigating around a check. His actions led to three of the Lakers’ goals in this one, all under the theme of making swift decisions with the puck and getting pucks from the low-danger areas to the scoring spots.