[Kidder]

To me one of the biggest moments that will define if this team makes playoffs or not is what happened after the Washington OT win.

Everyone was singing Monahan's praises for the OT winner (for good reason) but what is glossed over was just how badly he misplayed the final seconds of regulation to allow what should have been a sure goal and 0 points if not for the larceny of Hiller.

On that rush Ovechkin curled back toward the Blueline where Wideman had him contained and Monahan was 5th guy back, and drew towards Ovechkin leaving the middle of the ice wide open. Ovechkin fed the trailer and Russell was caught in between the puck carrier and back door threat and that should have been the game right there.

Those are the type of plays that will burn you in the long run. Especially considering the timing. If Hartley took him aside after and pointed out the blunder and Monahan took it to heart I have great faith this team will have what it takes to make playoffs. And the way Hartley has expertly handled his young guys I believe this was addressed.

The ability to learn from your mistakes even during high times is what I'm getting at. You can not get complacent when the results are favourable. You must continuously strive for improvement.