Quote:
Originally Posted by CroFlames
All we can do is guess at what the problem is. It could be anything; and we'll never really know without speculation. But there certainly is a problem. A 1-4 start is problematic.
I really can't quite put my finger on it though. I have a really hard time believing a Hartley coached team is lacking effort. I don't really see anyone lollygagging on the ice on a backcheck. As far as I'm concerned, the try is there.
So what could it be? I wouldn't even call it "chemistry" since I think the top line does have chemistry carry over from last year. The other lines have enough chemistry I suppose. Call it focus. I think the individual team members are losing focus on the ice and during their preparations. Psyching themselves out. Trying to do too much.
I think Gio is probably pushing himself really hard to prove to everyone (including himself) that he actually is Norris caliber. And by trying too hard, he's making mistakes he otherwise wouldn't. Although competiton in goal is good, your goalie having a certain degree of comfort is good too. I think the 3 goalie situation is not allowing the goalies to focus enough. That's on Brad.
I think the whole group is focusing on the expectations this year instead of focusing on hockey. There's a difference.
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I like this. Sort of rings true to me. Last year they were working hard but they were having fun.
This year they're making bad plays, maybe not from a lack of try, but from trying to do too much. Trying a pass that's not there, making one too many moves, trying to snipe the absolute corner. They need to get back to smart hockey, take what's there, work with what u got. Instead of having a pass intercepted, puck stripped off your stick, or a blown shot wide of the net.
Group seems wound up tight. Expectations maybe got them second guessing.