Quote:
Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist
The second goal wasn't his fault. If the Oilers back up to their net while he has the puck, he should challenge. The trouble was, Tkachuk didn't cover. It's an 18yo mistake. It happens.
Worse than the errors is the total inability to move the puck up ice with possession. We focus on defensive miscues, but that's not as big of a problem as being incapable of playing together with the other 4 players on the ice. If you can't get or hold on to the puck, it's all for naught.
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Yes, Tkachuk should have covered.
But rarely are goals against the result of just one mistake - it usually takes more than one. And this time is no exception.
The moment Grossman went in deep and tried to make a move, you knew it was going to end badly. I don't mind him starting the play - there was an opening. But he should have moved the puck more quickly. That play was going to end in an odd man rush the other way every time.
Also, last season, when a defenseman pinched, all the forwards went with them. They attacked as a 4 (and sometime 5) man unit. And they continued to do it in pre-season. It is going to take a while to get them to stop.
Finally, Hamilton played the pass, leaving the shooter to Elliott (which is exactly what he should have done). Elliott has to make that save.
Three bad plays.
But the fact that Tkachuk and Elliott made bad plays, does
not excuse Grossman from his.