The previous poster is absolutely right. It's confidence. TJ Brodie didn't forget how to dance into the offensive zone and thread passes, Giordano didn't forget how to put in those point shot wristers, Gaudreau didn't forget how to undress players all over the ice and hang on to the puck, and Monahan didn't lose his ability to make his chances count.
It's all between the ears for the top players. My concern is that this coaches system seems to come at the expense of their individual strengths and is killing confidence. And because the results aren't coming to this point through what he is preaching, there is a distinct lack of belief on the bench every night when their breakdowns end up in the back of the net. It's just no coincidence that for the most part all 4 players have played well below their ability over 15 games. 'Slow starts' happen to one or two players, but not your entire core.
Coaches need to inspire belief and provide positive reinforcement. Make sure the game is still fun for the players. Seems like the fun has been sucked right out of the room. Can't execute with that kind of pressure and expectation day in and day out. Get back to the basics. Bob was always great at that.
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