I think there is a renewed focus on defense, with buy in from the players. I think its also a transition from last year where everyone had career years. Their scoring last year covered a lot of defensive warts. I don't think it showed up in the numbers as much because they had the puck all the time. But as we saw when up against a team that could out skate them, they had no answer.
I'd like to think Ward is trying to mould them into a "Defense first team, that can score" and we're just not seeing the results yet. You can see it with Lindholm playing against the top players, somewhat stubbornly leaving Backlund with Monahan and Gaudreau and reinserting Jankowski into the lineup last night.
I think the team knows that if they're chasing a matchup game it's hard to win, but if you're comfortable rolling 4 lines you're better set up for success.
I'm okay with the evolution of the team, because I think it's for the better in the long run. What has become extremely frustrating is the inconsistent work ethic. It was such a huge win against Edmonton. To follow it up with that stinker in Montreal is all too predictable. Just when I think they're starting to put it together and gain some separation, they regress.
We all know Treliving is hunting, besides that this team has the necessary elements to be much better than their record indicates.
2 small wishes for me for the second half of the season. 1: Gaudreau and Monahan to be more dynamic. 2: A better powerplay. Or at least a more timely one. The way game management is these days, you need your powerplay to be more effective.
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