The Stars were better and responded well to going behind after 19 seconds. Their response was helped by a tepid performance by the Flames.
However, we responded well to come back level despite the disaster that was the double minor PP.
The problem we have is that our talented players, whilst being very talented individuals, as a group it doesn't work and there is an increasing body of evidence that it won't ever work, particularly in the post-season.
Credit to Ward for his in-game effort to trying to sort out the top line - but nothing he does is working with Gaudreau and Monahan. You know you have issues with your top line when after game 1, the discussion was around how we didn't concede when they were on the ice rather than how much they produced.
I've seen enough to want to move one of the pieces on when we have a chance of getting some value. My preference is to move Johnny - and soon. His value to us is headed in one direction and everybody can see it.
|