I have to admit I was only able to watch up to 1-1. I thought they were pretty good in the first but also Markstrom made some nice stops (Ehlers - who somehow got behind with uncontested shot). I thought the PP was very static and easy to defend. Both units. They didn't really get any shots or look dangerous. I also saw again plays in their own end where puck is on their sticks and not too much pressure and they give it away. So when they should be out pretty easy they get stuck defending.
On the tying goal that was started by a give away when they have control and don't execute a simple play. They just beat themselves.
They may need to change the D pairings and PP personnel. Ward said they could have 3 units. Play guys who are getting the job done. At this level of competition the coaching staff needs to be a little ruthless ie some guys will be unhappy but they need to swallow pride for what's best for the team, to win. Winning fixes everything.
Cover the ice better with the pairings. Make sure with the puck. Cut out the giveaways. Deploy lines better without deference to egos. Performance is the only thing that matters so play guys who are getting it done.
Why are the players continually giving the puck away. They are NHL players, they shouldn't make unforced giveaways (unless injuries).
I don't want to pile on with negativity but they need to address the fact they make same errors or why personnel deployment is sub optimal. Performance over pedigree or anything else.
Unpopular now but I like this team - I think they have great potential but it is not being actualized. Why? Get down to the heart of it.
Last edited by Jeff Lebowski; 02-04-2021 at 09:58 PM.
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