None of the above.
It’s execution and confidence. It’s a feedback loop when it’s working and when it isn’t.
Their mindset is what enables them to persevere and avoid wilting under adversity.
Coaching might be also be an issue because the playing too secure/slow/safe, but even then, the players are culpable in the execution of any system and the coaches are managing a lot more than simply systems.
This isn’t a video game.
They’re not a slow team, but they’re playing slow.
Versteeg laid it out quiet clearly yesterday,
https://www.sportsnet.ca/960/hockey-...kris-versteeg/
He starts at 26:30.
Regardless of what the problem is, options beyond finding an answer in their room are virtually zero.
On a positive note, what matters most is playing well at the right time.
Who cares mid season.
It’s as valuable as having a #1 powerplay all year that loses its mojo.
Who cares right now, they’re still in it, if they knock of 5-10 in a row at any point they might even be looking at home ice because of how terrible everyone but Toronto is.
Yeah they’re unwatchable, they suck and yet they’re still picking up points.
I would sooner have them clipping on all cylinders at the end of the year, squeak in and stomp the Leafs than be dominant mid season.