This is starting to go the way the series against the Avalanche did. MacKinnon burned the Flames’ defenders with speed through the neutral zone a few times early and they lost all confidence in their gap control and angles for the rest of the series.
Sagging way too much allowing free controlled entries and resulting time to make a positive play. Tough mental battle to overcome. Playing scared to make a mistake rather than with confidence in forcing one of the opposition. Badly miss Tanev not only for his defensive acumen but also his mentality and the impact is has on the rest of the defenders.
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"I think the eye test is still good, but analytics can sure give you confirmation: what you see...is that what you really believe?"
Scotty Bowman, 0 NHL games played
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