Columbus got bag-skated after their last effort, so no surprise that they were ready to go for this one.
There has been a lot of talk about the team looking just like last year's team. I don't think that is really true, and I think there have been plenty of positive signs of change. However, I thought they reverted to some bad old habits last night.
The worst, is that, when behind, the forwards start flying the zone way too soon, leaving too much gap between them and the D, which either causes turnovers, or results in the forwards having to circle back or stop, to get a pass, which kills all forward momentum. Like last year, that was really evident last night.
The other, was an unwillingness to get into, and get the puck into, the center of the ice. WAY too much moving it around the perimeter, and back to the point. That, and watching guys delay and double-clutch before shooting, was maddening.
On to the next one.
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