I just don't know what to think about Ward. In the first, they played with speed, they had the transition game going, they activated the D. They did everything I want to see. Was thrilled, and thought "yes, ward is giving us the style of play we need"
Then, knowing the Jets would push back in the 2nd, he starts the 4th line. They can't make a pass, and stand still in their own zone, and boom the entire momentum of the game is changed. Maurice adjusted. But Ward didn't. Then they spend the rest of the period standing still, trying to chip it out and chip it in. They couldn't make a pass to save their lives and as a result, spend the entire period defending. Not blaming Ward for all of that, but I would have like to see him make some adjustments.
Moving Bennett to Backlund's line in the 3rd was a good adjustment though, and probably is what saved them a point.
It was game 1, with no pre-season games, so I don't think we should over-react. We got a point on the road, on to the next one.
|