so here is the problem I feared...if something happens and we have trouble scoring and lose a top 6 player to injury or slump, we left home so many skilled guys.
I was upset with the redundant picks of Bjork, Hitchcock, Eansor, and Donato..four players picked for one energy line role isn't smart. DeBrincat goes down and now we are in scramble mode. And now I have to look at either Donato or Bjork in a top 9 role with Connor, Keller, and Roslovic sitting at home, that is crazy. Why they didn't go with an extra skilled player still makes no sense to me regardless of how long Alex is out or how the rest of the tourney plays out...just not smart selection. Yes, one player can make a difference, and having one of the names above would balance this out so much better and allow our 4thliners to stay in that role.
Now to be fair, I thought Donato and Bjork have looked fine out there for the most part..they bring some skill to that 4th line. But as of right now they aren't in the same league as the rest of the top 9 and it will show. I again see absolutely ZERO value for Eansor on this team, he plays okay on the pk, but offers little else to be here.
So we have to hope they figure out someone to gel with Matthews and Tkachuk if DeBrincat is out for a while, or this team might be in trouble.
Now this game was a great game for the US with tons of opportunities and chances. Simply dominated the play and yes the power play helped...but a lack of finish and getting to those rebounds is worrisome. I am pretty confident if they play like this the rest of the way we will make it to the final 4 but I also worry some confidence and lineup issues with Alex out could hurt us.
I don't know why I see anyone saying Milano has been invisible, he was everywhere out there again today. I thought Milano, Matthews, and Schmaltz were excellent again today...just missing some bounces. I thought Dvorack and White went invisible which cant happen but sometimes does when top line guys have to play secondary roles they are not used to.
Dvorack especially needs to step up. This is his time to shine and needs to be much more assertive with his play. This team needs him.
MacInnis also needs to step up as I wouldn't mind seeing them put him with Matthews and Tkachuk with Alex out.
I don't think this team needs to panic, but I am worried as another injury or slump will be backbreaking for a team that left home so much talent. You cant predict injuries but you better damn well be prepared for them.
I also want to see more of Krys. I thought he looked assertive and strong out there when he finally hit the ice. Not a fan of Fortunato, he does nothing for me...try Krys on that second power play unit and see what happens.
Overall the team played pretty damn good. They need to get to those rebounds better and need more of a killer instinct on the power play, but in back to back rough matchups, this team looks like a medal winner. I hope DeBrincat comes back and allows us to have that same top 9, if not we might have difficulties.
Defense and goaltending have been great overall...the two biggest question marks have been answered imo. Now we need to see this scoring team put up some numbers the next 2 games against inferior opponents and get the confidence they need...I better see 12 or more goals the next few games..hahaha.
