This is just coming back to the fact that they don't have the talent they need, prospects aren't high end, players are playing higher in the lineup than they should be slot. Add in the fact that their "high end" players aren't that good this year and there starting goalie has started the season as a distraction, pissed off the locker room and now is playing like an ok backup and this is why they are bad IMO. Can you imagine if the rest of the division or conference was status quo... It would be even more embarrassing.
The lineup below is where I feel the players need to be based on there play. This means they need 2 top six players, a top pairing defenceman and Sway to play like a starter. Too much to add when they have nothing to offer.
Zacha xxx Pastrnak
Marchand Lindholm xxx
Brazz Coyle Geekie
Koepke/Frederic Beecher/Kastelic
Johnson/McLaughlin
xxx McAvoy
(Lindholm) Carlo
Zadorov Peeke
Wotherspoon/Oesterle/Lohrei
Swayman
Korp
I would love to see them trade away some players like Frederic/Coyle/Peeke, and replace with Poitras Merk/Lysell and some young talent brought in. This season is slipping away very fast. May as well start sifting through the rubble and see what to keep and what not too and build for next season. I know anything can happen in the playoffs IF they were to make it but don't see the mental toughness to get far. Physical toughness yes, no mentally though.
Why, and this not just on you, think those three kids can play for team right now and improve it season. I watched Merkolov last season and thought he was horrible, this time up when he was a little more encouraged, but I am not rushing out his play, but now, not so sure if he has the work ethic, that is needed to bring out his skills. Poitras, had a great camp and a good start to the season last year, but I think the everyone should be a restrained with their enthusiasm at this time, the fans want the new shiny toy, but is he really ready, remember the Bruins felt the pressure from the fans with this kid and as a result, he made the team last year, my thinking it was a mistake. Remember the fans were all on board saying Sway must be signed and I think his agent and him were like sharks in the water, feeling embolden with the fans behind them, and management caved . Lindholm has always been on Sweeneys radar, but he might have felt the pressure that fans were calling for number one center, thus another overpayment for a thirty-year-old, and added frustration the NTC, protection, that was inserted in his contract.