I know the ending was a bit rough but I'm not remotely bummed about the outcome. A few thoughts:
1. Since I started following the team in 1985, there's always been one defenseman that becomes the lightning rod for fan frustration. A few months ago it was Marc Staal. Now it's Brady Skjei. I just don't get the point in making a 25 year old defenseman the next whipping boy. I really don't. Have we as a fan base learned nothing from the Neal Pionk situation? At some point, the team will turn the corner and learn how to play great team D. When? Who knows? Could be next year could be years from now. And THAT point we can actually judge the D. We can see a weak link. But right now? It's totally backwards and just stupid to be running young D out of town in the middle of a rebuild. Chill, people. Chill.
2. That was a very exciting game despite the result. As someone who sees the Ducks and Kings regularly, I've come to appreciate just how rare and great it is to root for a team taht's involved in so many fast-paced, high skill regular season games. It's a treat. And given the transition the team is in the midst of, it's totally rare. I'm here for it. How can we be upset with highly competitive games where we can see the progress of the younger players right before our eyes? And at the same time keep ourselves in position to draft high enough to get another difference maker. Sign me up for more games like this the rest of the season.
4. This is the first time all season where I feel like Kakko finally has legit chemistry with a center. Whoever helped him understand he needs to keep his legs moving and shoot deserves some credit. Hope it continues.
5. The team NEEDS to tank and sell this year. Please god, no playoffs. We need to draft 2 more high-end forwards in 2020. There's just a total lack of depth in the organization at forward after Kravtsov. Mostly question marks and AAAA players. We need one more potential star forward and then a few Hoglander/Farabee types in the system. Middle sixers with endless motors and a really nice skillset. We need guys who can drive possession and play with the Kakkos, Chytils and Panarins.
6. What's up with Marc Staal? He looks like a different player. Still has some issues with puck-handling due to eye issue, but he's just doing everything faster since he came back from injury. It's possible he just needs more rest during the season to play up to his full effectiveness.
Not that I would care.
