There is no NHL goalie who would have stopped that first goal. He couldn't see it and it was off the post. Granted Andersen rarely tries to get a better view on point shots. The other 3 goals, I believe an ECHL goalie could have stopped. It's not just that the puck went in, it's how out of control and awkward he looked during the play. Sadly, this isn't solely because of rust. It's been creeping into his game for the last few years. There was a time when he was good, and just let in bad goals in the playoffs. Now, he's plainly not good anymore.
I think the thing is they aren't always, or even usually, high reward. They're low reward.
I think part of the issue is look how in tight to the slot Marner is. In years past he’d be closer to the halfwall. He’s more positioned in the dots in prior years:
His tracking of the puck behind the net has always been an issue, even during his better days.
Do you remember what they used last year? Before that I remember it was largely a lefty bumper and Lefty screen which opened up a soft dump to keep possession if the shot wasn't there think Kadri/JVR and Kadri/JT.
not excusing the decision making there. It was a terrible play by Mitch. What I'm saying is, he was terrible all night and clearly disengaged. If Sheldon were interested in gutting out a W he should not have gone to Matthews/Marner/Reilly. They were arguably the 3 worst players on the ice last night for both teams not named Freddy Anderson. If he wanted a W he should have gone to Willy and JT. But because it was a nothing game, he went with old faithful. At the end of the day, Mitch made a terrible read on the play, but its not like he cost us much. Mitch has been fantastic all year, I'll give him and Auston a pass for not having their A-Game in what was essentially a friendly.
