Just a terrible game and the reasons are obvious, imo.
Karlsson had a terrible game. Worst game I've seen him play in a while.
Lehner didn't play like Lehner and thus we looked exposed when the players knew we wouldn't get high-light reel save every other shift so they were scrambling and made them look weak.
The reality of the situation is....
Michalek on our 2nd line makes it a very weak 2nd line. Zibanejad and Chiasson can afford to be on 2nd line due to potential and ability but even then they're average 2nd liners, adding Michalek makes it a 3rd line.
Legwand's line was notoriously bad.
Hoffman's line was terrific yet again and Ryan just isn't cutting it on the top line when he isn't trying. He makes boneheaded moves sometimes and ruins momentum.
I really think this team is just much better with Pageau in the lineup. He's like another Lazar out there, tenacious, gritty and heart and soul who doesn't care who he's playing he puts in 100% effort.
MacArthur-Turris-Ryan(I'll allow him)
xxxx-Zibanejad-Chiasson
Hoffman-Lazar-Stone
Legwand-Pageau-Smith
I'm sorry but Neil is a defensive and offensive black-out.
There is no need for him unless he gets 2 mins a game. I can't count the amount of times his man on the point is wide open for a glorious shot on goal cause he's coasting or overcommitting on a useless hit some other place.