Look, we had a bunch of early offensive zone time, plenty of shots -- but what this team has reverted to is a team that can't win an important board battle, can't get to the middle of the ice. Can't get screenshots or rebounds, can't get any greasy goals. Can't knock their opponent around. And it's just really soft hockey that won't cut it if we want to be serious playoff contenders and beyond. With so little power play time in this game, the team's softer style of play was apparent. It's fine to have all the skill in the world, but if you're losing little battles, if youre not getting in the goalies eyes, if you're not intimidating your opponents other than with your skill it's going to be a long season. Despite what was significant offensive zone time in the first two periods, we were mostly kept to the outside. There were no deflection shots, not many dangerous rebound chances. You can see it in Kakko and Laffy -- when the team adopts a softer pass-pass-pass style they immediately defer to the perimeter vets. They give up the puck to easily instead of using their size, youth strength to attack. Say what you want about Chytil and his injuries, the kid actually attacks the center of the ice and pays for it. He's the only one most of the time and it's a shame when this also includes 5v5 Kreider who is just terrible at creating chances coming off the wall with possession. Tonight's game was reminiscent of Czechmates brand hockey. A bunch of Petr Nedved's ain't gonna get you into the playoffs. or through a round in the playoffs. These guys need to pay the price and make some damn plays. Or we need to shakeup the makeup. Or we need someone more Torts-esque.