McAvoy in particular, for an Assistant Captain hasn't raised his level of play in the last couple of years. Tonight he was unhinged IMO. No excuses either because he had his binky from BU with him.
I try not to be too hard on McAvoy. He takes on a huge workload and responsibility (29 mins tonight), does a lot right, has all-round talent even though his offensive instincts are lacking. He's a very very good player and a true 1D. And yet......can never quite shake the feeling that there's just a little something lacking in his game. Avoidable mistakes, poor vision/positioning, missed opportunities, failure to really step up and dominate on defense in the big games in the way we've seen in the past from a Hedman or a Pietrangelo.
Is it asking too much. IDK?? It's a bit like Coyle in this game. Probably the Bruins' best forward, had two of their best chances. But failed to convert them and then had an adverse role in the GWG. On the one hand you praise him for creating opportunities, all the more so in a game where most of his teammates aren't, but then you criticize the lack of finish. That's probably not entirely fair, but it's the way of it.
The Bruins' top players as a group simply need to do more. Marchand's overall been very good but gave away a silly penalty in this one. DeBrusk too but was quiet tonight. Carlo's been a rock on defense. But otherwise, Pasta, Zacha, Lindholm and to a lesser extent the two Charlies need to step up. They have the talent. Use it.