I do not blame McAvoy. McAvoy's struggles (from my perspective) are more a result of poor strategic team defense. I would blame whomever is running the defense and team defensive structure.
I have seen a gradual deterioration of the team's defensive structure over the last two years as they are trying to integrate an up tempo transition game at the cost of defensive responsibility. That might work regular season but remember the playoffs are a different beast. McAvoy has not progressed as he was previously and seems to have stagnated in some areas of his game over the last couple of years. Boston is struggling because they are still trying to play a regular season defensive strategy in the playoffs, it just doesn't work.
As I've said before, and elsewhere, the playoffs are about matchups and adjustments having a game plan tailored to counteract your opponent and to make adjustments as the series progresses. You cannot just run what worked in the regular season out in the playoffs, you'll get exposed, you need to make adjustments. The playoffs are a lot more about man to man, one on one battles.
Question: what is Montgomery's game plane specifically tailored to counteract Florida? Does he have one?
I don't blame the players, I do believe they are trying. I believe in the players, I believe they are capable, I expect more from them, and believe if they play to their abilities they can turn this series around. And as we all know, some players are playing in positions above their effectiveness level. But, I do believe as a team they could be deployed differently with a strategic purpose.
Players will perform to the level of what is expected and demanded of them; that lies with clearly communicating a specific game plan, motivational coaching, instruction, and in game adjustments. It's about doing whatever has to be done to win the game, feel good feelings aside. Finesse game is for the regular season, be willing to do the dirty work.
For a player like McAvoy, or any Boston player on the ice, they don't have to be the best player on the ice, they only need to be better than the player their up against at any given moment, ... win their battles. Be the better team by winning the smaller individual battles on the ice.