Tonight’s game was really frustrating and upsetting. I’ve been beating the drum for weeks about lack of structure, puck management and puck support. But tonight, left me feeling different than the other disappointing games.
While I do see tons to critique in their team gane, especially in their own zone, and especially their forwards commitment to D, there was something else that stood out.
We look, um, tired? I thought it was a discipline, commitment issue, but actually it seems like they’re too tired or banged up to give a full 60. Too many lapses, lack of commitment in puck battles and in front of their own net. Lack of support for a d corps that is routinely trying to do too much.
But more striking is that much of the issues are coming from sloppy play of the vets - from Zibby, to Bread, to Kreids and Trouba, Goody and even Foxy. Lindy too. Nearly all the vets on this team seem like they’re still banged up from last season. It could be that theyre having a recovery issue from overuse last playoff season. It’s also true that all of last years final four teams are struggling somewhat (at least points wise). We hadn’t been to the playoffs for years and then went on a deep run where the vets were leaned on to carry the team. Maybe they just have it in them right now to play a full sixty - lack of d zone commitment, not contesting the front of their net, mental errors, poor puck support.
It all strikes me as either a physical thing or maybe a mental thing likely caused by nagging injuries. I’m not trying to make excuses I’m just trying to make sense of what we’re seeing.
When the Rangers went up by two you could see a few shifts where they stopped moving their feet and forechecking. That gave the islanders too much time and space and the goals Igor gave up were the result of the D not controlling the ice right in front of him. It all just smacks of a tired team. Or a deeply Unconfident one. Maybe both.
In any case, it’s been disappointing. Like I was just as pissed as everyone about both blown calls, but a good team needs to push through those moments. They’re not overcoming much this season and finding a way. There’s rarely another gear when they need it.
Due to cap issues there’s almost nothing to do to address this issue. They don’t have the flexibility to fix this team in-season with other personnel. They’re going to have to work through as a team. I’m
