I don't think an observation of a bad play should require paragraphs of explanation and disclaimers about not criticizing.
People are a little too sensitive any time a comment about our young guys is not oozing praise.
I haven't loved his defensive game, in the very little I've seen of him, but he's young and it shouldn't be an indictment of his career. I guess I'm adding disclaimers too
I think we're agreeing.
My disavowing criticism was based on 3 factors:
1. I've never been coached / played organized hockey, so I don't know what is taught on how to defend such plays. It seems a difficult play to defend vs. other types of plays.
2. Tarasenko is world-class offensive talent, and he had a beastly game vs. BUF. It was a beauty play, which should be praised on its own merit.
3. Power can absolutely be criticized, but I don't know if this play was worthy of calling out, as opposed to other more routine plays, e.g., if a forward got between Power and the Sabres goalie, and OP failed to lift a stick, or another more basic / frequently occurring play.