Is the NHL more high scoring this year? We had 50 goals and were 23rd in the league, now we have 41 and we're 20th? Or did we just play fewer games than other teams last year?
The comparaison is after 16 games each, so same number. I made sure I showed our relative position to other teams in order to have a full picture and it looks like we minimally stepped up offensively and collapsed defensively way more than what the board is saying. The obsession with Richards offensive statistical output and his big contract are blinding a few here about our inability to keep clean(er) sheets like last year, which I feel is a much bigger issue. This is the 3rd time in 4 games we lost the lead, I don't think it ever happened last year.
I think Richards needs to get some blame, especially for the PP, but I Girardi, McDonagh and Del Zotto can and should be better and are also accountable.
37 shots against a team that is without their 1C and PMD is way to much for the system we are playing.