Dude has been straight ass for the past two games. He certainly got worked over on that goal, folded like a cheap tent when it came to battling along the boards.
I was kind of annoyed when he was paired with Byram, especially after the prior game when Dahlin and Byram absolutely crushed it together. Doesn't matter who you stick him with -- when the guy is off his game, he'll drag any partner down the abyss. A game or three from the press box is certainly warranted, but the raw talent levels still make we want to let him play through this slump.
Overall, I think the destruction of the bridge contract has done quite a bit to hurt players development. A few players are ready on the responsibility and leadership required to be paid in the top tier of the NHL. Not to mention the off ice lifestyle change of having essentially their retirement contract locked up already.
Both Cozens and now Power have struggled when their long term deal has kicked in. By essentially removing the financial incentive for them to continue to grow as a player for a few years. For some players, it doesn't matter, they just want to be better and are intrinsically self motivated. But we have to remember these are guys in their early 20s. Some simply aren't ready for what comes with a team making that major financial commitment they have.
The Samuelsson deal is another issue, though he never really had a career year then regressed. He's shown small stretches of solid play, but never really earned a 6 year deal.
My hope is that both Cozens and Power figure it out and forward. The issue is there is really no consummate professional in the room for them to model after, on or off the ice.