Frustrating stretch. No, it’s not the refs, everybody gets bad calls. No, it’s not the goaltending, pee-Oder is wonderful and a great guy for the team. Raannttaa is fine as a backup. The team on the ice is about one gpg less than last years team, simple math. Over time, if they get healthy, it will probably even out. What I’m seeing is that the team out there is not executing the way last years team did. Dump and chase has worked very well for this team in the past, their Forechecking was really outstanding. This team, not so much. Most teams have little trouble moving the puck out of their own zone. Exception is the third line, but that line has trouble putting the puck in the net.
The other big difference I see is more turnovers in the offensive zone. Last few years the team was spectacular at keeping the puck, this team gives it up too easy. Last year the had great success dump and chase, retrieve control, pass pass pass skate skate and score. This years team is dump, chase, give up a two on one, pull the puck out of the back of the net. Rod says it’s because of bad bounces….
On the other hand, they haven’t been great on the rush either, unless the puck is on Necas’s or Aho’s stick. Necas has been great, makes great plays, only gives up the puck half the time now, as opposed to 75% of the time last year. He’s a guy who is learning when to hold ‘em and when to fold em, as he continues to learn and improve he should become a dominant player. He’s not there yet, but he’s showing a real desire to get better. Unfortunately, both of them are showing signs of pressure, trying to do too much, holding the puck too long.
this team needs to get back to basics, where they belong. Execute the forecheck, protect the puck, play as a team. There have been a lot of player changes, maybe they don’t have the skill level to play that way anymore. We‘ll see.
