I also wanted to add something more specific that I had been thinking - we have reeled in VGK a little bit. we haven't seen the free-for-all we saw through that large swath of games 1 and 2. when you look at how we've had success, it's been in low-scoring games (mostly). VGK is now, I think, 12-0 when scoring 3+ in the playoffs.
I really think we can still have some success if we can be just a little bit better defensively. there are always going to be mistakes but I'd like to see us manage our defensive layers a little better and hold them to 2.
on each goal there were layers of mistakes - bad change but no layers there for help, miscommunication on coverage off the rush (two guys go to the net to defend 1 attacker, leaving trailer open plus not enough back-pressure), lost board battles (3v2 no less) and open passing lanes (duke on goal 3).
we can afford (hard to avoid in fact) 1 or 2 of those but not 3. hold them to 2 Tuesday and I'll be happy, whatever happens.