Lots to digest after yesterday, don't want to overreact, but somethings definitely need to be addressed.
I honestly just feel bad for #6. I know he's trying but he just lacks any confidence. He pinches at the wrong times, his spacing in the d-zone in terrible and he's not winning board battles. He is hurting this team. It's unfair to place all of the blues issues on him given other players definitely need to step up (Perron, Binner, even ROR to an extent), but its a results driven league and he consistently produces poor numbers. I still think #6 is an nhl caliber defenseman but he needs a new start somewhere. I hope DA sees it the same way.
I still don't think Binner is "the" problem, but his play is not helping either. HIs stats the last dozen games or so is dreadful, but our team play in front of him has been equally as poor. It's weird, when Husso starts, our team just looks like a playoff team and takes a more defensive approach to winning games. When Binner starts its like we throw it all out the door and just try score a bunch and don't back check and make sloppy passes and just assume Binner will stop them. Its rubbish. We have unfairly left Binner out to dry so many times this year, frankly I'd be po'd if i was Binner. I'm not saying Binner has had a strong year by any means but the team has done nothing to help boost the morale of a struggling goalie.
A couple notes on position players. Perron has to solidify a role on this team. Is he the top line RW or is he a 3rd liner? 1G and 1A since start of year. ROR needs to elevate his game, not an immediate concern but he can't be turning over the puck the way he was last night. Brutal night for Kyrou/Thomas/Senko believe they went a combined -8? Not concerned either, just an ugly night. Buch/Schenn/Barby i thought had strong games. 4th line was impressive, first game I thought Sunny has his legs with him, thats encouraging. 55 actually played decent last night, i just hate how soft he is. He makes one questionable hit along the boards and instantly apologizes to the Devils bench. Not exactly striking fear into the opponent.
I know we out hit them by a huge margin, but it didn't feel like we were the heavier rugged team at all. I don't know. I might be blowing this all out of proportion but we are going to have to change our mindset of how to win games. I know we can score, but we also need to be able to win games 3-2 and 2-1, especially later in the year.
Line up is who i think should start Sat. Maybe switch Saad and Barby
It’s a good fun team, but very flawed. The way almost every skater on this team defends is very alarming. 6/41 replaced by two better places would make a big difference though
It’s a good fun team, but very flawed. The way almost every skater on this team defends is very alarming. 6/41 replaced by two better places would make a big difference though
1. I didn't think #6 looked as out of position at times as #41.
2. Binnington didn't look bad (the McLeod goal was flukey as the hooking actually made it look like a fake shot and he whiffed. The Hischier to Sharangovich goal probably isn't stopped by anyone. The Vesey goal, who knew he had that in him). Binnington still played better than Gillies.
3. Kostin looked great. Physical and was finding open space. Devils defense were clearly bothered by him when he was on the ice.
4. Thomas/Kyrou seemed to take the night off. Thomas had a couple good rushes in 3rd period, but otherwise didn't hear their names much.
1. I didn't think #6 looked as out of position at times as #41.
2. Binnington didn't look bad (the McLeod goal was flukey as the hooking actually made it look like a fake shot and he whiffed. The Hischier to Sharangovich goal probably isn't stopped by anyone. The Vesey goal, who knew he had that in him). Binnington still played better than Gillies.
3. Kostin looked great. Physical and was finding open space. Devils defense were clearly bothered by him when he was on the ice.
4. Thomas/Kyrou seemed to take the night off. Thomas had a couple good rushes in 3rd period, but otherwise didn't hear their names much.
I heard their names after turning the puck over a bunch. Kostin had a solid game, needed to or he was going to lose his spot. Our PP was also ugly but that wasnt a huge shock after a long break. To me it was the gap coverage through the neutral zone. Way too many slot shots against. That backhand goal was a beauty though, almost Datsyukian
Legit just need one damn good defenseman, ride Husso and hope Binner puts it together before playoffs and find some fricken line combos that work for Christ sake... I get we've been juggling after bad games but I've been scratching my head at the decisions for these line combos. Keeping guys together that are obviously struggling together on one side of the ice or another, breaking up guys that finally get something going and just when I look at who's with who most games it doesn't feel like the right fits to me.
csick a aimé ceci.
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