It was a frustrating game to watch. I missed the 1st, which apparently was our best period. In the 2nd and 3rd, we were missing passes all over the place. We really looked sloppy, like incredibly sloppy. The guys are frustrated and their frustration is showing. We for sure outshot them, but they didn't generally feel as dangerous as the first two games, IMO, and we kept passing up great chances. We are shooting ourselves in the foot.
Conversely, I thought Kochetkov was amazing last night. His rebound control was excellent. His lateral movement was great, and he was reacting really well to shots. I do think as someone else said that if we put Kooch in for G1 or G2, we probably win at least one of those games. Oh well.
Speaking of Necas, I'm gonna get flamed for this, but I don't see it with him. The skill is electric. The zone transitions are awesome. He will certainly be a very good NHLer. But on this team, on this system, it doesn't work. He doesn't get the most out of his teammates. He had a play where he cut towards the net on the right and Martinook separated from his man, giving Martinook a clean look in the crease. Had Marty passed it, it's a bang-bang play that Shesterkin has no chance on. Necas looked at his option as he was streaking in, and made the decision to try a wraparound. Martinook gets covered but stays near the crease, and Necas dekes and gets some separation by getting farther from the net. He has a clean shot opportunity (which Shesterkin is ready for), but at least some traffic in front for some rebound opportunities. He passed on that shot attempt as well, and then loses the puck a bit later if my memory serves.
Necas is super skilled, but to me I constantly see decision-making that costs us offensively and defensively. I see a guy playing the game his way over the coach's way. I know we love him around these forums, but we've tried for years and this marriage isn't working. If we make the decision to stick with Rod, I think we have to find a taker for Necas via trade.
