Quite frankly, the last game Friday was a microcosm of the entire season. Playing down to an inferior opponent, unable to score, getting badly out-coached (even when the opposing coach was ejected!). They did not deserve to back into the playoffs.
This season's fate was sealed in the off season when Jamo and Zito sat on their hands and din nothing to re-stock the team after the inevitable talent drain that happened. The amount of guys coming in on PTO's was embarrassing. But when they had to make their biggest move, the head coach, they hired a guy who was completely clueless to the job of being a head coach. A guy who, according to the word coming from the room, completely alienated the players. Whereas Bednar used a system that was very discernible, this team looked like a pond hockey team on most nights. The pro scouts that come in on a regular basis, to a man, all shook their heads at how undisciplined this team was, and felt that many players actually regressed this year. I really hope that Zito realizes that his one big move was a huge failure and will make a badly needed change. But I highly doubt that, because if you've ever talked to him, he is an egotistical blow-hard. He always thinks he's the smartest guy in the room, and he couldn't be more wrong.