Its a terrible thing to say, but part of me had wished we could sub one of those knocks out for a D. This is the kinda time you'd like to see someone like Bowey or Djoos get some time up here. I think you can easily hide a 4th line skater, its much harder to hide a defender in the playoffs.
Kinda have to set up your main dmen first.
We have 4 guys questionable on defense unit.
Orlov - obviously, needs all of the time Trotz can provide him.
Schmidt - practically the same. Both guys were underwhelming in playoffs.
Orpik - needs to get back on track of being capable top-4 D.
Carlson - started slow, needs to get better radically (or maybe get chemistry with Orlov).
I don't see how new young D helps the situation.
PS: Alzner needs moar time too
He's polishing his drives to the net lately obviously.
PPS: Niskanen and Alzner are the ****ing backbone. With Holtby they're guys Trotz should be buying dinner every single night.