This loss reminded me of the Seattle losses. No Landy, no Val, no Lehky. Jets were playing well defensively, and Hellebuyck was stopping everything he saw.
Avs needed an ugly goal, or a screen, or a rebound goal, or a tip, but they were missing all their best net front presence guys. Even the PP looked out of sorts without Val, who’s become a big part of the PP.
Terrible screen by Malinski on the goal, but I really didn’t like Georgiev looking up at him and swatting him in the leg. Goaltenders should never embarrass their teammates for mistakes on the ice. Save your frustrations for the locker room.
Toews has got to get his act in order if he's gonna play on the top pair and get a raise to $7M. If he was wearing #4 this year, he’d be getting absolutely trashed by fans here most nights. He has a habit of playing too soft when it matters. Not strong enough on his stick to tie up a guy with a loose puck. Not boxing out the front of the net. Soft effort on a pass that results in a turnover like the goal tonight, because he felt pressure on him. These things happen far too often the last year or so. He got his big contract, he needs to get it going now.