Nice to see them all finally giving a crap. Joel Ward has been so great this year. Probably Orlov's best game so far. Same with Wilson. Halak was awesome again and looked more in control than even against Anaheim. Not going to begrudge them the loss tonight. Everybody played hard and smart. At least they're on the right track - hopefully it's not too late.
Agree with all of this - but I will begrudge their inability to bring this level of effort and focus in November, December, and January - when points are also available. They're professionals - it shouldn't be necessary to be on the precipice of the abyss before they start playing with some hunger and commitment.
That said, not only is getting the D pairs somewhat righted important here, but splitting up Ovie and Backstrom has been key as well. I think seeing the top line repeatedly get hemmed in and outworked 5 x 5 is deflating for the group as a whole. Instead of mutually reinforcing their defensive shortcomings, Ovie and Backstrom now each have 2 players on their respective lines that will be looking to compensate for their flaws 5 x 5. The group looks more energized with Nick and Ovie split up - and they can still play together on the PP.
But yeezus Ovie - when has that fuggin slow lope side-to-side, come across to your forehand and telegraph-the-crap-out-of-what-you're-gonna-do to the goalie shootout move
ever worked for you. I think it's worked once in the last 4 years. His deke to the backhand gets him some goals in the SO, but as other have said - he should just freight train skate at full speed straight down the middle and fire a wrister. His combo of size, speed and power has always been intimidating and a key asset for him - why holster it in the shootout with this fuggin snail's pace curlicue "move".