Watching someone like Marchand manipulate time and space or Patrick Kane or various other poised forwards shows that it's not just speed but, more crucially, being able to read and manipulate that makes effective attacking players. Everything the Caps have done and still do offensively is mostly shallow, straight-forward, predictable, shoddy and largely ineffective. Making the game about winning races has always been a losing battle from the start. As an organization for years they've failed to acquire and accentuate a coherent, foward-thinking approach offensively. The disappointing development thus far from Carbery is that there have been no new wrinkles in that regard. Maybe in time he will once MacLellan actually revamps the roster but it continues to be about defensive structure and doing just enough to get by. That basic approach can't continue without at least some more dangerous firepower. As-is they're a team that neither can effectively grind it out and crush teams nor one with any creativity to do damage in open play. Structure remains their main calling card but that in itself isn't nearly enough to lean on. This is decidedly not the 90's Devils nor the environment where such a strategy is viable. From the standpoint of what the coaching staff has the ability to improve their fundamentals aren't improved. Some of their ineffectiveness can be pinned on blueline absences. Being less effective attacking as five man units makes its presence felt in their play style. But it's also a lot harder to execute those regular season weaves and looping, lulling attacking in more intense environments where attention to detail and urgency doesn't allow for such shallow possession control. Everything is contested and they're mostly out of their depth.
Roster construction remains poor, particularly with the fourth line deserving to be on a milk carton. The Rangers in this series have hardly had to dial it in too seriously. They haven't feared Washington's punch whatsoever. Not having a true tonesetter up front gives them little reference point and leadership. Carbery has always seemed like a coach itching for the next more vigorous core that will have more in the tank to offer. But it's also his responsibility to get the most out of this roster and, through three games, it's hard to say he's done it. Again, unfortunate blueline injuries but offensively there's so little confidence to what they do. Carbery's not going anywhere so as an organization what's the headline? A need to more seriously revamp the core group to offset the loss of 19/92 and help offset further decline? If they're the only team that gets swept in the opening round it's going to be tough to have much confidence in their existing leadership given how little pushback has been offered.