Overall this season was a success in terms of progress. We came very close to making it but sometimes, you have to learn the hard lessons in life I guess. Things we need to improve:
- This team still lacks overall talent, Yzerman needs to target serious talent this off-season, and when I say talent, I don't mean a bunch of guys like Copp, Compher, Perron, etc. Along with that, players like Raymond, Seider, DeBrincat, etc need to take their game to the next level.
- Larkin is an amazing captain. Unfortunately we learned that without his presence in the lineup, this team has no leaders. All the vets that Yzerman signed really disappointed when they were needed the most. That 7 game losing streak in early March is the main reason why we're not in the playoffs. To not get a single point in those 7 games is insane. That 1 point would have made the different last night. This is where leadership and experience is important. Hopefully this is a lesson for the team and for some players, preferably the younger stars on the team, develop that leadership quality to step up when needed.
- The coaching has been questionable. One of the things that stood out this season was how we turned a good chunk of games into nail biters. Sometimes we have a nice lead only to blow it, other times we're playing catch up and things end in heroic moments like the past two games. Coaching needs to get the team dialed in the entire 60 mins of the game. The other issue is how Lalonde failed to snap the team out of that 7 game losing streak, you need to keep your team motivated when you have a nice lead in the standings. Also some of the line pairings were questionable as well, the one that stands out the most was the Seider-Chiarot pairing, I feel like it held Mo back a bit, even though he slightly improved compared to last season. Nevertheless, I'm willing to give the coaching staff another season to see what they can do.
- Given their skill level, I think our goaltending did well this season, but you don't compete with the likes of Lyon and Reimer as your primary goalies. This team needs a legit #1 goalie.
- Our center position is lacking on the top-6. Larkin is a legit top line center, but we need two centers of that caliber on the top-6.
- Our defense has been bad this year, maybe moving some bodies around and smarter pairings will solve it, but what is absolutely needed is for Seider to take that next step. I just hope they find a suitable pairing for him.
That's all I got.
