Holy Moly who knew Burroughs was that important!!! Once again team had a ghastly start and overall the thing was a real stinker. Going to happen but really continuation of recent down trend. Defensive play was brutal and zero offense when it counted - not a good combination to get results.
Decent
Lammikko line - by far the best line and real contrast, in terms of effort and effectiveness, with the many others that mailed it in. Love their work ethic and some of the others should hand over some their big bucks to them. Team must keep Motte. He's like Tanev. You do not lose heart and soul players like him to keep around some of the supposed offensively talented do nothings. Motte is twice to three times the player Boeser is. Build around people like Motte in terms of work rate and attitude
Garland - another keeper. Never gives less than his best and was one of the few going in this game.
Pettersson - finding his mojo and working hard. Might as well reunite the Lotto line and see if Miller can again work well with Pettersson.
Bad
Defense - took turns in looking incompetent. Meyers has regressed and not picking his spots well to attack and getting clumsy around his net. OEL and Hughes both had huge coverage problems. Looks like the covid sit out caught up with Hughes although did start to come on in the late going. Best of the dmen was probably Schenn but even he got caught flat footed at times.
Horvat - ugh. Has the stamina of a pregnant cow. Couple of strides then coast. Then couple more and then stop for a rest. Just agonizing watching him get to the bench for a line change. (and more and more creating opportunities opening up for opponents during his changes as well as near causing too many men penalties). And that doesn't get into the real problem - changing directions. I have to figure he is hurt or something b/c he has never been this bad. That said, if he can't play right now, so there is no way he should be considered for special teams where he is only proving how especially bad he is.
Miller - showed ok on some shifts and out with total baggage but some foolish and selfish penalties and per usual some ill considered passes. Look frustrated.
Boeser - did he play??? Absolute slug. Must be dealt to avoid overpayment (unless some other accommodation can be made). Stunk in this game.
Others
Dickinson - had maybe his best period of the year in the third. Wasn't anything particularly good but at least he was more in the play. Of course that was in garbage time with the Ducks just playing out the string.
Math and present play dictate that team has to be looking beyond the playoffs and shaping things for the future. Trades need to be made and management shouldn't be waiting too long and missing out on possible deals.