Very odd that, while Freddie did not play well, it’s glossed over that PK didn’t play well in his lone game either. The second goal hit the dead center of the net, from the center of the high slot; and the OT goal, while a very skilled play/tip by Panarin, went through a small Kochetkov. That’s PK’s deal - he plays very small when he’s not on his game.
And there is also the issue of him most likely, in a high pressure environment, making a poor decision to come out of his net too aggressively, and costing his team.
Freddie let in a few backbreakers. Full stop. But the ensuing meltdowns weren’t his fault. They’re men. Be men, be mature, lock it down, support your teammates.
This emotional fragility will continue to be the reason I’ll never believe they can do it - until they do it.
And they don’t “have all the pieces.” They have no 2C. And the other team’s 2C was a major factor in let’s say two or three of the six games. That matters.