Foppa2118
Registered User
- Oct 3, 2003
- 52,431
- 31,724
They definitely had a stronger focus on games and in games last year IMO. They had a new coach in Patrick Roy and a fresh new environment and identity that motivated them, and kept them engaged. That novelty has worn off a bit, and after their success last year, they got a bit too comfortable to start the year and they're very slowly starting to realize it.
You can see this difference in focus from last year displayed in how the forwards back checked, and managed the game with their puck decisions. That has been a stark contrast to what they've done this year in those areas. They're not focused on the details of the game nearly as well, or playing the right way.
They may have had the same monsters under the bed as last year, but I don't think focus was as big a problem. It's clear now they still had a learning process to go through as a team. Hopefully they've learned it this year.
