Team played pretty well for 28 minutes until the Schenn-Woods incident. Probably outchanced NJ, were unfortunate to be down 2-0. Then they have a terrible PP, give up a SHG, and then absolutely capitulate. This team needs a coaching change.
- best news by far was the performance of Bear. Was our best defender, skated very well - better than what I remembered from Edmonton and Seattle - moved the puck well, barely put a foot wrong defensively. Looked like a 2nd pairing RHD. If that's what he can bring to the table most nights, getting him for a 5th is a steal.
- worst news was OEL-Myers. Absolute trainwreck again. Caved in. OEL must be hurt based on how he couldn't get up after a nothing contact in the 3rd, but TAKE HIM OUT OF THE LINEUP. Instead of sitting a guy who is killing them, they're overplaying him because he's the most experienced guy the have.
- Hughes was alright in his return except on the PP where he was awful.
- Pettersson line was the only line that was working. Looked like earlier games this year - lots of chances, no results. Kuzmenko was the team's best forward by a mile.
- Miller-Horvat line had a good first shift of the game and then went AWOL most of the rest of the night. Hooked up for 2 PP goals - where Horvat is on fire since the middle of last year - but zero intensity from Miller. Garland invisible.
- bottom 2 lines presented zero offensive threat. Studnicka was pretty anonymous. Podkolzin is regressing badly.
- Tanner Pearson was a -3 and in the box for a 4th goal after taking a terrible o-zone penalty. Horrendous. With the talk about waiving guys, you wonder if he's the first guy on the chopping block.
- Demko continues to fight the puck badly. Just not tracking it at all. Martin is the better option right now.