I have no problem with the Drai turnover, those things happen in hockey. That is a pass he makes 99/100. An argument could be made that it wasn't the best game management. Some would say he should have dumped it in deep and you may be right. My rebuttal would be that you go from possession to a 50/50 battle (albeit 200' from your net). Hindsight is 20/20. He attempted a short pass to a wide open forward with speed using a pass he almost always has success with.
However, I do still have 2 issues with the rest of the play.
- First, when he turns over the puck he waits for the pass to Nyquist before start skating back. He is covering the point, he should have been on his horse as soon as the turnover happened.
- Second, he gives up on the back-check after the initial shot. If he keeps his feet moving he has a good chance to break up the rebound attempt by Nyquist.
These boys better get some rest so they can bring their A-game vs. Vegas. This uninspired hockey being played in the last 3 games is not how you enter the playoffs. This type of hockey gets you bounced in 4.
Still, a win is a win. I will take it over a dominant loss as long as it does not become commonplace.