Thanks to those who wrote the post game player assessments. I haven't had a chance to watch much so far so it is appreciated.
I see conflicting opinions on Neil's game last night and am wondering where truth lays? He's a guy I really hope can turn around his game from last year. It will be a sad day when he is no longer effective. I appreciate his veteran presence and sticking up for his team mates, but he's only at his best when he's able to play a heavy forchecking game creating turnovers and creating disturbance in front of the net. If that's gone than his game is gone. I hope he gets that back
Note that I agree he should never be on the PP unless for the reason I mention. As another poster mention Mac using him last year for that also made my eyes bleed
I think the problem with Neil is that he's a liability in his own zone - he kind of looks lost out there.
I said earlier that Pageau/Neil were out for two goals, and I was wrong. What I was remembering was a shift where they were pinned in their own zone for a good minute and Winnipeg ended up drawing a penalty (no goal). But what was face-palm worthy was that, when the penalty ended, it was the same line out there again, and they gave up that first goal after once again running around the zone and getting pinned in there. The momentum boost from the kill was instantly snuffed out.
He's ok when he's mixing things up in the offensive zone, laying hits, etc., but his puck handling has suffered a bit and he seems to slow down when he's carrying the puck, making him a poor pass recipient.
I guess I'd say his play without the puck in the offensive zone was good in this past game, his agitating was good, but his play with the puck was pretty weak and his defensive zone play cringe-worthy.