Rupp was on Madden the other day and rejected the idea that "talent" was a problem outright. Preferred to use euphamisms instead of calling the team out, but I got the distinct impression he thought the team was light on size and balls. Also specifically pointed to the loss of (and failure to replace) Duper's footspeed as a problem because he forces turnovers that are no longer getting forced.
This is, essentially, what I see. In the last clutch and grab era (which Rupp would be familiar with, having won a championship on the clutchingest, grabbingest club there ever was), the way to create against disciplined teams trying to turn the ice into a swamp usually boiled down to either team mobility or team size. Interfering with Adam Lowry or Chris Gratton is tough because they're so friggin big. Interfering with Grabner or Bondra is tough because they've often got a step on you and are often on top of you before you're ready to make a pass.
Finally, Dumo wasn't even up here for our slide, so he's an odd guy to single out.
