You know, I genuinely have NO idea how to evaluate this game for Geno.
The WTF play on the Wings 2nd goal. Losing #72 in 3 on 3 transition defense so easily (Wings didn't exploit). That fly by when if he stops at the goal he has a tap in off that Simon shot.
Little things like that. There's still ugly micro moments like that.
But, on a macro level, THIS definitely is a lot better. Two or three weeks ago, I said he was in full 'I'm out' mode. Never seen anything that bad.
Tonight was more 'Geno trying too hard' badish/betterish . . . eh, not sure what you call it per se. I still see him trying to 'manufacture', but I also saw a lot of him trying to let the game come to him and take what was there. A mixed bag, I guess, is the appropriate description?
And, I'll repeat something two things I said in the GDT:
1. It's really easy to say 'sit him'. Ride him . . . he can take it. I've said it. BUT, IF Sullivan does that, then it definitely needs to be the standard for everyone, because if it's not, then Sully risks losing Geno. So, I get why Sully is doing what he's doing. He's more likely to get what he wants taking the approach he has, and there's big risk of downside to taking the alternative approach. Not an easy spot for Sully.
2. I actually think Geno gets it when they're telling him to take what comes and not try to force things. Problem is, when it seems like one is being patient forever and it still isn't happening at all, instinct is to try to force things. It's why we're at a point where it simultaneously seems like he's a goal away from snapping out of the funk fully and like he's inexplicably forcing things.
EDIT: Good news is that he'll snap out of it. I see some positive signs with the Simon-Horny due, and it definitely would help him if that trio regularly were out there with a defenseman who can contribute to transition and in zone offense.
