I don't even see people complaining about the system.
That's just a typical "i'm right!" argument from probably weeks ago.
Or he's thinking people posting about our blown leads (and blaming it on Bylsma) as a schematic issue? I have no clue. But while on topic, I definitely hate blaming a coach when it's the players continuing to blow leads, but it's become the norm. Unfortunately when something happens like that, you can't fire every player and have to put the blame on the coaching staff for not fixing it. 5 times in the last year we've lost 2 goal leads to Philly. How many blown leads have we seen this year, too? It's just a huge issue. No other way to put it.
In fact, a blown 3 goal lead probably made the difference in that Pens/Flyers series. I'd be interested to see what happens if we don't blow that lead.
Once or twice - I say "oh well, it happens in the NHL." How many times we've done it becomes an issue.
I can't give overall specific numbers, but I know the Pens have blown 5 two goal leads to Philly in the last season+.
There were guys pinching, bad line changes, and overall bad decisions last night when they were protecting the lead. An example that I shook my head at, is with a two goal lead in the third, Letang had the puck just inside the middle of the TB blueline and tried to gun a shot on net. He had the high man literally three feet away in the shooting lane and of course it was blocked and setup an odd man 3-2 rush the other way.
Letang has to know the situation there and that a blocked shot could lead to a quick counter. Just play it off the boards and make the smart play. It's easy to criticize when it isn't me out there, obviously, but honestly that is hockey 101 there. I just expect better decisions from Letang in a situation like that.
Last night is on the players I feel, but again we are still seeing poor decision making and it's the reason I am withholding judgement until I see what the playoffs bring.
As for +/-
- I'm giving DB props for giving BB PP time after he drew that penalty.
- Despres had a rough game, but Engo was a bigger problem. Engo has only had a handful of games this season where he looked good and I'm a little concerned.
- Orpik is getting a bad rap. This cat draws the toughest assignments every game and made a number of big plays last night no one gave him credit for.
- I'm still waiting to see what the big deal is about Glass. I would rather be locked in a room for three hours and be forced to watch Jersey Shore, than having to watch Glass and Adams handle the puck. Vitale must spend all game mumbling to himself...
Glass is decent on the PK, but his work at both ends isn't impressing me. I'm trying to give it time, but the honest truth is the fourth line is quite avg without Vitale's speed and hustle.