Game cast
http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/gamecast?gameId=400484647
We didn't give up that many in close scoring chances again (outside of the 2 breakaways on the PP) but the % that ends up in our net is way too high compared on our own converting ratio
Sometimes our goalies haven't been good compared to the opposition, sometimes we give up easy goals by being caught totally out of position or like tonight, 2 very awful line changes (I hate those), or the PK isn't working, etc.
The team isn't playing as bad as people are saying but they seem to lose focus there and there and other teams capitalize on it. This is NHL, teams can make you pay a heavy price for those mistakes. Biggest difference with last year (outside of Andy's play) is that the team find (new) ways to lose instead of ways to win (tonight 2 bad line changes against goals, sometimes too many PP goals against, sometimes weak goaltending, sometimes lose momentum because PP sucks, sometimes lack of secondary scoring (you won't win many games when only 1 line score), etc. Inconsistent young budget team
I think the most important need for this team is a top 3 defender. I'll use Enstrom for example.
Karlsson
Methot
Enstrom
Wiercioch
Boro
Phillips
Cowen
Corvo
For the love of God, Corvo played 3rd most minutes tonight and he was supposed to be a 7th PP specialist exclusively.
Our forwards have been fine. We can solve out the chemistry and need for wingers internally. Defense we need external help.
I don't agree... Forwards have been a big problem, if not our biggest problem this year IMO
The Turris line has been awesome most of the time so not them but the rest.
Spezza and Michalek have been good in spurts, really need much more from them. Their biggest problem seems to be battling along the boards, forechecking and positioning.
Smith has been excellent, but only has 6 points. He's a depth forward
Conacher has been good too (yeah I don't really care of the popular views on this board as you can tell lol), but not getting much of an opportunity so not producing a lot (reminds me of Regin). Seems to be suffering from a sophomore slump as well and a transition to a more responsible defensive game
Zibanejad has been good but he's 20 y/o, so much he can do
Problem is we only have 1 line with great or good chemistry, resulting in many problems like missing assignments on the defensive side of things, not giving enough clear cut open lanes for breakouts and not cycling long enough. Also, lack of secondary scoring. All this puts more pressure on our young inexperienced defense and make them work a lot more than they should
Note : Corvo should be dressed every game.
Corvo's been playing a lot better than Wiercioch. I can't believe there's people here mad about Corvo's ice time. The only D who have consistently outplayed him are Karlsson and Methot. Maybe Phillips.
Well, nothing is really surprising on HF. Plenty of good posting, but there's unfortunately the reverse of the medal lol
Also, it makes you wonder with what kind of eyes people are watching the game? Too much beer or what? Sometimes, judgments are made on 1 play. Like they remember a mistake player X made that pissed them off = player X sucked! It's that simple I think.
It's the defense I'd like to see for now :
Methot-Karlsson
Cowen/Wiercioch-Corvo
Phillips-Borowiecki
Gryba
Let Cowen and Wiercioch compete for game/ice time. Other pairs are ok and I think Corvo is still a decent player. We need his veteran presence
at the least.