Talking about Witter earlier, feel like I need to also mention McIlrath. Guy's just not an NHLer right now. Seems timid out there, which is strange given his reputation. Like he's playing to not screw up, which is a kiss of death, imo.
Like Puempel, but doesn't seem like an NHLer, either. Works hard, but just so limited. Also, with more high IQ players seeming to be sifted into the lineup, the shortcomings of some other guys are standing out more. There was a shift in the third where Hirose was out there with Turgeon, and Hirose tapped the puck into a space where Turgeon should have been, but the guy just didn't know it. he couldn't see where the play would develop. See it with Helm, too. There are times where the play is doing one thing and Helm is....doing something entirely different. It sucks, these guys work their butts off and I like pulling for them (even if I hate some of their contracts). But it gets hard to watch at times, and it's why this team is in the lotto. Too many guys like that.