Thoughts on the team after watching in-person
Going to the game, you get a better persepctive on the game. The biggest issue is the NZ play. They turned the puck over in the NZ so many times it was unbelievable. The NZ play was completely disconnected. No chemistry whatsoever. A few times in the 1st the defensemen were ready and the forwards were so slow they weren't even starting their routes yet. Bad passes, no chemistry, dumb plays, never making the smart play, just terrible terrible in the NZ.
Another big thing I noticed is the PK was ass today. Kept leaving Allen out to dry. No effort to defend the blue line at all, just free entries. And both PK and 5v5 there is no extra effort. If a guy gets open there is never that extra effort to dive and reach out and deflect the shot. This team has no fight. Almost no physicality. Always seemed to be on the receiving end of hits but never the deliverer. A forecheck is supposed to be physical. I think they are good enough based on talent to squeak into a wild card spot if some things go right but they're far from being a threat for a deep playoff run.