I think the 2nd game showed that this team has the talent it needs, they just need to get the effort and game plan down. They seem to have forgotten Julien's system of things, I think Julien spent too much time playing the kids and too little time drilling his system into their empty from summer heads.
I voted other, I think they are in need of a good defensive d-man, I am ok with Ference or Hunwick on the team, I'm not sure about both at the same time.
I also think they need a true sniper, a 40 goal type of player, it doesn't matter what variety he comes in, just that he consistently puts the puck in the net.
The missing piece is Chemistry. The guys just don't have it like they did last year. Sturm looks bad on his opposite side. He's out of place constantly, and is getting in the way. The Bergeron line is always hemmed into the defensive zone. The only line that looks good is the 4th line. They where dominating yesterday no matter who was on the Ice for Anaheim.
I'd make some small changes to the lines. Change Sturm with Recchi for a while.
A recognition by players that victories are/will not just be handed to them by opponents. No longer are they the hunters, this team is far too deep, far too talented and way too well coached for me to start declaring a disaster of a season, but it seems as though many of our boys have been reading too many press clippings about how good they are.
Now, go play the way we have all become accustomed to seeing you play in the last few years.
A recognition by players that victories are/will not just be handed to them by opponents. No longer are they the hunters, this team is far too deep, far too talented and way too well coached for me to start declaring a disaster of a season, but it seems as though many of our boys have been reading too many press clippings about how good they are.
Now, go play the way we have all become accustomed to seeing you play in the last few years.
Last year, there was many wins who should have been losses but the team got away with it. I don't think it will be the case this year. So, the team should be very aware of that. Every single team in this league will wait for them...
Last year, there was many wins who should have been losses but the team got away with it. I don't think it will be the case this year. So, the team should be very aware of that. Every single team in this league will wait for them...
Couldn`t agree more with you, there is still loads of depth with our boys, so on "paper", they should be just fine however, as we saw yet again for the 2nd time in 3 games, it appeared as though the B`s thought that merely pulling their sweater over their heads would earn them 2 points.
Still waaaaaaay too early to worry, if were still having these conversations at the 10-15 game mark (although still early) I will be concerned but I just do not see this as being a trend. I`ll tell you who I feel bad for, that`s the Islanders, one thing this team showed is that when they get embarrassed like they did last night, they rebound with a hatred, which, by the way, IMO, should be how they play every night.
