Will take Kane a little while to fit in on the PP. The east-west crap with that first unit is pathetic.
Out of all lines that we have I have a hard time seeing who will play physical and grinding game in the playoffs. The team is stocked with talent but can that win in the playoffs? I am keeping my hopes low.
I'll say this, no one has been more positive about this team than have been, but I'm concerned. And it is not about tonight - down a forward, down our top two LD, 5 D in total - it's about style of play. I really have a hard time seeing this East-West fancy pants team beating teams like the Canes, Bruins, Lightning, etc. Seems highly unlikely to me. The only shot they have is on Gallant IMO. He has got to convince this team to play more North-South shoot the puck hockey. Two of the Sens goals tonight were a guy gets just across the Sens blueline, turns it over, Sens go the other way as the Rangers change, and they score. You have to get it deep - have to. I tell Panarin and Kane. You guys are great. I know you want to play together. I will grant that, but if you get too fancy, and defer to each other too much, I have to break you up. I really think our only shot to win in the playoffs is if Gallant gets balls and tells these guys North-South, pucks on net, limited fancy or else you sit. If he doesn't do that we'll lose in round 1. You don't win playoff hockey with fancy, pretty and soft.
There is something called defensive structure that Gallant does not apprehend. I've been screaming about it all season. This is a pond hockey that does not win in the playoffs.
I am actually less concerned about the D, than I am about our fancy play. In the playoffs things will tighten, and Igor will step up. I don't have the same faith we'll get pucks deep, shoot, and play a North-South game. I don't see us winning rounds in the playoffs playing a fancy style. I hope this team gets that when the time comes.
The Rangers are quietly starting to piss away their lead. Pitt is 9 points back with a game in hand. Won't take but a little more losing from the Rangers and Pitt will be right there.
We were physically manhandled last night. Ottawa hit every ranger who had the puck and we had no response
Our top 9 are all finesse fancy players outside of Kreider. Maybe you can say Tro isn't either, but he is not a big guy or a physical guy. It's a concern. In some ways we'd be better off if Reaves was still here as the 12th forward to add some toughness just in case. Also a guy like Copp added that edge as well. It certainly concerns me going into the playoffs. Can we adapt and play playoff hockey - not sure we can. I see 500 East-West passes every time I close my eyes. Not goood.
so why the fuck were you asking for them to go and get Kane? They could've gotten someone like Reaves instead who can actually still play.
