Mango

I totally agree with you here. But to answer OP’s question I think if this skid and more importantly this level of play continues we see Adams overpay (like waaaay overpay) to try and fix this in desperation. I think they could end up packaging a few prospects and picks to grab another goalie and/or defenseman. This FO has been open about playoffs, Stanley cup, and getting the fans back in and believing in this core. After 12 years, I don’t think the org can ask the players to ask for the fans trust (and $$$) this year and miss the playoffs.

To this point I think we have enough Ryan Johnson’s, Dahlins, and Powers. We need a blue chip guy who digs his skates in and stands hard at the blue line. Simialryl, we have enough Thompson’s, Cozens, Skinners, who can’t or won’t play both ways. The entire pipeline is chock full of those guys. It’s not a coincidence that Mitts/Greenway are standing out. The team lacks balance in approach and in personnel. Somebody mentioned that Greenway is looking better than Meier right now. Looks like the right decision. But honestly this team could us both Greenway and Meier. We’re just not tough enough in both directions. If we can provide high level support in both directions watch life get easier for Skinner, Cozens, Thompson.

I think that’s the point. OP is saying what we should be doing is asking “what’s best for our best prospect/goalie” and instead we’re saying “what do we have to do to not sink this ship”.

“At least we didn’t over pay” - Team with the most cap space in the league.

This feels like the hockey version of “But Edmunds is so young” that went on for eternity.

If this continues something is clearly broken with the admin and needs to be replaced. But not blown up. I just can’t put my finger on it. On one hand we don’t play any real defense. But this roster has really progressed under his tutelage. On the other hand, we have all these great forward prospects, but no defensive depth, no goalie; and no real plan/attempt to fix them.

The Erik Johnson post game is refreshing.

Finally got around to this. Did anybody else get the vibe that Jerry Forton seems to be doing a lot of the heavy lifting and taking the lead on a lot of decisions and actions. I tend to lead collaboratively but I just got the vibe that Adams was almost looking for approval from Forton rather than bringing him into the fold. Also I think his sister is the one who sells those big fuzzy water buffalo Bills hats.

I agree, but I think there is a chance they sit vs. Montreal and play him @Ottowa.

I don’t mind the contact. For me it’s not a matter of if we find value in it, but when. I can look over some of Powers deficiencies for a year or two. But by year 3 I need him to be playing at or close to AAV. That’s the only way we get good value on it. I also don’t think he’s way off schedule like some posters.

I spent the last 30 seconds or so wondering why the top line was out there to end the game short handed. Then they tied it up. I will say tonight was a better effort from the group. Some missteps, but Skinner gets a goal and Thomers was tossing his body around quite a bit at time.

Jochen Hecht would like a word

I don't think it is falling either. If we can get the the top two lines going I will feel a lot better, even if we lose a 3rd in a row. From a schedule/house keeping perspective losing to TB isn't the worst. But one thing I am paying attention to this year is linking losses together. That includes OT loses. No real data, but in a quick scan of last years standings, most playoff teams only had ~4-ish 4 game skids and almost never went over 4 games. For me last season was more about going on losing streaks rather than total number of games lost. Starting with 3 losses would suck, but it is manageable. I think my nerves will start tingling quite a bit with 4 loses. I can stay positive with a 3-6 start but the team never loses more than 2 in a row. To me that would read as an improvement from last year. The 22-23 team would turn something like that into 9 loses.

That 3rd line is the only one working at the moment. I’d be hesitant to change it. My first inclination was to have Mitts center the first line and move Thompson to the second line. But again, the third line is the only one working. This sounds crazy, but both the first and second line had good shifts vs the Islanders with Krebs subbing Thompson and Cozens. Feels stupid to say, but it could be one of those things where “if it works it works?”…even if it’s only a short term fix?

I agree. The only reason I think he may bounce back and forth a bit is that he is young and small. 82 games against brown ash men is a huge jump for an 18 year old. As of right now I don’t see him going down permanently for the year. He’ll play more than 9.

I can’t believe I’m going to do this, but I think the order of best to worst on that line to open the season is JJP, VO, then Cozens. Skinner had a bad turn over or two but both centers have been bad two games in a row. It’s not a get out of jail free card, but it also matters. Somehow Casey Mittlestat has is quickly moving from my most annoying player on the roster to my favorite. Really like his game these days.

Math checks out!

I’m tempted to agree here and preseason I would have. But I’d also like to see Greenway-Mitts-Benson progress. I swear I saw Krebs subboth Cozens and Thompson on their lines and both came alive. I’d be tempted to keep the Mitts line together and try Krebs centering the first line (crazy I know). And have Thompson replace VO on Cozens line. Just brainstorming. Don’t kill me.

I think I fought Krebs centering both the first and second line and both had great shifts. There’s some sloppiness. There’s some defensive gaffes. I’ve been happy with Greenway, Mitts, Benson. And our top 3 D had a better night than the Rangers. We have shown a bit more physicality. My biggest frustration is that the top 6 have sucked. I’d be curious to maybe shift some lines.

You have met my GF?

He just needs a better period. I don’t care if he puts one in the net. He seems super flat overall.

A little sloppy, we suck at face offs, and we sometimes hang out goalies out to dry. But there’s some hustle, physicality, and grit to this team that we didn’t see last year. I’ve talked a bit a bit anxiously about the what-ifs. But this isn’t a bad hockey team.

Did Donnie just sub Cozens out of the second line as well? Top two lines seem to have come to life for a shift or two sans Cozens/Thompson. Thats a possible concern for another day. But for now I’ll enjoy the result.

That first line does better with a little bit more grit at center. We saw it late last year with Mitts.

Krebs stepping in as center is bringing some life to the first line. Unsure if it’s by design or Thompson is hurt. He had a very lazy shot attempt a few minutes ago. Curious if it was actually lazy or he is hobbled.