Cascade Youth

He’s just not a mentally tough person. That’s a hard thing to learn to be, especially when life doesn’t incentivize or challenge you to be a tougher person. I’m starting to wonder whether they need to think about moving on from him - if you can get 3-4 first round picks or a couple of lesser (but grittier, mentally tougher) stars, it might be time to at least begin having that conversation. Jack wants to win badly but he doesn’t seem to have the internal fortitude to lead himself or others through tough times or situations. I guess he’s been spoiled for too long, or something. Mental toughness comes from suffering humility and adversity and resolving to push through it. Has Jack ever had to do that? He moped through the post-tank era... And then there’s Dahlin, who is playing with zero confidence. Night after night he makes terrible plays that would get any other young player exiled to the press box or the AHL. At some point something is going to have to break with him because he’s spiraling. Can he just play his way out of it on a declining team under pressure to win? I’m not so sure. And finally there’s Mitts. I keep hearing “Mitts will be fine.” Ok... at what point in his career does it become fair to question whether the player will ever put it together? Now he’s a winger on a line which barely plays - so he’s been demoted. He makes one great defensive hustle play in an overtime and the media hypes it up - but that’s basically the only memorable play he’s made since he got here, aside from a few nifty shootout goals. I’m not the expert some of you are, but I watch the guy and I don’t see an NHL-caliber player. Vesey is the only guy willing to get his nose dirty on the boards. That’s what I see at least. He’s not the issue. In fact I might try him on Jack’s line instead of VO, since Jack doesn’t feel like competing defensively anymore and VO is strictly a sniper.

Jack Eichel lacks mental toughness.

Jack has basically taken a month off from playing defense. This is his game now.

I really have no idea what Dahlin is doing. His poor instincts are concerning me.

Does Rasmus Dahlin suck at the sport of hockey?

There goes the differential. Dahlin has a looooong way to go.

I expect Erod to be part of any trade package.

I guess I’m the only one who thought the Sabres clearly looked like the better team. Dominated for long stretches and had much better scoring chances. Arizona got by on a fluke goal and some crosssbar doinks. Jack was a bit too amped tonight but the team looked good to me. Except for Mythlestadt who really needs to show up soon if he’s going to have an NHL career. The amount of runway fans give that guy is insane to me. Also, Erod is terrible. Also, Dahlin is missing easy passes and can’t even get his shot on net. You all let me know when it’s ok to be concerned.

Mythlestadt

How the hell

Last night to me just looked like your typical Blysma-coached game - the middle of the ice was crowded, Jack was doubled or tripled and the more talented team eventually prevailed in a slog fest. Boring hockey that Blysma’s system forces upon NHL fans. Whatever

^^this^^

Really? They were HORRIBLE. They lost every battle. Eichel played like he barely cared. Hutton seemed to be in a fugue state.

I am officially concerned about Dahlin’s abilities in his own zone. He totally sucked tonight. There have been several games like that this year. Sorry. Kill the messenger.

I was there. They were thoroughly outplayed. Dahlin had one of the worst defensive games I’ve ever seen. He made up for it somewhat with his offense in the third period, I guess. But his play in their zone was unbelievably bad. Are we allowed to talk about how bad it was? I’m not sure. And Jack and Skinner skated around like it was a bat mitzvah at Roller Works. Those two need to toughen up if this team is going to be playing in the playoffs. Again, they got spanked tonight and anyone who says otherwise wasn’t really watching.

Jack wants to play like that they’ll lose all the games.

Eichel is having a terrible game too

I am at the game. Dahlin is having one of the worst games I’ve ever seen.

Jack was the best player on the ice tonight - not even close. Jimmy V. had a nice game too.

This sums it up well. Plus Risto had one of his horror show games.

Dahlin is struggling a bit - seems to have lost some confidence. He’ll get it back but it’s tough to watch.

Was hoping for a picture.

He was really bad. It happens.

Dahlin didn’t deserve to be out there in OT. Easily his worst game as a pro. He was horrid.

Dahlin looking like Schmelik tonight.