No time to complain about the roster now.

AB Habman · Guru

No time to complain about the roster now.

Key Lime · Guru

AB Habman wrote:

I sure didn't expect Ribs to carry the offense in these playoffs..and he isn't. He isn't playing great but better than last playoffs. His biggest problem is not shooting on net...hit the dam net already. Tonight Kovy looked tired or hurt. He usually doesn't tank it long so I expect a big game from him next time. Bulis was great but can't produce alone. The Plecs line was very good and basically our top line. The previous top line was difficult to judge because Higgins and Ryder played with Saks so long now that they look lost without him. Ryder's hockey sense seems way off to begin with. Just not smart with the puck. Should shoot it in deep and forecheck. Higgins was left alone to fend off two or three Canes without puck support. Bonk forgot how to play on an offensive line. Our fourth line was OK because Bonk knows his role on that line. Murray was strong on the puck. Sunny wasn't noticed so he must be doing his job. Our defense was weak except when Cube was on because he adds a demension when he flys up ice. In saying all that... I lay a small amount of Blame on Gainey for not at least getting us a little offensive talent this season. Simpson and Downey which are other teams throw aways are not going to add much now. The bigger reason we're losing is Canes are a way better skilled team. Now in saying all this, I think Gainey has to let the boys skate hard and shoot the puck deep and play 2-1-2 system and try to hem the Canes in their own zone rather than ours. Keep throwing the puck to the net

and force the crease with traffic. Also, throw in a new face like Kotitsyn if Begin can't go. The team needs new blood. Huet will be just fine. His worst enemy are our own players. Canes have a great team but with some tinkering can be beaten and will be.

Excellent observations AB. Finally, someone actually thinks we should play a 2-1-2 system. The Canes' defense fumbles and panics when we do play that system. The key is to play that way from the first second. Get some goals on the board and then go back to the 1-2-2 system but giving our D the option to pinch in whenever possible.