Detroit’s afternoon tilt vs. Philadelphia actually showed some promise. An early goal on a breakaway started to bring visions of Toronto all over again. And then, Robby Fabbri sent a beautiful slap shot past Carter Hart that was set up by Athanasiou using his speed and getting into the offensive zone. It was impressive. Robby Fabbri continues to look like a perfect fit in Detroit. Near the end of the first period the Flyers cashed in on the power play. It was a bit of an odd backhand to the net that nonetheless felt a bit ominous. At that point, Detroit was still outshooting Philadelphia.
The second period seemed fairly solid. Previously Detroit’s weakest frame, they continued to direct shots at a confident Carter Hart to no avail, and with 12 seconds to go Couturier scored. 12 seconds away from the game still being a one shot game, and Detroit seemed to come completely unglued before the third. 2 goals in the opening minute were enough to all but crush the spirit of a young team that finally ended a goalless drought. The flyers cashed in once more with just over 2 minutes left.
I give full marks to Carter Hart. He faced 33 shots and only let one get by. He is looking to be the impressive goal tender that emerged last season. Calvin Pickard had little help from a shaky defensive squad. The Flyers have a forecheck that is impressive, as well as defensemen that can shoot the puck. Philadelphia seems poised to make a positive step forward this season. Kudos to Vigneault and co for putting together some very good lines.
On the other side, Detroit has some issues that need tending to. (That sentence wasn’t originally intended as a pun, but I will gladly accept a nod of the cap.). Without a strong presence in net, strong enough to overcome defensive lapses and a lack of solid backchecking, this team is going to continue to spiral. There is talent on this squad, and a clear glimpse at players who will overcome this season and be the faces of this franchise. NHL network pointed out that among players with the worst shooting percentages are Taylor Hall and Dylan Larkin. The effort is that for the future captain, and the goals will come. The team, however, needs to find a way to play 60 minutes.
There are teams that can get away with a bad 20 minutes in which their goaltending and/or defense compensate for poor decisions and puck management. Right now, Detroit isn’t one of them. The club needs to have all 5 players on the same page, and good communication as to what the goalie needs. Line of sight, fewer breakaways, clear the crease, etc. Find out what is causing the biggest issues and adapt. If a defenseman is going to jump in the play, someone needs to take their place and watch for line changes that can lead to breakouts. The less overall scoring your team can produce, the more work you have to do.
The players are working hard, and are deeply frustrated. Laziness or lack of caring are not the issues. They simply need to address the details and redirect that effort. These issues would tend to be lack of proper direction. It would seem that, fair or not, a lot of eyes are looking at the coach.
Blashill is contending with a slew of injuries and a squad that is built for a lottery pick. But, if there is a chance that he’s unable to communicate or the players aren’t hearing the message, there may need to be a bit of a change. Not a “firing…, especially not in a season where the expectations are low. But, as a former player and champion Steve Yzerman may have some valuable input and ideas that could help these kids from getting completely discouraged.
Brian Burke likes to say that stellar goaltending makes a coach look like a genius. He’s absolutely correct. The opposite tends to ring true as well. Unless the coach is playing shifts, they are limited as to their impact. This group is in transition and have another game at home, tomorrow, against the Capitals. That coul be a nightmare for this squad unless they get lights out goaltending. Washington is a force again this year with only 4 regulation losses in 27 games. It will be up to the players in the room to flip the script to see some success tomorrow.
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