Like most of you, the thing that frustrates the shit out of me the most is the effort. Down a few goals and it seemed like we just gave up - like we surrendered.
I was all excited when I read about Kes saying they were going to go back to the physical game they played in the first two games but nothing. Yeah, a few decent hits here and there but nothing to really send the message and change the flow of momentum. I was a big defender of him and Burr not putting up points cause they were working the D but ...where's the D now?
Yeah, you can say AV should've played Ballard, arrange the lines differently, Schneids should get the start Sunday, etc. Sure but the way I see it, it shouldn't matter. Our team has the skill set to beat the Hawks handily.
I think the problem lies with poor mindset/weak mental toughness, failure of the coaching staff to recognize what the players need to hear, instruction to get them back on track and bad goaltending (again, cause they're in his head). It's like we've gone into the last 2 games with no plan and when we fall behind or the plan fails, the floodgates open and we have zero response. We need to adapt and see the situation for what it is.
Recognition - We can shut these fuckers down in one game. ONE GAME!!!
Direction - Stay on track and work the plan...til the end.
Inspiration - Make them realize that they're more than capable of achieving the goal. They might be down in the shit right now but nothing is stopping us from getting up, fighting and succeeding. Don't let the fear of losing get in the way.