All the media types positioning the Leafs loss as a one-off, kick in the pride, the team knows better. The players understating how awful they played for 40+ minutes ignoring how regular and habitual it has become. I see them losing to OTT as well. It is also habitual for them to come out flat after playing one of the “big boy” teams. The leadership core on great teams don’t mail in their effort on the responsible side of the puck. The Oilers core has not yet demonstrated that awareness or capability on a consistent basis. Until they do, they will continue to be prone to these types of no-shows and they won’t be able to win a championship. The overall team make-up is too skill-focused and there aren’t enough work boots on the roster. When the games tighten down and the physicality goes up in the playoffs, this team is going to struggle mightily. There’s just no space for the “skill” to operate. Will be interesting to see if Knoblauch can do something with this team none of the past 4 quality coaches couldn’t do … get the core to consistently (every game) bring their work ethic and work to playing to “the right way” standard.
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