And in adding my two cents. We can fire coaches and go that routine but the bottom line is the players have to show up each and every night. Dig in like their lives depend upon it. I used to think that maybe they could go into conservation mode a bit and glide into the playoffs vs barreling in, but it seems you need the momentum. You can't get into bad habits of coasting or it turns into a pattern.
I don't like "blame" when a team is struggling...too many players, both on the ice and behind the bench. It's a shared responsibility and, usually, there isn't a quick fix when things unravel.
Torts is tough....but, as stated in the commentary last night, all teams are blocking shots (it was dead even last night). So that aspect really is just part of the game now, as silly as it is (because what happens when there's no one left fit enough TO block them....poor Burr. Tanev. Guys are dropping like flies). I'd almost guess that some teams will be secretly putting bullet proof armour under their gear to survive this tactic.
We went from a very casual, laid back coach who chuckled to one who now smirks and yells. Sure, a bit of balance would be nice but most were calling for an in your face approach not long ago. That the team needed a wake up call and someone with fire in their veins. So now he's here and it's all being retracted...he's too tough.
I don't like that the defensive game is the focus in such a drastic way that offense is being neglected. Again - balance. But I also think we haven't had enough time to assess...the team has to find the will to win and no coach can transplant that in...it has to come from the players themselves.