Caps were due for a real stinker. I'm not surprised it was day after Thanksgiving. The Oilers are loaded with big fast talented guys. I'm not surprised they scored 5. Their problem has been goaltending. It helps when your opponent (ahem...Caps) is inept at creating scoring chances, so they shined on Friday.
I kind of expected this team to play slightly better than 50/50 hockey and maybe squeek into the playoffs as a WC team this year, partly because of the division we are in. Recent run of 9-1-1 (before the loss) is more than realistic expectation from this team IMO.
It's also tough missing one of your top centers, it catches up to you eventually. I hope Kuzy is actually sick and not having...."personal" issues. Also one of our expected top centers is now gone. Sad to say, but the Caps game took a big upswing when Backy stepped away. His leaving actually helped the team, as others (mostly McMichael) have taken advantage of the opportunity.
Oshie not returning after the hit tells me he got his bell rung...generally you don't return just as a concussion protocol. Him not traveling with the team says he definitely got more than just his clock cleaned. Maybe concussion which takes time, but hasn't he had shoulder issues and back issues as well? Wish him the best, but sadly him out of the lineup shouldn't hurt our performance.
With Oshie out, Im not surprised to see Phillips, but I think Mantha has been involved and had more chances this year, so I'm not sure I'd put Phillips in over Mantha, but then we don't see how hard guys are working in practice or whatever. Is Mantha living up to his salary, no. Is Phillips a better option than Mantha?...hmmm not so sure. But then, maybe they just trying something new..or maybe Phillips works really really hard and deserves a shot to play.
And FFS, the PP has to get a lucky bounce sooner or later, and lets try something different shall we?
Okay, I'm calling it now...Phillips gets a PP goal tonight from...McMike & Sandin.
