And if I'm a back-checking forward in Jack's position, I'm smart enough to realize there's no way Kane has the momentum or space to close in on Tarasenko while doing that and I check him into the boards like a normal hockey player would do, or at least pinch him off the puck or force him to the middle.

Evander Kane is a forward. He managed to quickly get back on D and even made a great transition to backward-skating. That's literally all you can ask from a back-checking winger who's main role is to shoot the puck and forecheck.

Jack could have done numerous things in this situation.

He chose to do the wrong thing. He chose to do the lazy thing. He chose to stop attacking the puck-carrier.

That isn't how you hockey and clearly, his coach isn't coaching him and if this is how he's being coached, then clearly, Phillip Housely was the wrong person for the job.
- BeadyEyedDouche

Kane had the inside track, he doesn't need to close on Tarasenko at all. If Kane did nothing but skate in a straight line towards Lehner, Tarasenko can either take a low percentage shot from the outside, or try to beat Kane 1 on 1 to get to the net..

Kane saw the whole play developing from ~30 feet out, hence him getting back in a defensive position, as you mentioned, then curls away at the blue line for whatever fkn reason, opening up the whole zone, and then tries to pick up Tarasenko from behind once he got passed Jack.

He’s literally this teams offense most nights. I don’t get it
- sbroads24

He's turning into everyone's favorite whipping boy. It's ridiculous.

Ugh

He’s literally this teams offense most nights. I don’t get it
- sbroads24

Let me explain it.

It really is quite simple, some choose to agree, others choose to disagree.
Some believe that a franchise center should be your best player on both sides of the rink. Others believe it is fine that he “is” the offense and don’t expect him to be as diligent on the backcheck.

That’s it.

Let me explain it.

It really is quite simple, some choose to agree, others choose to disagree.
Some believe that a franchise center should be your best player on both sides of the rink. Others believe it is fine that he “is” the offense and don’t expect him to be as diligent on the backcheck.

That’s it.
- IonSabres

I get it. Eichel is also 21, on an awful team, with a very over rated supporting cast.

O’Reilly and Reinhart got assists last night from pucks that just bounced off their bodies.

I can’t think of one time Eichel’s had his stats padded like that this year.

He’s been a force most nights, and could really benefit from some puck luck once and a while

It’s mind numbing.

I also can’t help but notice it’s posters who aren’t posting DURING the game, so I just don’t know.
- Der Kaiser

I saw quite a bit of posting during the game, at the time of the OT error, from some fun back reading this AM.

I was out at a comedy club and then dinner with fun people...so I missed the entire game. As such, I didn’t post. I also missed the last 4min of Bills OT.

Those on the Jack is fine side tend to focus on his offensive prowess...which I agree is off the charts. Similarity, they tend to give him a pass for his defensive liability, which he is at times, lots of times...and normally chalk it up to his youth.
I believe he isn’t being coached-up properly...unless that is what Russ Brandon was doing!
But hey, to each there own.

If OT is man on man and Jack is the center, it's his responsibility to pick up the puck carrier. That's the center's job. Attack the puck carrier. Cover the entire surface of the ice doing it. Don't push the puck carrier to the side and expect your LW Sniper who had just gotten back on defense and turned around to skate backwards right as Jack pushed Tarasenko to the side to then pick up a guy going full speed down the wing.
- BeadyEyedDouche

There are clearly more dynamics involved during a 3v3 OT. Players have to think on their feet and make smart decisions, NOT take themselves out of the play for no reason(Kane).

Jack's job is not as simple as "attack the puck carrier" in a 3 on 3 OT. If that were true, people wouldn't have been poopting all over him for not picking up Kunitz(I think that's who scored the OT goal for Pitt), when he was focused more on the puck carrier, Crosby, who set up the goal from behind the net.

I get it. Eichel is also 21, on an awful team, with a very over rated supporting cast.

O’Reilly and Reinhart got assists last night from pucks that just bounced off their bodies.

I can’t think of one time Eichel’s had his stats padded like that this year.

He’s been a force most nights, and could really benefit from some puck luck once and a while
- sbroads24

Seriously, I question if you and others really do get it, as your post and others is all about the O side and his youth.
Once again, the rage is focused on the D side of the game and expectations of him being a superb 2 way player...that is what some expect of him.

Yes this team absolutely sucks, that doesn’t have anything to do with being driven to be the best on either team for the entire 200’ of ice.

Seriously, I question if you and others really do get it, as your post and others is all about the O side and his youth.
Once again, the rage is focused on the D side of the game and expectations of him being a superb 2 way player...that is what some expect of him.

Yes this team absolutely sucks, that doesn’t have anything to do with being driven to be the best on either team for the entire 200’ of ice.
- IonSabres

We don’t have offense most nights besides Eichel.

Eichel is under pressure to produce, every, single, game.

That’s part of why is D game is lacking.

Auston Matthews has scored like 1 goal in his last ten. They still are winning and scoring most nights. Eichel doesn’t have that luxury

Kane had the inside track, he doesn't need to close on Tarasenko at all. If Kane did nothing but skate in a straight line towards Lehner, Tarasenko can either take a low percentage shot from the outside, or try to beat Kane 1 on 1 to get to the net..

Kane saw the whole play developing from ~30 feet out, hence him getting back in a defensive position, as you mentioned, then curls away at the blue line for whatever fkn reason, opening up the whole zone, and then tries to pick up Tarasenko from behind once he got passed Jack.
- BareMetal

Kane turned around to pursue Tarasenko because he had already blown by Jack. Jack stopped moving his feet and let Tarasenko go by him. If what your saying is true what is Jack's assignment after Kane takes Tarasenko? Vlad did what was available to do because Jack did nothing.

Bottom line is they have jobs to do. If Kane takes Tarasenko then the whole slot is wide open. Kane probably expected Jack to do something. Jack did nothing. I'm a big fan of his spread your legs and poke check technique. I'm sure that worked quite well in college. Next time you want to keep someone outside keep them outside. Heaven fracking forbid Jack should make physical contact with somebody.

You guys want to give him a free pass, have at it. I think you're wrong. I have explained why. Have a great day.

Critics are saying this might be the best Star Wars ever

Hot damn

Open your eyes people and take off the rose colored glasses, that goal was 1000% on Eichel. I don't care if he's the face of the team or the leading scorer that has nothing to do with how he did nothing to prevent Tarasenko from scoring. Stop blaming Lehner, Eichel gave him the red line and the blue line. Why this team is so lazy is beyond me.

Kane turned around to pursue Tarasenko because he had already blown by Jack. Jack stopped moving his feet and let Tarasenko go by him. If what your saying is true what is Jack's assignment after Kane takes Tarasenko? Vlad did what was available to do because Jack did nothing.

Bottom line is they have jobs to do. If Kane takes Tarasenko then the whole slot is wide open. Kane probably expected Jack to do something. Jack did nothing. I'm a big fan of his spread your legs and poke check technique. I'm sure that worked quite well in college. Next time you want to keep someone outside keep them outside. Heaven fracking forbid Jack should make physical contact with somebody.

You guys want to give him a free pass, have at it. I think you're wrong. I have explained why. Have a great day.
- staples

You sure are grumpy today, what gives?

We don’t have offense most nights besides Eichel.

Eichel is under pressure to produce, every, single, game.

That’s part of why is D game is lacking.

Auston Matthews has scored like 1 goal in his last ten. They still are winning and scoring most nights. Eichel doesn’t have that luxury
- sbroads24

Well, at $10m per he better get used to it. Besides he has been under pressure at every level of play I am sure.
Look, I notice his shortcomings gs on the D side, as I think that is an area he could develop and then be considered a top 5 franchise player. Along the way he is then helping his teammates improve ... others will follow suit. Of course some on here believe that that “leadership” is a concept that doesn’t exist. Fine.

I also believe that this coaching staff doesn’t appear to be focused on that with him. That is on Housley and the staff. I also believe that Jack was never really taught how to play that side of the game...just let Jack do what Jack does because he was absolutely the best player on the ice in 99.9% of the games he played.

Somebody tried to bring that game out of him, but he was fired last season.
And I hated Bylsma’s “system”, but he was right to try to coach Jack up on that aspect.

What does Matthews have to do with Jack’s desire to be the best player on both sides of the ice?

"I see that you are your usual bright and happy self today"

why wouldn't he be? he has me to clean his mansion his father bought him!
- Gerbe's maid

Let me explain it.

It really is quite simple, some choose to agree, others choose to disagree.
Some believe that a franchise center should be your best player on both sides of the rink. Others believe it is fine that he “is” the offense and don’t expect him to be as diligent on the backcheck.

That’s it.
- IonSabres

Lol it's like working with an incompetent employee at the office that can't check emails for a project and it's due the next 2 days ..

You have to have Well oiled Machine for everything to work together

Critics are saying this might be the best Star Wars ever

Hot damn
- GERBE!!!75PTS

Can't wait. I've got my Friday tickets

You sure are grumpy today, what gives?
- RhinoFan

Sorry,

Should have used an emoji.

Best,

Open your eyes people and take off the rose colored glasses, that goal was 1000% on Eichel. I don't care if he's the face of the team or the leading scorer that has nothing to do with how he did nothing to prevent Tarasenko from scoring. Stop blaming Lehner, Eichel gave him the red line and the blue line. Why this team is so lazy is beyond me.
- SABRES 89

I decided to avoid the sabres last night

4 points in the last 3 games, we are suppose to be tanking

Can't wait. I've got my Friday tickets
- jcragcrumple

I signed up for movie pass the other day. so if it's really good I can see it 10 times in the theater

Can't wait. I've got my Friday tickets
- jcragcrumple

Going Thursday like a badass

So bumholes don't spoil it for me ha

Lol it's like working with an incompetent employee at the office that can't check emails for a project and it's due the next 2 days ..

You have to have Well oiled Machine for everything to work together
- GERBE!!!75PTS

So, are you blaming this on others?
Yes the team sucks and has many players 1 or 2 players above their capability.
But, how is it others fault that Jack’s effort on the backcheck and in the d-zone is lacking?

It isn’t crucifying him to call out his lackluster defensive play. If he was giving 100% and they lose do to the failure of others, I would buy in. He isn’t, and therefore I’m not there...yet hopefully.

So, are you blaming this on others?
Yes the team sucks and has many players 1 or 2 players above their capability.
But, how is it others fault that Jack’s effort on the backcheck and in the d-zone is lacking?

It isn’t crucifying him to call out his lackluster defensive play. If he was giving 100% and they lose do to the failure of others, I would buy in. He isn’t, and therefore I’m not there...yet hopefully.
- IonSabres

Yes I'm blaming it on others it's a team sport can someone please tell me what Kane was doing? Jack was probably thinking okay Kane has my back if he gets past me but Kane was just gliding

I signed up for movie pass the other day. so if it's really good I can see it 10 times in the theater
- homiedclown

That's smart. I think i saw the force awakens like 3 times in theaters. I didn't intend to, but people kept asking me and it was so fun.

That's smart. I think i saw the force awakens like 3 times in theaters. I didn't intend to, but people kept asking me and it was so fun.
- jcragcrumple

Shhhhh you're going to wake up douche and he's going to call it the worst movie ever