They go from active and winning board battles one game to being completely soft the next. Vlasic has looked like crap the last three games. I maintain something is wrong with Richardinson, and they are once again unable to complete a pass.

I’ve seen more Hawks on their ass tonight without being touched than any game I can remember.

How do you fix inept?
- Chunk

I was thinking Vlasic needs to be more physical in front of the net and play the man rather than go for the puck but that's not his play style.

Yeah I also think there is something wrong with Richardson he's not able to control passes in the past 6 games or so, thinking maybe a hand or wrist injury?

Yeah, the numbers aren't brutal for him, but I think it's telling that both coaches have said that his biggest issue is that he plays too much on the perimeter and doesn't shoot enough/passes up opportunities. This has gone on for two years now.

I think one of his biggest issues is that he's either not strong enough, or confident enough to engage in contact and keep the puck. It's a shame since he has some good qualities, and it sounds like most people (even here) want him to succeed. At some point, he's got to take it on himself to do what is necessary.
- Chunk

This is Reichel's third year here. He has not shown any signs of getting bigger, or stronger.

Either he isn't working out all summer to be ready for the NHL game, doesn't care, or needs someone else overseeing his workout program.

At what point do we just write it off as a 4A player, like in baseball, too good for the minor leagues, but not good enough for the pro league. He wouldn't be the first first round pick not being able to handle NHL hockey, and won't be the last.

From Bamford today: "Philipp Kurashev half-assed an attempt at the puck in the neutral zone and then “played” photographer-caliber defense on Detroit’s third goal… I wouldn’t be shocked if he wound up on waivers soon. He’s totally lost. "


I watched the clip - 'half'? Tab was being awfully polite - it wasn't even that good... probably quarter-assed to maybe eigth-assed tops --- absolutely pathetic.