Bowns wasn't the reason we lost last night, far from it. No doubt that Wall will start the next game and even if we win that you can't say the we won it because of Wall. Whilst Bowns will always want a goal or too back, every goalie will, he made some outstanding saves. Why did he have to make those saves? Because we didn't work hard enough on D. Batch for the 1st two periods looked solid. I watched the game from a totally different seat to where I usually sit. I was down at ice level. He blocked everything, was positionally solid and constantly took responsibility but.... it's Batch. He's not in the NHL, he does make mistakes and he did but.... no more than anyone else.
We dominated that team today. We should never have lost. I still don't know how we did. We had chance after chance. The 1st line needs to be split again. Joey and Cox, right now aren't justifying their positions or the faith being shown in them, Waller needs to bring a lot more that just graceful skating, he just glides into the Ozone and then they glide out with the puck. The Davies line worked hard but you don't want that line being the standout line. Brandt was quiet for me. The more I watch this team the more I see the need for them to play with a chip on their shoulder. When Alderson came out hard and hit everything we were on top and dominated. The team of kids hated it but we didn't maintain that intensity.
Bottom line for me... split up the first line. Bring the intensity back and for the love of god forgive Chad for whatever he's done and let him have a shift at the start of each period with Brandt and Alderson.
From what I saw last night the home team are the biggest risk. Yes I know they lost but they looked nervous. I don't see that happening today. Two wins from two is definitely doable, and so would be two 'good' wins. We do have it in our locker to completely over power what I saw yesterday. Consistency and intensity will be key to that.
As an aside.... ever watch a game near the owners? Whatever has been thrown at them with regards to last season and the logo, there is no denying their love for this club. They live every hit, every goal conceded and every poor decision. Love that passion.