I've commented on that before, and though it might be a tried and true strategy, it's frustrating. It allows opponents to be all over our wingers on the boards and closes passing lanes for our d, since the first pass is so predictable. That's why our d pass back and forth so much before bringing it up ice. It also gives all their players time to get back on D after a change in possession, so when our forwards to get the puck they have less time and space. I think that's why so many fans think our boys are not working hard--because they don't seem to play with speed on offense and end up having to react too much on defense. They are playing hard, imo, but they are playing within the scheme. When they were forced to open it up the last two nights, they did, and last night they dominated but couldn't bury the puck. These boys care a lot and are working hard, I believe. It's just too tempting for fans who are aware of the number of draft picks on this team to assume that they will win if they hustle, and that is not always the case.
Hak done a fine job and has won a lot of hockey games--as many as any coach the last 10 years, I'd guess. But it's a different game come one-and-done time, and we will see if he can turn that corner.