Idk that changing lines has as much of an impact as the fact that their "system" amounts to trading rush chances but only 6/12 forwards backcheck. Man on man d zone coverage also, so they do a lot of unproductive skating. Guys are gassed all game and they don't get many quality chances because nobody knows where anyone is going to be aside from a couple set plays and the same 2 breakouts. No amount of chemistry is going to make a difference when there is nothing to fall back out when things go sideways. things go sideways all game. It's such a waste of talent to have this coaching staff at the wheel.

Also I don’t think you can have Lafreniere with Kane. Frankly, I don’t think Lafreniere should be in the NHL, he really needs to improve his standing posture so that he can have more balance when battling along the boards / receiving the puck under pressure. His puck control & positioning is good but if you can’t keep yourself from falling down every time you need to change your body position, you can’t stay in the NHL.

I didn't think it was possible to find a forward that backchecked less than Panarin, until Kane came along. Kane doesn't even know what back checking is. Tarasenko at least back checks some. They get pinned in their own zone a lot because the D has very little help from the forward group who are usually looking for long stretch passes through 4 defenders. GG can shuffle lines as much as he likes, but they won't get past the Devils unless their forward group changes their ways and really start backchecking effectively every shift.

I agree. When he's got the puck and time, he reminds me of Huberdeau. They did all the kids a disservice force feeding them NHL minutes. Hopefully that doesn't continue with Othmann.

Even with that, I would be very surprised if we made it past the 1st round with their "system"

I think we are basically saying the same thing. The reality is the coaching staff isn't going to change before the playoffs, so if they want any shot at getting past round 1, they better remember how to back check and play effective D or they will get embarrassed by the Devils.