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I honestly think a big issue with our defense this year is actually partly to be blamed on this forward group. Not to excuse some of the bone-headed plays by Bouchard, Nurse and Walman which certainly don't help. I just notice our defensemen don't seem to get a lot of help in their own end. The forwards seem adverse at times to get back in the zone deep enough and help out in front of the net, often leading to the d-men being out numbered down low and if a turnover does occur in the corner or on the side boards its often a two on one situation right in front.
This is where veteran players we had last year like Conner Brown, Corey Perry and to a lesser extent even Jeff Skinner, Victor Arvidsson, Evander Kane and Derek Ryan made a big difference. They we a lot better at supporting the defence in their own end. This is something that is sorely missing on this years team.
Instead we replaced it with Andrew Mangiapane, Jack Roslovic, Trent Frederic, Matt Savoie (who has probably been the best out of this group) and various AHL quality talents.
Is it any wonder our defense is so exposed this year?
[Updated on: Tue, 10 March 2026 16:14]
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