True test

What the shit was that mess? I'm not going to panic, but two of the last 3 games are cause for concern. There are a couple things to keep in mind, however:

• It was their first 3-in-4 of the season, always rough, physically and mentally
  
• It was game 14 of the 21 so far this season on the road
• They can't assume they're just going to win when they head into facing a last place team

I believe this will be a true test of Coach Hiller. Or a mostly true test, he will have the convenience of a 6-game homestand. Yeah, they rebounded after the loss in Medicine Hat, but then utterly failed last night. How will coach address that? How will he get the defense to wake the hell up? There was far too many turnovers and breakaways (for the Ice) last night. Not acceptable.

A suggestion in the chat last night was to bench Plouffe. Srsly, Brett is a better player than what he's shown this season. I don't know if they're coaching him different than Don did or what the heck the problem is, but it needs to change. When his game is on he's one the best defensemen in the league. Ok, that's probably a stretch, but he's good. I've seen it happen! Just not this season unfortunately. Makes me miss Uncle Mitch even more.

There was also talk of how we like it better when Spencer Asuchak is playing. I'm biased, I adore the kid, but it's true. I like that Cody Castro too, but not sure if I'd play him over Spencer if I were a coach (I'm not, so take that for what it's worth).

If they're going into rinks assuming they're good enough to win against shitty teams, that's on coach. He's the one that has to get that mentality to change. So it'll be interesting to see how he does. I came into this season and welcomed Hiller with cautious optimism, the optimism has won out so far, now comes the time for caution. Again, he will have the advantage of being at home for an extended period of time.

WHAT IN GOD'S NAME DO I THINK I'M DOING WRITING THIS CRAP WITHOUT HAVING MY MORNING COFFEE YET??