What's Up With The B's?

[Thairlar]

They started the season sizzling hot, and now are fast heading down the road to mediocrity.

I don't think it's the injuries. They've dealt with those before, although with Joe Tornton having been out the past several games it's been tough. It's never good to lose someone who's been touted as a possible MVP candidate.

Is it the goaltending? Even though it hasn't been great and they sent Grahame off for a fourth round draft pick, it's not the biggest issue. Although a top notch goaltender would perhaps shore up some of the other problems and save some games despite them.

What I think it is, is the breakdowns, particularly in their own zone. There are far too many soft turnovers and giveaways. They've been giving up too many odd man rushes. At the start of the year they were getting them through their tenacious play and forcing turnovers. Now that they're giving up the puck more than taking it away, they seem to be floundering. The only question now is why is it happening when it wasn't before.