A treat for the Giants' fans to see their team play last night....and for Devils' fans, a stark reminder that that's the way OUR team was playing up until a few weeks ago.
The Giants were well drilled, physical when needed, focussed and highly motivated.... most importantly they were clinical. Power play stats show that - slick and accurate. Ours were abysmal and chronically different to the beginning of the season.
Poor officiating aside, the Devils were already playing badly before the real penalty damage was done in p2. I'm afraid it was symptomatic of what has been happening too often recently.
Whilst the departure of Blood will have unsettled the team, I think the Devils' current problems are multi-layered and go back way further than a fortnight. The departure of Strachan and Hotham without adequate replacements left the team bereft of a highly skilled, calming experienced veteran at the back, and a creative maverick talisman who could offer that 'something special' in games when needed. The failure to replace Parisi added to that. When Blood suddenly left, there appeared to be no Plan B.
Many of our current roster are playing roles to cover the gaping hole in defence. Forwards whose role is normally creative are spending more time defending. The lines and pairings are completely unsettled because they are being changed up. And some weaknesses are now becoming exposed : it's clear that a couple of players are struggling with the speed and sheer power of some teams. Often there seems to be no obvious leadership out there.
I looked at the Giants last night in contrast - every player knew his role. It was obvious who the captain was. Their leaders were leading - from warmup, until the final whistle. The balance and mix of their team was right - power forwards who really use their strength and aggression, veteran experience in Vandermeer and Johnner, big bodies to clear the zone, and small, speedy forwards who were lightening quick on the breakout.
Our team used to play like that - what has gone so wrong? Let's have faith they can put it right.