If I recall correctly, McDavid (or someone else) used to do something similar on his shootouts for a while. While technically the skater is moving forward, it's a disadvantage for the goalie.
With a legitimate playoff stretch run you think this team would have some motivation and urgency...nope. Ottawa is dictating play. That entire 2nd had the ice tilted in Ottawa's favour.
I don't believe so. Buff was a truly one of a kind player. While I agree losing the other guys hurts, nothing stung as much as the departure of Buff. Buff was a bang and crasher and forwards were afraid to go to the net while he was on the ice. None of the Jets defense past or present have that physical edge to their game anymore and its evidenced in the teams current play. That playoff series against Minnesota was a great example of his physical dominance. You could always count on Buff to deliver that crucial hit or clear out the player in front of the net. Granted he had his brain dead moments too but he was a game changer.
They've never recovered from Buff leaving. We have also had the same defense coach for the past 11 years. It's probably a combination of the system and the players. We need new leadership, and we need new coaches that bring about a culture change. If Friedman is saying big changes are on the way, then maybe management finally realizes this team hit it's ceiling 2 years ago.
You have a link for what he said? I'm curious.