And that problem is this: They're just not very good. There's no way to sugarcoat it, especially after back-to-back routs and a three-game losing streak during what both coach and team had identified…

For now, though, our focus is on the present and this team that seems to be struggling with just about all of the basic elements of hockey. It’s made for a less-than-fun product to watch as fans, and it can’t be fun for the players or coaching staff, either – but here we are.