To be fair to Jackman, he has been the best player on "D" And he was never supposed to be the #1 guy back there. Between Brewer and Johnson, he should not have had to take the lead. That being said, he is a pro and he is being paid very well. He needs to step it up right now!

griffin, you are spot-on about this being playoff hockey. Every game is critical and the teams are playing like it. The checking is tighter, the games are more physical and you have to earn every goal you get. I think this is where the youth shows and the 80+ games start to take their toll on these kids that aren't used to it. They're now facing real adversity and it is up to the coaches and veterans to get them through it. So far, they're not!!

I would still go after Pronger in the off-season. I know some of you guys think Perron is the second coming but I would trade him in a heartbeat for Pronger. Not that Perron isn't good. Heck, I think he has the potential to be an all-star. But Pronger IS an all-star and has 2-3 years left in the tank. He can solve two of the three biggest problems they have. Add in the mentoring factor for Erik Johnson and his value is immeasurable. Trade a high draft pick and Perron (or any of our young guns) for Pronger and this team will make the playoffs, maybe even The Cup Finals in 2010 or 2011. I think they're that close. The third element is a big strong scoring fowrard, like Shanahan used to be or like Tkachuk is supposed to be...

You get Karia and Johnson back, these kids have another year under their belt, you add the forward they need and get Pronger = The Cup