Ericsson’s Inconsistency Becoming Costly
FollowJonathan Ericsson seems to be slipping back to bad habits. After starting the season strong, the 26 year-old defenseman is starting to make mental mistakes that are costing the Red Wings.
Tonight’s offensive zone turnover to Ryan Clowe was just the latest example of poor decision making by the big Swede. Clowe blocked Ericsson’s shot and skated the puck in on a breakaway eventually scoring on a defenseless Jimmy Howard.
The play was reminiscent of last season where Ericsson struggled to find his game. The Karlskrona, Sweden native told the media in November of 2010 that he had been understandably distracted last season by his mother’s treatment for throat cancer.
The 6-foot-4, 220 pound defenseman started the season strong after sitting out the first month with a bulging disk. His outstanding early season play looked as though he had turned the corner and was playing consistent defensively sound hockey.
However, his recent play is a cause for concern and may cause Detroit to re-evaluate its blueline heading into the playoffs. The Red Wings have been patient with Ericsson, but they won’t continue to do so at the expense of winning. If Ericsson doesn’t improve his play and eliminate his mental lapses, he could be on the outside looking in when the playoffs start.