Injuries are a big underlying reason but there are huge flaws in roster construction (which Pelinka tried to address at the deadline, too little too late) and coaching department. The vets they picked in the off-season have been absolutely brutal while the young guys + Bullock are actually picking up their game when it matters most.

If it wasn’t clear before than missing the playoffs should make it crystal: you have to cut loose all the dead weight, add players and coaches who fit, and build a damn team rather than all the 1 year mercenary deals.