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Post by seventeen on Jan 22, 2016 12:39:52 GMT -5
I had this dream last night (no not that kind of dream). I dreamt of a hockey team in a hockey mad town. The team name was The Tweeners. (It's a dream, who the hell knows how they got that name?). The team was caught in a constant cycle of good years and so so years. They had some key pieces in goal and on defense, but they always had trouble scoring. (Stay with me). Good scoring players just couldn't be had on the trade market and drafting one was unlikely given where the Tweeners always finished up in the draft order. They had one recent horrible year where they picked 3rd overall and scooped up a scoring centre, but he hadn't developed as they had hoped, for various reasons. The GM and the owner had come to the realization they might never pick up an elite scorer. The team had a coach who started off well in his tenure but had previously been let go by a couple of teams, including the Tweeners. He wasn't considered an elite coach. Kind of a tweener.
The team started off a new season like the cliched house on fire, slowed down and then....horrors! the star goalie was hurt. The team kept their heads above water for a few games, but then the back up couldn't match the star goalie and points were a rare commodity. The star goalie was brought back (too soon it turned out) but hurt his nameless injury again.
A slew of doctors flew in and they told the GM and owner, "Tough to say for sure, it could be anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months. We could perform surgery and he'd miss 2 to 3 months. Or you could let it ride and see how fast he heals".
The GM and owner decided to let it heal on its own and see how the team reacted to the injury. Not so well as it turned out, with the team basically collapsing, so the owner and GM had another summit meeting.
"What do we do boss?" "What do you suggest, Marchiavelli?" "I think he's done for the season" "Me too". "But we can't tank, the town won't stand for it". "No they won't, but picture this...we tell them Rhys Krispie will be back after the AllStar game, and when he isn't, we keep extending that time line. When we leaked it to the team that Rhys wouldn't be back for an extended period, it had the desired effect. Hopefully, the players will keep playing this way"> "Not a bad plan. Is there anything else we can do?" "Sure. There's some rumblings already in the dressing room about the coaches. I don't think the players liked that ridiculous challenge on the goalie interference call earlier this year and there were more than a few raised eyebrows at missing the offside on Toews goal against Chicago, so I don't think he has a lot of support, except for maybe the captain. What if we had a conveyor belt going between St. John's and here, just to keep the guys from getting any stability? It was a great idea sending back those two kids who were scoring too much". "Good thinking Marchiavelli. And you want to give the coach a hugely strong vote of confidence, but just to the end of this season. Take the blame all on yourself, cause the boys and the media like you, so you'll get a mulligan. If this works out right, the money will keep rolling in, we'll finish low enough for a good chance at the lottery, and we can pick one of those 3 great kids at the top."
Then I woke up.
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Post by Boston_Habs on Jan 22, 2016 13:07:32 GMT -5
Pacioretty was quoted at length yesterday saying in effect that Therrien hasn't lost the room, he's preaching the system, and the players not only buy in, but feel bad for Therrien that he's on the hot seat. We might not like MT, but the fact that the players do and still support him means a lot.
Now you have to watch for tone and body language, but that was as strong an endorsement of the coach as you will hear. And I go back to the way the team played early in the year and for a while after the Price injury - or basically before Gallgher got hurt. You can quibble with the details, but the advanced stats would tell you that we were playing the "right way", which is controlling even-strength shot attempts, getting 30+ shots on goal, maximizing PP chances, and getting efficient goaltending.
That's been the most frustrating part of this. It was working. So I sympathize with Berg and even Therrien, but the problem now is the losing is feeding on itself, eroding confidence, and now eroding the level of play. Like a cancer. It's a helpless feeling watching it all happen, but at this point I think it's on the players to pull themselves out of it, get back to the game they were playing in Oct and Nov, and wait/hope for the tide to turn.
Short of that, this isn't the time to make drastic moves. Maybe we can move a piece at the deadline if we are truly out of it, but the one thing I liked from Bergevin yesterday was his message that he's not letting the players off the hook by firing the coach or making a panic trade. Berg says "it's on me", which is fine but it's really on the players right now. Either they can dig out of the hole or they can't. They are good enough to do it, even without Price. All we can do is watch.
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Post by del on Jan 22, 2016 13:26:41 GMT -5
I'm on the "keep MT at all costs" bandwagon. why would we want a credible/actual coach who might get this team winning just enough to tease us with possibly making the playoffs *note I didn't say "playoff run* when we can keep free-falling? Absolutely! Most of us want Therrien fired and almost certainly, we all would cherish a high draft pick. What we must avoid at all costs is a mild winning streak that places us mid pack, in that limbo of "good enough/but not quite good enough" ... a situation we have been in for so many years in the past ... it's beyond tiresome. We need losses, we want losses, we covet losses. We shouldn't complain when MT does something stupid, it's what he does, it's what he's good at, so embrace it and really hope he keeps at it. Let him screw up the lines, mismanage players and play his unproductive favourites. Let's get those losses, because it only helps The Cause.
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Post by del on Jan 22, 2016 13:43:08 GMT -5
I had this dream last night (no not that kind of dream). I dreamt of a hockey team in a hockey mad town. The team name was The Tweeners. (It's a dream, who the hell knows how they got that name?). The team was caught in a constant cycle of good years and so so years. They had some key pieces in goal and on defense, but they always had trouble scoring. (Stay with me). Good scoring players just couldn't be had on the trade market and drafting one was unlikely given where the Tweeners always finished up in the draft order. They had one recent horrible year where they picked 3rd overall and scooped up a scoring centre, but he hadn't developed as they had hoped, for various reasons. The GM and the owner had come to the realization they might never pick up an elite scorer. The team had a coach who started off well in his tenure but had previously been let go by a couple of teams, including the Tweeners. He wasn't considered an elite coach. Kind of a tweener. The team started off a new season like the cliched house on fire, slowed down and then....horrors! the star goalie was hurt. The team kept their heads above water for a few games, but then the back up couldn't match the star goalie and points were a rare commodity. The star goalie was brought back (too soon it turned out) but hurt his nameless injury again. A slew of doctors flew in and they told the GM and owner, "Tough to say for sure, it could be anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months. We could perform surgery and he'd miss 2 to 3 months. Or you could let it ride and see how fast he heals". The GM and owner decided to let it heal on its own and see how the team reacted to the injury. Not so well as it turned out, with the team basically collapsing, so the owner and GM had another summit meeting. "What do we do boss?" "What do you suggest, Marchiavelli?" "I think he's done for the season" "Me too". "But we can't tank, the town won't stand for it". "No they won't, but picture this...we tell them Rhys Krispie will be back after the AllStar game, and when he isn't, we keep extending that time line. When we leaked it to the team that Rhys wouldn't be back for an extended period, it had the desired effect. Hopefully, the players will keep playing this way"> "Not a bad plan. Is there anything else we can do?" "Sure. There's some rumblings already in the dressing room about the coaches. I don't think the players liked that ridiculous challenge on the goalie interference call earlier this year and there were more than a few raised eyebrows at missing the offside on Toews goal against Chicago, so I don't think he has a lot of support, except for maybe the captain. What if we had a conveyor belt going between St. John's and here, just to keep the guys from getting any stability? It was a great idea sending back those two kids who were scoring too much". "Good thinking Marchiavelli. And you want to give the coach a hugely strong vote of confidence, but just to the end of this season. Take the blame all on yourself, cause the boys and the media like you, so you'll get a mulligan. If this works out right, the money will keep rolling in, we'll finish low enough for a good chance at the lottery, and we can pick one of those 3 great kids at the top." Then I woke up. OK ... this is freaking me out ... I had the same dream
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Post by franko on Jan 22, 2016 14:40:59 GMT -5
I'm on the "keep MT at all costs" bandwagon. why would we want a credible/actual coach who might get this team winning just enough to tease us with possibly making the playoffs *note I didn't say "playoff run"* when we can keep free-falling? What we must avoid at all costs is a mild winning streak that places us mid pack, in that limbo of "good enough/but not quite good enough" ... a situation we have been in for so many years in the past ... it's beyond tiresome. and yet this is what I fear and expect. once again, a team "just good enough to be bad and just bad enough to be good".
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Post by UberCranky on Jan 22, 2016 16:25:23 GMT -5
OK ... this is freaking me out ... I had the same dream Have you considered seperate beds? (Ahh c'mon, it's just sitting there begging for a retort!)
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Post by seventeen on Jan 22, 2016 18:35:07 GMT -5
We are identical twins, Cranky, so our thoughts match no matter how many miles separate us.
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Post by del on Jan 22, 2016 18:35:46 GMT -5
OK ... this is freaking me out ... I had the same dream Have you considered seperate beds? (Ahh c'mon, it's just sitting there begging for a retort!) ha ha ha! But no ... seriously! ... I'm just psickic with very scary powers. eg, uhh .... give me a minute.... a ha...I know where you keep your hidden stash of Madame Wanda's edib(won't go there) .....scared yet ... maybe just a little?..... hmmmm? Don't panic, I won't tell anybody about it, let alone where the stash is and how much is left or the colours involved (indigo...really?)...nope...mum's the word wow... you got all sizes....she must diet a lot.
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Post by habsorbed on Jan 23, 2016 1:23:48 GMT -5
OK ... this is freaking me out ... I had the same dream Have you considered seperate beds? (Ahh c'mon, it's just sitting there begging for a retort!) Sadly, i think we're all in the same bed which MB made for us, and MT soils every game! I'm worried the nasty rash will get infected.
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Post by habsorbed on Jan 23, 2016 1:36:45 GMT -5
Pacioretty was quoted at length yesterday saying in effect that Therrien hasn't lost the room, he's preaching the system, and the players not only buy in, but feel bad for Therrien that he's on the hot seat. We might not like MT, but the fact that the players do and still support him means a lot. Now you have to watch for tone and body language, but that was as strong an endorsement of the coach as you will hear. And I go back to the way the team played early in the year and for a while after the Price injury - or basically before Gallgher got hurt. You can quibble with the details, but the advanced stats would tell you that we were playing the "right way", which is controlling even-strength shot attempts, getting 30+ shots on goal, maximizing PP chances, and getting efficient goaltending. That's been the most frustrating part of this. It was working. So I sympathize with Berg and even Therrien, but the problem now is the losing is feeding on itself, eroding confidence, and now eroding the level of play. Like a cancer. It's a helpless feeling watching it all happen, but at this point I think it's on the players to pull themselves out of it, get back to the game they were playing in Oct and Nov, and wait/hope for the tide to turn. Short of that, this isn't the time to make drastic moves. Maybe we can move a piece at the deadline if we are truly out of it, but the one thing I liked from Bergevin yesterday was his message that he's not letting the players off the hook by firing the coach or making a panic trade. Berg says "it's on me", which is fine but it's really on the players right now. Either they can dig out of the hole or they can't. They are good enough to do it, even without Price. All we can do is watch. Is it possible the players don't have a clue that MT is the problem. They don't watch the games like we do. While I think it's fair generally to defer to the hockey professionals' opinions, sometimes i think the players and the organization can be so mired in the forest the they can't see what may be obvious to onlookers from the outside. Hate to dwell on it, but given the extent of this slump, one has to wonder how the EGG line has not been reunited. Even if it's not an obvious solution, after playing below .250, wouldn't it be worth a try. You'd think even a random juggling of the lines would have stumbled on this in the past 8 games. Unless there is a stubborn determination to prevent it. With all due respect to Max, I'm not prepared to blindly follow the pack. I've seen with my own eyes that MT is clueless. While i appreciate loyalty, there comes a point in time that one has to move away from denial and accept the obvious.
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Post by Willie Dog on Jan 23, 2016 9:01:56 GMT -5
Pacioretty was quoted at length yesterday saying in effect that Therrien hasn't lost the room, he's preaching the system, and the players not only buy in, but feel bad for Therrien that he's on the hot seat. We might not like MT, but the fact that the players do and still support him means a lot. Now you have to watch for tone and body language, but that was as strong an endorsement of the coach as you will hear. And I go back to the way the team played early in the year and for a while after the Price injury - or basically before Gallgher got hurt. You can quibble with the details, but the advanced stats would tell you that we were playing the "right way", which is controlling even-strength shot attempts, getting 30+ shots on goal, maximizing PP chances, and getting efficient goaltending. That's been the most frustrating part of this. It was working. So I sympathize with Berg and even Therrien, but the problem now is the losing is feeding on itself, eroding confidence, and now eroding the level of play. Like a cancer. It's a helpless feeling watching it all happen, but at this point I think it's on the players to pull themselves out of it, get back to the game they were playing in Oct and Nov, and wait/hope for the tide to turn. Short of that, this isn't the time to make drastic moves. Maybe we can move a piece at the deadline if we are truly out of it, but the one thing I liked from Bergevin yesterday was his message that he's not letting the players off the hook by firing the coach or making a panic trade. Berg says "it's on me", which is fine but it's really on the players right now. Either they can dig out of the hole or they can't. They are good enough to do it, even without Price. All we can do is watch. Is it possible the players don't have a clue that MT is the problem. They don't watch the games like we do. While I think it's fair generally to defer to the hockey professionals' opinions, sometimes i think the players and the organization can be so mired in the forest the they can't see what may be obvious to onlookers from the outside. Hate to dwell on it, but given the extent of this slump, one has to wonder how the EGG line has not been reunited. Even if it's not an obvious solution, after playing below .250, wouldn't it be worth a try. You'd think even a random juggling of the lines would have stumbled on this in the past 8 games. Unless there is a stubborn determination to prevent it. With all due respect to Max, I'm not prepared to blindly follow the pack. I've seen with my own eyes that MT is clueless. While i appreciate loyalty, there comes a point in time that one has to move away from denial and accept the obvious. The egg line will never ever be reunited under mt... bgal has to be with patches with either DD or Pleky (MTs favs) at centre. Meanwhile we have assets dimishing because of MTHeads love of pluggers and grinders over skill
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Post by seventeen on Jan 23, 2016 13:53:39 GMT -5
I wouldn't re-unite the EGG line either. Chuck has to play center and Eller is at his best at centre as well. Eller should be back on the 3rd line at centre, with DD at left wing and name that tune on the RW. Its time to be giving the prospects introductory appearances.
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Post by Willie Dog on Jan 23, 2016 14:05:27 GMT -5
I wouldn't re-unite the EGG line either. Chuck has to play center and Eller is at his best at centre as well. Eller should be back on the 3rd line at centre, with DD at left wing and name that tune on the RW. Its time to be giving the prospects introductory appearances. I agree 17... the line up to start the season was the best.
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Post by Doc Holliday on Jan 23, 2016 16:17:08 GMT -5
Isn't it fun to have Mr. Potatoe Head as a GM... switches beards, mustach, goatie, glasses, hip suits, sometimes puts on the angry look, sometimes the silly/funny look, sometimes the sad puppy eyes...
It's all my fault... *snif* ...but I regret nothing... Huh?
...and of course Excuse your inept present by saying it's because you want to protect the future... A beauty!
As the Musical Chicago Razzle Dazzle song goes:
Give 'em the old razzle dazzle Razzle Dazzle 'em Give 'em an act with lots of flash in it And the reaction will be passionate Give 'em the old hocus pocus Bead and feather 'em How can they see with sequins in their eyes?
What if your hinges all are rusting? What if, in fact, you're just disgusting?
Razzle dazzle 'em And they;ll never catch wise!
Voilà !
Even the timing of that press conference is perfect folks: look at the up coming schedule... easy-cheezy... So the team should naturally get back to winning and we're going to look back and say "...gee that Marc really made an impact with his little speech..." lol!
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Post by Willie Dog on Jan 23, 2016 16:28:29 GMT -5
I think it is an ego thing with MB... that's why he does these low risk high reward type player acquisitions.. so he can look like the smartest guy there is... none of them have panned out but he'll continue trying.
I expect them to continue not winning games.
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Post by Skilly on Jan 23, 2016 17:54:46 GMT -5
I wouldn't re-unite the EGG line either. Chuck has to play center and Eller is at his best at centre as well. Eller should be back on the 3rd line at centre, with DD at left wing and name that tune on the RW. Its time to be giving the prospects introductory appearances. Eller may be at his best at Center, but he is way more productive on the wing. Of all our lines that have produced 2.7 goals per 60 minutes or greater , 5 of them have Eller on the wing, one has Eller at Center.
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Jan 26, 2016 22:30:52 GMT -5
This thing is far more serious IMO than peopel may think, and I'm not simply referring to Carey's injury. The secrecy is beyond belief. I've found that when people keep facts from you, it's because they want to manipulate the audience. They tell you enough to make you think a certain way, usually one that is favourable toward them. If we knew Price was going to be out 3 months, right from the get go, what would we have thought? What would we expect management to do? Perhaps to look at a replacement goalie better than Ben Scrivens. Perhaps to look at the whole team in a different light and instead of having patience to wait until Carey returns, to start asking "just how good is this team without Price". Perhaps kwe'd think that we might now get a better idea of just now much Price has been covering for the coach and management. Because I'm so skeptical (comes with my previous job) I looked at Carey not coming back until April when it would be way too late to have any impact at all. I'm rather distrustful, especially of people who have lied to me. I think this whole secretive business was designed to keep fans sort of happy or at least from asking pertinent questions about how this team is managed and coached. Nothing about Bergevin and Therrien makes me think they could operate in any other fashion. Therrien never answers line-up questions with what seems like a reasonable reply. DD plays more than GAlchy. Why is that? "Because GAlchy is not responsible". But all the metrics indicate he's better than DD defensively, so that doesn't make sense? Silence. It's not suprising that management is highly secretive. Sometimes it makes sense to keep specific injury areas unknown to your opponents. Any other time, it's a power issue. But we're just fans, hoping our team wins a championship, spending money on tickets and merchandise and watching lousy commercials. Give us a break. Tell us Carey has a knee injury or a groin issue. What a pathetic organization. Eric Engels thinks Bergevin was courageous to come out and accept responsibility. I question that because what other option did he have? What else could he say without throwing people under the bus? I'm not sure that's courage. I commend him for not blaming everyone else, though if he were truthful, he could throw half of it at Therrien. Can't do that, of course. I think he faced facts that he had to come out and say something. I saw a few posts recently, wondering "where is Bergevin when everything is falling apart?", so I think he felt this pressure coming and held the press conference to satisfy the masses. Fine, it's his fault. What are the consequences? Nothing. He's extended till kingdom come. He's been at his job about 4 years now and has accomplished basically nothing. The core is the same, the results are worse and his core is aging. It's great he's showing leadership, but how about a better team, and better coaching and a strong continuing organization? I don't think I'd be complimenting him about his courage. Its not a surprise, he's now being referred to as Marc Bargainbin. This season is shot. We're heading down faster than Enron stock. We even have a shot at worst record in the league. We're 18th overall, 12 points ahead of Columbus and only 8 points ahead of Buffalo, the second worst team. Did any of you, in your wildest nightmares, ever think, even with Carey Price hurt, that we wouldn't at worst be fighting for a playoff spot? That's a pipe dream. We're in the Auston Matthews race, now. Incredible. Good post, man ... I still really think Marc Bergevin showed strong leadership in what he said yesterday ... I don't know how many times over the years I've seen GMs/coaches blame everyone but themselves ... he may have had no choice, but unlike a few of his peers in the past, Bergevin took the heat on himself ... just like Phil Esposito did in '72 and just like Wayne Gretzky did in Salt Lake City in 2002 ... that's the leadership I was talking about ... I have no doubt Bergevin is withholding what he knows, but I don't think he really has a choice in that ... had he shut Price down in the first place then he wouldn't have to be so secretive ... however, he went on the feedback he got from the doctors and from Price, himself ... had he shut him down at that point he'd have been going against the feedback ... tough job, but I'm interested in seeing just how this speech affects the team in Toronto tomorrow night ... this might be THE most-crucial game of the season for the Habs ... lose this one, and lose it big, and I can see the season being just about done ... hope not, buuuuuut ... Cheers. I admire Bergevin for supporting Therrien for his good work in the two games against Columbus. I fully expect him to give Therrien an extension till 2022 with a big raise.
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Post by mikeg on Jan 27, 2016 8:08:51 GMT -5
Good post, man ... I still really think Marc Bergevin showed strong leadership in what he said yesterday ... I don't know how many times over the years I've seen GMs/coaches blame everyone but themselves ... he may have had no choice, but unlike a few of his peers in the past, Bergevin took the heat on himself ... just like Phil Esposito did in '72 and just like Wayne Gretzky did in Salt Lake City in 2002 ... that's the leadership I was talking about ... I have no doubt Bergevin is withholding what he knows, but I don't think he really has a choice in that ... had he shut Price down in the first place then he wouldn't have to be so secretive ... however, he went on the feedback he got from the doctors and from Price, himself ... had he shut him down at that point he'd have been going against the feedback ... tough job, but I'm interested in seeing just how this speech affects the team in Toronto tomorrow night ... this might be THE most-crucial game of the season for the Habs ... lose this one, and lose it big, and I can see the season being just about done ... hope not, buuuuuut ... Cheers. I admire Bergevin for supporting Therrien for his good work in the two games against Columbus. I fully expect him to give Therrien an extension till 2022 with a big raise. While we are at it let's extend DD, I think he is doing a great job of producing nothing. He's the ideal number 1 centre for the modern NHL. Plus, I hear he speaks French.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jan 27, 2016 8:20:58 GMT -5
Good post, man ... I still really think Marc Bergevin showed strong leadership in what he said yesterday ... I don't know how many times over the years I've seen GMs/coaches blame everyone but themselves ... he may have had no choice, but unlike a few of his peers in the past, Bergevin took the heat on himself ... just like Phil Esposito did in '72 and just like Wayne Gretzky did in Salt Lake City in 2002 ... that's the leadership I was talking about ... I have no doubt Bergevin is withholding what he knows, but I don't think he really has a choice in that ... had he shut Price down in the first place then he wouldn't have to be so secretive ... however, he went on the feedback he got from the doctors and from Price, himself ... had he shut him down at that point he'd have been going against the feedback ... tough job, but I'm interested in seeing just how this speech affects the team in Toronto tomorrow night ... this might be THE most-crucial game of the season for the Habs ... lose this one, and lose it big, and I can see the season being just about done ... hope not, buuuuuut ... Cheers. While we are at let's extend DD, I think he is doing a great job of producing nothing. He's the ideal number 1 centre for the modern NHL. Plus, I hear he speaks French. Well, his motivation speech certainly hasn't had the effect he was looking for ... having said that, I'd like to contribute to what I think is wrong with the club but I wouldn't know where to start ... seemed every time there was a scoring chance Columbus cashed in on it ... the guys' play is predictable, too ... 1st period they come out like gangbusters, score a goal (or two), then skate around the ice for the rest of the game somewhat lost ... I'm in absolute disbelief how a team can crash like this ... never seen a Habs team sink like this since I've been watching them ... not even when Houle was at the helm ... I don't have the solution ... if I did I wouldn't be blogging ... Cheers.
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Post by mikeg on Jan 27, 2016 8:36:08 GMT -5
While we are at let's extend DD, I think he is doing a great job of producing nothing. He's the ideal number 1 centre for the modern NHL. Plus, I hear he speaks French. Well, his motivation speech certainly hasn't had the effect he was looking for ... having said that, I'd like to contribute to what I think is wrong with the club but I wouldn't know where to start ... seemed every time there was a scoring chance Columbus cashed in on it ... the guys' play is predictable, too ... 1st period they come out like gangbusters, score a goal (or two), then skate around the ice for the rest of the game somewhat lost ... I'm in absolute disbelief how a team can crash like this ... never seen a Habs team sink like this since I've been watching them ... not even when Houle was at the helm ... I don't have the solution ... if I did I wouldn't be blogging ... Cheers. It seems like that is the sort of thing a coach has control over though? Motivational speeches, bench management, system changes... but what do I know... I am just a mid level manager at some random company.
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Post by Willie Dog on Jan 27, 2016 8:44:37 GMT -5
The issue is the 'whatever' mindset has to go and all those who project it. That means Pleky, Markov, DD and even Patches... Guys like Eller and Weise need to understand that they are bangers and crashers, they are 3rd line players not 1st line players and need to play like 3rd liners. We need our leaders to lead and be vocal, not just in the dressing room, but on the ice, on the bench, in the media.
And would MTHead please, just once, blow your stack behind the bench, show the players some friggin emotion rather than standing there looking constipated. I hated the over the top MTHead the 1st time around but at least he showed the players he cared, this incarnation of MTHead is like a mannequin. Quenneville blows his stack, Babs blows his stack, they do not do it often but they do it when required.
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Post by mikeg on Jan 27, 2016 9:03:45 GMT -5
The issue is the 'whatever' mindset has to go and all those who project it. That means Pleky, Markov, DD and even Patches... Guys like Eller and Weise need to understand that they are bangers and crashers, they are 3rd line players not 1st line players and need to play like 3rd liners. We need our leaders to lead and be vocal, not just in the dressing room, but on the ice, on the bench, in the media. And would MTHead please, just once, blow your stack behind the bench, show the players some friggin emotion rather than standing there looking constipated. I hated the over the top MTHead the 1st time around but at least he showed the players he cared, this incarnation of MTHead is like a mannequin. Quenneville blows his stack, Babs blows his stack, they do not do it often but they do it when required. You can't create heart. We have had the same core for ages now, and they are a lovely band of skilled players, but they lack a soul. To a guy like PK, who is all heart it must be so difficult to walk into the room after these types of games and see guys just content to lose. I agree though, you need to create roles for players and not deviate from that. That is something MT just doesn't seem to get. Also, I wonder what it's like in that room for the guys who aren't his favorites? It must just drain them and de-motivate them to the point where they just don't care because regardless of how they play they know they won't see more ice time.
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Post by Willie Dog on Jan 27, 2016 9:41:30 GMT -5
The issue is the 'whatever' mindset has to go and all those who project it. That means Pleky, Markov, DD and even Patches... Guys like Eller and Weise need to understand that they are bangers and crashers, they are 3rd line players not 1st line players and need to play like 3rd liners. We need our leaders to lead and be vocal, not just in the dressing room, but on the ice, on the bench, in the media. And would MTHead please, just once, blow your stack behind the bench, show the players some friggin emotion rather than standing there looking constipated. I hated the over the top MTHead the 1st time around but at least he showed the players he cared, this incarnation of MTHead is like a mannequin. Quenneville blows his stack, Babs blows his stack, they do not do it often but they do it when required. You can't create heart. We have had the same core for ages now, and they are a lovely band of skilled players, but they lack a soul. To a guy like PK, who is all heart it must be so difficult to walk into the room after these types of games and see guys just content to lose. I agree though, you need to create roles for players and not deviate from that. That is something MT just doesn't seem to get. Also, I wonder what it's like in that room for the guys who aren't his favorites? It must just drain them and de-motivate them to the point where they just don't care because regardless of how they play they know they won't see more ice time. Imagine Pateryn and Tinordi practicing everyday knowing that Gilbert and Emelin will play ahead of them regardless of how many mistakes they make.
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Post by mikeg on Jan 27, 2016 10:05:28 GMT -5
You can't create heart. We have had the same core for ages now, and they are a lovely band of skilled players, but they lack a soul. To a guy like PK, who is all heart it must be so difficult to walk into the room after these types of games and see guys just content to lose. I agree though, you need to create roles for players and not deviate from that. That is something MT just doesn't seem to get. Also, I wonder what it's like in that room for the guys who aren't his favorites? It must just drain them and de-motivate them to the point where they just don't care because regardless of how they play they know they won't see more ice time. Imagine Pateryn and Tinordi practicing everyday knowing that Gilbert and Emelin will play ahead of them regardless of how many mistakes they make. It's a systemic failure from the GM down to the coach. Your 6th d-man to start the year should have been a rotaiton, regardless of win/loss streaks. No one can develop watching from a press box. Your top 4 was set, you know they are gonna get the bulk of the minutes, it just boggles my mind at how narrow their vision is.
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