We got guys...
I just can't put my finger on what it is. Could be lots of things:
- Recent trades have thrown off chemistry (HUGE congrats to Spencer for a sweet goal in his first game with Prince George!!)
- Maybe the early success was carryover momentum from last season
- The passing is terrible--they're passing to where they want guys to be, not where they actually are. This was especially evident against Spokane when the Chiefs had a zillion and one steals and breakaways.
- Drew has gotta be tired, it showed last night. Marty should have totally got the start after Drew fought of 46 the night before.
- Perhaps Dictator Don's coaching style really was better/more effective
- Cody Castro and Todd Kennedy, while I'm sure they're quite nice young men, are not the answer.
- Sitting Sutherland and McIntosh on the same night, I do not like.
- They seem unprepared (ahem, coach). Speltz has been in the rink a couple times and Spokane was so prepared to dominate, and they did. AMS didn't respond, they were not prepared for the efficient game plan of the Chiefs and it bit them in the ass.
- Veterans not playing like veterans (Toll excluded). Plouffe has been better as of late, but still pissing me off on a nightly basis. Lazo-Hughesman-Shinny invisible lately.
- Powerplay is a disaster. Several extended 5-on-3s and nothing? Unacceptable.
- Getting blown out by 5, 6, 7 goals is certainly an indicator of some real issues.
- There were other items mentioned by the awesome bishes last night after the game but I don't remember them all, drop 'em in the comments.
I came into the season cautiously optimistic about Hiller. He made me a believer early, but I'm not seeing what I believe to be enough of an adjustment to some of the big issues (passing, power play).
There has been mention by some that perhaps Toll isn't the right guy to be captain, to be the leader. That's bullshit. He has been one of the consistently good players night in night out so leading by example. I don't know how vocal he is or isn't in the locker room, I don't care. He was selected because of his experience and his leadership. Just because he isn't whining and bitching to the refs all the time like someone doesn't mean he's not a good captain. And with that I say to Schmidt, shut up. They made their decision, you whining and blathering on isn't going to change their mind. Yeah, the refs suck, I understand your desire to talk, to persuade, to argue, but it does you no good and you look like a tool.
What I do know is there's a couple guys who bring 10000% every night--Neal Prokop and Mason Wilgosh. No, they aren't great finishers, but watch these two on the ice and they are balls-to-the-wall intensity and heart. The rest of the guys, in my opinion, are having moments of intensity, moments of drive, determination, and heart. But moments are not enough.
Don't get me wrong, I know it's hockey, I know they aren't going to always win every game. I can admit when they get outplayed. And they have been. What I do not like, nor will I quietly ignore, is when there's some obvious issues that need to be addressed--passing, power plays, whatever. I believe this team is better than what they've shown the last several games. I don't think their early .800+ win percentage was a total fluke, I think they're capable of being that successful.
Apologies if this post is a bit scattered, I've got some intense (but wonderful) stuff going on this week so my head is a bit in La-La Land :)
3 comments:
Here is my 2 cents.
Observations:
1. We started out the season on a tear.
2. Over 20 games into the campaign, things are breaking down.
Analysis:
During the early part of the season, success was easy. Players were still adjusting to the Hiller method, and Hiller was adjusting to the players.
So, Hiller played four lines, and we kept teams tired all game. At the same time, the players still had the "fear of Nachbaur", and played their asses off.
Now, Hiller has become more comfortable, and plays favorites. Team is adjusting to the less-intense Hiller method, and have relaxed. The relaxation, combined with the lack of playing time and wierd personnel moves, has the players saying "WTF?".
Confusion reigns.
I think Hiller should take baby steps:
1) Fix the lines...keep some consistency, and roll four.
2) Fix the powerplay...this can only be done after #1, as you need to see who you can combine on the PP in a reasonable fashion. Watch some film of teams that are successful on special teams, and copy som of those plays if you are out of ideas, coach.
He took a piece of my advice already, and sat some perennial starters. Problem was, they were forwards.
Sit Plouffe for a game or two.
Don't forget, you can sit Mestery if needed as well.
I agree with your post. I had made comments about Toll last night too and I agree that he's one of the few that plays hard night in and night out, I don't think necessarily he shouldn't be Captain I just think he needs to really work at getting the guys into the game or whatever it is he needs to do. Hell, I don't know anything about being a C lol. I hate to say this but my confidence in Coach is really lacking. His comments in the TCH really make me say WTF? Maybe he's trying to pull the BS card and really is concerned but just making the guys come to practice at 6:30am and bag skate or whatever discipline there is isn't going to fix the problem. Those boys are probably so confused because of all the mixed messages being sent to them. I'll give it more time until I totally throw in the towel on him but I'm sure concerned on where they're heading.
@Wangler--I agree with almost everything you said.
I should mention that I'm not jumping off of any bandwagon and all that shit, I love this team. I have high expectations, especially after the last couple seasons and with how this season started. The problem with high expectations is it's a big tumble if those expectations aren't' met.
I'm not sure if it's time to completely pound the panic button, but there are small (but big) things that need addressing--power play--to get back in line.
I'm with ya Mikaela, it's gonna be the big test for Hiller.
to those worried that the kids in the stands don't ever know what's going on, I hear ya. But it's a crowded roster, I can't imagine being in the tough position of trying to pick who to play on a given night.
I think it's easy to sit here after 2 big losses (and a less-than-successful November) and be super worried, at the same time I have to believe it will get better. If I don't have that belief I might go insane.
Post a Comment