he didnt fare well is right and that is usually something as a coach you get or dont get. I mean he was schooled by HARTLEY

you either have the ability to read tactical play and know what to do to counter or you do not have that ability. He clearly does not.

He seems like a likable guy and players seem to want to play for him. But when you consider playoff wins as the measuring stick, well ...time to move over
- SMBDragon

I like you Dragon, but you need a new shtick. If that's all you're going to hang your hat on, (playoffs 2 years ago, and getting schooled by Hartley) come on, first year in the NHL, inexperienced, one series.

It like everything else in life, you learn and adapt or you don't. You can not say he hasn't because he hasn't been back to the playoffs.

Who cares. Have you heard Darryl Sutter? They are Alberta farm boys, with good character. They get the job done. Works for me.
- VanHockeyGuy

Boils down to if we want a used car salesman or a GM.
I'm no GM. Anyone wanna buy my 2000 Monte Carlo?

I criticize management for falsely reaching for the playoffs when they have zero chance to win, so what's the point?
- LeftCoaster

I will always argue this. Get in the playoffs and there is always a chance. The point is to win. Should be the same for all 30 teams.

Playoffs? Why are we talking playoffs?

VAN 10GF 6GA 4 GAMES

EDM 20GF 16GA 5 GAMES

Holy crap!

VAN 10GF 6GA 4 GAMES

EDM 20GF 16GA 5 GAMES

Holy crap!
- VanHockeyGuy

I will always argue this. Get in the playoffs and there is always a chance. The point is to win. Should be the same for all 30 teams.

Playoffs? Why are we talking playoffs?
- thundachunk

I'll add further to your post.
I'm with u go big or go home is my way of looking at it.
Play to Win if not ppl can go watch T-ball.
Its professional sports not armchair kibitzer hour.
Ppl looking at the next drafts can refrain on commenting here while this season is ongoing. Those wanting to back a loser can come back post playoffs. Fans support their team.

I love the changes in the team just am worried about playoffs w willie at the helm.

Have to cross fingers
- SMBDragon

I don't know how you can give so much blame to the coach when things go poorly and so little credit when things go well.

I don't know how you can give so much blame to the coach when things go poorly and so little credit when things go well.
- CubanBuffet

WD has made significant strides on his defensive structure and the teams transition from defence to offence. I believe this is why they are winning. I am not a WD fan but credit where its due. At the 10 minute mark of the 3rd period they started to get sloppy he said a few things on the bench and the team responded. He has improved but I am not sold yet.

I'll add further to your post.
I'm with u go big or go home is my way of looking at it.
Play to Win if not ppl can go watch T-ball.
Its professional sports not armchair kibitzer hour.
Ppl looking at the next drafts can refrain on commenting here while this season is ongoing. Those wanting to back a loser can come back post playoffs.
- Nighthawk

We talked about this lots. The're looking at players for the next draft now, don't fool yourselves. I'm all for us working hard and putting a good product on the ice.

But i also want JB to have the foresight to acquire the necessary picks/prospects at the same time. Miller for a pick for example, when and if the time is right.

We can actually have the best of both worlds here, if we manage our assets properly.

VAN 10GF 6GA 4 GAMES

EDM 20GF 16GA 5 GAMES

Holy crap!
- VanHockeyGuy

You can credit Eliotte for over half of Edm's goals for.

WD has made significant strides on his defensive structure and the teams transition from defence to offence. I believe this is why they are winning. I am not a WD fan but credit where its due. At the 10 minute mark of the 3rd period they started to get sloppy he said a few things on the bench and the team responded. He has improved but I am not sold yet.
- thundachunk

Yup. Criticism where it's due, but credit to.

You can credit Eliotte for over half of Edm's goals for.
- CubanBuffet

You can credit Eliotte for over half of Edm's goals for.
- CubanBuffet

Don't get ahead of yourself bud we're 5% into the season, we lost 4 in a row 5 times last season and lost 9 in a row late.
- A_SteamingLombardi

I am not getting ahead of myself I expect a loss on the road this weekend. I am just telling the others that got ahead of themselves with 0 % of the season played we are not as bad as they claimed.

You can credit Eliotte for over half of Edm's goals for.
- CubanBuffet

Talbot. He's been brutal, they're not gonna be able to keep up these 7-5 type games. Its amazing that they've added, Larson, Russell, Klefbom, Nurse, Sekera and Talbot and they still haven't improved defensively. Shocking.

I am not getting ahead of myself I expect a loss on the road this weekend. I am just telling the others that got ahead of themselves with 0 % of the season played we are not as bad as they claimed.
- VANTEL

I think you're giving too much credit to LA/ANA - two teams IMO who will see the biggest drop in the standings from last year, yet no one seems to be acknowledging it.

I think you're giving too much credit to LA/ANA - two teams IMO who will see the biggest drop in the standings from last year, yet no one seems to be acknowledging it.
- Brooks_Light

I expect one loss on the weekend because it is back to back on the road. Not because either of those teams are good. Neither of their rosters are intimidating.

I expect one loss on the weekend because it is back to back on the road. Not because either of those teams are good. Neither of their rosters are intimidating.
- VANTEL

Show up every night, work hard. Dropping a game or two isn't the end of the world.

I expect one loss on the weekend because it is back to back on the road. Not because either of those teams are good. Neither of their rosters are intimidating.
- VANTEL

I think we'll beat Anaheim. They look real weak so far

Show up every night, work hard. Dropping a game or two isn't the end of the world.
- VanHockeyGuy

absolutely - I see the biggest difference in the defense. They're playing position much better than last year, they're breaking out with the first pass more calmly and they seem improved all around. I'm predicting two more wins this weekend. Hopefully, he see Jake and maybe Tram draw in for one game.

Also, I can't wait for Larson to start scoring, his shot is bound to go in sooner or later. He got a rocket and has come close 3-4 times.

I've noticed that even though The Sedins and Eriksson don't have more points, there's been 4-5 times where they've been totally robbed, those pucks which eventually start finding the net as well.

Anyone else notice Sven or Gaunce? they've been nearly invisible so far.

I agree with Thunda , this is a .500 team.

I really doubt they are a .325 team as the know it alls and ass media claim.

I am not getting ahead of myself at all . I listened to all the BS all summer and now am thrilled to let them know they are wrong.

We are a bubble team. I think we make the playoffs but we are right around there.

There is no way we end bottom 5.

I agree with Thunda , this is a .500 team.

I really doubt they are a .325 team as the know it alls and ass media claim.

I am not getting ahead of myself at all . I listened to all the BS all summer and now am thrilled to let them know they are wrong.

We are a bubble team. I think we make the playoffs but we are right around there.

There is no way we end bottom 5.
- VANTEL

A healthy Sutter makes a big difference.

Just got in from Hockey saw the score…

What were the positives tonight?
- LordHumungous

They got a lead and kept it?

I criticize management for falsely reaching for the playoffs when they have zero chance to win, so what's the point?
- LeftCoaster

I really dislike this stance. NHL parity exists in the salary cap era, you dont need to be division winners or top 3 in the conference to challenge for the cup. Get in the tournament and anything can happen

2012 LA (8th seed) vs NJ (6th seed)
2013 CHI (1st overall) vs BOS (4th seed) - lockout shortened season
2014 LA (PAC 3rd seed) vs NYR (Metro 2nd seed)
2015 CHI (CEN 3rd seed) vs TB (Atlantic 2nd seed)
2016 SJ (PAC 3rd seed) vs PIT (Metro 2nd seed)

"falsely reaching the playoffs" is about as pessimistic as you can get, discrediting the accomplishment of making the playoffs and the integrity of playing to win. I usually appreciate your reserved and cautious approach, not getting caught up in the hype, but you can draft and develop while learning to play better defensively and win games

I really dislike this stance. NHL parity exists in the salary cap era, you dont need to be division winners or top 3 in the conference to challenge for the cup. Get in the tournament and anything can happen

2012 LA (8th seed) vs NJ (6th seed)
2013 CHI (1st overall) vs BOS (4th seed) - lockout shortened season
2014 LA (PAC 3rd seed) vs NYR (Metro 2nd seed)
2015 CHI (CEN 3rd seed) vs TB (Atlantic 2nd seed)
2016 SJ (PAC 3rd seed) vs PIT (Metro 2nd seed)

"falsely reaching the playoffs" is about as pessimistic as you can get, discrediting the accomplishment of making the playoffs and the integrity of playing to win. I usually appreciate your reserved and cautious approach, not getting caught up in the hype, but you can draft and develop while learning to play better defensively and win games
- WhiteLie