Why would you hire a coach for a (frank)ing year and be fine with him leaving, after he spent months tinkering with how the players play and approach games.
The players aren't the major problem, its McPhee; what kind of GM are you if you are fine with bringing in a coach only to let him walk away come summer...
Now where are we? There's no identity to this team anymore, and there really hasn't been since it seems Boudreau was told to become "defensive".
At the end of the day, Hunter brought this team no further than the offensive power-houses of a couple seasons ago (specifically 09 against the Pens).
It just seems that the killer instinct, to put out any life a team may have left, is absent. Chalk it up to being unlucky, or the bounces just didn't go our way, but that belief is pretty hollow when you analyze the playoff performances of this squad.
The new guys get a passing grade, but overall, I felt the team relied on Holtby too much; Hunter would play 'his guys' when they had a lead, and eventually that lead would disappear, and he'd then put the responsibility on Backstrom and OV to go out and get it back again...this is a very weak tactic in my opinion, and it didn't work.
Add to that, oping to win by 1 goal EVERY GAME, and you are playing with fire.
I didn't really lucky Hunter, or his presence (the meek and mildness seems at odds with the type of play he encouraged). Regardless though, McPhee needs to get the (frank)ing boot
He would also be a great fit in Toronto. Could play in the world championships for Russia every year and would never have to deal with the pressure of playoff hockey again. - Brandon_Lee
man that comeback is weak... if you are going to try and chirp atleast make it funny, hell id give you props if you did.
