Yup... Because I agree with Zac-O and Aussie on a regular basis. No, you're just a Richard and we're all gonna call you out on it.
- Victoro311

That's fine. Like I said, have fun with your circle jerk. Oh, and I told you so.

The D has been bad unless you like Fleury screened all the time and no transition to the offense and no possession. I have watched every game. But if you just look at the game report, commentary, or reviews (or box scores), then yeah, the defense looks fine. It's not. Not by a long shot. The D is well below average, just like I said it would be.
- thevelvetfog1

I haven't seen anyone say the defense is great, but they haven't been the disaster that you claimed they would be either. They are very average overall. Sure, they could be better contributing to the offense and/or in limiting opponent's chances, but the team isn't in a complete shell like they were in the NYR series last year either. They are doing a decent enough job to win. If you are expecting a team to win while only scoring one goal/game, then you have wildly unrealistic expectations on what even the league's best defenses can do in a salary cap era.

Mob mentality? "If everyone thinks you're a Richard it probably isn't that they are all haters. You're probably a Richard"
- Zac_O

I tried to bring up valid points and concerns. Your only response (along with others) was to personally attack me. Who is the d!ck here?

The D has been bad unless you like Fleury screened all the time and no transition to the offense and no possession. I have watched every game. But if you just look at the game report, commentary, or reviews (or box scores), then yeah, the defense looks fine. It's not. Not by a long shot. The D is well below average, just like I said it would be.
- thevelvetfog1

The two screened goals have been Rob Scuderi. No one was expecting him to be good. When I look at the D I am more concerned about how people who are supposed to be in the line up are playing since the Rob Scuderi problem can be fixed at any time when the coach grows a pair. The big issue with the d right now is Olli Maatta. The rest have been doing a better than expected job of playing in their own end and sending breakout passes to the forwards, especially Brian Dumoulin. The ones that are (frank)ing up the offensive zone entries are the forwards. Watch last game again. How many zone entries were broken up by an errant pass by a defenseman not named Scuderi and how many were broken up by a touchless pass off of Sidney Crosby's stick. If Crosby had it together last game, we would have been able to establish meaningful possession in the offensive zone far more times than we did yesterday.

Bullsh!t.
- thevelvetfog1

Typical of talking to you. You just shout your opinion with no basis and expect everyone to think you're so great and smart for it.

I tried to bring up valid points and concerns. Your only response (along with others) was to personally attack me. Who is the d!ck here?
- thevelvetfog1

I told you 50+ time Lovejoy wouldn't be as bad as you say. You're response was "yes he will" so tell me what I'm supposed to say to a stubborn wall that won't listen to anyone?

That's fine. Like I said, have fun with your circle jerk. Oh, and I told you so.
- thevelvetfog1

You told me nothing. You said that the D was going to be putrid and you were wrong. They've been serviceable. Its the top 6 that has been putrid and litterally no one called that. Not even Sammy "Trade Malkin" Gamgee called that.

I tried to bring up valid points and concerns. Your only response (along with others) was to personally attack me. Who is the d!ck here?
- thevelvetfog1

I'm not personally attacking you but refuting your claims (claimed many times & I will say aggressively claimed), that the D 'was' going to be a huge issue.

Now in saying saying that you coming out here after 3 games with an 'I told you so', is outrageous. Especially when we have pointed out that the D is not the problem (just yet, it may turn out to be down the track but after 3 - yes you heard it folks, 3 games, it's N.O.T.), you not listening & you are being obtuse!

Now I have asked for your thoughts & am still waiting. I will repeat - sooooooooo right now for us to win we need...............

(Those dots are for your answer velvet).

Honestly, I think Torts would be absolutely horrid. I don't want a team full of Scuderis sliding across the ice blocking shots either; however, there would definitely be some accountability.

Also, I'm not sure there is a viable solution that is right off the used list. It may be another AHL promotion type of coaching change. Not sure whose system would fit our core best, but I'm sure there are people combing the ranks and gathering intel
- Brayn

That's the thing though. The players are good for this system. But Johnston doesn't have the spine to force it to be played properly. So maybe just a coach that has a no nonsense attitude.

That's the thing though. The players are good for this system. But Johnston doesn't have the spine to force it to be played properly. So maybe just a coach that has a no nonsense attitude.
- Zac_O

This is what worries me. We built up personnel to run Johnston's system, and its a no brainer to run his system with the boys we have. We could use some better guys on the back end to facilitate break outs, but we have what we have and they've been doing fine. What happens when you fire Johnston and bring in a defensively minded, trap oriented coach? Yeah, we may see more effort by the top 6, but we don't have the guys to succeed in that system.

Yup... Because I agree with Zac-O and Aussie on a regular basis. No, you're just a Richard and we're all gonna call you out on it.
- Victoro311

This! I disagree with people all the time. All of us do. Thing is we actually listen to each other and give actual reason on what we believe. Not just "no! I'm right what you said is wrong!"

The two screened goals have been Rob Scuderi. No one was expecting him to be good. When I look at the D I am more concerned about how people who are supposed to be in the line up are playing since the Rob Scuderi problem can be fixed at any time when the coach grows a pair. The big issue with the d right now is Olli Maatta. The rest have been doing a better than expected job of playing in their own end and sending breakout passes to the forwards, especially Brian Dumoulin. The ones that are (frank)ing up the offensive zone entries are the forwards. Watch last game again. How many zone entries were broken up by an errant pass by a defenseman not named Scuderi and how many were broken up by a touchless pass off of Sidney Crosby's stick. If Crosby had it together last game, we would have been able to establish meaningful possession in the offensive zone far more times than we did yesterday.
- Victoro311

I am asking a serious question here, Do you think that 87, with all his hockey smarts and awareness, is actually just having trouble getting a read on Where his new linemate is going to be? He has always been able to think the game ahead of the curve, but it was to players of a lesser ilk. Phil having a strong sense of the game as well might make it difficult for Crosby to anticipate his locations, ya know? I truly would like to see a few more games. It seems that each game they are getting closer to being on the same wavelength and being able to read off each other. OH, and definitely put Sprong up there for at least a few shifts per game.

I am asking a serious question here, Do you think that 87, with all his hockey smarts and awareness, is actually just having trouble getting a read on Where his new linemate is going to be? He has always been able to think the game ahead of the curve, but it was to players of a lesser ilk. Phil having a strong sense of the game as well might make it difficult for Crosby to anticipate his locations, ya know? I truly would like to see a few more games. It seems that each game they are getting closer to being on the same wavelength and being able to read off each other. OH, and definitely put Sprong up there for at least a few shifts per game.
- Brayn

God I really hope that's the issue. I really, really hope its a chemistry thing and not an effort thing. The chemistry can sort itself out as time goes on, and its to be expected with so many new faces. If its Crosby and Malkin not buying it and Johnston losing the room, then the problem is much deeper and the fix is much more difficult and painful.

This is what worries me. We built up personnel to run Johnston's system, and its a no brainer to run his system with the boys we have. We could use some better guys on the back end to facilitate break outs, but we have what we have and they've been doing fine. What happens when you fire Johnston and bring in a defensively minded, trap oriented coach? Yeah, we may see more effort by the top 6, but we don't have the guys to succeed in that system.
- Victoro311

Maybe they need someone like Tochet to step up and be a hard nosed no nonsense guy. But that's wrong to do as an assistant and I don't think he is head coach worthy.

Maybe they need someone like Tochet to step up and be a hard nosed no nonsense guy. But that's wrong to do as an assistant and I don't think he is head coach worthy.
- Zac_O

With the way he's been running our power play I don't want Tochet to be our bench boss ever. I would be perfectly fine if he was fired tomorrow and Sergei Gonchar started coaching the PP.

That's the thing though. The players are good for this system. But Johnston doesn't have the spine to force it to be played properly. So maybe just a coach that has a no nonsense attitude.
- Zac_O

I know its easy to point at Johnston but the reality is there is only so much he can do. There is no way Johnston is looking at the Arizon game and saying yeah thats my system, they were all over the place.
Montreal is the top team in the east right now, I actually think we played a pretty good game against a team whose been playing the same system for years with very few personel changes backed up by the best goalie in the league. We were in that game the whole way.
The problem as every is pointing out is the top six, eventually thats going to get figured out and these three losses are just going to be three losses.
Personally I think putting Kessel with Malkin will fix the top six. I said it in the last blog, Crosby is a grinder and needs to play with other grinding players, Team Canada has proven that Crosby does not elevate the play of top end players.
Hornqvist with Sid
Kessel with Malkin

That's the thing though. The players are good for this system. But Johnston doesn't have the spine to force it to be played properly. So maybe just a coach that has a no nonsense attitude.
- Zac_O

It's only 3 games. He's given them runs at training which they wouldn't have liked & who knows what he says to them in the sheds, corridors, toilet, car park??

Too early to blame the coach when the team isn't playing as a team or top players earning their pay. If they all start playing well & there is no one we can say, poop he did sweet (frank) all, then the system can be questioned. But while there are players disappearing you can't blame the coach.

Now if they're not playing because the coach has lost the room, the JR needs to earn his money & sort that out - that's his job to 1. Get the coach the support he needs if JR thinks MJ is a thriller 2. 'Fix' the attitude in the players by sending a very clear message to Sid & Geno (if they are the ones), that he won't stand around doing nothing - hockey trades will sort out attitudes & good mates of Sid can be traded away very easily.

Now just a side note, I know Flower has had some great saves & kept the score down but who would like to see Murray get a game?

I am asking a serious question here, Do you think that 87, with all his hockey smarts and awareness, is actually just having trouble getting a read on Where his new linemate is going to be? He has always been able to think the game ahead of the curve, but it was to players of a lesser ilk. Phil having a strong sense of the game as well might make it difficult for Crosby to anticipate his locations, ya know? I truly would like to see a few more games. It seems that each game they are getting closer to being on the same wavelength and being able to read off each other. OH, and definitely put Sprong up there for at least a few shifts per game.
- Brayn

This should all be worked out in practice. Other teams have had a lot of turnover and don't look like smashed ass. The entire top 6 and PP looks like it doesn't practice together. Malkin's line looks worse than Crosby's right now.

With the way he's been running our power play I don't want Tochet to be our bench boss ever. I would be perfectly fine if he was fired tomorrow and Sergei Gonchar started coaching the PP.
- Victoro311

This x 1000

I know its easy to point at Johnston but the reality is there is only so much he can do. There is no way Johnston is looking at the Arizon game and saying yeah thats my system, they were all over the place.
Montreal is the top team in the east right now, I actually think we played a pretty good game against a team whose been playing the same system for years with very few personel changes backed up by the best goalie in the league. We were in that game the whole way.
The problem as every is pointing out is the top six, eventually thats going to get figured out and these three losses are just going to be three losses.
Personally I think putting Kessel with Malkin will fix the top six. I said it in the last blog, Crosby is a grinder and needs to play with other grinding players, Team Canada has proven that Crosby does not elevate the play of top end players.
Hornqvist with Sid
Kessel with Malkin
- stackthepads

If that wasn't his system he as the coach needs to do something to make them actually run his system. Like maybe show anger on the bench so we know he cares. And some Mike yoe poop in practice. Break a stick and walk out.

It's only 3 games. He's given them runs at training which they wouldn't have liked & who knows what he says to them in the sheds, corridors, toilet, car park??

Too early to blame the coach when the team isn't playing as a team or top players earning their pay. If they all start playing well & there is no one we can say, poop he did sweet (frank) all, then the system can be questioned. But while there are players disappearing you can't blame the coach.

Now if they're not playing because the coach has lost the room, the JR needs to earn his money & sort that out - that's his job to 1. Get the coach the support he needs if JR thinks MJ is a thriller 2. 'Fix' the attitude in the players by sending a very clear message to Sid & Geno (if they are the ones), that he won't stand around doing nothing - hockey trades will sort out attitudes & good mates of Sid can be traded away very easily.

Now just a side note, I know Flower has had some great saves & kept the score down bug who would like to see Murray get a game?
- Aussiepenguin

I'm not fully blaming him. I'm just discussing the possibility of replacing him if the issues are not fixed.

This should all be worked out in practice. Other teams have had a lot of turnover and don't look like smashed ass. The entire top 6 and PP looks like it doesn't practice together. Malkin's line looks worse than Crosby's right now.
- jfkst1

I actually disagree. Malkin himself hasn't looked as bad as Crosby and Malkin and Hornqvist have been playing better together than Crosby and Kessel have. Kunitz has been better than Perron though. It's pretty much a wash but I'd give the Sacko to Crosby and the first line.

I know its easy to point at Johnston but the reality is there is only so much he can do. There is no way Johnston is looking at the Arizon game and saying yeah thats my system, they were all over the place.
Montreal is the top team in the east right now, I actually think we played a pretty good game against a team whose been playing the same system for years with very few personel changes backed up by the best goalie in the league. We were in that game the whole way.
The problem as every is pointing out is the top six, eventually thats going to get figured out and these three losses are just going to be three losses.
Personally I think putting Kessel with Malkin will fix the top six. I said it in the last blog, Crosby is a grinder and needs to play with other grinding players, Team Canada has proven that Crosby does not elevate the play of top end players.
Hornqvist with Sid
Kessel with Malkin
- stackthepads

I'm with ya. Now that Sid, Perron, and Hornqvist are all healthy, it's time to reunite that line that was like a bat out of hell when Perron first came to us and its time to see what Malkin can do with a 100X better version of James Neal. I've always wanted to see what Malkin could do with a set up guy like Beau Bennett but loved what he could do with a sniper like Neal. He gets both in Kessel.

#TheCircleJerk

If that wasn't his system he as the coach needs to do something to make them actually run his system. Like maybe show anger on the bench so we know he cares. And some Mike yoe poop in practice. Break a stick and walk out.
- Zac_O

He does that then he loses respect because he's not that type of guy from what I've seen. He's started in the pressers about guys needing to do more, & if he needs to then he will probably start naming names - as other coaches have done & will do. He just looks like a controlled guy that tries to get the message across through discussion & patience - ah (frank) that let's see some (frank)ing face slapping!

If that wasn't his system he as the coach needs to do something to make them actually run his system. Like maybe show anger on the bench so we know he cares. And some Mike yoe poop in practice. Break a stick and walk out.
- Zac_O

Those are just antics, the heavy handed coach is a dinosaur, people dont respond to that kind of leadership anymore, especially when its a bluff. Whats he going to do bench the top six?
Mike Yeo got lucky that his hissy fit coincided with the team getting a goalie that got hot as all hell.
Patrick Roy loses his head on a regular basis and Colorado isnt very good and they have loads of talent.