I think some of the criticisms of Hakstol are kind of silly and of the "Hey, I played NHL on the PS4 this one time and I know what I'm doing" variety.

On the other hand, his usage of Brian Elliot early last year and his seeming lack of understanding of when to use timeouts, and some tactical in-game decisions make me wonder.

He's in his 4th year and I do think the time to excuse Hakstol's decisions because of the roster is coming to a close. I don't think he is a bad coach and the team seems to like him. They need to start winning.
- johndewar

Honestly, any sports fan understands the timing of when to use a timeout. Do you really think that Hakstol, an experienced hockey coach doesn't? Or is it maybe just a philosophy he has, right or wrong of not using the timeout to save it for a coaches challenge. My guess is it is the latter. I don't always agree with it, I think he should've used a timeout early in the SJ game, but suggesting that he doesn't understand when to use a timeout falls under the silly category. He had no choice but to use Elliott as he did last season.

The team has been winning under Hakstol.

I think hes done a pretty damn good job given the roster that the flyers iced since hes been here. Playoffs 2 of 3 years. but but but 1st round exits. They were no match for the President trophy winning Caps and the other against the Pens, the two time defending Cup champs that the gutless puke Blue Jackets iced an ECHL roster on the final day to avoid matching up with them.
Hak isnt perfect, I agree, has in game metrics that i would like him to improve on but hes done a far better job than he is credited with....mostly because he played VDV or benched TK and Sanheim or he doesnt show emotion and people hate his hair
- KINGKENZO

Well said. Hakstol has gotten a lot out of his teams with flawed rosters. Most of the criticism towards Hakstol are from fans who are simply uninformed.

Well said. Hakstol has gotten a lot out of his teams with flawed rosters. Most of the criticism towards Hakstol are from fans who are simply uninformed.
- MJL

Ballsy move also moving G to the left wing. Not many would have gone that route. That changed the dynamic of the team without the big roster additions.

While not being the best NHL coach I’ve seen I agree that he has gotten a lot out of a tough situation with the roster over haul.

Ballsy move also moving G to the left wing. Not many would have gone that route. That changed the dynamic of the team without the big roster additions.

While not being the best NHL coach I’ve seen I agree that he has gotten a lot out of a tough situation with the roster over haul.
- peesinwind

Well, Giroux deserves as much credit for that move. With his standing as the face of the franchise, he didn't have to do that. And I admit, I'll stan for Giroux as I think he's perpetually underrated.

And I wasn't necessarily insisting Hakstol was terrible. I just think they need to win more. And he should have a part in that. Results are king in sports and Hakstol doesn't have that on his side.

Honestly, any sports fan understands the timing of when to use a timeout. Do you really think that Hakstol, an experienced hockey coach doesn't?
- MJL

Quite possibly. His experience is in the college game. The pace is different than the pro game. You should check it out sometime.

Or is it maybe just a philosophy he has, right or wrong of not using the timeout to save it for a coaches challenge. My guess is it is the latter. I don't always agree with it, I think he should've used a timeout early in the SJ game, but suggesting that he doesn't understand when to use a timeout falls under the silly category.
- MJL

This is about more than just the San Jose game. My observation is not unique

He had no choice but to use Elliott as he did last season.
- MJL

That's factually not true.

The team has been winning under Hakstol.
- MJL

This is statistically correct.

Well, Giroux deserves as much credit for that move. With his standing as the face of the franchise, he didn't have to do that. And I admit, I'll stan for Giroux as I think he's perpetually underrated.

And I wasn't necessarily insisting Hakstol was terrible. I just think they need to win more. And he should have a part in that. Results are king in sports and Hakstol doesn't have that on his side.
- johndewar

Well put about Hakstol and I agree with you about Giroux.

jesus this football game has been crazy tonight

Quite possibly. His experience is in the college game. The pace is different than the pro game. You should check it out sometime.


- johndewar

So you seem to understand how to use a timeout. Tell me, what is your experience level in coaching in hockey? Hakstol has no experience coaching in the NHL? This is doubling down on your previous silliness.

This is about more than just the San Jose game. My observation is not unique


- johndewar

I agree. The SJ was just an example offered in the conversation. Obviously.

That's factually not true.


- johndewar

Yes it is, to anyone who understands the situation they were in. If looked at in the correct context. If you need to know what that context is, I'll be glad to elaborate on it. Hakstol did what every other NHL coach would've done in that situation. Speculative of course, but my opinion.

Can we at least have a new argument today?

Can we at least have a new argument today?
- BiggE

What shall we talk about? The Devils are playing really well. Kinkaid is a heckuva goalie.

Can we at least have a new argument today?
- BiggE

What shall we talk about? The Devils are playing really well. Kinkaid is a heckuva goalie.
- Pixote Andolini

Is John Hynes a better coach than Dave Hakstol? Which one calls more timeouts?

Is John Hynes a better coach than Dave Hakstol? Which one calls more timeouts?
- YuenglingJagr

Hynes is rumored to have once cracked a smile behind the bench so clearly he’s the better coach.

Hynes is rumored to have once cracked a smile behind the bench so clearly he’s the better coach.
- BiggE

Hakstol has better hair

edit: wrong! try better next time. fans have no idea if he smiles in the locker room. strike one!

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