Should we start a countdown clock?
- JimmyP

I have to imagine it's coming. They've blown late leads in two of their last three games, it's just pathetic at this point. I think the problem starts higher than Lambert, but he's clearly not doing a good job either so it'd be a step in the right direction. The shock of a coach being fired has worked for Edmonton and Minnesota so it's time to shake things up.

I have to imagine it's coming. They've blown late leads in two of their last three games, it's just pathetic at this point. I think the problem starts higher than Lambert, but he's clearly not doing a good job either so it'd be a step in the right direction. The shock of a coach being fired has worked for Edmonton and Minnesota so it's time to shake things up.
- eichiefs9

It's time to play d first and from the net out and stop putting so much emphasis on scoring.

It's time to play d first and from the net out and stop putting so much emphasis on scoring.
- Upstate_isles

As we have been saying here, Trotz recognized that the team didn't have the firepower to get into a run-and-gun game. So he preached defensive responsibility for the entire team, and instituted a defense first strategy. It was obviously a mistake to abandon that approach. I don't care what the players might want for negotiating their next contract.

It's time to play d first and from the net out and stop putting so much emphasis on scoring.
- Upstate_isles

It’s a tough balance. They need to find a way to score enough and also not have the defense fall apart. Too much focus on defense, it’s last years Canes series all over again.

It's time to play d first and from the net out and stop putting so much emphasis on scoring.
- Upstate_isles

At least twitter is fun again

As we have been saying here, Trotz recognized that the team didn't have the firepower to get into a run-and-gun game. So he preached defensive responsibility for the entire team, and instituted a defense first strategy. It was obviously a mistake to abandon that approach. I don't care what the players might want for negotiating their next contract.
- JohnScammo

The players are always a factor John. They need to buy in for it to work. I can care less what system as long as the team can win a Cup sometime.

I have to imagine it's coming. They've blown late leads in two of their last three games, it's just pathetic at this point. I think the problem starts higher than Lambert, but he's clearly not doing a good job either so it'd be a step in the right direction. The shock of a coach being fired has worked for Edmonton and Minnesota so it's time to shake things up.
- eichiefs9

I wouldn't be surprised if it happened today. Last night was ridiculous. There is no excuse for losing that game with that lead against any team.

As we have been saying here, Trotz recognized that the team didn't have the firepower to get into a run-and-gun game. So he preached defensive responsibility for the entire team, and instituted a defense first strategy. It was obviously a mistake to abandon that approach. I don't care what the players might want for negotiating their next contract.
- JohnScammo

I think you bring up a good point. Players contracts are based on pts and or production. Playing a defensive style doesn’t get a player like Barzal paid. It would stand to reason that Barzal might have been one of the players calling for Trotz’ firing. As you said they abandoned that defensive style and the result is back to third period collapses.

I wouldn't be surprised if it happened today. Last night was ridiculous. There is no excuse for losing that game with that lead against any team.
- JimmyP

I wouldn't either, but I could also see Lou taking the day to work on whoever the new hire is. But Lane shouldn't be coaching this team against Columbus tomorrow.

As we have been saying here, Trotz recognized that the team didn't have the firepower to get into a run-and-gun game. So he preached defensive responsibility for the entire team, and instituted a defense first strategy. It was obviously a mistake to abandon that approach. I don't care what the players might want for negotiating their next contract.
- JohnScammo

They can score it's finding that balance but I agree about Barry.

I wouldn't either, but I could also see Lou taking the day to work on whoever the new hire is. But Lane shouldn't be coaching this team against Columbus tomorrow.
- eichiefs9

Just wondering.... Has Lou ever fired a coach during the holidays? We know that he tends to have a quick trigger with coaches, but I'm wondering whether he might wait until after the holidays to replace Lane.

I think you bring up a good point. Players contracts are based on pts and or production. Playing a defensive style doesn’t get a player like Barzal paid. It would stand to reason that Barzal might have been one of the players calling for Trotz’ firing. As you said they abandoned that defensive style and the result is back to third period collapses.
- kindlyrick

Barzal has played much better d although not changing in ot killed him on the last play where the sharks scored, he was gassed. Mayfield always being out in the last 2 minutes pisses me off, his poop clear gave the sharks the tying goal. I just don't get the love of him from the staff.

They can score it's finding that balance but I agree about Barry.
- Upstate_isles

They can score now. The question is can they score enough with a more defensive system. It did not work during last year’s playoffs.

Just wondering.... Has Lou ever fired a coach during the holidays? We know that he tends to have a quick trigger with coaches, but I'm wondering whether he might wait until after the holidays to replace Lane.
- JohnScammo

A quick search says he fired DeBoer in 2014 the day after Christmas. Not sure if we're counting that as "after" the holidays or not

Barzal has played much better d although not changing in ot killed him on the last play where the sharks scored, he was gassed. Mayfield always being out in the last 2 minutes pisses me off, his poop clear gave the sharks the tying goal. I just don't get the love of him from the staff.
- Upstate_isles

Mayfield keeps them employed, because he's always giving the coaches something to work on in practice

A quick search says he fired DeBoer in 2014 the day after Christmas. Not sure if we're counting that as "after" the holidays or not
- eichiefs9

I doubt Holidays will stop Lou.

A quick search says he fired DeBoer in 2014 the day after Christmas. Not sure if we're counting that as "after" the holidays or not
- eichiefs9

On Boxing Day, no less! Sort of after the holidays?

On Boxing Day, no less! Sort of after the holidays?
- JohnScammo

I don't get the feeling Lou is overly concerned about timing. The only thing I could see holding it up, assuming he's ready to fire him now, is if he's looking at Woodcroft or Evason. I would assume those contracts would be a little more complicated than just promoting one of the shitbag assistant coaches

Mayfield keeps them employed, because he's always giving the coaches something to work on in practice
- eichiefs9

Apparently it's the wrong thing they've chosen to work on

Barzal has played much better d although not changing in ot killed him on the last play where the sharks scored, he was gassed. Mayfield always being out in the last 2 minutes pisses me off, his poop clear gave the sharks the tying goal. I just don't get the love of him from the staff.
- Upstate_isles

I think the defense overall has regressed. It’s not one single player or a few players. I think the teams style of play is not suited for the assets they have. The proof was in the pudding with 2 ECF appearances with Trotz’ trap. Boring or not, it held leads and it won games.

I don't get the feeling Lou is overly concerned about timing. The only thing I could see holding it up, assuming he's ready to fire him now, is if he's looking at Woodcroft or Evason. I would assume those contracts would be a little more complicated than just promoting one of the shitbag assistant coaches
- eichiefs9

Doug Houda. Yikes. Guy was on my all ugly team when he was a player.

I think the defense overall has regressed. It’s not one single player or a few players. I think the teams style of play is not suited for the assets they have. The proof was in the pudding with 2 ECF appearances with Trotz’ trap. Boring or not, it held leads and it won games.
- kindlyrick

Barry’s system worked very well those two years. It worked better for the Caps because they had better talent than the Islanders. A system can take you so far. Those Devils team also had better talent than the Islanders.

Barry’s system worked very well those two years. It worked better for the Caps because they had better talent than the Islanders. A system can take you so far. Those Devils team also had better talent than the Islanders.
- ses111

That was a different era. There weren't as many goals scored and the game was full of clutching and grabbing.

Barry’s system worked very well those two years. It worked better for the Caps because they had better talent than the Islanders. A system can take you so far. Those Devils team also had better talent than the Islanders.
- ses111

The Devils won cups because of the trap. Those cup Devils weren’t overly talented in so far as elite. They had a lot of 1B as I call it, much like the isles. It was boring, and they’d have 1-0 wins, but they won cups.
Trotz’ system worked here. One could argue the team digressed by losing Tavares, yet they saw the most success since 1993. It was the system that got them there. Without that trap the isles lose leads in the third. That’s not my opinion, that’s what we saw under Capuano and now again with Lame

That was a different era. There weren't as many goals scored and the game was full of clutching and grabbing.
- JimmyP

It was Jimmy. Devils still had better talent than most thought that had. You can use the Caps and Barry then.