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Guest4120
( )

Posted - 12/09/2010 :  19:14:36  Reply with Quote
fire the idiot now

Pasty7
PickupHockey Veteran



Canada
2312 Posts

Posted - 12/09/2010 :  19:15:29  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
why?
because his players slack off at the end of a game? or because his team has the second most points in the NHL?

"I led the league in "Go get 'em next time." - Bob Uecker

Edited by - Pasty7 on 12/09/2010 20:09:53
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ToXXiK1
PickupHockey Pro



Canada
696 Posts

Posted - 12/10/2010 :  01:22:32  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
He won't get the axe until Caps are blown out of the playoffs.
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n/a
deleted



4809 Posts

Posted - 12/10/2010 :  06:54:30  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I agree with Toxxic . . . and I was one that thought he should have been fired in the offseason.

The key is changing strategies when required, changing the gameplan for different teams. The one thing this Caps team doesn't seem to get is how to change their gameplan when things aren't working out well for whatever reason. It doesn't happen too often, as they are loaded with talent; but as Montreal showed, it just takes 4 games.

But to fire a coach with a team that, in the standings at least, is this good? Nearly impossible.

"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
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Beans15
Moderator



Canada
8286 Posts

Posted - 12/10/2010 :  10:20:55  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
A few years ago there were coaches who had their teams in playoff positions that were fired. Ottawa when Clouston came in and Pitt when Bylsma came in both come to mind. It's not about the standings as much as it in the capacity.

Success is not always measure on your performance against your peers as much as it is measured against your abilities. Is Washington playing to their full potential is the question that should be asked, not where are they in the standings.

Finally, a coach's abilities are often judged in his ability to adapt, change game plans, and 'outcoach' the other teams coach as Slozo stated. Normally, this is not measured(or difficult to measure) until the playoffs. Anyone remember how Washington has done in the past few years in the playoffs, specifically last year?? They did not lose based on the talent on the ice. They were outcoached, by Martin last year and Bylsma the year previous.

Mark my words, Washington will not make the East Final this year, which in my opinion is underachieving, and the main reason will be BB being outcoached.

Should have been fired in the offseason. Will be fired this coming off season.

Bets????
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ToXXiK1
PickupHockey Pro



Canada
696 Posts

Posted - 12/10/2010 :  11:06:32  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
What's to bet? I think we've all agreed he'll be fired when they're out of the playoffs which is the offseason for them then.
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doublechamp7
PickupHockey Pro



Canada
278 Posts

Posted - 12/10/2010 :  14:01:17  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I think were jumping the gun a bit to think of firng the guy who is coaching the 2nd best team in the league

IM A CHAMPION!
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Beans15
Moderator



Canada
8286 Posts

Posted - 12/10/2010 :  15:14:09  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by doublechamp7

I think were jumping the gun a bit to think of firng the guy who is coaching the 2nd best team in the league

IM A CHAMPION!



Again, compared to the other teams in the NHL at this point. Can you say confidently that this team is playing as well as they can?? Are they performing to their max capabilities??

Let me give an example. CBJ was projected to be one of the worst teams in the NHL. No one gave them a chance at anything. However, their coach has them playing to or above their potential. That is a good coach.

Washington should be the best team in the league based on their line up. But are they as good as they can be?? Is the coach getting everything out of them??

More importantly, will he get outcoached in the playoffs for the 3rd consecutive year??
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doublechamp7
PickupHockey Pro



Canada
278 Posts

Posted - 12/10/2010 :  19:19:22  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I suppose that its a matter of what you want, the caps with Boudreau are doing good, not great. Do you take a gamble and hire a new guy or keep going with Boudreau. (also I would like to point out that Scott Arniel, coach of Columbus coached for the last couple of years in Winnipeg for the AHL's Manitoba Moose, and he did good, but not great.)

IM A CHAMPION!
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Guest3152
( )

Posted - 12/12/2010 :  20:52:27  Reply with Quote
I think the statement "Washington should be the best team in the league based on their line up" is inaccurate.

They do not have a proven #1 goalie or a top shut down defenseman. In my opinion their team on paper doesn't say they SHOULD be the best team in the league.

I don't think BB was outcoached either. They got beat by a better goalie in Halak and MTL's defense shut down WSH top scorers. Hmm...sounds like something familiar the caps could use, no?

BB will get fired though in off season if Caps don't go far in playoffs.
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Beans15
Moderator



Canada
8286 Posts

Posted - 12/12/2010 :  22:19:06  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
BB didn't get outcoached?? That is why the leagues best PP was completely shut down by Martin's PK scheme, right?? Seriously, these completely ludacrious statements are really frustrating me tonight.

And how is Washington's line up not say they should be #1 in the NHL. They were the President's Trophy winner last year weren't they?? With unproven #1 goalies and virtually the same skaters and coaching staff.

Why would they not be expected to be at or near the top of the league when they did it last season??
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Guest7694
( )

Posted - 12/13/2010 :  01:15:42  Reply with Quote
They just don't got the Heart.

Alexander may have a couple Harts but Heart I am not sure he has. At least for his team. Correct me if I'm wrong but he is not exactly a team player. Quite selfish, not leaderlike.

Yes, the Capitals are an offensive force, but once the stakes rise and the playoffs come around, I don't think they play with the same passion or urgency that other teams do. Other teams tighten up their overall play during playoffs whereas the Caps are still lookin for those flashy goals.

And I hate to bring in a stupid cliche, but defense wins championships. Their top defenceman did not make team Canada for a reason.

Slightly off topic but Ovechkin still with no major team championships. Coincidence or does that say something about him? Or is that another can of sun-dried-tomatoes altogether..?
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n/a
deleted



4809 Posts

Posted - 12/13/2010 :  04:48:40  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
One thing that has gone unmentioned here is the very good relationship coach Boudreau has with Ovechkin. This has been key, I think, in him keeping his job with such a talented crew giving fairly underwhelming playoff performances. For him to get two chances with this team, and have two very early and disappointing exits, and STILL keep his job - well, that says to me that Alex himself kept him in there.

If this losing streak continues, however, the axe will fall, and it won't be Ovechkin, Bakstrom or Semin moving out, it'll be the coach.

2 more losses, and he'll get fired for sure, I reckon. Odds are, however, that the Caps pull out of this funk before then.

"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
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Beans15
Moderator



Canada
8286 Posts

Posted - 12/13/2010 :  07:05:49  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Not only are they losing, they are losing to teams they should not be losing to. Furthermore, they have been shutout 4 times in the past 13 games. Simply unacceptable for a team that is (on paper) on of the very best offensive teams in the NHL.

It's understandable when the Caps lose a game from time to time like the one they lost against the Leafs. They will lose some from their lack of shutdown talent. However, they should rarely if ever be shutout. With that line up, losing a game 5-0 to the Rangers???

Do it now before it is too late.
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nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star



3670 Posts

Posted - 12/13/2010 :  11:00:38  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I agree, the Caps current woes are going beyond a simple slump, they are just not playing well at all. Losing is one thing - that team getting shut out that often is another. OV dropping the gloves? I mean, I like the competitiveness, but WSH management can't be happy seeing their 10M scoring machine risking his hands in a fight. Something is definitely wrong with that team right now.
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JOSHUACANADA
PickupHockey Veteran



Canada
2308 Posts

Posted - 12/13/2010 :  11:14:26  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I have to agree with the guest who suggests its not a given that Washington is one of the best teams now, or even one of the best offensive teams. They are a one trick pony which has all there eggs in the forward position + Green, and teams have learned to adapt to there playing style. Its more likely that BB was getting more from his team last year to lead them to the presidents trophy.

If they get a Franchise goalie and a few defensman who excell at 2 way play and they play like crap, then I'll consider it a coaching problem.

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n/a
deleted



4809 Posts

Posted - 12/13/2010 :  11:44:28  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
JoshuaCanada - then how is Pittsburgh not a one trick pony?

They have Crosby, Malkin, Staal, and no one else really. And for most of this year, they didn't even have Staal, yet they have torn up the league. Fleury has been good, but not great. Gonchar is gone, and instead they have Letang and Goligoski - not in the same league as a Green offensively.

No, the system doesn't work, that's what it is. I mean, Ovechkin is going through a very tough time right now, but Semin is very close to him in terms of offensive talent, and so is Backstrom.

Not a one trick pony . . . they have either one "superline", or two very very good lines like Pittsburgh with Crosby/Malkin.

All I am saying is, Pittsburgh makes it work, so Washington could surely do the same.

"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
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Beans15
Moderator



Canada
8286 Posts

Posted - 12/13/2010 :  11:55:59  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Here, here Slozo. I think that people don't respect the defensive players in Washington like Poti, Schultz, Chimera, and Steckel nor their secondary scoring with Laich and Knuble. No double they live and die by the offensive side of the puck, but they are no where near the bottom of the league defensively nor are they a shallow team in regards to talent.

This team, with virtually the same line up, won the President's Trophy last year. Why would they not be a favorite to do it again??
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Guest0218
( )

Posted - 12/13/2010 :  13:10:57  Reply with Quote
The biggest problem I have with Boudreau as a coach is that he has zero confidence in his goaltenders and that seems to carry through to the rest of the team.

Since Varlamov has come back, Boudreau has used a "you win, your in" strategy with Varlamov and Neuvirth. I understand that in some cases when you don't have a bonified number 1 goalie it can work. But Varlamov came back from his injury and played outstanding for his first few games in nets while Neuvirth was hurt. Then he loses one game and its back to Neuvirth, then back to Varlamov, then Neuvirth, etc...

If the goalie lets in 4 or 5 goals then fine, switch him up. But if he plays well and loses the game by one goal or WAS gets shut out, its hard to blame the goalie, but thats exactly what Boudreau seems to do.

I remember last year, Theodore had a ridiculous record (20-0-3 after Jan 13) going into the playoffs as the team's number 1 goalie. Then he loses game 1 to MTL and Boudreau immediately goes to Varlamov.

I know theres not much room for error in the playoffs but how can a goalie play with any confidence when he knows the moment he loses a game he's out of the net?
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Guest3152
( )

Posted - 12/13/2010 :  20:03:22  Reply with Quote
So Beans, you're saying that because MTL PK shut down WSH PP it was simply because Boudreau was out coached? It had nothing to do with a stellar goalie that stopped 40+ shots regularly? Or the players that were out there on the PK that sacrificed bodies to get into all the shooting lanes in keep WSH shooters to the outside? Right...

And you stated that based on the caps LINEUP on paper that they SHOULD be #1 in the NHL. That's what I disagreed with.

What does that have to do with them being the president trophy winners last year?? Just because a team is tops one year they automatically should be again the year after? No other team on paper got better? Or there was no other team the year previous who should have been tops, but underachieved that particular year?

For me, on paper the best team is Philadelphia. The depth at forward is stronger than any other team (Richards, Carter, Briere, Giroux, Leino, Hartnell as top 6 is hard to match) and the defense consists of both puck movers and strong shutdown guys. The only thing that is against them is probably an unproven goalie.

But back to the point, Boudreau shouldn't be fired because the caps are still one of the top teams in the east and they are about where they should be. Sure, they could be better but for a team based around offense and your top player only has 12 goals...there are bound to be some bumps in the road and games where when the offense can't get it done, they will lose to teams they can beat on paper.
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MyTeamRules
Top Prospect



72 Posts

Posted - 12/13/2010 :  21:03:25  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Out goalie coached then?
Out Special Line Coached then?
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Beans15
Moderator



Canada
8286 Posts

Posted - 12/13/2010 :  21:14:15  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Well guest, you are also missing that Montreal blocked a pile of shots in that series, played incredibly well through the neutral zone, and capitalized(no pun intended) on their chance.

I agree that Halak was a huge part of that win. No argument here. However, the other part of that Montreal win was that team executing dead on their game plan. That's coaching. Furthermore, Boudreau had 7 games to figure out what Martin was doing. That did not happen. Washington's game plan did not change one bit through that entire series.

I firmly believe that if Washington had a coach like Barry Trotz, Joel Quinville, or Mike Babcock it would have been a different story. Unfortunately, neither of our theories can be proven so I will agree to disagree.


That being said, yes, the team who won the President's Trophy the year previous, specifically when their roster remains virtually unchanged, are normally the favorite the following year.

King of the Castle until someone knocks you off the tower. It was pretty common for Washington to be the Vegas odds favorites at the start of the season.
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tbar
PickupHockey Pro



Canada
376 Posts

Posted - 12/14/2010 :  06:47:41  Show Profile  Reply with Quote

Beans "I firmly believe that if Washington had a coach like Barry Trotz, Joel Quinville, or Mike Babcock it would have been a different story. Unfortunately, neither of our theories can be proven so I will agree to disagree."

Who’s to say that the players on this team can’t relate to these guys and don’t want to play for them? BB may not make the call "coach Beans" would like but as far as I can tell the players enjoy playing for him.

In Junior I had 1 coach who was a d***, and nobody would play for him. The coach has to figure out his teams strengths and play to them and I would say that’s what he is doing. The only problem right now the team can’t buy goals and generally that's their strength.


Also who’s to say any of the coaches you mentioned above wouldn’t play a run and gun style hockey game with this team??
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n/a
deleted



4809 Posts

Posted - 12/14/2010 :  08:03:06  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Who's commenting on here, Boudreau's family? The pp and pk have nothing to do withthe coach?

So . . . did any of you actually WATCH that Montreal/Washington series - those that are defending the coaching style of Boudreau? Seriously?

Halak played well, yes . . . but the system remained absolutely the same, and the style never wavered, even when it was clear that Montreal's gameplan was now working. A lot of shots, yes - but they mostly remained from the perimeter. The power play was essentially killed as well, and still - no change, no change, no change. Even in post game comments after a loss, Boudreau would continue to imply that all Washington had to do was keep plugging away at the same thing, and eventually they would get that 4th win. As we all now know, it didn't happen.

No, the ultimate responsibility for the pp, the pk, and defensive system (and yes, that has a HUGE bearing on how your average goalie performs!) rests on the coach's shoulders. HE dictates who his assistants are, so that they implement HIS system. HE gives the general mandate to all his staff, and it flows outward from there.

With the talent that Washington has for their power play, they should be #1 or #2 in the league, hands down. Where are they now? 8th, with teams like Atlanta and Minnesota ahead of them.

If you are going to argue that the power play and pk have little to do with coaching, do you then say that it's just a happenstance miracle that the pretty telentless Atlanta Thrashers have the #4 power play at 23%?!? Ooohhh . . . Peverly, Little, Ladd, Antropov, Byfuglien . . . they must be so much better than Ovechkin, Backstrom, Semin, Green!

Poppycock!

"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
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ToXXiK1
PickupHockey Pro



Canada
696 Posts

Posted - 12/14/2010 :  08:08:17  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Poppycock??? LOL, how old did you say you are Slozo?

Heh
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Guest1747
( )

Posted - 12/14/2010 :  08:32:59  Reply with Quote
you know what frustrates me.. is why you guys bring up the playoffs. we aren't even at the mid way point of the season. if every coach got fired because his team had a rough 8 games.. well there wouldnt be very many familiar faces behind the bench would there? these guys will work it out. pittsburg stinked at the beginning of the year to but now look at them. The players play the game don't they?
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Guest1747
( )

Posted - 12/14/2010 :  08:36:12  Reply with Quote
You want to know why washington used the same system every game against montreal? because they fired 40+ shots at halak every game. those weren't just typical shots, they were legit scoring chances. They ran into a goalie (Halak) who was on his head lighting it up. 95% of the time, a goalie can't do that for 6 games.
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tbar
PickupHockey Pro



Canada
376 Posts

Posted - 12/14/2010 :  09:25:23  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
So tell me something Slozo.....Washington is in a bad slump now correct? has been for a good chunk of games correct? then why the hell is the PP still number 8 if they dont know what they are doing? And honestly by the end of the year you know damb well it will be in the top 5 if not 3 with BB behind the bench.


Note: I dont think BB is the best coach but I also dont think he is the reason they are having problems as of late...or last year against Montreal. If that were the case he would be gone simple as that. (guess what guys people get paid to decide who coaches the team he picks).

Edited by - tbar on 12/14/2010 09:32:23
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Beans15
Moderator



Canada
8286 Posts

Posted - 12/14/2010 :  12:50:48  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
This is not one season or one off season. Washington has underacheived for 2 straight seasons and now are headed for a 3rd.

And it's obvious that people are missing the point being made by BB in last year's playoffs. It's not that they lost, it's that he did nothing to change the system. When a good coach runs into a system that he is not beating, he must change his structure to combat the opposition. Another example of this was the Oilers Cup run in 2006. Edmonton went that entire season playing a specific brand of defense. Primarily, prevent in their own end, gain control and then move out. However, in the playoffs, MacTavish rolled out a trap. What?? A trap??? By the time Babcock figured it out, it was too late. But he did change his system to fight it.

Boudreau was out coached last year, he was out coached the year before, and he is currently proving his coaching abilities. Teams of Washington's caliber should never get shut out 4 times in 13 games. But if it does happen, it is 100% up to the coach to get them back on track.


To the point of Washington being 8th in the NHL in PP. Why, when the line up for the PP is completely unchanged, did Washington drop from #1 in the NHL last year to 8th this year??? Same players right??? Same coach right??? Players execute on a coaches plan. Obviously the NHL teams have wised up to Washington's PP from last season and BB has not changed anything. So they are getting defended better.

Just another example of a far below average coach being supported by a brilliant team.

I go by to my orginal statement. The comparison is never how well a team is performing in the standings. It's a comparison to how they play against their potential. Washington has a potential of so much more..........
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tbar
PickupHockey Pro



Canada
376 Posts

Posted - 12/14/2010 :  13:15:15  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Beans "And it's obvious that people are missing the point being made by BB in last year's playoffs. It's not that they lost, it's that he did nothing to change the system. When a good coach runs into a system that he is not beating, he must change his structure to combat the opposition. Another example of this was the Oilers Cup run in 2006. Edmonton went that entire season playing a specific brand of defense. Primarily, prevent in their own end, gain control and then move out. However, in the playoffs, MacTavish rolled out a trap. What?? A trap??? By the time Babcock figured it out, it was too late. But he did change his system to fight it. "

I have to disagree with that statement.

You really think Babcock didn’t realize the Oilers were trapping? This explains allot. He knew it and he beat it, his team just couldn’t finish in that series.

Why should BB have changed his "system" they out played Montreal so bad it was hard to watch. They literally had 15 GOOD if not GREAT scoring chances each game they lost. They just could not bury the biscuit. THEY GOT BEAT BY HALAK, NOT MONTREALS COACH.

You mention the Oilers cup run Beans.....I believe it was a guy named Roloson who put the team on his back and took them to within inches of the Cup.

Anyone remember Giguere throwin the Mighty Ducks on his back and taking them to the finals only to lose to the Devils? You remember the first round? it was Detroit Vs. Anaheim and Scotty was still coaching back then if I’m not mistaken. Probably one of the best all time but at the end of the day he couldn’t go score a goal and neither can BB.

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Beans15
Moderator



Canada
8286 Posts

Posted - 12/14/2010 :  14:17:39  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Well, it's obvious that you and I watch a very different game. I watched each of the series you speak of and you are correct in that each time the goalie carried a big load. However, and specifically with the Edmonton run, Roloson was great but not even remotely close to the only reason that team did what they did. MacTavish was brilliant in his approach. He played Detroit, San Jose, and Anaheim with three distinct systems that were very effective against their opponents. He ran into his match in Peter Laviolette. Magically, Laviolette took an 8th place team to the finals last year!

Absolutely, 100% that if you take either Roloson or MacTavish out of that playoff run and the Oilers were not nearly as successful. It was not all Roloson. Same as last season in Montreal. People fail to remember that Montreal did not just beat Washington, but also Pittsburgh. It was only when they ran into a very deep and well coached team (Laviolette) in Philly when Martin met his match.

Anyone who thinks that coaching does not have a significant impact on the outcome of the playoffs is simply not paying attention. The players must execute on the coaches plan. The coach must produce a plan that will beat the opposition. In the case of Washington today, I don't think the players are executing nor do I think the coach has a sniff today. Last season, the players were will and there but the coach didn't switch it up.


Consider this, Nashville and Buffalo are competitive every single season. Every year those two teams find a way to fight to the playoffs when they have no business being there if you look at their talent pool. How does that happen?? Coaching.

Eventually, a great team with a great coach will run into a better team with a better coach. Case in point, last year's Finals. One could argue that Chicago was even or slightly lesser talent wise than Philly. However, Quinnville is the consensus top coach in the game today. A great team (for example Washington last year) will often be bested by a lesser team(Montreal) if the lesser team has a far superior coach (Martin).

Even look at these seasons so far. Montreal has the same number of wins as Washington and one few point in 2 fewer games. No one is going to say that Montreal's team is more talented than Washington. Never. How does that happen???

Coaching.
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Guest1791
( )

Posted - 12/14/2010 :  20:11:15  Reply with Quote
washingtons underachieved 2 straight years?

THE same washington capitals who won the presidents trophy last year? haha under achieved.. i woud call there playoff last year "unlucky" because they excuted triple the amount of scoring chances that montreal did. Halak just gained temporary super powers. They aren't under achievers, just simply unexperienced in playoffs. it's only been 2 years of good playoff positions, 3rd times a charm.
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Beans15
Moderator



Canada
8286 Posts

Posted - 12/14/2010 :  20:49:43  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Guest1791

washingtons underachieved 2 straight years?

THE same washington capitals who won the presidents trophy last year? haha under achieved.. i woud call there playoff last year "unlucky" because they excuted triple the amount of scoring chances that montreal did. Halak just gained temporary super powers. They aren't under achievers, just simply unexperienced in playoffs. it's only been 2 years of good playoff positions, 3rd times a charm.




Hmm, I guess finishing 1st in the SW for 3 straight years, once finishing 1st in the NHL and not being able to get out of the conference semi's must be achieving.

If you want a comparison talent to talent, take a look at Detroit. Similar performance in the regular season in the same time period, but a Cup, a Finals, and the conference semis.

What's the difference??? Could it be coaching???
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TheRC
Rookie



105 Posts

Posted - 12/14/2010 :  21:25:58  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I'll agree that Washington could use a new coach, but even on their slump they are high enough up in the stangings that Boudreau's job is safe for a while. It would take another couple weeks of constant losing, almost to the point of Washington falling out of a playoff spot, before I'd expect anything. Replacing the coach just isn't something you do mid-season to a team in playoff position. After the playoffs if the Capitals burn out in the first round or early in the second, *especially* if they only finish 6th or 7th in the East in the regular season, then I'd expect it.

As for the debate over the Montreal series, I'll admit that Halak turned in the performance of the lifetime, and without him Montreal stood no chance, but I'll still fault Boudreau for the loss. Montreal got better as the series went on, while Washington did not. As a coach in a playoff series, after one close loss, you don't worry. After two, you start to think about what you can change, and after three, even if you haven't been losing by much, you need to make adjustments. This isn't regular season where you play a different team every night. No coach should ever go in to a game 7 saying "we're just going to play our system." (Well, maybe say it for the point of the media, but don't actually do it!)

Point is, by the end of a playoff series the other team KNOWS your system, and you know theirs. The win is going to go to the coach who gets his team to expliot the gaps in the other team's game, and plug the holes in their own, it's as simple as that. Halak played great, I won't deny that, but he wasn't unstoppable. Washington's shots were good shots, but not against a Montreal team that had adjusted their style to defend against them. Washington couldn't make any adjustments of their own, and they lost. Whose job is it to adjust? The coach.

"If at first you don't succeed, you fail"
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Mario 66
PickupHockey Pro



Canada
360 Posts

Posted - 12/15/2010 :  15:51:15  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Everyone is quick to jump at the fact the caps dont have any D, They have young talent with Alzner, Green & Carlson & stable solid veterans erksine, Poti & now Scott Hannan seems to me like they have a solid d core so i fail to see this arguement

If you wanted to argue that their overall defensive system is flawed then you reach the core of the caps problems. The last three yrs the southeast divisions has been simply anemic. All teams with the exception of the caps had been battling for either the final playoff spot or first pick in the draft. This in turn gave the caps an easy 40 points the last couple of yrs thus making them look like a dominant team and hiding their flaws. This yr the division has returned to respectible and thus the caps are not so dynamic.

Offensively they have dynamic talent however they also have many defensive liabilities in their forward group. They have a run and gun style of play with the hope that they will outscore people everynight. With Ovechkin & Semin on the same line their is almost always a guarntee that when they lose the puck the other team will break the other way on an odd man rush. D cannot be blamed when you have players who refuse to sacrifice their stats for the good of the team.

Washington will never be anything more then a good regular season team until they develop a defensive scheme that allows them to transition with speed as oppose their current style which is a score at all cost with no forwards in sight in the defensive zone.

Unless Scotty Bowman is coming out of retirement or their is a coach out their with the fire of the late great Pat Burns who is willing to take the chance of benching ovechkin & pissing him off for his refusal to back check or pick up a man then washington will always be super talented team with the tag "What could of been" next to their team.

Lemieux owns Gretzky
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Beans15
Moderator



Canada
8286 Posts

Posted - 12/15/2010 :  16:40:30  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
There is a coach out there with a proven track record with a number of different teams. He has coached the best offensive players and best defensive players, coached teams with various levels of talent, and ultimate has produced. He has a Cup, he has proven that almost every player he has buys into his system. He is always brought into International Competitions on some level of the coaching staff.

Ken Hitchcock is sitting around getting moldy. He would be brilliant in the environment in Washington.

Mark my words, either before the end of this season or through the summer, Hitchcock will be coaching in either Washington or Vancouver. Both teams with loads of talent that should be competing for the Cup who have been outcoached in the past 2 playoff seasons.

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Guest1747
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Posted - 12/16/2010 :  08:34:03  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Beans15

There is a coach out there with a proven track record with a number of different teams. He has coached the best offensive players and best defensive players, coached teams with various levels of talent, and ultimate has produced. He has a Cup, he has proven that almost every player he has buys into his system. He is always brought into International Competitions on some level of the coaching staff.

Ken Hitchcock is sitting around getting moldy. He would be brilliant in the environment in Washington.

Mark my words, either before the end of this season or through the summer, Hitchcock will be coaching in either Washington or Vancouver. Both teams with loads of talent that should be competing for the Cup who have been outcoached in the past 2 playoff seasons.




Your right! he is getting moldy.. because he can't keep a job. See, there is a reason people get "moldy" and the Washington players need to figuere thigs out themselves.

This isn't basketball, where you make your plays in 24 seconds and have tons of time to figuere out what your going to do. Hockey is a much more simpler sport which involves fast pace and quick reactionsand washingtons reaction time has just been off this past while. You can't make plays for many of the scoring that you see. The players don't seem to get any blame for this. But THEY need to step up and play with intensity, no more of Ovechkins straight back skating. He is my hero but frick does that guy know how to slack off, espicially in this givin situation. You wouldn't see crosby doddling around with his back at a 90 degree angle, and i don't even really like Crosby..
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top cheese
Top Prospect



Canada
15 Posts

Posted - 12/16/2010 :  10:42:04  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
with a 7 game winless streak they are still in 2nd in the conference. I'm not saying there probably aren't better coaches out there then BB but...... Streaks happen. As I recall the leafs started out 4-0-1. This team has been at the top of the conference for years and there still technically there. I wouldn't jump the gun on firing BB yet. Lot's of hockey left to be played and the caps always make deadline deals. I just find it hard to fire a guy with a really good winning record. I'm actually banking they have a pretty good run this year. I said the exact same thing about philly last year around this time when they were in 10th spot.
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n/a
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4809 Posts

Posted - 12/16/2010 :  15:18:54  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
The only argument I can see from those saying it's not the coach's fault, is that it's a long season, and yes, losing streaks do happen. Yes, Washington is a great team with a great record, even with an 8 game losing streak now.

But when a coach has lost the room, he needs to go. It happens to good coaches, mediocre coaches, and bad coaches.

And after watching that HBO special on the Pens/Caps, watching that rant in the dressing room by Boudreau where he says for them to "get some #$@%'in confidence, you losers!" and then the Caps let in a few more goals for a 7-0 loss . . . it says to me that the players are not listening.

If Boudreau stays, we'll see what excuses the Caps can come up with when they lose in the first or second round.

"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
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MyTeamRules
Top Prospect



72 Posts

Posted - 12/16/2010 :  17:23:39  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Washington is not deserving of an 8 game losing streak, some adjustments have to be made. Just fire the Coach and be done with it.

”If you've only got one day to live, come see the Toronto Maple Leafs. It'll seem like forever. ” - Pat
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tbar
PickupHockey Pro



Canada
376 Posts

Posted - 12/22/2010 :  07:03:17  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
So now they have a 2 game winning streak......still calling for his head?
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