http://www.whl.ca/schedule/show/game/65567
Halloween fun at the Enmax Centre.
First game for newcomers Riley Sheen and Carter Folk.
I for one, was extremely disappointed in this game. Not in the effort, so much as the plan...again. As long as the Drake keeps insisting that his systems are going to stay, so will the 0.200 Win%.
There were only a couple of entertaining moments in this one for me. A couple of Boes saves early were real good, but then negated by the weak Broncos second period goal. Kade Jensen made a real nice defensive play late in the third I liked a lot. Sheen up the right wing and backhand goal along the ice was nice. Wong to Ramsay, roofed for the second goal was real good. Duke's (two) rushes; I thought the first SHOULD have ended in a holding penalty against the Broncos, the other he made a great move around the defender, then a last effort spin pass attempt to Axel who wasn't competing very hard for the pass- Boy, is he impressive... DUKE, that is, not Axel. I also liked Duke, Sheen, Ramsay.
I would love to see way more of Olynek, Laurencelle, and Estephan and way less of Axel. I sure don't see how Axel is deserving of his enormous minutes. Are the Jets paying the Drake to play their boy? He is way too selfish out there for my liking. Very little physical play, dodging checks and coughing up the puck, and not using his teammates nearly enough for me. He has only a point or two more than both Estephan and Laurencelle, yet he is getting at LEAST twice as much ice time. WHY?
It is still the same bad plan to me resulting in most of the play in OUR end. You can see the opposition forwards positioning themselves to intercept where they know our players are going to play the puck. Then its giveaway after giveaway, &/or off the glass to centre ice, back in our zone, off the glass to centre ice, back in our zone... and WAY too much "Matador Defence" against players attacking our net.
On the positive side, I liked our aggressive fore check most of the game, and it was pretty much a PERFECT 60 minute execution of the Drake's plan which resulted in being out shot in every period then giving up another lead... to lose to a .500 team ... that has a 3-7 past-10 record... in OUR barn...so whats not to like?
Another date with a .500 club in the Tri City Americans this weekend, then Brandon on Sunday, currently at only 7W-9L, and 3w-7L past-10, but very likely to lose one more in Everett before they get here near the end of their long and unsuccessful road trip to the USA. - TWO more great opportunities for the Canes to figure out how to win with this wonderful "system" they have.
Blog moderation on this page has been...DISABLED - This is a fan blog. The opinions, ruminations and their translations, of the author and the blog posters are opinions or banter for discussion only. In no way is this blog meant to represent the views of the owners, players, coaches, board members, broadcasters, partners, or sponsors of the Lethbridge Hurricanes. Any collision with truth is strictly coincidental.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Next up: Broncos at Hurricanes: Tues, Oct 29, 2013
The Lethbridge Hurricanes will face the Swift Current Broncos this Tuesday, Oct 29th. Should be a fun and probably surprisingly well attended weekday game (Halloween costumes and energetic fans for "Former Lethbridge Hurricanes" vs "Current-but-maybe-soon-to-be-Former Lethbridge Hurricanes") with at least one additional subplot.
The last time the Broncos were in Lethbridge, it was Jan 5, 2013... a couple days before "the trade." Josh Derko did not dress in that game as he was injured. Merkley had no points, no penalties, and was not in the shootout. Broncos scored twice on Ty Rimmer in the shootout for the 3-2 victory. This will be the first meeting of the two teams since the trade.
Derko did not play in Canes most recent game. Hopefully he is able to make this one.
Derko vs Merkley Trade - A Rich Preston Deal
Jan 7, 2013 - Josh Derko from Swift Current Broncos (and a 3rd round 2014 Bantam pick) to Lethbridge Hurricanes for Jay Merkley.
Numbers since the trade-
Derko 2012-13: 22GP, 5-4-9 (-5) 51PIM Derko 2013-14: 14GP, 4-1-5 (-7) 26PIM
Merkley 2012-13: 29GP, 2-6-8 (-1) 8PIM Merkley 2013-14: 15GP, 3-7-10 (-5) 4PIM
And now their respective playoff points...
Derko 2012-13: - Missed playoffs
Merkley 2012-13: 5GP, 1A (-4) 4PIM
This is Derko's final year of eligibility for the WHL. Merkley is eligible through the 2015-2016 season (two more seasons after this one).
The Lethbridge Hurricanes will face the Swift Current Broncos this Tuesday, Oct 29th. Should be a fun and probably surprisingly well attended weekday game (Halloween costumes and energetic fans for "Former Lethbridge Hurricanes" vs "Current-but-maybe-soon-to-be-Former Lethbridge Hurricanes") with at least one additional subplot.
The last time the Broncos were in Lethbridge, it was Jan 5, 2013... a couple days before "the trade." Josh Derko did not dress in that game as he was injured. Merkley had no points, no penalties, and was not in the shootout. Broncos scored twice on Ty Rimmer in the shootout for the 3-2 victory. This will be the first meeting of the two teams since the trade.
Derko did not play in Canes most recent game. Hopefully he is able to make this one.
Derko vs Merkley Trade - A Rich Preston Deal
Jan 7, 2013 - Josh Derko from Swift Current Broncos (and a 3rd round 2014 Bantam pick) to Lethbridge Hurricanes for Jay Merkley.
Numbers since the trade-
Derko 2012-13: 22GP, 5-4-9 (-5) 51PIM Derko 2013-14: 14GP, 4-1-5 (-7) 26PIM
Merkley 2012-13: 29GP, 2-6-8 (-1) 8PIM Merkley 2013-14: 15GP, 3-7-10 (-5) 4PIM
And now their respective playoff points...
Derko 2012-13: - Missed playoffs
Merkley 2012-13: 5GP, 1A (-4) 4PIM
This is Derko's final year of eligibility for the WHL. Merkley is eligible through the 2015-2016 season (two more seasons after this one).
2013-14 Standings (Broncos and Canes each played 15 games)
| Rank | Eastern Conference | GP | W | L | OTL | SL | PTS | PCT | GF | GA | STK | P10 | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | * - Calgary Hitmen | 15 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 21 | 0.700 | 56 | 51 | 6-0-1-2 | 6-1-1-2 | 246 |
| 2 | * - Prince Albert Raiders | 14 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 17 | 0.607 | 50 | 49 | 1-0-0-0 | 4-5-1-0 | 217 |
| 3 | Edmonton Oil Kings | 15 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 17 | 0.567 | 57 | 44 | 3-0-0-0 | 6-3-0-1 | 280 |
| 4 | Medicine Hat Tigers | 12 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 16 | 0.667 | 47 | 34 | 0-2-1-0 | 5-3-2-0 | 200 |
| 5 | Saskatoon Blades | 15 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 16 | 0.533 | 53 | 57 | 1-0-0-0 | 7-1-0-2 | 209 |
| 6 | Moose Jaw Warriors | 16 | 6 | 7 | 1 | 2 | 15 | 0.469 | 41 | 50 | 1-0-0-0 | 3-4-1-2 | 238 |
| 7 | Brandon Wheat Kings | 13 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0.538 | 44 | 50 | 0-1-0-0 | 5-5-0-0 | 170 |
| 8 | Regina Pats | 14 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0.500 | 41 | 48 | 0-2-0-0 | 6-4-0-0 | 270 |
| 9 | Kootenay Ice | 14 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 14 | 0.500 | 40 | 45 | 0-1-1-0 | 4-4-2-0 | 152 |
| 10 | Swift Current Broncos | 15 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 13 | 0.433 | 49 | 49 | 0-5-0-0 | 3-7-0-0 | 245 |
| 11 | Red Deer Rebels | 14 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 0.429 | 40 | 45 | 0-4-0-0 | 3-7-0-0 | 222 |
| 12 | Lethbridge Hurricanes | 15 | 2 | 11 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 0.200 | 38 | 74 | 0-2-1-0 | 1-8-1-0 | 287 |
Friday, October 25, 2013
Lethbridge Hurricanes get Bitten Hard in Third by the Jaw. Lose 4-3 in OT
http://www.whl.ca/schedule/show/game/65547
Before the game, it became known to fans that the trade requested by Hurricane players Jaimen Yakubowski ('94) and Sam Mckechnie ('94) had been made. Both players to Seattle for left wing forwards Riley Sheen ('94), Carter Folk ('96), and a third round pick in 2015 Bantam draft.
http://www.lethbridgehurricanes.com/article/canes-make-deal-with-seattle
Along with the tremendously poor start to the season, this continues to be the season of unanswered play by the Lethbridge Hurricanes. Similar to the home game against the Saskatoon Blades, where the Canes scored seven times before allowing the Blades to answer with five unanswered, this game featured three goals by the Canes then four by the visiting Moose Jaw Warriors.
The Hurricanes and the Warriors exchanged scoring opportunities in the first and second periods. The Canes made the best of theirs and enjoyed a 3-0 lead through forty minutes with shots "even" at 19-20.
The visiting team that was supposed to be "so tired and weary" from their previous night's game and overnight travel absolutely dominated the third period play in shots and in scoring. A powerplay goal scored in the first minute of the third while Cane forward Axel Blomqvist was serving time for his laziness during a late second period Hurricane powerplay started off the comeback. Another powerplay goal during a Kade Jensen hooking penalty would make it 3-2 and easily within reach. Watching the play, it was obvious it was just a matter of time, and as a matter of fact, they scored again with about four and one-half minutes left in the third for a 3-3 score.
The Canes would hold on for a point, but lose in overtime when Moose Jaw's leading point man and defender, Travis Brown, would intercept a Reid Duke clearing attempt to bend the twine for the Jaw's fourth unanswered of the game, and Brown's second of the game.
I have always looked forward to watching Reid Duke play. He looked particularly frustrated in this game; in the systems, his role, and especially and naturally after his give away that resulted in the Moose Jaw game winning goal. I wonder how long until his agent and family requests a trade?
Before the game, it became known to fans that the trade requested by Hurricane players Jaimen Yakubowski ('94) and Sam Mckechnie ('94) had been made. Both players to Seattle for left wing forwards Riley Sheen ('94), Carter Folk ('96), and a third round pick in 2015 Bantam draft.
http://www.lethbridgehurricanes.com/article/canes-make-deal-with-seattle
Along with the tremendously poor start to the season, this continues to be the season of unanswered play by the Lethbridge Hurricanes. Similar to the home game against the Saskatoon Blades, where the Canes scored seven times before allowing the Blades to answer with five unanswered, this game featured three goals by the Canes then four by the visiting Moose Jaw Warriors.
The Hurricanes and the Warriors exchanged scoring opportunities in the first and second periods. The Canes made the best of theirs and enjoyed a 3-0 lead through forty minutes with shots "even" at 19-20.
The visiting team that was supposed to be "so tired and weary" from their previous night's game and overnight travel absolutely dominated the third period play in shots and in scoring. A powerplay goal scored in the first minute of the third while Cane forward Axel Blomqvist was serving time for his laziness during a late second period Hurricane powerplay started off the comeback. Another powerplay goal during a Kade Jensen hooking penalty would make it 3-2 and easily within reach. Watching the play, it was obvious it was just a matter of time, and as a matter of fact, they scored again with about four and one-half minutes left in the third for a 3-3 score.
The Canes would hold on for a point, but lose in overtime when Moose Jaw's leading point man and defender, Travis Brown, would intercept a Reid Duke clearing attempt to bend the twine for the Jaw's fourth unanswered of the game, and Brown's second of the game.
I have always looked forward to watching Reid Duke play. He looked particularly frustrated in this game; in the systems, his role, and especially and naturally after his give away that resulted in the Moose Jaw game winning goal. I wonder how long until his agent and family requests a trade?
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
The UnNatural Virtanen Hat Trick leads Hitmen to 6-3 Victory to end Canes 1-game Win Streak
http://www.whl.ca/schedule/show/game/65537
3 Shots for 3 goals by Virtanen, but separated by Remi Laurencelle's first of the year from his little buddy Tyler, gave the Hitmen a 3-1 lead after one, but made "Natural Hat Trick" the Wong call for former Canes broadcaster Brad Curle, and his not-so-bright homer sidekick, Ken Thrower.
Brassart's first of the game (7) came off of a shot going wide, but directed in by Ryan Pilon's skate. Three minutes later, a Pilon shot from the point looked to be tipped in by Estephan and after a review, counted for the Canes second of the game.
Separated only by a goal knocked into their own net by Pilon, a goal called off due to Blomqvist interference with Hitmen tender, and a Hitmen empty netter; this one was much closer than the final score suggests. Canes were outshot 16-3 in the third period, but otherwise a very respectable effort against the conference's first place team.
3 Shots for 3 goals by Virtanen, but separated by Remi Laurencelle's first of the year from his little buddy Tyler, gave the Hitmen a 3-1 lead after one, but made "Natural Hat Trick" the Wong call for former Canes broadcaster Brad Curle, and his not-so-bright homer sidekick, Ken Thrower.
Brassart's first of the game (7) came off of a shot going wide, but directed in by Ryan Pilon's skate. Three minutes later, a Pilon shot from the point looked to be tipped in by Estephan and after a review, counted for the Canes second of the game.
Separated only by a goal knocked into their own net by Pilon, a goal called off due to Blomqvist interference with Hitmen tender, and a Hitmen empty netter; this one was much closer than the final score suggests. Canes were outshot 16-3 in the third period, but otherwise a very respectable effort against the conference's first place team.
Blades in LA: Goals Unanswered Dream, Goals Unanswered Nightmare
http://www.whl.ca/schedule/show/game/65529
First Period: 2/2 on the powerplay, marginally outshot, but leading 3-0.
Second Period: A couple more powerplays and four more unanswered goals later, the Canes were four seconds away from taking a 7-0 lead into the second intermission.
Cue the Blades comeback? Yup. Beware of giving up a goal in the last minute of a period? Yup.
7-1 after two periods. Shots almost even with the Blades having the edge by a single shot after 40 minutes (25-24).
Third Period: The unanswered theme of the game would continue. Along with the first seven goals by the Canes, they also enjoyed eight minutes of unanswered powerplay time. Continuing from late in the second, almost as if they looked at the Game Summary, the stripes would create some momentum for the Blades that they couldn't generate themselves. The Blades would enjoy six unanswered powerplays, and capitalized on four to make it 7-5 with almost five minutes still left in the contest.
The refs arms remained down for the Canes fans despite Tyler Wong being hit from behind into the boards more than once, and the Blades Scherbak orchestrated much of the impressive comeback before he stalled it by taking an interference penalty with three and a half left in the third. Wong would get his revenge on the Blades though, and it was on the scoreboard, with his third of the night, and the hats flew to show him the love. That is how it would finish; 7 by the Canes, 5 by the Blades, and Wong's empty netter to secure the trick and the 8-5 win. WHEW! Out-shot 44-33 thanks to a 19-9 Blades/reffing exposition, but two points in the bank.
Pink In The Rink: Breast Cancer Awareness nigh up next. Tuesday, Oct 22nd
Opponent: Defending WHL Champs: The Logo-stealing, WHL-recruitment-rule-breakers, Portland Winter Hawks.
First Period: 2/2 on the powerplay, marginally outshot, but leading 3-0.
Second Period: A couple more powerplays and four more unanswered goals later, the Canes were four seconds away from taking a 7-0 lead into the second intermission.
Cue the Blades comeback? Yup. Beware of giving up a goal in the last minute of a period? Yup.
7-1 after two periods. Shots almost even with the Blades having the edge by a single shot after 40 minutes (25-24).
Third Period: The unanswered theme of the game would continue. Along with the first seven goals by the Canes, they also enjoyed eight minutes of unanswered powerplay time. Continuing from late in the second, almost as if they looked at the Game Summary, the stripes would create some momentum for the Blades that they couldn't generate themselves. The Blades would enjoy six unanswered powerplays, and capitalized on four to make it 7-5 with almost five minutes still left in the contest.
The refs arms remained down for the Canes fans despite Tyler Wong being hit from behind into the boards more than once, and the Blades Scherbak orchestrated much of the impressive comeback before he stalled it by taking an interference penalty with three and a half left in the third. Wong would get his revenge on the Blades though, and it was on the scoreboard, with his third of the night, and the hats flew to show him the love. That is how it would finish; 7 by the Canes, 5 by the Blades, and Wong's empty netter to secure the trick and the 8-5 win. WHEW! Out-shot 44-33 thanks to a 19-9 Blades/reffing exposition, but two points in the bank.
Pink In The Rink: Breast Cancer Awareness nigh up next. Tuesday, Oct 22nd
Opponent: Defending WHL Champs: The Logo-stealing, WHL-recruitment-rule-breakers, Portland Winter Hawks.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Rockets and OGO P OGO symmetrically spoil Canes Culture 6 - 0
http://www.whl.ca/schedule/show/game/65514
62 - 26 shots
2 goals in each period
3/13 on the powerplay
Rockets are a good team that the Canes made look like Stanley Cup contenders in this one.
Another game where I felt very sorry for the Canes players.
Keep firing pucks over the glass, coach... maybe they will stop calling that penalty??
The Drake needs to decide real soon...
Either his SYSTEMS stink, Or...
the players all do.
Either his SYSTEM is wrong for this team... Or...
ALL the players on this team are too stupid to understand or execute it.
In the pre-game 94.1fm radio interview, when the Drake said that "they were getting better," what exactly was he referring to?? The Blazers just finished handing the Canes their LUNCH to the tune of 7-1 just a couple of nights earlier!
Get OVER your systems, Drake... THEY SUCK! If you can't tell that they suck, then YOU suck as a coach!
Your systems were so stellar, they earned you a 28-37 losing record in the ECHL with the Orlando Solar Bears.
Start from SCRATCH!
Implement something that at least gives your side a CHANCE!
Or HIRE somebody that KNOWS what the H.E.-"double-hockey-sticks" that they are doing!
We must be getting better, right coach?? We gave up 62 shots,... but we still ONLY lost by 6!
How long does a bad GM keep a bad coach in place to lead a team playing bad?
62 - 26 shots
2 goals in each period
3/13 on the powerplay
Rockets are a good team that the Canes made look like Stanley Cup contenders in this one.
Another game where I felt very sorry for the Canes players.
Keep firing pucks over the glass, coach... maybe they will stop calling that penalty??
The Drake needs to decide real soon...
Either his SYSTEMS stink, Or...
the players all do.
Either his SYSTEM is wrong for this team... Or...
ALL the players on this team are too stupid to understand or execute it.
In the pre-game 94.1fm radio interview, when the Drake said that "they were getting better," what exactly was he referring to?? The Blazers just finished handing the Canes their LUNCH to the tune of 7-1 just a couple of nights earlier!
Get OVER your systems, Drake... THEY SUCK! If you can't tell that they suck, then YOU suck as a coach!
Your systems were so stellar, they earned you a 28-37 losing record in the ECHL with the Orlando Solar Bears.
Start from SCRATCH!
Implement something that at least gives your side a CHANCE!
Or HIRE somebody that KNOWS what the H.E.-"double-hockey-sticks" that they are doing!
We must be getting better, right coach?? We gave up 62 shots,... but we still ONLY lost by 6!
How long does a bad GM keep a bad coach in place to lead a team playing bad?
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
10 games into the 2013-14 Lethbridge Hurricanes season of "Culture Change"
2013-14 Regular Season - Conference
10 games into the highly anticipated, heavily marketed, "Change Everything" 2013-2014 WHL season, the Canes, their GM Robson, and their new coach, the Drake, together share the WHL's:
Lowest point total (3)
Worst Win percentage (0.15)
Worst Goals Against Total (50)
Worst Streak (0-6-0-0)
Worst Last 10 Streak (1-8-0-1)
Second Worst Goals For (22; Vancouver Giants have only 19 in 10 games)
How do you like our new "culture" so far?
Is this the really the BEST you can do, COACH?
Are you sure your system is the best for THESE players in THIS league?
How many rounds of golf scoring over 200 LEFT handed before you would try it from the RIGHT side?
How many days in a row do you show up for work an hour late before the boss asks you to leave for work an hour earlier?
How many times do you allow your vehicle to run out of fuel before you fill er up BEFORE you are stranded on the side of the road with the gauge showing EMPTY?
How many excellent young players are we going to lose because of our inflexible team leaders?
It sure doesn't look like ANY player is having any fun out there.
If there is little to no improvement by the time we are 20 games in.... Time to make a better, more achievable plan!
10 games into the highly anticipated, heavily marketed, "Change Everything" 2013-2014 WHL season, the Canes, their GM Robson, and their new coach, the Drake, together share the WHL's:
Lowest point total (3)
Worst Win percentage (0.15)
Worst Goals Against Total (50)
Worst Streak (0-6-0-0)
Worst Last 10 Streak (1-8-0-1)
Second Worst Goals For (22; Vancouver Giants have only 19 in 10 games)
How do you like our new "culture" so far?
Is this the really the BEST you can do, COACH?
Are you sure your system is the best for THESE players in THIS league?
How many rounds of golf scoring over 200 LEFT handed before you would try it from the RIGHT side?
How many days in a row do you show up for work an hour late before the boss asks you to leave for work an hour earlier?
How many times do you allow your vehicle to run out of fuel before you fill er up BEFORE you are stranded on the side of the road with the gauge showing EMPTY?
How many excellent young players are we going to lose because of our inflexible team leaders?
It sure doesn't look like ANY player is having any fun out there.
If there is little to no improvement by the time we are 20 games in.... Time to make a better, more achievable plan!
Monday, October 14, 2013
Blazers saddle Canes with 7-1 whipping. Cane Fans Thankful Wasn't Worse. Would You Care For Some Turkey with That Order?
Worse yet, the Canes player who helped set up the only Cane goal, and who appeared to be creating the most effective offensive chances seemed to be benched (...again...) when the Canes needed him most (Reid Duke). I am very concerned that he might be the next of a growing list of players who want OFF this team.
Then again, why would anyone be that surprised with the results so far this year?
If you hire a coach that has only ever had one year of head coach experience, and that year earned him a losing record, there is a good chance that when you give him another job, you are going to see him continue his losing streak.
Yes, the Drake's Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL were one of three expansion teams in the league last year, so a losing record was probable (after all, the other two teams also had losing records), though the Drake did manage to coach his team to thee WORST last 10 game record of all teams completing the 2012-2013 year in the ECHL.
It sounds like the Drake is a man with a plan, and his plan may be clearly communicated and his intentions may be great, but from all early signs, Canes fans may be watching the WRONG plan... again.
Like his predecessor, the Canes have hired another coach that is finding his way as a head coach.
I saw a lot of mistakes in this game which directly resulted in 5-alarm scoring chances for the Blazers.... Most of which ended up in the Cane net. Not necessarily always or solely on the individual Cane players, but maybe just as heavily or more to blame are the coaches new "systems."
In the pre-season games, and early in the season, I was very encouraged by all the in game talk between the Drake and the players.... with the assumption that it was "good" information being supplied by the coach.
I was encouraged by the coaches talk about "conditioning" and about "implementing systems", and about "coaching" and "teaching"... again, with the assumption that the information being supplied was good information, and it was going to improve their chance for success.
After seeing all the home and away games (some multiple times), and watching the "systems" or rather lack thereof, and watching the deterioration of player reactions and increase in negative body language, the pathetic power play, the GRUESOME 5 on 3 play, the consistent poor positioning and player movement on the PK, and last but not least, the ...off the glass.. off the glass...off the glass...off the glass.. (almost without exception) LOUSY break-out, I am now wondering if it is just smoke and mirrors and window dressing from these coaches.
Then again, why would anyone be that surprised with the results so far this year?
If you hire a coach that has only ever had one year of head coach experience, and that year earned him a losing record, there is a good chance that when you give him another job, you are going to see him continue his losing streak.
Yes, the Drake's Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL were one of three expansion teams in the league last year, so a losing record was probable (after all, the other two teams also had losing records), though the Drake did manage to coach his team to thee WORST last 10 game record of all teams completing the 2012-2013 year in the ECHL.
It sounds like the Drake is a man with a plan, and his plan may be clearly communicated and his intentions may be great, but from all early signs, Canes fans may be watching the WRONG plan... again.
Like his predecessor, the Canes have hired another coach that is finding his way as a head coach.
I saw a lot of mistakes in this game which directly resulted in 5-alarm scoring chances for the Blazers.... Most of which ended up in the Cane net. Not necessarily always or solely on the individual Cane players, but maybe just as heavily or more to blame are the coaches new "systems."
In the pre-season games, and early in the season, I was very encouraged by all the in game talk between the Drake and the players.... with the assumption that it was "good" information being supplied by the coach.
I was encouraged by the coaches talk about "conditioning" and about "implementing systems", and about "coaching" and "teaching"... again, with the assumption that the information being supplied was good information, and it was going to improve their chance for success.
After seeing all the home and away games (some multiple times), and watching the "systems" or rather lack thereof, and watching the deterioration of player reactions and increase in negative body language, the pathetic power play, the GRUESOME 5 on 3 play, the consistent poor positioning and player movement on the PK, and last but not least, the ...off the glass.. off the glass...off the glass...off the glass.. (almost without exception) LOUSY break-out, I am now wondering if it is just smoke and mirrors and window dressing from these coaches.
I hope I am wrong about the head coach, but I would have much preferred the Canes had hired a head coach from the Bantam or Midget leagues that has shown he can win consistently rather a former NHLer that has a single or multiple losing seasons as a head coach. Just because you are a good student, it doesn't imply you are going to be a good teacher, leader, or coach.
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