Keenan rips the Oilers during their game against the Wild last night
Quote:
“You can’t go every single night and rely on skill. You’ve got to go to a different package from time to time. You’re not winning games at home? Find a way to win. Get involved emotionally. I watch this game and it’s as flat as can be. You can have all the skill, or talk about all these kids with super skills, they’re listening too much with all the super skills they’ve got, because they’re not executing. Get the job done. Get a little bit of grit into your game.
“We had super skilled players in Edmonton, (Glenn) Anderson, (Mark) Messier, (Jari) Kurri, Gretz wasn’t of that ilk, but Kevin Lowe, their president he was as fierce a competitor as I’ve ever coached (with Cup-winning Rangers team) and I don’t see it in this team. They got no personality.”
“I’m a results oriented guy and I don’t see any results.”
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David Staples, writing the story, goes on to agree. It would be tough not to.
Unfortunately, perhaps minus the "super skills" bit, the same could be said for the Flames. They are not winning games at home. They lack toughness, lack grit, and appear to lack determination (though a few comebacks this season have shown a hint of spark).
As we all know, Jarome used to be that straw stirring the drink, but outside of the game where he fought, he's looked as passive as I've ever seen him. In the first few games of the season he seemed at least engaged in the play, but certainly not fiery or passionate as he's been throughout much of his career. Since that time, though, I can't say as though I've seen much of anything.
The fourth line provides some energy and grit but there's only so much guys getting 5-8 of ice per game can do for you.
Hartley discussed the lack of pushback against the Kings after Trevor Lewis ran Joey Mac. He said pushback doesn't have to be facewashes and dropping the gloves necessarily; it could be getting in the face of the other goalie or scoring on the powerplay. None of the above happened.
Is a personnel move necessary or are the answers "in the room"?