Quote:
Originally Posted by Cali Flames Fan
Well first of all, if your advanced stats are as bad as the Leafs then you need to make changes to the style your team plays, and everyone has to buy in, so Phil DOES have to be open to coaching, period.
As far as the coach goes, I think he's not protecting himself very well here, but I think he's completely entitled to show how ridiculous the situation is in Toronto, where the player controls so much and is backed up by upper management. Maybe the fans will pause the next time a coach is made the scapegoat for the team's inability to succeed and start lashing out at players instead. Lord knows it almost happened here with Iginla and crew.
Honestly, do you really think this coach is an idiot for trying to help the team improve, and then using the media as a tool to curry favor with the masses? I think it's crafty, likely leading to his downfall, but will hopefully spur some change within the organization.
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sorry let me rephrase.
what i'm trying to say is that the coach is an idiot, not for trying to improve the team, but to spouting off about how the message is being received and singling out the 1 allstar/franchise player on the team as the guy who refuses, is fat, etc.
way to start your assistant coaching career in the NHL. Bash the arguably best player on your team to the public, and start your team's training camp with controversy.
you're right that kessel/any leaf isn't in a position to not be open to change, considering what they've done the past few years hasn't worked. as a new coach, you'd be smart to learn how to win trust of your players inside the dressing room. crying in front of the public shows you just aren't ready for the big leagues or the big markets.