Quote:
Originally Posted by GranteedEV
So what he needs is a manipulative ######bag who'd rather a player sacrifice his safety, health, and enjoyment of the game to recreate some adrenaline fueled post-season fools gold rather than just play the game. Right.
Sorry if I prefer players play the game the way they enjoy playing the game while still being effective rather than playing the game the way one guy wants them to play the game from the comforts of behind the bench.
And yes, Ferland is still effective. If he wasn't he'd be behind Bollig on the depth chart. He must be doing something right considering he's the LW on the Backlund line, a role that isn't exactly handed out like candy.
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This is not kindergarten. For these guys it is a job, not free play time.
Don't let your view on Keenan's personality skew the intent and detract from the point.
There is a boss on successful teams and the players do what they are told. Not what they feel like. The Devils did it Lou's way from top to bottom. Scotty didn't even talk to his players one on one a lot of the time, he left that to the assistants. Darryl from all accounts had loyalty to his guys outside the room but is very demanding inside. And so on.
Energy guys who don't score should perhaps check with intensity, wear down the opposing D with a vigorous forecheck, get in people's faces and under their skin. At least do something that gives your team an advantage.
Unless Bob is asking him to do something else. That is another story
If Ferland can't summon the energy to play the style that makes him effective consistently, he needs to be reminded that there are guys nipping at his heels every day that would love his job.
He made a difference by getting under Vancouver and Bieksa's skin. Now he doesn't get under anybody's skin. So how else is he differentiating himself? Sympathy for overcoming off ice issues?
I suspect he is on the depth chart ahead of Bollig due to age and the coach who has taken him under his wing and thinks he is teaching him something or can make him better. He is being given the chance to establish what he is. And this season, it is not any more than last.
And is he effective? Because the team isn't