Quote:
Originally Posted by ComixZone
Just like a new coach isn't going to fix the problems that Gaudreau, Monahan, Brodie, Giordano, and Bennett are experiencing?
Saying Hamilton needs to start playing considerably better now before this team is completely out of the playoffs is probably what's wrong with this forum right now. Hamilton can't make-up for Jokipakka, Kulak, Giordano, Brodie, and Wideman's failures. Their failures impact Hamilton's play just as much as Hamilton's failures impact their play. The problem with the team right now is the team itself, not any one individual player.
If, when the autopsy is run on this season (and let's not kid ourselves, it should already be underway - the season is dead), it is deemed that Giordano, Brodie, Hamilton, Gaudreau, Monahan and Bennett all suck at hockey and they're the reason we're losing - then the rebuild has to start from scratch...but something tells me that just isn't the case. It's not on any one individual player, the team is failing as a team. When we have this many players failing to play up to individual expectations, something else has to be at work. The reality is that at this stage, if the team systems/coaching staff aren't to blame, then we're in a lot of trouble.
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We're 16 games in. The season isn't over yet. 4 games ago this team almost turned the corner. They've also had one of the toughest schedules in the league facing 13 of their 16 games against teams who are in a playoff position right now or perennial contenders.
Certain individuals on this team need to be better and to me, Dougie Hamilton is at the forefront just based on the facts and every game I've seen this season. Obviously other players do need to step up as well i.e. Monahan, Bennett, Brouwer and etc. However, the silver lining is that I've seen a lot of improved play from Gaudreau, Giordano and Brodie.
This isn't a time to pull any punches though, if certain players are hurting the team for a prolonged period and impeding the team's ability to win games, then it's absolutely fair to criticize them. That's professional sports. Playing in the NHL and earning millions of dollars isn't all just puppies and rainbows. It can be a tough business.