Quote:
Originally Posted by Nelson
The Flames were about -1.2% CF% and +2.16% HDSC% compared to the Hurricanes. But this is a good point. Both teams have good underlying numbers.
It makes me think the real problem with the 17-18 Flames and 17-18 Hurricanes was an inability to score because of bad luck and a lack of shooting ability.
If you look at the HDSC% rankings it’s Penguins, Predators, Sharks, Leafs, Hurricanes, Canadiens, Bruins, Devils, Jets, Flames, Lightning, Stars, and Wild (the best). Obviously the stat is not perfect in terms of correlating with success.
What I think it means is that players are getting chances to score in close, a lot of that is playmaking but a lot is systems too. But the team still has to score. The coach cannot shoot the puck. What really separates the best from the worst is the ability to score.
I think Peters would be a fine choice because his players consistently get chances to score a lot. However, that will be completely irrelevant if the team doesn’t improve its forwards, particularly with respect to shooters.
|
Here is my problem with GG and Peters, why didn't the players score despite these supposedly great systems? Was it pressure? Was it anxiety? Was it mental?
Are the players feeling too loose with GG? Are the players feeling too tight with Peters?
A big Part of being a coach is the ability to motivate and instill confidence in the players. That doesn't mean the player has to love you but he needs the right motivation or inspiration to perform at peak level.
Based on what we've seen thus far, I don't know that Peters or GG have been able to instill that confidence or swagger in their players. Maybe it's not all just luck? Maybe the coach has to be that calming influence or instill a sense of swagger so that players aren't shooting wide 3 feet of the net or firing right into the goalies chest?