Quote:
Originally Posted by Macindoc
Did you watch him last year? Did you see his interactions with the coach?
The problem is in part how the forward lines are constructed. Lindholm ended up being a great fit on the top line. The 2nd line was s more of a checking line, so Neal was not a fit there. And he had absolutely no interest in being on the 3rd line. He skated with no urgency, had a nonexistent back check, and whenever he got the puck he either turned it over or took a weak shot at the goaltender’s chest. There were several mistakes made along the way, including a failure by Treliving to properly project Neal’s place in the lineup, a failure of Peters to try Lindholm at 2C and to give Neil more of a shot at the top line, and a failure of Neal to give a crap about the team and give an honest effort. It’s amazing what opportunity and an honest effort have done for Neal in Edmonton.
It’s my opinion watching Neal then and now that after not getting the opportunity he was expecting, Neal likely demanded a trade. When he was told no, his level of play deteriorated (either intentionally or as a result of the distraction) to the point that he was a liability every time he was on the ice.
Was the trade a huge success for the Oilers? Early results certainly suggest so. But I believe the status quo would have been an untenable situation for both parties, likely becoming progressively more toxic to the point that it became a huge distraction for the team.
I do wonder if we gave Peters too much credit for the Flames’ regular season success last year. Carolina certainly seems to have improved since his departure, in spite of losing a number of talented players.
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I wonder this to. Peters had no answer in the PO for the Avs. Hopefully he has some answers for whats going on now. If its a case of the Flames have been "figured out" as some are saying then he needs to come up with a new game plan. I can't think of a time where he has clearly out coached anyone yet. Maybe we are giving him too much credit.