Quote:
Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache
The reason you talk about Ward is because if two main things you want coaches to do. Planning and motivating.
Johnny has skills. If “the book is out on him”, why isn’t the book “out” on guys like Patrick Kane and Mitch Marner? Is Johnny just too stupid to think of things on his own? Who watches video and gives the players advice about how to adjust their game? Who is directing Johnny’s linemates on where to go?
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Generally agree with your points but I just think we have a different point of view on how players develop. I think the impact of coaches on an individual is unpredictable and that's because ultimately players need to fight the mental inertia in their game to work hard and develop new habits.
For example, Gaudreau isn't scoring less on that super-sharp-angle shot because his aim has suddenly gone bad. More likely is that goalies and defenders have figured out he'll resort to that if he's funneled to certain parts of the ice. Are we to believe he hasn't been provided video, stats and coaching suggestions about this play? I suspect he has. And I'd be willing to bet he's been provided some suggestions to mix up that play and keep his options open. So the next step is for Johnny to mentally commit and work to develop new habits. Some good players fight hard through these hurdles and develop their games whereas others keep wondering why their skill isn't working as well as it used to.
At least that's how I see things. I appreciated your post.