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Originally Posted by N-E-B
Though Ward is far from perfect and I wouldn’t be opposed to replacing him, I also believe that Scotty Bowman couldn’t fix this team. I really honestly think it’s as simple as this: the players aren’t good enough. We don’t have a truly elite game breaker. Johnny was that player last year but he isn’t this year. Simple as that. I think it’s a bit unfair and lazy to try blame this on the coaches yet again. It’s the same old story with the same core players.
It’s time to look at a major shakeup to the core. I don’t think the team is that far off but as the team is now they aren’t going anywhere.
As it stands if they make the playoffs their 1st round opponent would likely be one of Vancouver, Edmonton, Vegas, or St. Louis. Vegas and St. Louis would run these guys out of the building in 5 games or less. McDavid would likely pull a MacKinnon and run our show (as we saw last year regular season success against a team means nothing in the playoffs). Vancouver is the only team I feel we could maybe beat, but I don’t think they’d get past the 2nd round if they did.
It’s not time to blow it all up, but it’s definitely time to look at a major retool. I’d look at Gaudreau and as much as it pains me to say it I would look at Giordano too (simply due to his age, I absolutely love the guy and the player, just thinking it might be time for a change in leadership).
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Who is true elite game breaker on Vegas, Dallas or St. Louis? I think people think if you tank hard enough you get one of these. I think it's actually rare to find these players and blowing it up doesn't ensure one.
Calgary was second in the league not too long ago. I don't think you fluke into that but the playoffs are different but the team has shown growth and they have made some lineup changes that will pay off (I think this is a playoff team).
They are inconsistent right now and everyone is upset and everyone is an expert with all the answers including me, second guessing everything. It ain't that easy. The players don't all of the sudden suck. We as fans always over react. I understand this is unpopular.
Consistency in execution and mental fortitude is slightly lacking. It may be people caring too much that they press instead of a less is more approach. I do think some deployment tactics need to be changed so I think it's fair to be a little critical but I don't think it's as bad as we are all are projecting the day after a loss.
I think the players will come around and find a way to be consistent. They aren't dummies they know more than anyone when it's not going well and we've seen stellar play from them. I think the overly negative stuff from fans doesn't help but people are obviously free to think what they want (I do it too because I'm emotionally invested, perhaps too much, to the team). I really like our players and know how good they are - good enough to beat anyone. They just need to play the right way within the team structure and buy in completely. Clean up the recurring mistakes and play together and play fast.