Quote:
Originally Posted by Loyal and True
I agree with Bingo there is way too much drama in this story, but my point is that Ward is creating it or at least escalating it and that is bush league.
The full 8 min pre game interview (Feb 1) is on the Flames website. First 3 mins are other topics.
Then the Bennett question from Wes Gilbertson was "did/will you discuss with Sam that the situation won't be a distraction". The first half of his answer was a perfect and professional response. Then he goes a different direction all on his own.
There was nothing asked about playing Sam at centre/wing or anything like that. Ward put that out there to ward off any criticism of his deployment of Bennett.
Seems defensive and insecure from the Head Coach. If nothing else this feeds a media story and thus increases the noise surrounding the team.
Then the healthy scratch and separation from the regular group sends the media in a complete tailspin and creates all kinds of drama.
|
This is only too dramatic because it's in Calgary. The same guys that are trying to cool things down here would be salivating at the opportunity to trash the Oilers or Canucks if this situation was unfolding there.
Agree on Ward. He should not have made any comments about deployment.
This reminds me of Gilbert. An assistant gets promoted, flexes a bit, a core player gets ran out of town. With the difference that Savard was a great offensive player while Bennett is a spare part. But he is one of the longest serving Flames and is a known name, highest draft pick and all.
My take is that Sam didnt handle this properly. Should have kept his request behind closed door. Unless he had, but this was taking too long. Either way, Flames will be fine without him.
Ward on the other hand handled it terribly. He came off insecure and petty. He shouldn't have commented at all. Out of respect he should have let Sam know about the scratch.Why not just give a cliche answer? Sam wants a change, we will miss him, but it's on to Tre to fill the roster. I am here to coach and winning next game is my focus.