Willing to Risk the Season? (Needed to get this off my chest)

A guy called into Heater's show after the Kings mess talking about the Yotes having two conflicting identities. I agree it is a big problem that needs to be resolved.

One team is BF's scrappy defensive oriented 2 or 3 goal a night team that wins 3-2 or 2-1. One that rather than risking a turnover in the neutral zone is asked to dump the puck in and chase after it. This despite the fact that our D-men are the youngest, most inexperienced link in our chain.

The other is the team that management has been talking about since the last trade deadline. A team with four solid lines and 8 or 10 skilled forwards able to control the puck and contribute 20 goals each.

BF is still trying to force this team into the first category. BF can't seem to trust his players to carry and puck into the offensive zone and utilize teammates rather than just dump the puck? I can't seem to trust one planted in front of the opposing net -- that forward would a step or two behind if the play starts towards our net.


In our last playoff year we averaged 2.78 goals per game. Just like a 3-2, 2-1 hockey team would be expected to score. Then why go out and get a group of skilled forwards if BF is unwilling to let them do their thing?

So far this season we have been most dominant during four-on-four play. Not just in OT when we might have the fresher legs but also during the games. We should let these skilled players play.

IMO, and I noticed this during the opening game and since, our main problem on defense is clearing the puck. If we could work on this I think most of the one or two soft goals a game would disappear. (Which of the assistant coaches is responsible for defensive hockey 101)?

It has been said that hockey will only catch the imagination of the casual Phoenix fan with its speed, finesse and goal scoring. I totally agree. I think an open, creative offense can yield the 8 to 10 twenty goal scores that management thinks we have. Remember how the Flyers circled our net like vulchers and it seemed that someone was always assigned to the front of our net?

I'm willing to risk this season to find out.

I'm willing to risk this season to find out.

Management will not because they have too much at steak.
Id say now is a good time to fire BF, especially if we lose the next one. Thats just inexcusable, to not be able to motivate and properly handle your players in a manner that befits an NHL coach.

btw, welcome to the board :D

Welcome, I too agree its time to get rid of Booby But PLEASE no more trades. This team needs to gel, right now they look to the head office to fix the problems.. Its about time the players look inside themselfs


Oh ya and Fire Booby ;)

One team is BF's scrappy defensive oriented 2 or 3 goal a night team that wins 3-2 or 2-1. One that rather than risking a turnover in the neutral zone is asked to dump the puck in and chase after it. This despite the fact that our D-men are the youngest, most inexperienced link in our chain.

The other is the team that management has been talking about since the last trade deadline. A team with four solid lines and 8 or 10 skilled forwards able to control the puck and contribute 20 goals each.

BF is still trying to force this team into the first category. BF can't seem to trust his players to carry and puck into the offensive zone and utilize teammates rather than just dump the puck? I can't seem to trust one planted in front of the opposing net -- that forward would a step or two behind if the play starts towards our net.
Is there a difference between Francis' team and managament's team? I don't think so. Each line as to contribute offensively and defensively if the Coyotes are going to win. Having 4 lines that can play in all three zones fits into Francis' team concept and management's team concept. There is no difference between the two.

Now all we have to get is the 18 skaters to follow Francis' system and management will be happy with the results.

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Is there a difference between Francis' team and managament's team? I don't think so. Each line as to contribute offensively and defensively if the Coyotes are going to win. Having 4 lines that can play in all three zones fits into Francis' team concept and management's team concept. There is no difference between the two.

Now all we have to get is the 18 skaters to follow Francis' system and management will be happy with the results.

IMO there is a difference, not regarding playing a way game, and it has to do with what our players are expected to do offensively when they get the puck. Management has put together 4 solid lines that for the most part, maybe not nash or cleary, can be trusted to handle the puck and make things happen. We have snippers - Nagy, Hrdna & Kolonos, horses to pay the price & create havek in front of the net - Doan, Gratton, Nazarof & Wilson, and smarts - Langow, Silinger. We've seen outstanding open hockey this year in various four-on-four situations.

BF won't use the team this way. Dump & chase will not create enough shots on goal. His play it safe hockey won't plant a foward on the opposing crease & risk that one player being a step behind if the play moves toward our zone.

Read Grant Fuhr's comments today @ tsn.ca. We need the same wide open play.

So long as we do a better job of clearing the puck from our zone & keeping the penalties down time & experience will solidify our defense (add in some bench time for those spending too much time in the box).

Read Grant Fuhr's comments today @ tsn.ca. We need the same wide open play.


Unless they've changed something, the pathway to success in the NHL is paved with a solid defensive system and great goaltending. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the free wheelin' 80's but those days are over. It's a lesson that the Avalanche are learning as we speak. You can have two stacked offensive lines but unless you are prepared to play a solid defensive team game you won't win the cup. As good offensively the Detroits, Dallas's, and Devis have been, they won those cups because of their defensive system. Those systems and the dedication required by the players who play it are not developed overnight. Francis's job is to lay the groundwork. Should the players not improve then I agree he should go but I'm all for staying with a transition team.