Is it just me, or does there seem to be a little bit of tension on this team that's beginning to brew? The defensive system that Hitch has used has clearly had a negative effect on Roenick, Gagne, Amonte, etc....I'm almost beginning to sense a bit of a rebellion starting to build. Obviously, the defensemen probably love the system because the system entails that the forwards be very aware and responsible away from the puck. However, it's also clear that the system isn't built to the strengths of the team that is currently built. Something has to give and I have a funny feeling that Hitch won't be budging on this......
I think they should loosen it up too and then tighten up the defense as the season progresses. Maybe the uncertainty w/ the goalies is preventing this.
One of the reasons I like Hitchcock is that he's not conservative. What I mean is that he'll willingly bench a star for a bad game, he'll shake up the lines big time, and he's generally not afraid of media criticism or taking risks.
Compare Hitchcock to Andy Reid, who probably should put in another QB (I'm thinking AJ) but won't. I think he's afraid to bench our "Franchise player" or do anything that would hint that things aren't "peachy".
