I think if Larsson wasn't drafted or NHL ready he likely wouldn't have been bought out. He may have ended his career here too, but we've made some mistakes with not knowing when to part with some players. Like Pandolfo. At least with players like White, Madden, and Mckay years ago we knew it was time. If I had my way I would have loved to see all those guys not deteriorate, and retire Devils. Madden I would have kept for real cheap though.
Lou parted with those guys when their replacements came.
I know he was. He said as much in an interview that July 1st on the TG blog. He also used Leblond's name also. Giving him a chance. WTF did Leblond have to do with Madden is what I wanted to know? Leblond was supposed to be Rupp's replacement I figure.
He even got to witness a similar situation firsthand with Deboer and Kovalchuk. Ovechkin is a guy you have to trust, even through the slumps. Just because he's not scoring doesn't mean he shouldn't be the guy on the ice when you need a goal with 5 minutes left. Deboer's trust in Kovy payed off despite the early struggles, and I think we might see a similar situation with Oates in Washington.
I agree with you. Boudreau and Hunter both didn't let Ovechkin be Ovechkin and it burned them. But they didn't have the organisational structure like we do to keep their pimp hands strong and keep him in line. DeBoer knows Lou will always back him up.
I agree with you. Boudreau and Hunter both didn't let Ovechkin be Ovechkin and it burned them. But they didn't have the organisational structure like we do to keep their pimp hands strong and keep him in line. DeBoer knows Lou will always back him up.
Very good post, and bolded is why NJ is my favorite board.
I agree with you. Boudreau and Hunter both didn't let Ovechkin be Ovechkin and it burned them. But they didn't have the organisational structure like we do to keep their pimp hands strong and keep him in line. DeBoer knows Lou will always back him up.
It's because we're an organization based on team success. Washington goes as far as Ovechkin takes them. He's the golden child. He calls the shots. It's no coincidence that Boudreau got canned within days of the public spat.
I wouldn't want that job as a coach. You become a puppet. Do what Ovechkin wants or lose your job. Defeats the point of coaching.
It's because we're an organization based on team success. Washington goes as far as Ovechkin takes them. He's the golden child. He calls the shots. It's no coincidence that Boudreau got canned within days of the public spat.
I wouldn't want that job as a coach. You become a puppet. Do what Ovechkin wants or lose your job. Defeats the point of coaching.
Pretty much. It takes a strong coach to be able to face down the superstar and get him to be a team player. Boudreau wasn't really that guy. Hunter is, but he doesn't want to do it long term.
Plus the fact the floor's going to go dramatically down next year also increases the # of players that will be available for cheap. We might not do very well 'this' year but we're in a pretty good position this offseason, provided we don't have a mass exodus among our forwards.
now that its actually here, itll be interesting to see if lou has any plans on making roster moves. seems like some stuff is hinging on butler and whether or not he can fit into the top 6.
now that its actually here, itll be interesting to see if lou has any plans on making roster moves. seems like some stuff is hinging on butler and whether or not he can fit into the top 6.
I think Butler is a good bet to make the team, at least.
