Most believe are top three offencive weapons are Yakupov, Galchenyuk, Spooner. But they are -6, -5, -4 in the three games played. There two way game must improve if we are going to have PO success.
It wasn't til well into the third period last game when the game was on the line that the these guys started to really hustle to get back into the play. The rest of the game was pretty slack leaving the heavy lifting to Anderson and the defence. The centres, in particular, did a weak job supporting the defence down low. The effort has to improve or the Sting will be lucky to get out of this round.
These posts support my point, which is simply that the Sting forwards aren't anything special defensively. Offensively they are 1-2 rounders. Defensively, I wouldn't place them anywhere near that level.
People talk about 'upside' pretty loosely on these boards, as if it only meant how many goals a forward can score at the next level. Lots of forwards are great in Juniors...precisely because the defensive skills--particularly of opposing forwards--just aren't there. When they get to the pro ranks they find more speed, physicality and most importantly, players (forwards) that clean up their own end and backcheck like demons. That kind of competition can make 60-100 pt forward in the OHL look slow and sloppy real quick. It happens over and over.
The OHL just isn't a defensive league. There are players that have a good two way game but generally they aren't in the spotlight for that. That part of it kind of sucks. Watching a kid catch a forward from behind and break up a scoring chance or protect the puck long enough in his own zone to make an outlet or other zone clearing play is noticeable to me and I don't see that from most of the 'elite' forwards in this league.
These posts support my point, which is simply that the Sting forwards aren't anything special defensively. Offensively they are 1-2 rounders. Defensively, I wouldn't place them anywhere near that level.
People talk about 'upside' pretty loosely on these boards, as if it only meant how many goals a forward can score at the next level. Lots of forwards are great in Juniors...precisely because the defensive skills--particularly of opposing forwards--just aren't there. When they get to the pro ranks they find more speed, physicality and most importantly, players (forwards) that clean up their own end and backcheck like demons. That kind of competition can make 60-100 pt forward in the OHL look slow and sloppy real quick. It happens over and over.
The OHL just isn't a defensive league. There are players that have a good two way game but generally they aren't in the spotlight for that. That part of it kind of sucks. Watching a kid catch a forward from behind and break up a scoring chance or protect the puck long enough in his own zone to make an outlet or other zone clearing play is noticeable to me and I don't see that from most of the 'elite' forwards in this league.
who cares about forwards being good defensively.. I get sick and tired of people acting like 17 and 18 year offensively gifted players should already be solid two way players. I want the top offensive kids to stay top offensive kids and worry about that skill first and foremost. they have plenty of time to learn the defensive side of the game...coaches trying to change these kids at this stage is what is hurting the overall offensive developement of so many young players right now..
I can just see Wayne Gretzky's junior coach right now "hey Wayne, you really havent played well in our own zone so I think I am going to drop you to the third line until you get better defensively". "I know you just scored 5 goals for us, but I am not comfortable with you on the ice with a 5 goal lead".
I want more offensively inclined forwards at this level not less.
2-2 after two. Sting have absolutely no business being in this one but Anderson has stood on his head. Pretty disappointing effort so far in a pivotal game in the series.Once again the team wasd flat as a pancake in the first period.
The OT magic drys up as the Spirit win 4-3 early in the 4th period. Giving up 50 shots is simply unacceptable in a playoff game. Anderson has been a rock almost every game so far holding us in it and letting us scrape out the wins in overtime, but if he gets worn out and has a rough game or two things could get ugly. The team D needs to smarten up and learn to play in its own end and not get held in for minutes at a time giving up chance after chance.
who cares about forwards being good defensively.. I get sick and tired of people acting like 17 and 18 year offensively gifted players should already be solid two way players. I want the top offensive kids to stay top offensive kids and worry about that skill first and foremost. they have plenty of time to learn the defensive side of the game...coaches trying to change these kids at this stage is what is hurting the overall offensive developement of so many young players right now..
I can just see Wayne Gretzky's junior coach right now "hey Wayne, you really havent played well in our own zone so I think I am going to drop you to the third line until you get better defensively". "I know you just scored 5 goals for us, but I am not comfortable with you on the ice with a 5 goal lead".
I want more offensively inclined forwards at this level not less.
That lack of defencive responsibility allowed us to get out shot 2:1 tonight. I can only imagine the disparity in scoring chances.
I watched it on the OHL streaming (which is godawful like watching a home movie from the 70's) and Saginaw had at least twice the scoring chances that the Sting did. Anderson was the only reason that the game was close. Defensive play was poor again. A couple of the defencemen should not be allowed on the ice in critical situations.
who cares about forwards being good defensively.. I get sick and tired of people acting like 17 and 18 year offensively gifted players should already be solid two way players. I want the top offensive kids to stay top offensive kids and worry about that skill first and foremost. they have plenty of time to learn the defensive side of the game...coaches trying to change these kids at this stage is what is hurting the overall offensive developement of so many young players right now..
I can just see Wayne Gretzky's junior coach right now "hey Wayne, you really havent played well in our own zone so I think I am going to drop you to the third line until you get better defensively". "I know you just scored 5 goals for us, but I am not comfortable with you on the ice with a 5 goal lead".
I want more offensively inclined forwards at this level not less.
The O isn't a Developmental league for the Beer League it's a Developmental league for the pros. To play pro hockey a player needs to learn how to play in all 3 zones.
Being defensively responsible doesn't negate the player's ability to develop his offence. They're not mutually exclusive. If you want a good example of that there was a kid that used to wear number 91 for the Sting . He seems to know his way around the net and is also very good in his own zone.He learned that when he was playing junior with the Sting.
In the 80's when Gretzky was in his heyday the game was played differently both at the junior and the pro level. Now with a most teams collapsing 5 guys down low even in junior you have to learn to play defence even if you have the skill of a Yakupov. It's how the game is played now.
Getting to the Gretz comment, his coach didn't have to tell him to pick it up on the defence side of the game because he did his share. Check the highlite reel out and you will see him back checking, picking a pocket and going back the other way and scoring. He left his zone, when his team, was fully under control of the puck. Opposite of most Sting forwards, leaving the zone and hoping the puck comes out for a break. The CHL is the stepping stone to the pro ranks and if coaches are not stressing all points of the game to the players, the players will find it hard to make the NHL. Good that the Sting have Anderson, he is their only defence, 50 shots! Good job Jaco, on that trade, let us hope he doesn't get hurt. If he does, Hope, with tons of talent, no playing time, good job Jaco, will have to take over and that may not go well. Let's hope for the best and this team makes it to the second round.
Last edited by Herman the German: 03-29-2012 at 12:47 AM.
Getting to the Gretz comment, his coach didn't have to tell him to pick it up on the defence side of the game because he did his share. Check the highlite reel out and you will see him back checking, picking a pocket and going back the other way and scoring. He left his zone, when his team, was fully under control of the puck. Opposite of most Sting forwards, leaving the zone and hoping the puck comes out for a break. The CHL is the stepping stone to the pro ranks and if coaches are not stressing all points of the game to the players, the players will find it hard to make the NHL. Good that the Sting have Anderson, he is their only defence, 50 shots! Good job Jaco, on that trade, let us hope he doesn't get hurt. If he does, Hope, with tons of talent, no playing time, good job Jaco, will have to take over and that may not go well. Let's hope for the best and this team makes it to the second round.
jackos strength is not player developments and properly named trader jack. coachs like walker gilbert and gill much better. jackos not a good fit for younger players. he has and always will sink or swim with vets and trades. it may cause recruiting and reporting problems. look what we gave up this year and watch out for holy hell to break out if we dont survive first round.
Maxwell has a GAA of 2.0 and sv% of .936 while JP has a GAA of 3.9 and a sv% of
.897 in P/O action. I am a huge fan of both lads. My point being Missy is a much younger team then our vet ladden Sting team yet Maxwells numbers speak for themself. Is it that Maxy is playing that much better or that Missy has a better defencive system in place in front of him? Lets remember this trade cost us 5 picks and a healthy body and yet both will be moving on next year. I am in no way blaming JP. I am stating my opinion that the coaching/systems in place in front of the two netminders is the difference. I am of the opinion that the give aways (and gap control) in the D zone are a cause of most of our goals against. Coaching?? Buying into the sytem??
In all fairness to Jacko that is just a blog, a opinion chat room, the same boards we are on now. Its nothing more then a place where all us couch coaches share are opinions. So it might be just someone spewing vennom. Or it may have some merrit. Who knows. I have to believe the Larry and Rob did there due diligence before hiring are new GM/coach.
However this part worries me if true.
(and may have played a large factor in the team going to Wayne Long and saying that they wouldn't play for Beaulieu again after game 3)
I have had my concerns now and again about how this team responds (or doesn't) to Jacko. I have heard more stories than I care to regurgitate about the poor treatment of players. And god knows we lost two who wanted out, two very good, BIG lads and they have done remarkable elsewhere. Many of us have witnessed first hand some of his tirades, the most recent being the London incident with are rookie defenseman. So I can't imagine what goes on in the dressing room. I am a bit reluctant to say this, but I think the ownership has to be aware of whats going on and unfortunately might need to become a bit more involved again.
Where is Upnorth when you need him or her? If the Sting wins Jaco is the man, if they lose he is a loser coach. He has 4 ****ing lines that could be a first line in alot of OHL teams and he is on the ****ing edge of getting punted, like in your CFL, when you have 3rd and 10. Get to the second ****ing round and get ****ing somewhere Jaco! ****, you had all ****ing season to figure it out. Defensive expert! Big time venting on my part.
In all fairness to Jacko that is just a blog, a opinion chat room, the same boards we are on now. Its nothing more then a place where all us couch coaches share are opinions. So it might be just someone spewing vennom. Or it may have some merrit. Who knows. I have to believe the Larry and Rob did there due diligence before hiring are new GM/coach.
However this part worries me if true.
(and may have played a large factor in the team going to Wayne Long and saying that they wouldn't play for Beaulieu again after game 3)
I have had my concerns now and again about how this team responds (or doesn't) to Jacko. I have heard more stories than I care to regurgitate about the poor treatment of players. And god knows we lost two who wanted out, two very good, BIG lads and they have done remarkable elsewhere. Many of us have witnessed first hand some of his tirades, the most recent being the London incident with are rookie defenseman. So I can't imagine what goes on in the dressing room. I am a bit reluctant to say this, but I think the ownership has to be aware of whats going on and unfortunately might need to become a bit more involved again.
The last thing this team needs is for the owners to become more involved. The team needs to buckle down and play a lot better in it's own zone(which it is capable of), and the coaching staff needs to do a better job communicating and getting the team ready to play. If the team wins this series and rolls on in the playoffs it will be amazing how quickly some of the finger pointing will stop.
The last thing this team needs is for the owners to become more involved. The team needs to buckle down and play a lot better in it's own zone(which it is capable of), and the coaching staff needs to do a better job communicating and getting the team ready to play. If the team wins this series and rolls on in the playoffs it will be amazing how quickly some of the finger pointing will stop.
Since my post was copied I assume I am the finger pointer? I am sorry you feel that way. I try hard to be a level headed guy. I was simply replying to a post about Jacko's previous GM role. Sorry I ruffled your feathers but all of us couch coaches are welcome. Even those like Hermie who get a bit worked up from time to time. It's passion jwalk. Many of us like you jwalk are simply passionate about the Sting.
Where is Upnorth when you need him or her? If the Sting wins Jaco is the man, if they lose he is a loser coach. He has 4 ****ing lines that could be a first line in alot of OHL teams and he is on the ****ing edge of getting punted, like in your CFL, when you have 3rd and 10. Get to the second ****ing round and get ****ing somewhere Jaco! ****, you had all ****ing season to figure it out. Defensive expert! Big time venting on my part.
Since my post was copied I assume I am the finger pointer? I am sorry you feel that way. I try hard to be a level headed guy. I was simply replying to a post about Jacko's previous GM role. Sorry I ruffled your feathers but all of us couch coaches are welcome. Even those like Hermie who get a bit worked up from time to time. It's passion jwalk. Many of us like you jwalk are simply passionate about the Sting.
Sorry for the confusing post. I copied your post to address your comment regarding ownership getting involved. IMO the owners getting involved would be counterproductive. The one constant in the failure of this team has been the ownership.
The 'finger pointers' I am referring to are those whose opinions are very one sided who obviously hate the coach and have some kind of personal agenda. IMO your opinions are pretty balanced looking at both sides of the situation.
I think the one that that most of us can agree upon is that after 72 games nothing major is likely to change. This team has been built around the offense and it is what it is. The best that we can hope for now is more of a defensive effort from the team, and for the coaches to do a better job motivating the team to play in crucial games.
After watching both of the Friday Night Hockey broadcasts this year, I can conclude that R.J. Broadhead refuses to say "Hottot" is because he knows it sounds like "hot dog."
Sting should be able to take advantage of the fact that Saginaw is basically going with 2 lines. It would be smart to keep the tempo of the game as fast as possible. The other Saginaw weakness is that they don't have a ton a depth on defence. The Sting on the other hand is a fairly deep team. Game plan should be fairly simple: in the offensive zone get pucks deep and forecheck like hell, and make their d pay the price. Try and keep the tempo of the game as fast as possible, and in the defensive zone stop cheating and do your damn job ! The Sting's big advantage is depth and if everybody is willing to give max effort this is a series that Sarnia should be able to win.
Sting should be able to take advantage of the fact that Saginaw is basically going with 2 lines. It would be smart to keep the tempo of the game as fast as possible. The other Saginaw weakness is that they don't have a ton a depth on defence. The Sting on the other hand is a fairly deep team. Game plan should be fairly simple: in the offensive zone get pucks deep and forecheck like hell, and make their d pay the price. Try and keep the tempo of the game as fast as possible, and in the defensive zone stop cheating and do your damn job ! The Sting's big advantage is depth and if everybody is willing to give max effort this is a series that Sarnia should be able to win.
Dismal effort so far. 4-0 in the second period and Sting have zero momentum going right now..... Jacko's choices leave me scratching my head....Alberga on the 4 on 4...WTF ...where's Sarraut or Thompson?
Left speechless...again. Too little, too late with the aggressive style of play. Loved the grit and desperation in the 3rd but ...ya...nevermind. Tired of repeating myself
Do or die. Don't bet your paycheck on Sarnia in gm 6 with the Sting showing sporadic good play
