I'm frustrated and perplexed with Renney's shootout choices. No problems with Nylander, Prucha, and Hossa. But Mat Cullen? What happened to Straka? If a player scores in a shootout it seems as if Renney will keep going back to him no matter how many times he doesn't score in the future. Instead of looking at the overall ability of the player and their long term shootout success, his memory is decidely short term.
And what gives with Jagr? One of the greatest NHL offensive forces in history and he chooses repeatedly to opt out of the shootout? And Renney goes along with it? I've had little to complain about as to Jagr's work ethic and competitiveness since his arrival (concerns in both the Penguins and Caps), but, bad shoulder and all, he needs to step up here. We're wasting a guy with over 600 goals to use Mat Cullen! Jag's body language on the bench during the shootout looked like a kid making excuses for not doing his HW and trying to avoid punishment by pouting and manipulating the teacher. Renney needs to tell him that, in the future, he will be a top shootout choice.
This same topic popped up after the last shootout lost, oddly enough to the Dev's lol. As far as Jagr goes,he has said that he doesnt like going into the shootout because he doesnt feel comfortable for what ever reason. Why Straka wasnt in there I have no idea, but Cullen has been playing well so i'm going to assume that weighed on Renney's choice, not saying Straka hasnt, just that Cullen seems to be very motivated in recent games. Personally I would like to see what Avery or Dupis have in a shootout, they seems to have decent hands and are capable of making some nice moves. I dont know, personally I would rather they just skip the SO all together and get 2pts in regulation time.
against Marty in a shootout earlier in the season, which is why he's there. Straka's OK on shootouts, but shouldn't automatically be there. There's also Jagr, but that's a discussion for another thread, I believe...
against Marty in a shootout earlier in the season, which is why he's there. Straka's OK on shootouts, but shouldn't automatically be there. There's also Jagr, but that's a discussion for another thread, I believe...
Here's what Mr. Brooks had to say on the subject of Jagr. Interesting stuff.
I'm sorry, but if you are the CAPTAIN, this kind of stuff cannot happen.
1. You are killing your team's confidence. If I'm let's say Nylander and I know I'm going first...and I know that Jagr wont be there going after me or later to back me up if I dont score...I wont be happy.
2. Jagr - if you are the best forward on the team, which he is, then you need to be in the Shootout. You dont feel confident about it? Do what you need to do to feel confident. Practice shootouts in practice with Lundqvist. Find a spot in the shootout rotation that you like...whether its going 1st or last or in the middle, find a spot that makes you more comfortable!
We could have lost a point last night because of this **** by Jagr...
Do these guys not understand that in the shootout if you're going to shoot/not make a move you NEVER go to Brodeur's glove? He leaves that thing open but at the last second he'll jump right on it.
It blows seeing such a great effort the past two weeks w/o that many pts to show for it. Boy do those Detroit/Philly losses sting evne more.
