The real question: If the Blues lose this game is Murray gone?
We all KNOW that JD is not going to fire Murray this season, unless The Blues have an extended losing streak, or lose 3 out of every 4 games over an extended period.
I'd love to see Murray fired as soon as possible. But, JD is trying to delay that as long as possible, hoping things will turn around.
The Blues have been playing in their own end most of the game against The Preds. It's a miracle that they are only behind by one.
We all KNOW that JD is not going to fire Murray this season, unless The Blues have an extended losing streak, or lose 3 out of every 4 games over an extended period.
I'd love to see Murray fired as soon as possible. But, JD is trying to delay that as long as possible, hoping things will turn around.
The Blues have been playing in their own end most of the game against The Preds. It's a miracle that they are only behind by one.
Losing three in a row after that Canada trip would be the low point thus far of this season in my opinion and I think JD and Checketts would at least think hard about keeping Murray as our coach. It sure would be great to finally close this thread..
JD had some interesting comments in the STL Today interview yesterday. He was talking about the team's woes at home, and the possible reasons. The two points that stood out to me:
1) Its become a mental monkey to the team. Its in their heads. (I guess that's not much of a revelation, but interesting to hear him put it so bluntly.)
2) To him, it looks like guys are "thinking" way too much instead of just playing the game. He was quoted on this point a couple times and reiterated himself. Basically, to the effect that hockey is a simple game and if you try to think to much on the ice, you'll play slow and be ineffective.
To me that is an indictment of the coaching. This is the first time I can remember JD saying something that so directly criticized the coaching.
In my opinion, the front office is probably committed to giving Murray an opportunity to change his style. He's made some changes in the past, and he does a lot of things very well (great preparation, attention-to-detail, despite all the rhetoric...he really is good at bringing along young players for the most part). But you have to think, if the team continues to look like they're "thinking" too much, the clock will expire some time.
The Olympic break is too late for the team to turn it around. I think the new calendar year (and coincidentally the mid-point of the season) provides a good mental moment for the players to get a fresh start.
I really feel like this team just needs a fresh mental approach and they can go on a run. Right now, each home game they drop the puck with a bunch of baggage from the previous home futility. They need to drop that crap, and just worry about the game they're playing...play in the moment.
More than 24 hours without anyone mentioning the words "Fire Murray" on this board!
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2 Minute Minor
JD had some interesting comments in the STL Today interview yesterday. He was talking about the team's woes at home, and the possible reasons. The two points that stood out to me:
1) Its become a mental monkey to the team. Its in their heads. (I guess that's not much of a revelation, but interesting to hear him put it so bluntly.)
2) To him, it looks like guys are "thinking" way too much instead of just playing the game. He was quoted on this point a couple times and reiterated himself. Basically, to the effect that hockey is a simple game and if you try to think to much on the ice, you'll play slow and be ineffective.
To me that is an indictment of the coaching. This is the first time I can remember JD saying something that so directly criticized the coaching.
In my opinion, the front office is probably committed to giving Murray an opportunity to change his style. He's made some changes in the past, and he does a lot of things very well (great preparation, attention-to-detail, despite all the rhetoric...he really is good at bringing along young players for the most part). But you have to think, if the team continues to look like they're "thinking" too much, the clock will expire some time.
The Olympic break is too late for the team to turn it around. I think the new calendar year (and coincidentally the mid-point of the season) provides a good mental moment for the players to get a fresh start.
I really feel like this team just needs a fresh mental approach and they can go on a run. Right now, each home game they drop the puck with a bunch of baggage from the previous home futility. They need to drop that crap, and just worry about the game they're playing...play in the moment.
I agree with everything but the bolded. I think it's more indicative of how JD feels the players are playing, rather than the way AM is coaching.
actually it's not a good thing that this thread has been vacant for the past couple days. We are on a 3 game losing streak, what does that tell you?
I think people realize Murray is going nowhere, and there's no point in endlessly screaming "Fire Murray, FIRE MURRAY" just for the sake of saying it. I think the front-office knows the fan sentiment, and is just as frustrated. They're just not ready to take that step.
Either that or Murray has recaptured our hearts & souls and has won back the faithful Blues nation!
The lengths the coach and management are going to are getting pretty comical. Pretty soon they'll be wearing white uniforms and the crowd will be asked to cheer for the opposing team.
...In my opinion, the front office is probably committed to giving Murray an opportunity to change his style. He's made some changes in the past, and he does a lot of things very well (great preparation, attention-to-detail, despite all the rhetoric...he really is good at bringing along young players for the most part). But you have to think, if the team continues to look like they're "thinking" too much, the clock will expire some time.
The Olympic break is too late for the team to turn it around. I think the new calendar year (and coincidentally the mid-point of the season) provides a good mental moment for the players to get a fresh start.
I really feel like this team just needs a fresh mental approach and they can go on a run. Right now, each home game they drop the puck with a bunch of baggage from the previous home futility. They need to drop that crap, and just worry about the game they're playing...play in the moment.
I agree, i think Murray does some things well but in general his style, systems etc just dont work. We dump and chase way too much, other coaches talk about puck possession, driving hard and getting pucks to the net, etc...
its ok if u need a line change or to mix things up once in a while and dump it in, get the puck back cycle outta the corner and hit an open player cutting through the slot but you cant do it every time and expect to score!
tonight the Blues had a 5 min pp and for over 2 mins of it dumped it in, Vancouver picked it up and got it out of the zone and down the ice. and the blues kept doing it. eventually getting some chances and a goal late when they finally got set up and took some shots!
Ever read Murray's background? Honestly, I have no idea how he became an NHL coach. Only got a hockey job because his uncle owned a hockey team who needed a coach (Murray was selling cars at his grandpa's car dealership). Got a college coaching job a few years later, went to Switzerland, came back to be Ast. Coach in the AHL.
I still don't understand how he got to the NHL. I guess everyone gets a "luck of the draw" opportunity every now and then, but this guy's systems are what I'd expect from a car salesman.
He'll be here after tonight. He's not getting fired this year. That's become painfully obvious.
I'd love to eat these words, but I doubt I will.
The Olympic break would be a good time for Payne, or Shaw, or whoever will take them over, to try to install a new "system", and coach a few practises. JD/Pleau/Checketts MUST know that they will be getting rid of him some time soon. Better earlier than later. The amount of money they'd save by not paying 2 coaches over one month is nil over the long run.
Ever read Murray's background? Honestly, I have no idea how he became an NHL coach. Only got a hockey job because his uncle owned a hockey team who needed a coach (Murray was selling cars at his grandpa's car dealership). Got a college coaching job a few years later, went to Switzerland, came back to be Ast. Coach in the AHL.
I still don't understand how he got to the NHL. I guess everyone gets a "luck of the draw" opportunity every now and then, but this guy's systems are what I'd expect from a car salesman.
A good professional man that does wear out his welcome as he is always coaching, always pressing.
Don't worry about his background - lot's of ex players have no idea to manage people or run a hockey team day to day.
I am not arguing with the decision to relieve Andy of his duties but show some respect - Andy has put a lot into his career as he has always been considered an underdog. That is why he is so relentless and focused as a coach.
The Oilers have a hockey man - one we had in Toronto and he was perhaps part of the worst staff in the league. He did not surround himself with good hockey men - just cronies. I am interested to see who the next coach will be.
