I think fans have wanted Frederic to be something he's not from Day 1. Well, maybe Day 2. That first year Frederic gave fans what they wanted, but I think Frederic used fighting to get into the league and then once here he focused on trying to become a good hockey player, a player like Coyle. I think he's done that and I think fans hate him for it.
At this point, you've got 1 year of the guy who goes after Wilson and 3 years of the guy who is trying to be a solid two-way player, who hits and isn't afraid to fight but also isn't a tone setter. Last year's playoffs he was the two-way player, not the tone-setter. I think the two-way player is who he is.
Fwiw, I would not sign Frederic. I've defended him and made this argument (Coyle 2.0) many times over the years but as a UFA I think he's going to get more than he's worth. 200 hit/15 goal guys bring big bucks, and despite the numbers he just doesn't have a big impact.
Makes me think we got the wrong coach for the rosterI thought that with the team emphasizing size more it would at least be a more fun team to watch.
My brain questioned putting money into Zadorov instead of the forward group.
My my heart was like "at least it will be fun!"
But now they are not fun or good.
You are right, I thought the Garden would be rocking and fun to watch, major disappointment, Zadorov does not bother me, E. Lindholm does, money not well spent.I thought that with the team emphasizing size more it would at least be a more fun team to watch.
My brain questioned putting money into Zadorov instead of the forward group.
My my heart was like "at least it will be fun!"
But now they are not fun or good.
Makes me think we got the wrong coach for the roster
In what department is Coyle "far superior"?I respect your opinion and can see some validity to it but I have a tough time directly comparing Coyle and Fred. IMO, Coyle is a far superior player skill wise where as Fred has more physical capabilities. The closer Frederic models his game after Coyle, the more he’s getting away from where I think his long term role ultimately lies.
I do agree with you that fans (like myself) are still carrying the sour grapes that he didn’t turn into a consistent version of his earlier self. Touché.
f*** it, it’s different!
Coyle is the 64th highest paid center in the league. When you take into account ELC guys (Bedard, etc) he’s not paid as a second line center.In what department is Coyle "far superior"?
Coyle is and has been one of the most overatted player in the league for a long time, especially in Boston. Before last year he's played on a third line for second line money.
He's the everyone likes the backup quaterback player since he's been here.
What is he good at really.
Up until reciently he sure was. 5.2 a year since 2020?Coyle is the 64th highest paid center in the league. When you take into account ELC guys (Bedard, etc) he’s not paid as a second line center.
Not sure if it's Leach or Sacco. They made Sacco an Associate Head Coach while Leach is an Assistant Coach.
If it were up to me and it was clear that the players aren't buying into Monty's systems and strategies then I'd clear house. All of the coaching staff would be gone and I'd get some fresh minds in who will look at this roster with critical eyes (as opposed to sympathetic eyes).
I know in the past we got out of the gate fast but we weren’t built to win in the playoffs. I’m just wondering if slow starts aren’t common with teams built for the playoffs. Certainly Fla started slow two years ago. Anyone know if there are trends on larger playoff teams starting slow.
There is definitely something to the idea that there are teams built for the regular season and there are teams built for the playoffs. In the regular season, youth is served. Young legs, speed energy... In the playoffs, heavy hockey, veteran smarts... I heard an interview with Dean Lombardi where he said you have to be careful because a team that's 'built purely for the playoffs' might not even make the postseason.I know in the past we got out of the gate fast but we weren’t built to win in the playoffs. I’m just wondering if slow starts aren’t common with teams built for the playoffs. Certainly Fla started slow two years ago. Anyone know if there are trends on larger playoff teams starting slow.