True Blue
Registered User
- Feb 27, 2002
- 30,092
- 8,362
That certainly is a factor, but one cannot simply dismiss the status as the worst without also addressing the system. It is not a coincidence that the more the names on the back of the sweater change, the mistakes remain the same. Nor is it a coincidence that 3 separate assistant coaches have been brought in to be in charge of defense, but yet the overall strategy remained the same. And the same mistakes were made. Nor is it a coincidence that a player like Girardi looked so lost here, and seems to be a competent vet defenseman elsewhere.The current defense is the worst in NHL at the moment compare to other NHL teams, because both DeAngelo & Kevin S. are not strong defensive players.
Having Shattenkirk ignore any and all defensive responsibilities does not help. Having forwards forget about backchecking does not help (though is it system created??). However, how many times must we see both defenseman chase a player to a corner and leaving a wide open opposing player to simply have tea and cruise in straight to the goal? First of all, a good coach would not have a system that relies on the goalie to cover up any and all mistakes. Second of all, a good coach would have seen what he has on the roster and adjusted what he does.
This does not even begin to address how many times players were allowed to take second, third & 4th whacks at Henke. That is not a player talent thing. That is very much a message on how to play from the coach thing.