The Habits from a work ethic stand point, compete level and sticking up for teammates are very good. Swing and a miss on that one.
Can you honestly tell me you know how to identify an NHL teams systems? Without looking it up can you explain what a high trap is and how to execute it? Can you explain what a hinge is? Two basic parts of organized hockey systems.
If you think he wasn't coaching at all (which he clearly is) why were their PK and PP good? This goes back to your original post you are looking for a scape goat for this team and for a coach to make individual decisions for the players. Just not realistic.
Again maybe they need a harder coach that will start benching players for selfish mistakes. That I can get behind. But until they have the depth to do it no coach can without losing the room.
The real person to blame for this teams issues is the general manager. They finally had a team that looked like it was built properly, the depth to sustain injuries etc and he screwed up the cap. Its on Dorion if you are looking for the real problem.
It's been a while since I played hockey but the X's & O's or coaching important but less so than other sports like football. You don't need a Bill Belichick.
There are systems that practically work and almost all competent NHL (AHL really) coaches know and understand them.
It choosing the right systems for your player group and having the accountability to get your players to buy into them that is important.
It's the latter where I find DJ deficient more then the former. Players may "like" him but that is not enough. I prefer coaches that players like and respect. (Not a fan of Suter, Torts or Babcock either longterm - balance is important and they always end up losing the room)
I also question his roster delicious around players like Brannstrom & Chabot among many others.
If we are dividing up blame, Dorion definitely owns way more. That we have a good core only proves that he is the "Forrest Gump" of GM's and it pains me to think how much better this team would be with good asset management.
However, I am certain we will never go to the next level under DJ and every game he still has a job is just more time before the inevitable.