Speculation: Another year of this Bluc **** (The 2024-25 season thread)

[Remparts666]

Absolutely ZERO wrong with what he said.....anyone who things you can take any kind of chance you want in the NHL, hasn't been paying attention the past, 100 years or so.

He didn't say he has to stop, he didn't say he was wrong, he said, he needs to be careful when he does it, OMG the horrible things he said, how dare he, are you guys kidding me?



Nope, all that matters is that they moved on from Stamkos, showing that teams can do that.....like Pittsburgh with Cros....wait....Washington with Ove....shit....umm...hold on....Vancouver with the Sedi.....oh f***....some team did it somewhere else.......with a 29 year old future HOFer

You’d have to be living under a f-cking rock not to have seen this coming…As I have said many times in this thread, the thing that makes Clarke different IMHO is having the balls to challenge. He has the courage to do anything and is extremely dynamic in that regard…that’s what I like about BC. Terrific player.

Yup. That X-factor is something I always look for in prospects — the hunger, drive, and balls to take risks and try to make a big play. Some people called Clarke cocky or selfish for his tendency to “beaver tap” and call for the puck in his draft year, but that’s much more indicative of his desire to make something happen.


I think these guys nailed it. Agree the quote in itself is not dramatic, I just hope they wont make him scare to make mistakes, and I think this is what has been happening to some extent. He is smart and he already recognizes the moments in the game. Just let him do his things and they'll win more games. Bonus: Perhaps they wont be as boring to whatch as the Jacques Lemaire' Devils at some point.

 

[AbsentMojo]

Absolutely ZERO wrong with what he said.....anyone who things you can take any kind of chance you want in the NHL, hasn't been paying attention the past, 100 years or so.

He didn't say he has to stop, he didn't say he was wrong, he said, he needs to be careful when he does it, OMG the horrible things he said, how dare he, are you guys kidding me?

Why go to the press with hit? How is that a positive for the kid who is brimming with confidence. Makar made all sorts defensive mistakes as he ascended no one was calling him out publically that I remember. Just the leave the kid alone and work with him. The team is so f***ing boring and you finally have a play maker than can wow the fans and this guy HIller sees fit to take him down a notch. Sorry man, this org is f***ing clueless.

 

[AbsentMojo]

And 34 when this happened, not 29. Not that TB is going to be winning another Cup with their aging big contract top heavy roster that hasn't been out of the 1st rd since 2022.

They should've already started rebuilding, not giving a 30 year old mercenary winger $9m on the cap until 2031.

Getting Guentzel was odd right? Maybe their strategy is to contend and gradually swap out older for less-older via FA market. My point is they didnt treat Stamkos as the golden calf after 2 cups and being captain...Kind of a balsy move from an org perspective.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

Why go to the press with hit? How is that a positive for the kid who is brimming with confidence. Makar made all sorts defensive mistakes as he ascended no one was calling him out publically that I remember. Just the leave the kid alone and work with him. The team is so f***ing boring and you finally have a play maker than can wow the fans and this guy HIller sees fit to take him down a notch. Sorry man, this org is f***ing clueless.

Pretty sure he was asked about it? Doesn't sound like the sort of quote you seek a reporter out and go pssstt.....this....

And again, he didn't take him down any notch.....literally said nothing against it, but, we have to be careful, if that's taking down a notch, I kinda feel bad for you.

 

[AbsentMojo]

Pretty sure he was asked about it? Doesn't sound like the sort of quote you seek a reporter out and go pssstt.....this....

And again, he didn't take him down any notch.....literally said nothing against it, but, we have to be careful, if that's taking down a notch, I kinda feel bad for you.

Nah, it speaks to Hiller's stodgy/ cautious perspective. "I try to be careful with that".. thats a criticsm/negative - ie Clarke is taking too much risk.

 

[Statto]

Why go to the press with hit? How is that a positive for the kid who is brimming with confidence. Makar made all sorts defensive mistakes as he ascended no one was calling him out publically that I remember. Just the leave the kid alone and work with him. The team is so f***ing boring and you finally have a play maker than can wow the fans and this guy HIller sees fit to take him down a notch. Sorry man, this org is f***ing clueless.

Different players need different management. Maybe this is what Clarke needs for all you/I/we know, that reminder to stay mindful of when to decide to do these things. Maybe Hiller is right or wrong, but Makars handling isn’t the indicator in either direction as every player needs handling as an individual.

Hiller has increased his ice-time and Clarke clearly feels comfortable enough to try stuff out, so I think people are reaching if they think he’s being mishandled. There is zero evidence of that as he’s clearly growing into the season. Now if people want to bitch about Thomas not playing (soon) enough then I’m on board.

 

[Lt Dan]

Getting Guentzel was odd right? Maybe their strategy is to contend and gradually swap out older for less-older via FA market. My point is they didnt treat Stamkos as the golden calf after 2 cups and being captain...Kind of a balsy move from an org perspective.

 

[kingsboy11]

How is it odd?

What do stats have to do with poor defensive decisions? Of course a coach has to monitor minutes and praise on a young player who makes a lot of mistakes. You have to learn from those in order to progress, and a massive part of that education comes from discipline.

This just smacks of wanting to be upset about something that is a big, fat nothing.

I think there's something to be said for giving credit where its due. He looks significantly better now than he did the first couple of games. Now I think its possible they are trying to manage his ego a little bit because I'm willing to bet Clarke might get full of himself and there's obviously still some defensive deficiencies that he needs to work on.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

Nah, it speaks to Hiller's stodgy/ cautious perspective. "I try to be careful with that".. thats a criticsm/negative - ie Clarke is taking too much risk.

No, that's you perceiving it as that, that's the difference....

I mean talk about making shit up to be pissed about, you are literally interrupting words, to fit your narrative, then being pissed, about your narrative.

Tell me if Hiller thinks Clarke is taking way too much risk, why is his ice time increasing, and why hasn't he been benched a shift or two or a period?

Isn't that the logical thing to do, hey too much, sit down and think about it...etc, yet, that hasn't happened, so why not?

 

[All The Kings Men]

Quote from Clarke about his time playing in Slovakia during COVID

“It’s been an interesting transition. They play a different style of hockey over here so with me wanting to push the puck up the ice and use my skating at times, they had to adjust to that,”

submitted without comment (unless you listened to Kings Talk last night)

 

[AbsentMojo]

Different players need different management. Maybe this is what Clarke needs for all you/I/we know, that reminder to stay mindful of when to decide to do these things. Maybe Hiller is right or wrong, but Makars handling isn’t the indicator in either direction as every player needs handling as an individual.

Hiller has increased his ice-time and Clarke clearly feels comfortable enough to try stuff out, so I think people are reaching if they think he’s being mishandled. There is zero evidence of that as he’s clearly growing into the season. Now if people want to bitch about Thomas not playing (soon) enough then I’m on board.

Well he has been mishandled - no reason he shouldve played 50 games in the A last year..It was clear he was ready - but thats a different subject. My. point was that of all things to say after a 3 point night, thats what Hiller came up with. Dont get me started on Akil... glad he finally got to play a bit.

No, that's you perceiving it as that, that's the difference....

I mean talk about making shit up to be pissed about, you are literally interrupting words, to fit your narrative, then being pissed, about your narrative.

Tell me if Hiller thinks Clarke is taking way too much risk, why is his ice time increasing, and why hasn't he been benched a shift or two or a period?

Isn't that the logical thing to do, hey too much, sit down and think about it...etc, yet, that hasn't happened, so why not?

Its funny you should mention making shit up to be pissed about becuase thats pretty much your entire MO on this board.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

Well he has been mishandled - no reason he shouldve played 50 games in the A last year..It was clear he was ready - but thats a different subject. My. point was that of all things to say after a 3 point night, thats what Hiller came up with. Dont get me started on Akil... glad he finally got to play a bit.


Its funny you should mention making shit up to be pissed about becuase thats pretty much your entire MO on this board.

Yep, absolutely, now answer the question,

If Hiller wanted to take him down a notch, isn't the better option to bench him after a risky move, or sit him a period after a risky game? Why hasn't he done that?

 

[AbsentMojo]

Yep, absolutely, now answer the question,

If Hiller wanted to take him down a notch, isn't the better option to bench him after a risky move, or sit him a period after a risky game? Why hasn't he done that?

Those are different arguments. I do think he's trying to take him down a notch subtly without something dramatic like the Fiala benching. I think Hiller is uncomfortable with a player like Clarke that makes up his own rules and it leaked out.. it was a very 50/50 statement like he takes chances, sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesnt... now if it were me, Id be pumping his tires - saying he brings a dimension to our offense that we didnt have - but still has some work to do in the d-zone.. If he said that, Id be fine.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

Those are different arguments. I do think he's trying to take him down a notch subtly without something dramatic like the Fiala benching. I think Hiller is uncomfortable with a player like Clarke that makes up his own rules and it leaked out.. it was a very 50/50 statement like he takes chances, sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesnt... now if it were me, Id be pumping his tires - saying he brings a dimension to our offense that we didnt have - but still has some work to do in the d-zone.. If he said that, Id be fine.

So basically, if the 50/50 was in your words, you'd be ok, but since Hiller said it in his, it's f***ing atrocious....got it.

 

[AbsentMojo]

So basically, if the 50/50 was in your words, you'd be ok, but since Hiller said it in his, it's f***ing atrocious....got it.

My words were much more on the complimentary side... underlining how happy i am as a coach that he brings a new attack weapon on the offensive side.. not simply the bland well he takes risks sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesnt. My approach builds his self esteem and gives him accolades - while saying there is some work to do. Hiller's does not.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

My words were much more on the complimentary side... underlining how happy i am as a coach that he brings a new attack weapon on the offensive side.. not simply the bland well he takes risks sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesnt. My approach builds his self esteem and gives him accolades - while saying there is some work to do. Hiller's does not.

Again, in your perspective, whatever man, you go shake your fist at the sky over some innocuous words that you yourself just said was 50/50

 

[Herby]

"He should change nothing, keep playing his game, we accept the aggressive mistakes as part of the dynamic player he is"

I think that would be a better quote to keep his confidence soaring and make him an even better player the rest of the way. But again this is unchartered territory for the Kings, having a young player just come in and actually look the part of a star offensive player right away, without mountains of excuses as to why he's not doing well, he just is.

Brandt Clarke on the Kings would be like Lamar Jackson playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes, the coaching staff just doesn't know how to react to it, it's so foreign.

 

[AbsentMojo]

Again, in your perspective, whatever man, you go shake your fist at the sky over some innocuous words that you yourself just said was 50/50

Ya it bugged me obviously. In isolation its innocuous but in context of how this team has f***ed up most everything it touches, it is not. I also will admit im biased toward the kids and having them get their shot.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

"He should change nothing, keep playing his game, we accept the aggressive mistakes as part of the dynamic player he is"

I think that would be a better quote to keep his confidence soaring and make him an even better player the rest of the way. But again this is unchartered territory for the Kings, having a young player just come in and actually look the part of a star offensive player right away, without mountains of excuses as to why he's not doing well, he just is.

Brandt Clarke on the Kings would be like Lamar Jackson playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes, the coaching staff just doesn't know how to react to it, it's so foreign.

Has there been any aggressive mistakes? I mean he slipped on the PP against SJ, led to the breakaway, but I'm talking about decision making, pinch, carry, one too many passes, vs a better decision that you can chalk up to him being more aggressive, I can't recall any....and again, not talking about stepping on a banana peel type mistakes.

 

[KingsFan7824]

Getting Guentzel was odd right? Maybe their strategy is to contend and gradually swap out older for less-older via FA market. My point is they didnt treat Stamkos as the golden calf after 2 cups and being captain...Kind of a balsy move from an org perspective.

When Stamkos was 34, not 29. Nor did they trade Stamkos at the deadline, when they already knew they weren't bringing him back. Then they lost in the 1st rd anyway. That's some Kings level managing right there.

And since when do you contend for Cups by giving 30 year old UFAs big contracts? On top of all the other 30+ year olds with legacy Cup contracts they had already handed out?

 

[King'sPawn]

"He should change nothing, keep playing his game, we accept the aggressive mistakes as part of the dynamic player he is"

I think that would be a better quote to keep his confidence soaring and make him an even better player the rest of the way. But again this is unchartered territory for the Kings, having a young player just come in and actually look the part of a star offensive player right away, without mountains of excuses as to why he's not doing well, he just is.

Brandt Clarke on the Kings would be like Lamar Jackson playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes, the coaching staff just doesn't know how to react to it, it's so foreign.

Agreed. I'm not going to parse Hiller's words too much, and it's possible this is an incomplete quote (I didn't hear him say it), but as it's written, it certainly could have come across more positive.

Part of what allows a player to grow the most is if they have the freedom to make the occasional mistake. Players of high skill only get better through experience. The tone as presented sounds more cautionary or admonishing.

I care more about what he does with Clarke going forward than focusing on a single quote. So far, he's getting the minutes, which is what matters. He could speak Martian about Clarke for all I care if he continues to grow and succeed as a player.

 

[AbsentMojo]

When Stamkos was 34, not 29. Nor did they trade Stamkos at the deadline, when they already knew they weren't bringing him back. Then they lost in the 1st rd anyway. That's some Kings level managing right there.

And since when do you contend for Cups by giving 30 year old UFAs big contracts? On top of all the other 30+ year olds with legacy Cup contracts they had already handed out?

Agree that is LAK level - but it speaks to their mentality, they believed they were contenders so they prob couldnt find a way to get value for Stamkos and improve their team for the playoffs. Maybe the GM is falling for some of the traps of thinking they just need one piece and they are "right there" which I think wasnt's as far fetched as LAK. I'd say they had more logic hanging on to Stamkos, than the Kings did hanging on to Roy.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Yeah I don't see much wrong with Hiller's comments unless I read too much into it.

Clarke's bigger problem is that Edmundson sucks a bag of dicks and so a guy who is going to freewheel a bit like Clarke being paired with a guy who is lost in the dzone unless there's someone in crosscheck range like Joel is going to look even worse defensively than he is if he pinches or gets caught SLIGHTLY out of position. The thought was problably Joel is Scuderi to Clarke's Doughty, but Ed is no Scuderi/Regehr/Mitchell/Greene, he's Denis Gauthier. Expect hijinks and don't punish Clarke for it.