Barkov as Florida's Captain

[avenger]

I’m of the mindset that we get an experienced coach in here before we blow up this team. I think Barkov can ultimately be a playoff competitor with the right guidance. Although I lack the same confidence in Huberdeau.

this thought is 200% smarter than these previous "fans"

 

[Dread Clawz]

Bench Huberdeau for Ljndell tomorrow

No.

 

[FrolikFan67]

you guys can't win the cup without him! you only see the problem in one player! ask yourself: why is that? look at the whole game as a whole, how and what is our team playing now? if you don’t understand, then it’s ok ... to explain to you long and tedious ... Bjug must be returned, and Barki must be removed!

I never liked Bjugstad that much. I just showed his career playoff numbers, what was that? 4 trips to the playoffs? None were that good. You can make excuses for him if you’d like, he’s great in the regular season, no one is disputing that. But if the excuse is “well they’re just playing him hard and he has to focus on D too”. Ok, do teams not play mcdavid, draisaitl, mackinnon, Matthews, every top center teams will always play hard against. They’re the best, they need to overcome it somehow, someway. Otherwise we’ll always make excuses for them.

We can win with him, for sure. It’s like Bergeron in Boston, except Bergeron also has pastrnak (one of the best goal scoring wingers in the game) and Marchand (also one of the best wingers in the game who also scores). Having Barkov and a playmaker as our two top dogs? Won’t get us far. They’ll make all the money and not enough for everyone else. The ideal time would’ve been when they were on their cheaper deals (entry level and bridge contract)

this thought is 200% smarter than these previous "fans"

No one is attacking you. We’re all upset. We can have a healthy discussion without flipping out because someone doesn’t share the same exact opinion

 

[avenger]

I never liked Bjugstad that much. I just showed his career playoff numbers, what was that? 4 trips to the playoffs? None were that good. You can make excuses for him if you’d like, he’s great in the regular season, no one is disputing that. But if the excuse is “well they’re just playing him hard and he has to focus on D too”. Ok, do teams not play mcdavid, draisaitl, mackinnon, Matthews, every top center teams will always play hard against. They’re the best, they need to overcome it somehow, someway. Otherwise we’ll always make excuses for them.

We can win with him, for sure. It’s like Bergeron in Boston, except Bergeron also has pastrnak (one of the best goal scoring wingers in the game) and Marchand (also one of the best wingers in the game who also scores). Having Barkov and a playmaker as our two top dogs? Won’t get us far. They’ll make all the money and not enough for everyone else. The ideal time would’ve been when they were on their cheaper deals (entry level and bridge contract)


No one is attacking you. We’re all upset. We can have a healthy discussion without flipping out because someone doesn’t share the same exact opinion

yes, sure! discussion...I don't have any excuses here, it's about the ability and the role of the player in the team. Barky has a big role to play in our team's success…and you need to be clear about what the problem is with a bad (bad?) team…we fought last season, we're fighting this season…we beat a great Washington team!!!…where is Matthews now? in the Bahamas? where was he last year? Where was McDavid last year? Are you sure we have a problem in Barkу??? ready to trade it and win the cup? what if the team that gets the Barki wins the cup? what will you write next? I always think we have problems with good defenders! why Barky, why not Ekblad? (compare with Hedman!) and with the coaches, we play as it will, hoping that Barky will cope in defense like Bergeron and solve the offensive game like Matthews…

 

[avenger]

Bench Huberdeau for Ljndell tomorrow

lundell needs to be twice as fast…maybe next year

 

[FrolikFan67]

yes, sure! discussion...I don't have any excuses here, it's about the ability and the role of the player in the team. Barky has a big role to play in our team's success…and you need to be clear about what the problem is with a bad (bad?) team…we fought last season, we're fighting this season…we beat a great Washington team!!!…where is Matthews now? in the Bahamas? where was he last year? Where was McDavid last year? Are you sure we have a problem in Barkу??? ready to trade it and win the cup? what if the team that gets the Barki wins the cup? what will you write next? I always think we have problems with good defenders! why Barky, why not Ekblad? (compare with Hedman!) and with the coaches, we play as it will, hoping that Barky will cope in defense like Bergeron and solve the offensive game like Matthews…

Ok well obviously this discussion won’t go very far. Let’s just say we have different opinions on our expectations of our star (superstar?) players and what they can and should provide their team in the playoffs when it matters most, both as producing players and as leaders of the larger group. Not sure what more to say on this

 

[Chino Oscar]

Barkov's performance has been disappointing, buy so has been the rest of the team's. Yes, players are partly to blame but when it is such a widespread issue, to me that points to coaching.

Barkov is our best player by far. The only thing he lacks is that extra drive/compete, which should/can be improved. What you can't improve or find easily, is his natural ability as a hockey player. Further, he is signed to a max contract at 10 mil/year which should scare most other teams into getting him. I just don't think getting rid of him is the answer.

Regarding Hubby, I love the guy tbh. But if we are looking to upgrade the team for next season and with our cap situation, plus him needing a new contract after next year, I think he is the best option we have to try to upgrade the blueline. I wasn't even entertaining this thought until this year's playoffs, but we just need to get better defense, a true #1 or #2 D. For as much attention as Ekblad gets in the media as this so-called Norris caliber defenseman, his skating is a significant liability when going against top players. Don't get me wrong, I think he is good, just not top tier.

Zito has done a good job so far with building the team. I think he miscalculated the coaching situation but now it is obvious and pretty sure (at least hoping) that he will address it before next season.

That is all. Going to watch this game knowing it will more than likely be the last of the season. Thanks to the players for a great regular season and well deserved President's Trophy. Put it away in the trophy case and figure out what you need to be successful in the playoffs next season.

 

[zeroG]

Barkov isn't the problem. The gulf in talent between Tampa and Florida is not so great as for a series sweep, and yet here we are.

The problem is standing behind the bench. I think now that the team is on its way out the door, we can acknowledge that turning the keys over to a total novice was a huge gamble and it didn't pay off.

disagree. the players play and our top guys haven't gotten it done. blaming the coach is too easy.

that's not to say that bruno's not without some blame. he didn't push the right levers. perhaps he waited too long to put the PP in the blender? a lot of things you'll be able to criticize in the end but is it bruno's fault weegar left the net wide open? was it bruno's fault our back-pressure disappeared at critical times, allowing kucherov to dismember our Dmen?

if you're going to point a finger, point it at our best players. they failed their teammates AND their coaches. hopefully, they will learn from this and figure out how to approach the regular season and playoffs next year.

 

[KW]

disagree. the players play and our top guys haven't gotten it done. blaming the coach is too easy.

that's not to say that bruno's not without some blame. he didn't push the right levers. perhaps he waited too long to put the PP in the blender? a lot of things you'll be able to criticize in the end but is it bruno's fault weegar left the net wide open? was it bruno's fault our back-pressure disappeared at critical times, allowing kucherov to dismember our Dmen?

if you're going to point a finger, point it at our best players. they failed their teammates AND their coaches. hopefully, they will learn from this and figure out how to approach the regular season and playoffs next year.

Accountability starts at the top.

That’s why the Panthers had been laughing stock nobodys forever, because the owner didn’t give a shit about winning and didn’t bring in the right people to get that done. We now have an owner and a GM who are getting it done. Next level, the coach needs to have the same mentality: get the job done, no matter what. Excuses are excuses, everyone has them.

My gut instinct at the time Q was let go was to get Torts but team was winning and players liked Bruno. I changed my opinion but I see I was wrong to do so.

 

[GreeningOil]

You guys should just trade him.

Oil will take him with 50% retention… insert sarcasm/laugh here.

Barkov needs to play better. That is all

 

[needforspeed]

disagree. the players play and our top guys haven't gotten it done. blaming the coach is too easy.

that's not to say that bruno's not without some blame. he didn't push the right levers. perhaps he waited too long to put the PP in the blender? a lot of things you'll be able to criticize in the end but is it bruno's fault weegar left the net wide open? was it bruno's fault our back-pressure disappeared at critical times, allowing kucherov to dismember our Dmen?

if you're going to point a finger, point it at our best players. they failed their teammates AND their coaches. hopefully, they will learn from this and figure out how to approach the regular season and playoffs next year.

No. This thing starts with the top. We don't have a decent structure in our game. Now when opponents started playing directly against us we have been fully exposed. Barkov hasn't been in his level, not Huby, Ekblad, Giroux, Weegar, Duclair, Bennett. Verhaege was superb against Caps, nonexistent againts Tampa. Our depth players have been completely lost especially in defensive game.

This is not coincidence. All the top teams who will come out this round have a good structure in their game, they know what they are doing. We don't have a clue. No individual player perhaps outside McDavid can shine in this environment.

And no, not removing the responsibility of our players, top tier especially. It has not looked sharp or emotionally engaged with Barky, Huby and Ekblad. At the same time I'm 100% sure a good & experienced coach with clear game plan would get a lot more out of them

 

[zeroG]

Accountability starts at the top.

That’s why the Panthers had been laughing stock nobodys forever, because the owner didn’t give a shit about winning and didn’t bring in the right people to get that done. We now have an owner and a GM who are getting it done. Next level, the coach needs to have the same mentality: get the job done, no matter what. Excuses are excuses, everyone has them.

My gut instinct at the time Q was let go was to get Torts but team was winning and players liked Bruno. I changed my opinion but I see I was wrong to do so.

for sure, bruno will get (and i'm sure accept) some valid criticism.

he doesn't play the game, though.

you weren't wrong to change your mind - keeping bruno was the right choice at that time. the players responded to the adversity and won for him.

now zito has to deal with a complicated set of facts - president's trophy and one series win vs utter failure against the lightning. i'm fine either way and glad it's not my decision but i don't think it's as clear cut as you think.

 

[zeroG]

No. This thing starts with the top. We don't have a decent structure in our game. Now when opponents started playing directly against us we have been fully exposed. Barkov hasn't been in his level, not Huby, Ekblad, Giroux, Weegar, Duclair, Bennett. Verhaege was superb against Caps, nonexistent againts Tampa. Our depth players have been completely lost especially in defensive game.

This is not coincidence. All the top teams who will come out this round have a good structure in their game, they know what they are doing. We don't have a clue. No individual player perhaps outside McDavid can shine in this environment.

And no, not removing the responsibility of our players, top tier especially. It has not looked sharp or emotionally engaged with Barky, Huby and Ekblad. At the same time I'm 100% sure a good & experienced coach with clear game plan would get a lot more out of them

well, i disagree there. i think we have shown decent structure and have done so through large parts of this series.

i don't know why you think they haven't but i'll tell you why they have - they are not giving up many odd man rushes and their in-zone defense isn't really being exploited. when you watch the games, they don't look lost defensively, they look lost offensively. they've struggled with confidence and nowhere is it more apparent than on the PP.

nor do i think think they've failed to compete. they simply haven't executed on the ice for a full 60 minutes or at least until they've broken down the lightning and won themselves a margin for error.

 

[KW]

for sure, bruno will get (and i'm sure accept) some valid criticism.

he doesn't play the game, though.

you weren't wrong to change your mind - keeping bruno was the right choice at that time. the players responded to the adversity and won for him.

now zito has to deal with a complicated set of facts - president's trophy and one series win vs utter failure against the lightning. i'm fine either way and glad it's not my decision but i don't think it's as clear cut as you think.

I’m not really claiming that the analysis part of what’s gone wrong is super clear cut. However, the decision part will be definitive. Zito either keeps Bruno or he doesn’t.

Because of accountability, it’s gonna be hard for Zito to argue to keep Bruno. JMO.

 

[WaitingForThatCab]

well, i disagree there. i think we have shown decent structure and have done so through large parts of this series.

i don't know why you think they haven't but i'll tell you why they have - they are not giving up many odd man rushes and their in-zone defense isn't really being exploited. when you watch the games, they don't look lost defensively, they look lost offensively. they've struggled with confidence and nowhere is it more apparent than on the PP.

nor do i think think they've failed to compete. they simply haven't executed on the ice for a full 60 minutes or at least until they've broken down the lightning and won themselves a margin for error.

They're not generating any offense. Completely unable to sustain offensive zone pressure, and atrocious special teams performance (both ends of it). That's on the coaching, because the talent is absolutely there.

 

[HockeyRulez]

Giving Barkov 10mil/yr for 8 yrs looking like a big overpayment now sigh

 

[Vilam]

The only thing he lacks is that extra drive/compete, which should/can be improved.

In what world can that be improved? He is who he is, that isn't going to change.

 

[avenger]

Giving Barkov 10mil/yr for 8 yrs looking like a big overpayment now sigh

Well, of course! Good job! ... shit poured !!! who else played at his level? Bob? (vacuumed the last 2 games) who? ... Tampa simply didn’t let us play at our level to any player. We need to think about how we can build a game system that will give results in the playoffs. and we were jumping for joy, how great is the f***ing combo!!! the entire regular season! and now you're blaming our top potential player! God sent Tampa to us 2 times, so that we would learn how to play in the playoffs, so that we would understand how to build a system and a game, in order to close the stars of Tampa and reveal their stars ... and the players must learn and understand what you need and what you need now what you need to work on, improve and develop!

 

[avenger]

and you are pouring shit !!! you don’t need a lot of mind! ... "the team wins! the coach loses, and the referee is to blame for everything"
now you are Panthers fans, through one you will slander Barkу a bad player, a lot of money, a bad captain, etc... you will shit on Huby.
I think we have a great time ahead of us!! For the first time in the history of the Panthers, we have a great team!! all season we admired the goalkeeper, the players, the coach...and now we have moved another 10 steps forward for future great victories! … with these players, with captain Barki, with the best playmaker Hubу, with Bob, with our young stars… now I say THANK YOU guys for the season! I am grateful to you for the emotions that I experienced this season! I am happy to be with you Barky in the same team for at least 8 more years!!! I know you will do anything to raise this damn Cup!!! thank you Barky!

 

[zeroG]

They're not generating any offense. Completely unable to sustain offensive zone pressure, and atrocious special teams performance (both ends of it). That's on the coaching, because the talent is absolutely there.

ha.

so, the players get credit during the regular season and the coaches get the blame now?

 

[WaitingForThatCab]

ha.

so, the players get credit during the regular season and the coaches get the blame now?

Yeah, I absolutely think that raw talent wins a lot of games in the regular season. Intensity level is different, and more importantly, you're gameplanning for a 7 game series. Coaching is a huge part of that.

 

[zeroG]

Yeah, I absolutely think that raw talent wins a lot of games in the regular season. Intensity level is different, and more importantly, you're gameplanning for a 7 game series. Coaching is a huge part of that.

marginally more.

and i'm not saying that cooper didn't win that margin, mind you; i am simply saying the players went out there with the teammates they have around them, trying to play the style of play that zito and Q embraced and built around and they apparently couldn't square that mentality with dramatic turn in TB's game as compared to last year.

the only area i think bruno is vulnerable is in the handling of the PP in the postseason. i have been here defending his more conservative approach but in the end, it's clear he needed to act sooner. he should've shaken up the PP units in the caps series.

 

[Panteras]

The best way I can describe it is, you know those people that simply have 1 speed no matter the situation?…well that’s basically the vibe that Barkov gives. He just simply doesn’t have that personality or gene or whatever you wanna call it to ramp up intensity or urgency. He is simply bland , always has been. Incredible skill and a great regular season player. But disappointing in the off-season. This year from his apologizing to that caps defender for hitting with a puck to his 1 assist this series vs Tampa and complete lack of emotion and urgency. It’s just deflating.

I hope that all it takes is a coach to help him out with this part of his game or experience will change him with leadership qualities aka the Ovechkin comparisons.. but that might be wishful thinking…Ovechkin was/is lighting in a bottle compared to Barkov in every sense of the word since his rookie year. Barkov might honestly need to simply get stripped and be a follower.

 

[traffic cone]

The best way I can describe it is, you know those people that simply have 1 speed no matter the situation?…well that’s basically the vibe that Barkov gives. He just simply doesn’t have that personality or gene or whatever you wanna call it to ramp up intensity or urgency. He is simply bland , always has been. Incredible skill and a great regular season player. But disappointing in the off-season. This year from his apologizing to that caps defender for hitting with a puck to his 1 assist this series vs Tampa and complete lack of emotion and urgency. It’s just deflating.

I hope that all it takes is a coach to help him out with this part of his game or experience will change him with leadership qualities aka the Ovechkin comparisons.. but that might be wishful thinking…Ovechkin was/is lighting in a bottle compared to Barkov in every sense of the word since his rookie year. Barkov might honestly need to simply get stripped and be a follower.

Or maybe he can demand a trade and be ”a follower” in some other team?

 

[zeroG]

The best way I can describe it is, you know those people that simply have 1 speed no matter the situation?…well that’s basically the vibe that Barkov gives. He just simply doesn’t have that personality or gene or whatever you wanna call it to ramp up intensity or urgency. He is simply bland , always has been. Incredible skill and a great regular season player. But disappointing in the off-season. This year from his apologizing to that caps defender for hitting with a puck to his 1 assist this series vs Tampa and complete lack of emotion and urgency. It’s just deflating.

I hope that all it takes is a coach to help him out with this part of his game or experience will change him with leadership qualities aka the Ovechkin comparisons.. but that might be wishful thinking…Ovechkin was/is lighting in a bottle compared to Barkov in every sense of the word since his rookie year. Barkov might honestly need to simply get stripped and be a follower.

interesting point. ok, now i'm going to amend my previous answer.

i just said the PP was the only area where bruno was vulnerable. in an earlier post i said he didn't push the right levers (but not that this was a decisive factor...) i think it's really the combination of the two.

it is possible that a real guru like phil jackson, et al, may have been able to figure out a way to get barky going.

and we absolutely needed one of barkow or huberdeau to take up the mantle and carry the team the way kucherov carried the lightning. they have it in them i know. will be interesting to see how zito handles this.