Dean Evason and the Columbus Blue Jackets…

[Stickpucker]

Glad to see it.

NYR will win the metro and play the CBJ in the 1st round. CBJ with the upset.

 

[3074326]

I think a big part of his not being happy was constant losing. There might be some truth to the excuse that he played so poorly because of it, too. People have been making that excuse for Gibson for years—that he's a good goalie who has lost his motivation. Elvis has always been a headcase so a change of scenery might truly be doing something for him.

Regarding the Jackets, they probably live out a similar scenario to the Flyers last year. Lots of motivation and underestimation by opponents lead to a good start but fatigue and just pure lack of talent will run them out of the gas eventually. Still, would be nice to see them in the mix at least into the spring.

I don’t think they lack talent (when healthy) as much as experience. They’re just a bunch of younger players, Fantilli/Marchenko/Chinahkov/Johnson/Sillinger are all super talented. Just need time. A few of them look like they’ve arrived.

 

[Figgy44]

Monahan is really underated. Such a nice guy too, glad it's working out for you guys. You deserve it !

He's always really good when healthy. The problem is was that he was rarely at full health and often played through stuff he shouldn't have. He'd sorta hide the extent of his injuries.

They just arent losing battles. Monahan has been a godsend.

I'm glad he's been doing great for you guys. I was always hoping he'd figure out how to stay healthier so that his career would rebound.

 

[Beukeboom Fan]

TBF to Dean, he also had a team that was at a disadvantage due to aging/injured Suter and Parise, or their buyout Cap penalties. MN has not been playing with a full deck for the past 4-5 years.

I felt like DE did a great job in MINN not letting the team use the cap penalties as an excuse and kept them focused on competing. That's a great characteristic in a coach IMO.

 

[Marlowe Syn]

Glad he is coaching well for you. I was having some doubts about his coaching in Minnesota, especially during the playoffs. He is definitely proving me wrong. Hopefully he continues to work his magic.

 

[SoundAndFury]

I don’t think they lack talent (when healthy) as much as experience. They’re just a bunch of younger players, Fantilli/Marchenko/Chinahkov/Johnson/Sillinger are all super talented. Just need time. A few of them look like they’ve arrived.

I agree somewhat but all the guys you listed are forwards. Defense and goaltending, meanwhile, is just objectively some of the worst in the league unless Elvis resurrects himself after years of slumber.

 

[Turin]

I’m glad to see them doing well. Evason is a way better coach than Vincent