They do look different. Obviously the coaches are focusing on details at the moments, but have been open about changing shift length to keep the intensity up, and the neutral zone play to stop giving up the blue line so easily.
However, the guys are also playing harder, focusing more, and are more open to learning right now I suspect because they know they just helped get the previous coach fired. Its often a wake up call; players are next if they don’t get their shit together.
The other thing that makes a difference is that JM is a well respected cup winning coach with legendary status in Ottawa, and Alfie’s reputation speaks for itself. These two guys on the bench command respect just by who they are, which also helps get the messages through. DJ will keep building his experience, not his fault he’s a green coach.
I expect the players to continue to relish rounding out their games to include solid play in all three zones, which will lead to more wins, better goaltending, and more dominating performances.
It’s been a rough ride but the changes to the organization have been solid if not out right spectacular, and there are still a ton more to go. This team is going to blast off.
