Confirmed with Link: DJ Smith fired, Jacques Martin in as interim, Alfie as assistant

[UglyPuckling]

Cam Talbot is going to the All Star Game and is under Vezina consideration.

It's the country club atmosphere where players barely back check and consistently hang goalies out to dry.

So, I'd guess/assume you'd say that even if the goalies were replaced with much better goaltenders, we wouldn't be making deep playoff runs - correct? It's been something I've been wondering about and the question was posed in another thread with negligible response.

 

[YouGotAStuGoing]

So, I'd guess/assume you'd say that even if the goalies were replaced with much better goaltenders, we wouldn't be making deep playoff runs - correct? It's been something I've been wondering about and the question was posed in another thread with negligible response.

I think that's a reasonable assumption. We've now had goalies leave and become good again, and good goalies come in and be poor. Whether it's the system we play, the lack of getting the little details right, or general apathy, our goaltending is consistently at the bottom of the league regardless of who's between the pipes.

 

[slamigo]

It's been a long time since a goalie has had success in Ottawa. The culture in that room isn't right.
And so many players cheat by anticipating plays rather than reading them. So they end up on the wrong side of the person they're supposed to cover. The straight legged coasting back checks drive me insane. Zero effort on forwards coming back.

 

[Micklebot]

It's been a long time since a goalie has had success in Ottawa. The culture in that room isn't right.
And so many players cheat by anticipating plays rather than reading them. So they end up on the wrong side of the person they're supposed to cover. The straight legged coasting back checks drive me insane. Zero effort on forwards coming back.

I mean, Forsberg had a .917 sv% in 46 games two years ago, seems pretty good.

 

[Tnuoc Alucard]

If any Sens players don’t want to learn winning NHL hockey over the next 43 games because they think they are getting a new coach- these are the guys you trade

If the players are waiting for perfect, send them to Arizona

Do you actually think J Martin is teaching them “winning NHL Hockey”?

They don’t “think” they’re getting a new coach, they are getting. New coach….according to the rookie GM, in the off season…..My point is why wait when there are qualified candidates available today….pick the best one, and get the process started now, not In September

 

[Agent Zuuuub]

Do you actually think J Martin is teaching them “winning NHL Hockey”?

They don’t “think” they’re getting a new coach, they are getting. New coach….according to the rookie GM, in the off season…..My point is why wait when there are qualified candidates available today….pick the best one, and get the process started now, not In September

Martin is one of the best ones, created hall of famers, an all time great defensive mind, won cups.

And when the permanent coach comes in you want him to rip into them to try and teach basic fundamentals?

Martin is doing the ugly "bad guy" work so the next coach doesn't have to.

 

[Tnuoc Alucard]

You keep using rookie GM to describe Staios, but I'd still take him over a veteran GM like Dorion any day. Not exactly the putdown you seem to intend it to be.

RE: coaching, it's patently obvious at this point that the team had some bad habits creep in. Bringing in JM to tear the team down and build it back up is going to be fraught with growing pains and some regression. But by the time we bring in a new coach in the offseason, hopefully the worst of that will be done.

Jacques as an interim guy tasked with bringing the team back to fundamentals makes a hell of a lot more sense than anyone in the room thinking he's the long-term answer. Personally, I think it's smart to do this NOW rather than saddle our new coach — who will need fanbase buy-in, and quick — with the unenviable task of trying to build good habits while also being competitive.

Dorion was never a GM before he became a rookie GM, in Ottawa.

Staois has never been a GM in the NHL until a couple of weeks ago…so it is accurate to describe him as a rookie GM, who has not built up the relationships with other GMs in the NHL that a veteran GM would already have.

Every Coach has their system, and their way to, so whomever is the New Head Coach is NOT going to use J Martins’ system, they will implement their own system….. sure maybe a few good habits could be learnt….. but show me one example of a good habit now, after J Martin took over….there are none…. Get the new head coach in now….. follow the Vancouver model, you know, the team that skipped bringing in and interim coach a year ago, and skipped an in season training program…. And are now sitting 2nd over all.

over the last 2 weeks, I have moved to your view point.

Get a guy in now.. give him games 41-82.

I think you are right, we have a substitute teacher situation.. that never works out.

And… if you watch SC with Jay Onrait, from this morning… he and Craig Button agree that Ottawa should bring in their new Head Coach today, just like Vancouver did a year ago…. Button suggests Roy.

 

[Cosmix]

OK, I was just curious, so thought I'd ask. We talk about goaltending issues in here a lot. I get that people like to vent. That's human nature, but wondered if the goaltending issue was addressed, what the expectation would be?

TBL has the last wild card slot with 49 points, while Ottawa has 30. So, we'd had to make up 20 points to displace TBL. We do have 5 games-in-hand, so even if we win all of them, that's still not enough. We'd need 21 points to displace the 3rd Divisional seed, with only 3 games-in-hand.

So, given those Standing stats, I just wondered how much of improvement people would expect if the goaltending was improved. Of course, deep playoff runs are even a higher bar.

This season is done; there is virtually no probability that this team can make the playoffs this season.

The changes that are being contemplated might improve results next season.

We have an inexperienced POHO/GM and an interim coaching staff. That is not a recipe for future success.

 

[Tnuoc Alucard]

Do you truly not understand the concept of management group wanting to evaluate and understand the type of team they have prior to choosing a coach? Is it that hard of a concept for you to wrap your head around? Certain teams are better fits with certain coach's.

You also don't seem to understand there are way more options in the offseason. Another very basic principle.

They took over the team in pre season. Inherited a mess.

The argument that you guys are making about an interim coach being a reason for players not buying in is also hilariously dumb.

Management is making personel decisions... They are the ones making the call. The players were absolutely informed they're being evaluated. The coaching staff will be in management and be reporting directly to management. If players aren't buying in when they are told this they are part of the problem. And won't be part of the solution. Martin is giving the fans and players a clear and concise message of what's expected. If you can't correlate what he is saying to what's happening on the ice you're either not watching or don't understand what you're looking at. It's not complicated. Some players are doing it and some aren't

Do you remember a year ago. When the Canucks were shitting the Bed…. They got rid of BB and hired RT, and began the process to restructure the team in Jan or 2023. They did not use the excuses you listed…. They Did not waste the rest of the season waiting for more options and using the second half of the season to mollycoddle the players, they brought in a head coach that now has them second over one year after making the change.


J Martin is NOT working…. It’s so obvious that even Stevie Wonder can see it….J Martins’ time has passed, there is a reason he had been an NHL head coach since 2009…… every aspect of the game is now worse than when DJS was let go.

 

[Tnuoc Alucard]

When you say that JM is "not the answer", what do you think is the question?

I assume Staios hired JM as an experienced (and respected?) hockey person to evaluate the state of the team on the ice, evaluate players and if needed instill changes in how the team plays.

I doubt JM was brought in to win games in the short run, if that is what you mean by "turn the ship around asap". Maybe turning this ship around is a lot more difficult than you believe.

I agree it would be encouraging to see more wins, or at least more evidence of improvement in areas that are weak.

The Rookie GM has already made it clear that a New Head Coach (Captain of the Ship) is coming in the off season…. Until then he has tasked J Martin with the interim tag ( acting Captain)…. And the plan is to waste the rest of the season, teaching the players whatever he believes they are lacking in various aspects of the game…… we’ll have you seen any indication that is happening?

the rookie GM must be blind, and someone needs to slap him in the face, wake him up…. Hire the best available coach today, and let him implement his system now….. because he will not take the job if he will be required to enforce J Martins’ system…. We’re wasting the rest of the season, is they wait until the offseason to bring in a head coach, and start implementing his system starting from scratch next training camp.

 

[Tnuoc Alucard]

Dorion was a rookie GM and you loved everything about him. Nerd.

stop being a fool, I disliked Dorion from the begining… was hoping they would bring in a veteran GM, from outside the organization…. But once I understood he wasn’t going anywhere under the austerity program EM implemented…. And I called him a doofus many times over the years… and I called balls and strikes on him and am doing so now with our rookie GM

 

[Loach]

stop being a fool, I disliked Dorion from the begining… was hoping they would bring in a veteran GM, from outside the organization…. But once I understood he wasn’t going anywhere under the austerity program EM implemented…. And I called him a doofus many times over the years… and I called balls and strikes on him and am doing so now with our rookie GM

You first

 

[Tnuoc Alucard]

Martin is one of the best ones, created hall of famers, an all time great defensive mind, won cups.

And when the permanent coach comes in you want him to rip into them to try and teach basic fundamentals?

Martin is doing the ugly "bad guy" work so the next coach doesn't have to.

the players know the basic fundamentals already….J Martin is teaching them his famous defensive responsibilities system, and it is NOT working, so,far.

The new head coach is going to bring in his new system, not keeping J Matins’ system in place…. Why are we wasting time, J Martin has a much worse record (P%) than there was under DJS.

there is a good reason J Martin has not been a head coach since 2009, he is now better suited as a consultant or maybe an assistant.

 

[HF Reader]

The Rookie GM has already made it clear that a New Head Coach (Captain of the Ship) is coming in the off season…. Until then he has tasked J Martin with the interim tag ( acting Captain)…. And the plan is to waste the rest of the season, teaching the players whatever he believes they are lacking in various aspects of the game…… we’ll have you seen any indication that is happening?

the rookie GM must be blind, and someone needs to slap him in the face, wake him up…. Hire the best available coach today, and let him implement his system now….. because he will not take the job if he will be required to enforce J Martins’ system…. We’re wasting the rest of the season, is they wait until the offseason to bring in a head coach, and start implementing his system starting from scratch next training camp.

You are hitting the root of our disagreement. Perhaps the interim coach decision is less than optimal but not a waste. At minimum SS will get valuable information on roster changes.

My best guess is that SS wanted an evaluation from a coach he trusts to guide the decision on the next coach and on roster decisions.

You ask if I have seen any indication that teaching is happening. I have indication that teaching is happening every time Martin speaks. I'm unsure learning is happening, although I suspect the learning will take time. (If you doubt me try changing your golf swing and see how long that takes!).


To nitpick some of your text....

"And the plan is to waste the rest of the season...".

Do you really believe SS and MA sat down in some room and said "Our plan is to waste the rest of the season. I have an idea, let's hire an interim coach to ensure we achieve the plan. Even better, it will waste part of next season also".

I suspect what you mean is that the plan they have adopted will waste the season.

Why are you certain a new coach will have to start from scratch?

 

[HF Reader]

the players know the basic fundamentals already….J Martin is teaching them his famous defensive responsibilities system, and it is NOT working, so,far.

The new head coach is going to bring in his new system, not keeping J Matins’ system in place…. Why are we wasting time, J Martin has a much worse record (P%) than there was under DJS.

there is a good reason J Martin has not been a head coach since 2009, he is now better suited as a consultant or maybe an assistant.

Here is a possibility (I think probable).

Staios saw what was happening on the ice under Smith and didn't like it. As a former NHL player (not a rookie I'll point out), Staios had an opinion of the problems. He asked Martin's opinion of what needed to change. Martin replied with specific points, more than simply "System" and "bounces".

Staios liked Martin's answer and said 'Would you be willing to try to fix the basics and evaluate players as an interim coach while I search for a permanent candidate of like mind?". Martin accepted and here we are.

 

[SensontheRush]

Look, Alfie wouldn't have come onboard if he didn't think Martin could get the job done, and that's enough for me.

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

Martin: Our record might not show it, but I'm seeing improvement

Sens Interim Head Coach Jacques Martin joins the guys for his weekly visit to talk about the state of the team, the growth, and how he can teach the group

www.tsn.ca

 

[Tuna99]

Do you actually think J Martin is teaching them “winning NHL Hockey”?

They don’t “think” they’re getting a new coach, they are getting. New coach….according to the rookie GM, in the off season…..My point is why wait when there are qualified candidates available today….pick the best one, and get the process started now, not In September

If it is Bérubé I don’t mind him taking a break in between jobs and recharging the batteries and learning the team from afar and letting Staois and company do some surgery on the roaster before he takes over

I don’t think there’s a miracle coach for the team. They can learn under JM

 

[Do Make Say Think]

If it is Bérubé I don’t mind him taking a break in between jobs and recharging the batteries and learning the team from afar and letting Staois and company do some surgery on the roaster before he takes over

I don’t think there’s a miracle coach for the team. They can learn under JM

If the core is "too tight" it definitely makes sense to break it up before picking a new permanent head coach.

This core has been a complete letdown. Just so, so, soft physically and mentally.

 

[Wallet Inspector]

IMO it would be a mistake to trade a core member simply for the sake of a "shake-up".

Just get a new coach and improve the D and goaltending.

 

[Relapsing]

Every Coach has their system, and their way to, so whomever is the New Head Coach is NOT going to use J Martins’ system, they will implement their own system….. sure maybe a few good habits could be learnt….. but show me one example of a good habit now, after J Martin took over….there are none…. Get the new head coach in now….. follow the Vancouver model, you know, the team that skipped bringing in and interim coach a year ago, and skipped an in season training program…. And are now sitting 2nd over all.

Take any two coaches in the NHL and describe how their systems are different at a fundamental level.

 

[Butchy Dakkar]

hey the leafs lost again

Leafs missing the playoffs would be amazing lol, gives me something to root for

 

[Do Make Say Think]

IMO it would be a mistake to trade a core member simply for the sake of a "shake-up".

Just get a new coach and improve the D and goaltending.

How do we get a solid RD though. Hell, we kind of need two...

This core has been complete crap. Brady, Stu and Sanderson should be the only untouchables.

 

[Tnuoc Alucard]

Why are you certain a new coach will have to start from scratch?

Every time a new coach is hired, he has to familiarise himself with the roster, in person on the ice during games ( if hired in mid season) practice or training camp….. see what he has to work with, and then implement HIS system… just like J Martin is doing since he took over a couple of weeks or so ago.

So if we are to take our rookie GM on his word… his plan is to write off this season, and bring in a new Coach, in the off season, who will not be able to teach his system to the roster during training camp, and the first couple of months of the season….. starting from scratch today would be better than waiting until next training camp.

 

[Tnuoc Alucard]

Here is a possibility (I think probable).

Staios saw what was happening on the ice under Smith and didn't like it. As a former NHL player (not a rookie I'll point out), Staios had an opinion of the problems. He asked Martin's opinion of what needed to change. Martin replied with specific points, more than simply "System" and "bounces".

Staios liked Martin's answer and said 'Would you be willing to try to fix the basics and evaluate players as an interim coach while I search for a permanent candidate of like mind?". Martin accepted and here we are

Yes here we are, with the team playing WORSE under Martin, than under DJS….. what is it now, 6 points in 12 or 13 games….. it’s not working, nothing has improved, the PK, PP 5 on 5 or the goaltending…which finally the rookie GM made a move on….

But Martin has not been a Head coach since 2009…. He is not up the job, so far and instead of waiting until the offseason, and training camp…. Do what Vancouver did, exactly one year ago…bring in the new head coach yesterday and begin the process asap…