Proposal: Fire DJ Smith

[Golden_Jet]

Chabot has regressed but Brady, Stutzle, Norris all have gotten much better. Sanderson is developing really well. Is DJ responsible for all that?

Didn’t want to answer that question, when I asked.

 

[DueDiligence]

Dude, those are highly skilled young players that would improve regardless of the coach, just based on age.

Chabot should be entering his prime but looks like Zaitsev, he hasn't looked this bad since he was drafted.

That's my point. Guys mostly develop on their own and coaching has little to do with individual development once you reach the pros. Chabot looking like a lost puppy is not on DJ. TC stopped improving after his 2nd year.

 

[AchtzehnBaby]

That is an interesting stat. I wonder what the averages are for all teams, both average win percentages for home games, and then average win percentage for away games.

DJ was given a torn-down team mid-rebuild, and during some covid years. The stats are skewed.

Taking a look at this year should give better picture.

 

[Big Muddy]

DJ was given a torn-down team mid-rebuild, and during some covid years. The stats are skewed.

Taking a look at this year should give better picture.

To be clear, I wasn't making a point. I was asking for info. I was just curious what the averages were.

Yes I agree, this year's stats would be interesting given that the rebuild seems to be done and we acquired a couple of decent assets in the off season. Maybe somebody has that info?

 

[bert]

It's not just last game. There has been a consistent lack of structure, consistent lack of preparedness and consistent lack of accountability. I firmly believe that when this team is playing well, it's simply because the players are taking over the game and making things happen. They can do that now because of the skill. But that skill level is hard to bring night in and night out due to fatigue etc. So that's when you rely on structure and players being worried about being held accountable. I have been watching DJ for years now and I just don't see that. It really isn't a cop out. I wholeheartedly disagree.
But you are right that it isn't that simple and blaming DJ and replacing him isn't the panacea that people think it will be. The players are on the ice, not DJ. I'm sure he isn't telling them to coast and screw around and not complete their checks. Better hockey minds than mine need to take charge.

I think this could even possibly be a good situation where an experienced coach is brought in to help DJ. Another voice, not just some dinosaur but a real hockey mind to help with the structure and communication on accountability with the players.

Then you arent paying very close attention. Their breakouts have been awesome throughout this hot stretch, they have developed a system where the far winger blows the zone pulling the d man out and they are able to fire a cross ice pass that has not only got them out of trouble but has created some amazing opportunities that have lead to huge goals. The players care about each other and its a big part of the culture he has created. They have some of the best special teams in the league. Their game plan has been terrific in regards to finding an identity for this team and thats playing really hard relentless hockey thats heavy on the forcheck.

One thing I will agree with there seems to be a lack of accountability at times and id like to see that improve. However we have no idea how he handles it as were not in the room. There are other things I dont care for but overall he has them playing very well and to their strengths. No coach is perfect.

I am not saying they cant improve, every team can. However its outrageous to suggest that he doesnt have them doing some great things. This league is really good, its hard to be good. It was always going to take time for this team to build chemistry with all the turnover. I predicted this is how the season was going to go from the start. Would be a transition period at the start of the season then they would push at the end once they develop an identity and everyone gets on the same page. When there is that much change there is always a transition period.

So yes saying the last game was on DJ is a massive cop out. They have been playing really well and its because of the structure and system they were playing with. They stopped doing it right around when Stutzle turned the puck over on the PK against Columbus. Was a good wake up call to get spanked like that hopefully they keep it simple and stick to the game plan that has provided the team so much success. They are 12-4-2 over their last 16 games. Teams dont do that with bad coaching in the NHL doesnt matter how much talent they have.

 

[bert]

DJ was given a torn-down team mid-rebuild, and during some covid years. The stats are skewed.

Taking a look at this year should give better picture.

Especially since he has had a chance to integrate so many new players into the teams system. Which has evolved and changed btw. But I guarantee not many posters are able to identify that. Their style of play has changed as the roster has improved. Some players have struggled with it more than others. They are playing more free flowing hockey and allowing players to take more risks. This is due to the influx of talent. Some players havent been able to transition as well as others as they dont need to play as safe and it has hurt their overall game. I am primarily looking at Batherson and Chabot. Which maybe tied to the concept there is a lack of accountability which may actually just be a shift in game plan and they havent ever played this way at the NHL level.

Id like to be clear I am not saying DJ is perfect or without faults. I think he can be too stuborn at times but to suggest its all bad is not a critical way to look at it from both the eye test and the results.

 

[FunkySeeFunkyDoo]

Then you arent paying very close attention. Their breakouts have been awesome throughout this hot stretch, they have developed a system where the far winger blows the zone pulling the d man out and they are able to fire a cross ice pass....

I agree that their breakouts are much better now than they were back in Oct / Nov. People paying attention will note that they are using that 'fire the puck from a d-man to a forward at the red line for a tip in' play much less frequently.

I also think they are making better decisions on dump ins; not just doing it all the time or carrying it in when they shouldn't.

These are improvements that you have to attribute to coaching.

But, recognizing that they have better structure now also implies that back in Oct / Nov it was flawed, something that many of the DJ supporters at the time were not willing to do.

 

[bert]

I agree that their breakouts are much better now than they were back in Oct / Nov. People paying attention will note that they are using that 'fire the puck from a d-man to a forward at the red line for a tip in' play much less frequently.

I also think they are making better decisions on dump ins; not just doing it all the time or carrying it in when they shouldn't.

These are improvements that you have to attribute to coaching.

But, recognizing that they have better structure now also implies that back in Oct / Nov it was flawed, something that many of the DJ supporters at the time were not willing to do.

It's still not the best. But what most of the detractors ignore is there was massive turnover on the roster and it takes time to build chemistry and learn a system. They have a different more free flowing offensive system this year.

 

[Alf Silfversson]

I agree that their breakouts are much better now than they were back in Oct / Nov. People paying attention will note that they are using that 'fire the puck from a d-man to a forward at the red line for a tip in' play much less frequently.

I also think they are making better decisions on dump ins; not just doing it all the time or carrying it in when they shouldn't.

These are improvements that you have to attribute to coaching.

But, recognizing that they have better structure now also implies that back in Oct / Nov it was flawed, something that many of the DJ supporters at the time were not willing to do.

I agree. Things have looked better. Although in the Chicago game there was loads of that lame tip in play, or at least attempts at it.

But it was a staple for much of the year. I'm glad the team has adapted a little, but what took so long? And supporters can't say talent is the reason because the change happened pre-Chychrun. He seems to be reactive but also slow to react to changes that need to be made.

We're 4 years into DJ's tenure and the evidence suggests he does not break camp with a team that is ready to compete. Whether it's sub-optimal lineups or systemic shortcomings his teams seem to not be even close to their best early in the season. It's problematic to say the least.

 

[Ice-Tray]

I agree. Things have looked better. Although in the Chicago game there was loads of that lame tip in play, or at least attempts at it.

But it was a staple for much of the year. I'm glad the team has adapted a little, but what took so long? And supporters can't say talent is the reason because the change happened pre-Chychrun. He seems to be reactive but also slow to react to changes that need to be made.

We're 4 years into DJ's tenure and the evidence suggests he does not break camp with a team that is ready to compete. Whether it's sub-optimal lineups or systemic shortcomings his teams seem to not be even close to their best early in the season. It's problematic to say the least.

Well, it’s a correlation vs causation situation for the last few years as there has been a literal massive mitigating factor each year.

The ‘evidence’ is only as good as the person interpreting it.

I that the team is playing as close to the way they are supposed to play according to the system these days, it has looked great, and it started well before Chych arrived. If anything its a half step back to integrate a major piece at this point.

Folks may not like DJ, but Giroux also said over and over again that they would need time to find an identity and learn to play together. He said it in every interview to temper the excitement and add some patience into the mix.

I mean, we’re here right now, we are literally meeting all of the goals set by management and coaches, along with the players themselves. That has to count for something.

This team is coming along nicely, too slow for some perhaps, but we have been marching forward at the speed of the core.

 

[Golden_Jet]

I agree that their breakouts are much better now than they were back in Oct / Nov. People paying attention will note that they are using that 'fire the puck from a d-man to a forward at the red line for a tip in' play much less frequently.

I also think they are making better decisions on dump ins; not just doing it all the time or carrying it in when they shouldn't.

These are improvements that you have to attribute to coaching.

But, recognizing that they have better structure now also implies that back in Oct / Nov it was flawed, something that many of the DJ supporters at the time were not willing to do.

That D to forward play is more on line changes now, which I can understand then.

 

[Tuna99]

Good teams change coaches all the time - Boston last year, Washington let Barry Trotz walk, Toronto fired Mr. Perfect whose team was on the rise, Begas changed coaches every 2 weeks, Edmonton last year, Dallas, Winnipeg

All good teams and all the coaching changes have worked out for the best. Seems the better your team gets the more you need a different voice to get the most out of the collective

Don’t think changing coaches is as severe as people think. DJ doesn't have a magic key - for sure there are many coaches out there who can improve the team beyond what he’s done. If they can find a coach that maximizes DJs shortcomings (poor season starts, inconcistent play, bizarre lineup
Choices, not showing up for big games) this team takes a huge step.

This team could be in the playoffs and not just feeling meaningful - Sens probably miss the playoffs by 5-7 points - points left on the enable when a better coach could of squeezed out some wins and closed out games and suddenly you’re a playoff team with purpose And not a team looking for meaning

 

[Sens Vader]

I want him fired but I also only want an established proven NHL coach, and there are none on the market

bringing in a new d coach would be a massive priority, Capuano sucks.

 

[slamigo]

Wow.

The skill level is the one thing that is there night after night. You don't lose skill playing the back half of a back to back or on the first game of a road trip.

I don't think I made my point clear. My point was that skill covers up a lot of things and they have soooo much that it can put them over the top many nights. However, if you're really fatigued, you can't rely on skill as much because it's harder to perform.

 

[Silencio]

Good teams change coaches all the time - Boston last year, Washington let Barry Trotz walk, Toronto fired Mr. Perfect whose team was on the rise, Begas changed coaches every 2 weeks, Edmonton last year, Dallas, Winnipeg

All good teams and all the coaching changes have worked out for the best.

Mmmm....I wouldn't say it's worked out that well for Washington. Toronto is arguable as they still haven't won a playoff round with Keefe at the helm.

 

[Golden_Jet]

I want him fired but I also only want an established proven NHL coach, and there are none on the market

bringing in a new d coach would be a massive priority, Capuano sucks.

This is where I’m at as well,
Capuano needs to go for sure.

 

[L'Aveuglette]

LMAO even though Brannstrom was the only bright spot on defense against Chicago, DJ is relegating him to #7 while Holden plays with Chychrun.

This is not a serious NHL coach, sitting players who look good while letting the ones who have poor showings suffer zero consequences.

Oh, and on top of that he is reinserting Kelly in there in the place of guys like Brass and Gauthier who have been solid throughout.

FOH Smith.

 

[AchtzehnBaby]

LMAO even though Brannstrom was the only bright spot on defense against Chicago, DJ is relegating him to #7 while Holden plays with Chychrun.

This is not a serious NHL coach, sitting players who look good while letting the ones who have poor showings suffer zero consequences.

Oh, and on top of that he is reinserting Kelly in there in the place of guys like Brass and Gauthier who have been solid throughout.

FOH Smith.

Banged up boys

 

[Gil Gunderson]

What is he doing?

 

[Golden_Jet]

What is he doing?

Looks like rotating 6/7 D in and out, and having a look at Patrick Brown.

 

[Loach]

Looks like rotating 6/7 D in and out, and having a look at Patrick Brown.

Why kelly in?

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

LMAO even though Brannstrom was the only bright spot on defense against Chicago, DJ is relegating him to #7 while Holden plays with Chychrun.

This is not a serious NHL coach, sitting players who look good while letting the ones who have poor showings suffer zero consequences.

Oh, and on top of that he is reinserting Kelly in there in the place of guys like Brass and Gauthier who have been solid throughout.

FOH Smith.

looks like they settled on Brannstrom and Holden platooning . Brannstrom still likely ends up playing more than Holden. Given they won't play Chych with Sanderson ....yet. No chance they pull Hamonic when healthy and even a longer shot they sit one of Sanderson, Chabot, Zub for Brannstrom so here we are .

 

[Bileur]

looks like they settled on Brannstrom and Holden platooning . Brannstrom still likely ends up playing more than Holden. Given they won't play Chych with Sanderson ....yet. No chance they pull Hamonic when healthy and even a longer shot they sit one of Sanderson, Chabot, Zub for Brannstrom so here we are .

72-6
85-23
26-2

 

[Golden_Jet]

72-6
85-23
26-2

Any context with that lol.
That’s what you want to see, ?
that’s what the next lineup is?
That how the TOI worked out?

 

[Bileur]

Any context with that lol.
That’s what you want to see, ?
that’s what the next lineup is?
That how the TOI worked out?

This is probably why I always got “show your work” on report cards. That’s what I would do if we must keep Sandy and Hammer together.

Sens seem very convinced about the Sanderson-Hamonic pairing so I started there.

We need Chychrun in the top 4, Chabot and Zub have seemed less effective than in previous years. Might be a good time to mix it up there.

Brannstrom and Zub always seem to mesh well together.

With that set up I’d aim for the C’s having higher TOI ~24 with the other two pairs coming in around ~18. PK time more heavily leaning on on the bottom two.