Proposal: Fire DJ Smith

[Sens Vader]

I mean he had no proven track record before coming here and has not been able to implement any structure in 3+ seasons.

He is a very likable guy but that does not make him a good coach. Boughner was the same way in Florida and SJS.

He's been given a long leash for someone so unproven because the team has been rebuilding, but it's time to move on imo

 

[Big Muddy]

We may need a new coach, but I don't think that fixes everything. Got to bolster our blueline. Resigning Zub is the first step.

After a good offseason, I think fans were a little too optimistic. So, now given early season results, people are looking for an explanation & quick/easy fix. That's an environment where the fire the coach scenario becomes easy & appealing.

 

[BoardsofCanada]

I have been one to preach patience but I must admit, they looked like boys against men in both Florida games.

I'm still hopeful they'll get rolling and start looking like a playoff team. Last year, they were garbage at the start. Tim Stu was especially slow to get going last year and then was point per game in the second half. They'll get it going at some point this season. Hopefully sooner than later.

I am just not convinced a new coach is going to make any difference. The coach can only do so much. It's the team on the ice that has to execute.

 

[Larionov]

I am just not convinced a new coach is going to make any difference. The coach can only do so much. It's the team on the ice that has to execute.

Look at what Sutter was able to do in Calgary, though. He made an absolute world of difference when he got hired, implementing a sound defensive structure that immediately improved the Flames. I think a proven coach like Claude Julien could do the same here.

 

[Micklebot]

We may need a new coach, but I don't think that fixes everything. Got to bolster our blueline. Resigning Zub is the first step.

The difference between this team healthy and with injuries coming has been pretty drastic, but a few things were playing against us,

Opposition in our last three loses averaged 115 pts last year, and we played the games on the road while still trying to sort out how best to fill in for Norris and Zub

Over the last 4 seasons, teams have paced on average 97 pts per 82 on home ice, Tbay and Florida specifically paced at 116.9 pts per 82 on home ice. Teams on the road paced at 84.8 pts per 82. So, we're facing teams that over the last few years have gotten over 70% of the available pts in a situation where the average team secures only about 51% of the pts, and for some reason people are surprised that down our top center and defensive Dman, we struggled.

We're going to need to start winning games on the road, no doubt. If we keep games close the way we have, we'll start getting our share of Ws.

 

[Philadelphia Collins]

Getting shellacked for 58 shots in Florida and the very next game the teams response is putting up 15 SOG?

That’s on the coaches

 

[Micklebot]

Getting shellacked for 58 shots in Florida and the very next game the teams response is putting up 15 SOG?

That’s on the coaches

Tbay blocked a ton of shots and we shot wide a fair bit, we were on the PK for 16 mins. I think to much focus is on the shot count, we had four breakaways in the game, credited with 26 scoring chances, we created more offense that the shot count would lead you to believe, that's not to say we were an offensive force, but with almost a full period of playing shorthanded, we created enough to give ourselves a chance to win.

 

[OmniSens]

Yes, get rid of him. We have a tight locker room, we have a great team (questionable defense) on paper. Now we need an experienced coach to help them.

 

[L'Aveuglette]

Lol you don't know what an NHL system entails. These posts are honestly hilarious.

I don't love what DJ is getting out of these players but I do know you haven't given one concrete example of the teams 'lack of system' in my entire tenure posting here. Yet you have this on repeat.

I do know this, if this is what he gets out of his best players Chabot in particular they need a change.

Dude, why don't you chill with the direct insults. I'm sorry I haven't given you a play-by-play analysis that satisfies your personal standards, but the proof is on the ice. We have a lot of great players who are faltering in the d-zone, which is an ongoing situation for the last three years, and if you don't think coaching is largely responsible for that, you're the hilarious one in here.

 

[Big Muddy]

The difference between this team healthy and with injuries coming has been pretty drastic, but a few things were playing against us,

Opposition in our last three loses averaged 115 pts last year, and we played the games on the road while still trying to sort out how best to fill in for Norris and Zub

Over the last 4 seasons, teams have paced on average 97 pts per 82 on home ice, Tbay and Florida specifically paced at 116.9 pts per 82 on home ice. Teams on the road paced at 84.8 pts per 82. So, we're facing teams that over the last few years have gotten over 70% of the available pts in a situation where the average team secures only about 51% of the pts, and for some reason people are surprised that down our top center and defensive Dman, we struggled.

We're going to need to start winning games on the road, no doubt. If we keep games close the way we have, we'll start getting our share of Ws.

I agree that with Norris and Zub missing, we aren't playing to our full capability. I mentioned (added this point) that I think people's expectations were a little too high and that we were a little too optimistic based on the good off-season that we had. So perhaps there's a bit of over-reaction due to this which is manifesting itself in the fire DJ thing.

 

[ReginKarlssonLehner]

10 more games. If below 500. Bye.

 

[Mingus Dew]

Look I can't imagine that there is NO defensive system. Like how could that ever be possible at the NHL level? Would the coach just say "play defense and take your man" or something? It's like a defensive coordinator telling his guys "don't let the QB complete a pass".

I think we have a system. I'm not sure if the system is any good - seems like we collapse towards the net a lot and don't pressure the points much, if at all. We also somehow frequently end up with guys stuck behind the net leaving prime space open for attackers. It looks like a really passive defensive system which is why other teams are able to maintain offensive zone possession so easily. We are basically waiting for a rebound, blocked shot or missed shot in order to regain possession and clear the zone.

I know jack shit about hockey. Never played it at any sort of competitive level. But for a long time we've been a team that gives up oodles of shots with the thinking that it's better to give up a lot of low-danger scoring chances from the point than a lesser amount of high-danger scoring changes from in close.

Which brings me to my second point. The aforementioned defensive system might work in theory if every player executes their role perfectly. But during the last 2 games our guys have not been executing their roles perfectly. They are panicking, getting lost and just generally failing to implement the system. The result is that not only are we giving up a shit ton of shots generally, we are also giving up a good amount of high-danger scoring chances.

So yeah. The coach should be blamed for not getting the players to buy in and execute the game-plan properly. Dudes need to be benched and/or scratched until they stop f***ing up their assignments. But it's not really fair to say that DJ isn't asking them to employ a defensive system.

 

[Alex1234]

Destroyed in Sunrise
Coach Make them skate
They respond with 3 shots on goal in the period while being on the PK for just 2:33min
They should have been all over the ice but that wasn't the response
Looks to me like there is a problem with coaching

Boucher came here
Adapt a system to fit to our strength (one of the best player on the planet at that time)
Almost went to SCF
Was canned the season after

Dj's leash is loooong

 

[Alex1234]

Look I can't imagine that there is NO defensive system. Like how could that ever be possible at the NHL level? Would the coach just say "play defense and take your man" or something? It's like a defensive coordinator telling his guys "don't let the QB complete a pass".

I think we have a system. I'm not sure if the system is any good - seems like we collapse towards the net a lot and don't pressure the points much, if at all. We also somehow frequently end up with guys stuck behind the net leaving prime space open for attackers. It looks like a really passive defensive system which is why other teams are able to maintain offensive zone possession so easily. We are basically waiting for a rebound, blocked shot or missed shot in order to regain possession and clear the zone.

I know jack shit about hockey. Never played it at any sort of competitive level. But for a long time we've been a team that gives up oodles of shots with the thinking that it's better to give up a lot of low-danger scoring chances from the point than a lesser amount of high-danger scoring changes from in close.

Which brings me to my second point. The aforementioned defensive system might work in theory if every player executes their role perfectly. But during the last 2 games our guys have not been executing their roles perfectly. They are panicking, getting lost and just generally failing to implement the system. The result is that not only are we giving up a shit ton of shots generally, we are also giving up a good amount of high-danger scoring chances.

So yeah. The coach should be blamed for not getting the players to buy in and execute the game-plan properly. Dudes need to be benched and/or scratched until they stop f***ing up their assignments. But it's not really fair to say that DJ isn't asking them to employ a defensive system.

This
If you look at the best GA team in the league they are relentless on the puck pursuit
We just box out and wait for something to happen

 

[Beech]

Trotz is a hot commodity now and wants a sweet job and he still lives in the USA. From 4.8 million and higher. Do we really believe the Sens will shell that out? while DJ makes peanuts he is on the books until 23/24. I am guessing his assistants are similar. The Sens could have 2 million in total coaches salaries on the books. Add Trots and his new entourage and you could be looking at 9-10 million in total commitment for new staff and old.

Allain V., 3 stops, all ended in firing, how many more? and even if? he will want 3-4 million plus an entourage at 1-2 million
Claude Julien, 3 stops, all ended in firing, how many more? As with Allain V. a net 5-6 million in added salary commitment.

If they make a change, it has to be for a young up and comer. An assistant somewhere. One that comes cheap and has a reputation for defensive strategy and approach. That may not be possible, in-season. And is more likely an off season move.

A realistic act is 1) one of DJ assistants, one that they feel can implement a defensive system or 2) their AHL Head coach..nothing to loose there. Or 3) any of the two options but add a "consultant/specialist/advisor" ala Jacques Martin to implement defense.

John Stevens, assistant with Vegas...best defensive record. he is respected in that area..has had minor success as a HC...who knows!
Allain Nas. in Dallas..difficulty as a head coach. good defense in Dallas
maybe double back on a Brad Shaw..Ryan McGill in NJ

there are another 2-3 assistants on sound defensive teams that could be considered.

nothing happens before game 20 though (Barring a real bad stretch)

 

[DrunkUncleDenis]

I know the torches are hot after last night but, but I've thought this since last season. It's time for a coach to bring us to the level we need to be at.

 

[Alex1234]

Trotz is a hot commodity now and wants a sweet job and he still lives in the USA. From 4.8 million and higher. Do we really believe the Sens will shell that out? while DJ makes peanuts he is on the books until 23/24. I am guessing his assistants are similar. The Sens could have 2 million in total coaches salaries on the books. Add Trots and his new entourage and you could be looking at 9-10 million in total commitment for new staff and old.

Allain V., 3 stops, all ended in firing, how many more? and even if? he will want 3-4 million plus an entourage at 1-2 million
Claude Julien, 3 stops, all ended in firing, how many more? As with Allain V. a net 5-6 million in added salary commitment.

If they make a change, it has to be for a young up and comer. An assistant somewhere. One that comes cheap and has a reputation for defensive strategy and approach. That may not be possible, in-season. And is more likely an off season move.

A realistic act is 1) one of DJ assistants, one that they feel can implement a defensive system or 2) their AHL Head coach..nothing to loose there. Or 3) any of the two options but add a "consultant/specialist/advisor" ala Jacques Martin to implement defense.

John Stevens, assistant with Vegas...best defensive record. he is respected in that area..has had minor success as a HC...who knows!
Allain Nas. in Dallas..difficulty as a head coach. good defense in Dallas
maybe double back on a Brad Shaw..Ryan McGill in NJ

there are another 2-3 assistants on sound defensive teams that could be considered.

nothing happens before game 20 though (Barring a real bad stretch)

Blashill maybe?

 

[DrunkUncleDenis]

...

If they make a change, it has to be for a young up and comer. An assistant somewhere. One that comes cheap and has a reputation for defensive strategy and approach. That may not be possible, in-season. And is more likely an off season move.

...

God no. We always do this, it hasn't really worked out. Let's actually try an established coach for once.

 

[LevelingSolo]

Trotz is a hot commodity now and wants a sweet job and he still lives in the USA. From 4.8 million and higher. Do we really believe the Sens will shell that out? while DJ makes peanuts he is on the books until 23/24. I am guessing his assistants are similar. The Sens could have 2 million in total coaches salaries on the books. Add Trots and his new entourage and you could be looking at 9-10 million in total commitment for new staff and old.

Allain V., 3 stops, all ended in firing, how many more? and even if? he will want 3-4 million plus an entourage at 1-2 million
Claude Julien, 3 stops, all ended in firing, how many more? As with Allain V. a net 5-6 million in added salary commitment.

If they make a change, it has to be for a young up and comer. An assistant somewhere. One that comes cheap and has a reputation for defensive strategy and approach. That may not be possible, in-season. And is more likely an off season move.

A realistic act is 1) one of DJ assistants, one that they feel can implement a defensive system or 2) their AHL Head coach..nothing to loose there. Or 3) any of the two options but add a "consultant/specialist/advisor" ala Jacques Martin to implement defense.

John Stevens, assistant with Vegas...best defensive record. he is respected in that area..has had minor success as a HC...who knows!
Allain Nas. in Dallas..difficulty as a head coach. good defense in Dallas
maybe double back on a Brad Shaw..Ryan McGill in NJ

there are another 2-3 assistants on sound defensive teams that could be considered.

nothing happens before game 20 though (Barring a real bad stretch)

Noo, enough with the young and cheap coaches...

 

[sennysensen]

DJ is a good guy that the players respect. That said, his tactics are awful, he has no defensive system, so he has to go.

I know our defense is mediocre (as played by both defense and forwards), but a good coach can institute a system that covers up flaws. I've seen this so many times over the years.

Blashill maybe?

He's as bad as DJ, which is why he got fired.

 

[2CHAINZ]

We need to bring back the dynamic duo. Just imagine what Guy Boucher and Tom Pyatt could do with this roster.

 

[Alex1234]

We need to bring back the dynamic duo. Just imagine what Guy Boucher and Tom Pyatt could do with this roster.

I bet Boucher brings us to a playoffs spot this season
Next year though....

 

[Dan Patrick]

If they arent going to hire a proven head coach then at least circle the teams that have won the cup in the last 4 years and hire someone off their staff. I want a coach that knows how to win.

 

[Karl Prime]

I doubt DJ gets fired this season, but if there is a sale that takes place before next August, he should be gone. He's simply not good enough to coach a team that has the intention of making the playoffs and competing for a Cup, which is what the Sens will be wanting to do over the next five years.

 

[God Says No]

Get Marc Methot to coach our D.

Not sure Methot is a good coach. I'd love someone who has more experience.