Proposal: Fire DJ Smith

[OD99]

LOL.

So many posters with pent up angst over fans expecting better results this season.

Chanting for DJ because they won a few games against some really bad teams?

DJ has had a very cushy and easy ride here to date. Some of you are way too offended on his behalf.

That said, I like winning and if they keep it up against tougher competition I will be very happy.

 

[Tuna99]

what a joke...we would be 25-0 if this team was actually coached by a proven NHL coach that never coached beyond the 2nd round but will lead us to the promised land because hes a 'winner"/that coached at least 3 different franchises and got fired from all 3; hes too good for his own good/ that has been in the league for at least 15-20 years because the game has not changed at all and last but not least a coach that is an active participant on this forum because if the Jack Adam were to be handed out here they would need 10 of them because there are so many of us here who clearly know more then you, yes you "NHL" coach, about the game and how it should be played

he’s so good he left Zub on the bench for 9 games to get the fans all worked up. Give me a break, he’s an NHL coach he’s not Jesus.

find me a guy from Ottawa who’s been a head coach in the NHL since Bryan Murray and I’ll find a you a fan to apologize to DJ and his 7 game losing streak. He coached the team to 7 straight loses, not the fans

 

[ReginKarlssonLehner]

LOL.

So many posters with pent up angst over fans expecting better results this season.

Chanting for DJ because they won a few games against some really bad teams?

DJ has had a very cushy and easy ride here to date. Some of you are way too offended on his behalf.

That said, I like winning and if they keep it up against tougher competition I will be very happy.

No we kidding. We still not even 500 and people out here full force defending the guy after some games vs the bottom of the barrel, lmfao.

Until we are very close to a playoff position, there should be radio silence on their behalf. We are still in many ways playing structureless hockey.

 

[bert]

No we kidding. We still not even 500 and people out here full force defending the guy after some games vs the bottom of the barrel, lmfao.

Until we are very close to a playoff position, there should be radio silence on their behalf. We are still in many ways playing structureless hockey.

I think the structure has been better lately. What we saw in the last 8 minutes last night isn't on the coach. He can't make the players not make those mistakes. Holden and Brassard taking no one? Chabot out for a Sunday skate on the pp with 3 minutes left. Pinto inexplicably not getting the red line but instead going back into his own zone. Sanderson selfishly shooting for an empty net when he had an outlet. Losing 4 straight faceoffs in the offensive and defensive zone in the last 3 minutes. That's on the individual players. I thought last night was one of DJ's best games. He managed the short bench/weak roster really well.

I've been highly critical of him when it's deserved I think we gotta acknowledge when he does a good job too.

 

[Micklebot]

LOL.

So many posters with pent up angst over fans expecting better results this season.

Chanting for DJ because they won a few games against some really bad teams?

DJ has had a very cushy and easy ride here to date. Some of you are way too offended on his behalf.

That said, I like winning and if they keep it up against tougher competition I will be very happy.

We've had some bad games along the way no doubt, and there are valid criticisms about coaching, however:

The first dozen games of the year, we were in every game until the final buzzer. Eight 1 goal (excluding EN) games without a single point to show for it. I think if we got a few loser pts in that stretch people would view the season a bit differently.

Since the first dozen games we've gone 9-6-2, a 96 pts pace. That's without Norris, without Chabot for 5, Zub for 10.

I mean, when we were on the losing streak, some of us were saying the team was playing better that their record and if we kept it up things would correct themselves. Those games still count and likely will have spoiled our chances, but I think it's fair to say the team is getting the results people initially expected since then, in spite of some significant injuries.

 

[ReginKarlssonLehner]

I think the structure has been better lately. What we saw in the last 8 minutes last night isn't on the coach. He can't make the players not make those mistakes. Holden and Brassard taking no one? Chabot out for a Sunday skate on the pp with 3 minutes left. Pinto inexplicably not getting the red line but instead going back into his own zone. Sanderson selfishly shooting for an empty net when he had an outlet. Losing 4 straight faceoffs in the offensive and defensive zone in the last 3 minutes. That's on the individual players. I thought last night was one of DJ's best games. He managed the short bench/weak roster really well.

I've been highly critical of him when it's deserved I think we gotta acknowledge when he does a good job too.

Yea, no doubt. But this team still playing below its means.

Our PP has been electric but we still 30th in the league in 5on5 goals since Nov 10. PP is still part of the game, yes, but and we been playing good hockey, but still a far cry from salvation. If we by a playoff position or close to it in a month, then i'll give the man his props.

 

[Micklebot]

Yea, no doubt. But this team still playing below its means.

Our PP has been electric but we still 30th in the league in 5on5 goals since Nov 10. PP is still part of the game, yes, but and we been playing good hockey, but still a far cry from salvation. If we by a playoff position or close to it in a month, then i'll give the man his props.

I'm not sure why we are struggling so much to score 5v5, the scoring chances have been there. Obviously missing Stü, Norris and Chabot through parts of that period doesn't help, but we're still 7th in xGF/60, 10th in SCF/60 and 13th in HDCF/60 during that stretch, we should be at least a little higher in scoring than we are with the talent we have and the chances we've generated.

 

[Big Muddy]

what a joke...we would be 25-0 if this team was actually coached by a proven NHL coach that never coached beyond the 2nd round but will lead us to the promised land because hes a 'winner"/that coached at least 3 different franchises and got fired from all 3; hes too good for his own good/ that has been in the league for at least 15-20 years because the game has not changed at all and last but not least a coach that is an active participant on this forum because if the Jack Adam were to be handed out here they would need 10 of them because there are so many of us here who clearly know more then you, yes you "NHL" coach, about the game and how it should be played

difficult to read.

How long until a "Sorry DJ" chant?

Let's get past Montreal, Florida, Detroit and Washington (with lots of injuries) and stay above Buffalo first. Just an idea.

 

[Tuna99]

We've had some bad games along the way no doubt, and there are valid criticisms about coaching, however:

The first dozen games of the year, we were in every game until the final buzzer. Eight 1 goal (excluding EN) games without a single point to show for it. I think if we got a few loser pts in that stretch people would view the season a bit differently.

Since the first dozen games we've gone 9-6-2, a 96 pts pace. That's without Norris, without Chabot for 5, Zub for 10.

I mean, when we were on the losing streak, some of us were saying the team was playing better that their record and if we kept it up things would correct themselves. Those games still count and likely will have spoiled our chances, but I think it's fair to say the team is getting the results people initially expected since then, in spite of some significant injuries.

Still think the damage done by the team not being ready for games early season, being completely lost in the structure is on the coach.

It’s a fine line between playoffs and the lottery - pretending DJ gets most of the equation right means it completely ignores the horrible hockey we’ve all seen this year - the team has been bad and really bad for many nights. They are playing well now but to many nights of them being completely unprepared for NHL hockey will cost them a playoff spot - and that’s on the coach

Ottawa got 9 out of a possible 26 points to start the season - if they fall short of points this is where you look to evaluate. Another season under DJ of an NHL hockey team being completely unprepared for battle - happens every year with this coach. Unacceptable he only gets it together when the pressure is off

 

[Micklebot]

Still think the damage done by the team not being ready for games early season, being completely lost in the structure is on the coach.

It’s a fine line between playoffs and the lottery - pretending DJ gets most of the equation right means it completely ignores the horrible hockey we’ve all seen this year - the team has been bad and really bad for many nights. They are playing well now but to many nights of them being completely unprepared for NHL hockey will cost them a playoff spot - and that’s on the coach

Ottawa got 9 out of a possible 26 points to start the season - if they fall short of points this is where you look to evaluate. Another season under DJ of an NHL hockey team being completely unprepared for battle - happens every year with this coach. Unacceptable he only gets it together when the pressure is off

I love the catchall of "not being ready"

-We went 4-2 to start the season, outplaying Buffalo in one of our loses, and hanging in there in the other lose to the Leafs.
-Norris and Zub got hurt
-We went 0-6-1 despite having respectable underlying numbers and losing each of those games by one goal(less EN)

The truth is we played well enough to weather a storm and come out with a few more points but sometimes you lose games you played well enough in to get a point out of or win. Thats what happens when you have parity in the league. Sometimes a goalie has an off night, sometimes you don't get the puck luck and sometimes the opposition outplayed you. Does that mean you weren't ready? Seems like a lazy analysis to me. There were areas in our game worthy of criticism but there were also areas worthy of praise. Because we went on a losing skid, people naturally focused on the criticisms.

 

[Tuna99]

I love the catchall of "not being ready"

-We went 4-2 to start the season, outplaying Buffalo in one of our loses, and hanging in there in the other lose to the Leafs.
-Norris and Zub got hurt
-We went 0-6-1 despite having respectable underlying numbers and losing each of those games by one goal(less EN)

The truth is we played well enough to weather a storm and come out with a few more points but sometimes you lose games you played well enough in to get a point out of or win. Thats what happens when you have parity in the league. Sometimes a goalie has an off night, sometimes you don't get the puck luck and sometimes the opposition outplayed you. Does that mean you weren't ready? Seems like a lazy analysis to me. There were areas in our game worthy of criticism but there were also areas worthy of praise. Because we went on a losing skid, people naturally focused on the criticisms.

Overall - it hasn’t been good enough ever with DJ. I mean to look at this teams roster and think they started so poorly to me means is on the coach.

If we are going for “he’s okay at some things” then you’re right. If we are going for “he’s a legit NHO coach who get shot most out of his team” we aren’t even close.

As you said, so many points left on the table. If this was an NHL bikini contest then maybe you make a case for DJs team, but it’s not, it’s evaluated on wins and loses and I don’t think you can sit here and say DJ has done a good job.

Can’t be fooled by the team that looks good in January’s. Ottawa was looking for 82 games of solid hockey, that’s didn’t start until the 20 game mark - not good enough despite pretending they deserve anything besides their current record.

 

[bert]

I love the catchall of "not being ready"


Overall - it hasn’t been good enough ever with DJ. I mean to look at this teams roster and think they started so poorly to me means is on the coach.

If we are going for “he’s okay at some things” then you’re right. If we are going for “he’s a legit NHO coach who get shot most out of his team” we aren’t even close.

As you said, so many points left on the table. If this was an NHL bikini contest then maybe you make a case for DJs team, but it’s not, it’s evaluated on wins and loses and I don’t think you can sit here and say DJ has done a good job.

Can’t be fooled by the team that looks good in January’s. Ottawa was looking for 82 games of solid hockey, that’s didn’t start until the 20 game mark - not good enough despite pretending they deserve anything besides their current record.

In the post you quoted he outlined how they did start on time.

 

[Micklebot]

I love the catchall of "not being ready"


Overall - it hasn’t been good enough ever with DJ. I mean to look at this teams roster and think they started so poorly to me means is on the coach.

If we are going for “he’s okay at some things” then you’re right. If we are going for “he’s a legit NHO coach who get shot most out of his team” we aren’t even close.

As you said, so many points left on the table. If this was an NHL bikini contest then maybe you make a case for DJs team, but it’s not, it’s evaluated on wins and loses and I don’t think you can sit here and say DJ has done a good job.

Can’t be fooled by the team that looks good in January’s. Ottawa was looking for 82 games of solid hockey, that’s didn’t start until the 20 game mark - not good enough despite pretending they deserve anything besides their current record.

We had 7 game stretch that has cost us, during which we were dealing with some key injuries. The rest of the season we've played at a 100 pts pace. Which sample is more representative, the 7 games at an 11 pts pace, or the 22 at 100?

This team imo has played as expected, we look like a bubble team to me, we'll lose some games we probably should win, and win some may we shouldn't, but during the losing skid most games we played better that the end result suggested (Florida game being the obvious exception)

 

[BonHoonLayneCornell]

I'd like to get over .500 before we go chanting sorry DJ. Its a nice stretch and they have momentum, but they can't let up and gotta keep the wins coming with the hole they're in. Will all be for not if they come out and lay a couple eggs.

Interesting to see the schedule highlighted a few times last night. They certainly have an opportunity to get back in it if they can beat a lot of these non playoff teams they play.

 

[LevelingSolo]

5 of the 7 wins in this stretch have been against bad teams (I don't consider Nashville any good)

 

[Ice-Tray]

LOL.

So many posters with pent up angst over fans expecting better results this season.

Chanting for DJ because they won a few games against some really bad teams?

DJ has had a very cushy and easy ride here to date. Some of you are way too offended on his behalf.

That said, I like winning and if they keep it up against tougher competition I will be very happy.

That’s not really where I see the angst though.

I see some fans being super defensive and resistant to enjoying the teams recent successes because they already double and tripled down on everyone needing to be benched and fired, and that the season is a write off.

It’s just what fans do. Some fans complain endlessly about the team, and some fans defend it endlessly.

It’s been the way in here for years and years.

 

[swiftwin]

I'd like to get over .500 before we go chanting sorry DJ. Its a nice stretch and they have momentum, but they can't let up and gotta keep the wins coming with the hole they're in. Will all be for not if they come out and lay a couple eggs.

Interesting to see the schedule highlighted a few times last night. They certainly have an opportunity to get back in it if they can beat a lot of these non playoff teams they play.

Well, if we win our next 2 games, we'll be over .500

 

[BonHoonLayneCornell]

Totally on me for stating it like I did, but fair to say 1 game over isn't what I was thinking. Lets raise the expectations on that a little higher. I think it's great they're starting to put up some wins, but the idea of a sorry DJ chant for clawing back to .500 or barely over is a little silly. He's not working miracles, he's almost meeting base expectations. Lindy Ruff got it, but they're also the 2nd best team in the league. It will be time when we've worked our way in to a playoff spot, even if they don't finish there.

 

[Pierre from Orleans]

It’s just what fans do. Some fans complain endlessly about the team, and some fans defend it endlessly.

It’s been the way in here for years and years

Then why were you surprised in the GDT for last night's game

 

[L'Aveuglette]

what a joke...we would be 25-0 if this team was actually coached by a proven NHL coach that never coached beyond the 2nd round but will lead us to the promised land because hes a 'winner"/that coached at least 3 different franchises and got fired from all 3; hes too good for his own good/ that has been in the league for at least 15-20 years because the game has not changed at all and last but not least a coach that is an active participant on this forum because if the Jack Adam were to be handed out here they would need 10 of them because there are so many of us here who clearly know more then you, yes you "NHL" coach, about the game and how it should be played

Should we call someone?

 

[Bileur]

I think the structure has been better lately. What we saw in the last 8 minutes last night isn't on the coach. He can't make the players not make those mistakes. Holden and Brassard taking no one? Chabot out for a Sunday skate on the pp with 3 minutes left. Pinto inexplicably not getting the red line but instead going back into his own zone. Sanderson selfishly shooting for an empty net when he had an outlet. Losing 4 straight faceoffs in the offensive and defensive zone in the last 3 minutes. That's on the individual players. I thought last night was one of DJ's best games. He managed the short bench/weak roster really well.

I've been highly critical of him when it's deserved I think we gotta acknowledge when he does a good job too.

I agree about the last 8 minutes and generally that the structure seems to have tightened with the D seeming more consistent and forwards working harder to come back and give their D options. Definitely steps in the right direction.

That said, what about the first 12 minutes of last night’s game? Not having the team ready to play at puck drop has been a problem of DJ’s for much of his tenure.

The game is a bit of a microcosm of DJ’s career. It’s nice that he can sometimes figure it out part way through the game or the season but his job is to have the team and systems ready at puck drop, both on individual game days and on season openers.

 

[Ice-Tray]

Then why were you surprised in the GDT for last night's game

I wasn’t.

 

[Bileur]

We had 7 game stretch that has cost us, during which we were dealing with some key injuries. The rest of the season we've played at a 100 pts pace. Which sample is more representative, the 7 games at an 11 pts pace, or the 22 at 100?

This team imo has played as expected, we look like a bubble team to me, we'll lose some games we probably should win, and win some may we shouldn't, but during the losing skid most games we played better that the end result suggested (Florida game being the obvious exception)

The Jekyll or Hyde performance has been a staple of the Sens under DJ.

I’d argue neither cut out sample is representative only the whole picture is. A wildly inconsistent team who generally puts in hard work but is very mistake prone and can’t rely on systems to sustain the more difficult nights.

Overall he’s still not the guy who can take this team to the next level and needs to be replaced (along with Dorion) when a new owner takes control.

 

[Ice-Tray]

I agree about the last 8 minutes and generally that the structure seems to have tightened with the D seeming more consistent and forwards working harder to come back and give their D options. Definitely steps in the right direction.

That said, what about the first 12 minutes of last night’s game? Not having the team ready to play at puck drop has been a problem of DJ’s for much of his tenure.

The game is a bit of a microcosm of DJ’s career. It’s nice that he can sometimes figure it out part way through the game or the season but his job is to have the team and systems ready at puck drop, both on individual game days and on season openers.

I’m not sure that’s actually a coach thing, rather more a thing coaches take on themselves in the media to take the heat off the players for a slow start.

The reality is that the players have to learn to come out of the gate on fire more consistently, and I doubt it comes down to the coach giving a lack lustre pregame speech.

I think the players realize that they are struggling with consistency across many facets of the game, and the coach is giving them cover while they learn from guys like G, and sort it out.

 

[Bileur]

I’m not sure that’s actually a coach thing, rather more a thing coaches take on themselves in the media to take the heat off the players for a slow start.

The reality is that the players have to learn to come out of the gate on fire more consistently, and I doubt it comes down to the coach giving a lack lustre pregame speech.

I think the players realize that they are struggling with consistency across many facets of the game, and the coach is giving them cover while they learn from guys like G, and sort it out.

If this was a one off I’d be inclined to agree. It happens too often to the Sens.

I’d also be inclined to agree if it was a few players or even a few lines starting slow with others making their presence known.

Unfortunately with the Sens we see it too often that the whole team looks asleep for long periods.

It’s just like any other workplace, at some point it has to be a shared responsibility and when the whole team isn’t ready it’s probably leadership’s fault.