I’d give him a B
I’d give Coach Todd a C+ grade at the 20 game marker, if we’re grading on a curve of Kings coaches.
Positives include his forechecking system, efficient distribution of ice time among both forwards and defenseman and getting improved results from Quick and Carter.
I’d like to see him put more pressure on Doughty and Kopitar publicly for their GA. He also needs to find a way to get Brown into a middle six role and challenge him to re find his hitting game.
He gets a B from me.
I like the system and I have to agree about Carter and Quick. The majority of the board had their torches and pitchforks out for the both of them after 10 games, they were done. It goes to show none of us knows as much as we’d like to think we do. I agree on ice time also.
I don’t think he needs to put Kopi or DD under pressure. I’m sure he’s doing it behind the scenes and both guys have acknowledged their struggles. Kopi is once again carrying the offence whilst learning the new system and has limited support. Drew as usual is pulling the toughest minutes and there’s no question about his commitment. Calling them out achieves nothing.
Also, Some players respond to public statements and some do not. I have no idea about 8 & 11 but a good coach knows the best way to get a reaction. In fact I think both are better offensively and perhaps that’s more of a focus.
Brown leads our forwards in hits and as he gets older I’d expect his hit count to continue declining. He needs to manage it over a season to ensure he doesn’t wear down and picks his spots. That why I want to see Grundström in the lineup as he brings that physicality most of our other forwards don’t.
From wanting MacD to go to Ontario, I now want to see him in the lineup nightly. TM has definitely turned him into a serviceable #6, with the upside of becoming a good #6. He deserves credit for how he’s used him, started easing him in and built up his confidence.
The lack of Grundström is one of reasons I’ve marked him down. However given I don’t know what happens in practice that may be unfair. Improving his practice habits may be the key to how good a pro he ends up being.
I really don’t care about results this year, although it has to affect his grade. If the young guys improve and the new system becomes second nature before the season ends then it will give us a nice springboard to start moving forward next year. If that happens he’ll get a ‘A’.