Important to keep this in the context of being just one game and not overreacting but really hard not to be disgusted by that game. We’ve had some clunkers this year, but this one takes the cake.
I’ve generally been on the fence this year re Keefe. Whether people care to admit it or not he definitely has strengths and the guys like him which is worth something. And not to lay last night at the feet of any one person because that was one of the most complete team effort losses I’ve ever witnessed, but last night pushed me more in favour of firing Keefe. IF there is a quality, experienced coach available.
There are things out of his control like personnel but in terms of things last night I disliked:
1) stop coddling samsonov. He should face been pulled after allowing the first goal, that stinker deflated the whole team and set the tone for the rest of the night. How he remained in for 5 goals is beyond me. By the time Jones came in the team had already quit.
2) maybe try something? Anything at all? I was floored that at no point did the lines get mixed up. Maybe put marner, Domi and Knies back together? Still winnable, down 6-3 to open the third and the 4th line is playing waaaay too much. Shorten the bench, we needed offense.
Our PK stinks, we don’t manage the puck well in neutral ice, you opted to change the defensive system from one that worked to what we have now which is a mess of missed assignments. There are personnel factors contributing, but overall that’s on coaching.
