Official 2024-25 Utah HC Season Discussion.

[Vinny Boombatz]

BA was on NHL network the other day and the hosts mentioned playoffs and BA did his best to ignore that word. He did say they are in year four of the rebuild and most teams don't make the playoffs in year four. Is that not telling the team it's ok not to make the playoffs this year? I have no idea why he doesn't say our expectations are to be in a wild card contention, we believe we have the talent etc. etc. we are getting better and we are taking it day by day.

It all depends on what he's saying to the team...he can say whatever he wants to the media - he likes the gamesmanship of the media, and he's giving himself an out by saying no team makes the playoffs in year 4 of a rebuild

First, do we know that to be factually true? I'm not sure that any team ever hasn't made the playoffs in year 4

Second. he's giving himself an out or tooting his own horn on the job he's done that we're in the playoff race

I wish some of the media would ask harder questions than what BA typically gets served up

 

[Jakey53]

It all depends on what he's saying to the team...he can say whatever he wants to the media - he likes the gamesmanship of the media, and he's giving himself an out by saying no team makes the playoffs in year 4 of a rebuild

First, do we know that to be factually true? I'm not sure that any team ever hasn't made the playoffs in year 4

Second. he's giving himself an out or tooting his own horn on the job he's done that we're in the playoff race

I wish some of the media would ask harder questions than what BA typically gets served up

I agree.

 

[Arizonatah Coyetis]

I think most players are playing damn good right now with the exception of that third line. The way it looks is that Bear is reluctant to stir the pot because the team is having success. That third line had a lot of success last year so here is hoping they start to pull their weight.

This is exactly how I feel.

 

[Coyotedroppings]

BA was on NHL network the other day and the hosts mentioned playoffs and BA did his best to ignore that word. He did say they are in year four of the rebuild and most teams don't make the playoffs in year four. Is that not telling the team it's ok not to make the playoffs this year? I have no idea why he doesn't say our expectations are to be in a wild card contention, we believe we have the talent etc. etc. we are getting better and we are taking it day by day.

No, I don’t think BA is telling his team that at all. These kids (and remember, we’re old) are cut from….. let’s say a “finer cloth”, these days. I believe he’s certain there is zero to gain, by making playoff predictions at this point anyway. The team wants the playoffs, don’t kid yourself and nothing BA says (in this regard) will deter that.

 

[Jakey53]

No, I don’t think BA is telling his team that at all. These kids (and remember, we’re old) are cut from….. let’s say a “finer cloth”, these days. I believe he’s certain there is zero to gain, by making playoff predictions at this point anyway. The team wants the playoffs, don’t kid yourself and nothing BA says (in this regard) will deter that.

I'm not saying to predict the playoffs, but don't say no team in a year 4 rebuild has made the playoffs. Or say something like "we like this team, we could have a good shoot at a wildcard if everything falls into place, something along those lines. Like you said, the team wants the playoffs and who knows what is said behind those closed doors. BA probably saying something completely different than what he says to the media and us dumb fans.

 

[Mangosteen]

Would Crouse, this years 2 and some b prospect land us Bowen Byram?

 

[cobra427]

I'm not saying to predict the playoffs, but don't say no team in a year 4 rebuild has made the playoffs. Or say something like "we like this team, we could have a good shoot at a wildcard if everything falls into place, something along those lines. Like you said, the team wants the playoffs and who knows what is said behind those closed doors. BA probably saying something completely different than what he says to the media and us dumb fans.

We are in year 5, and I would bet money most teams make the playoffs in year 4 of a rebuild, what is he talking about? The ones that don't make it by year 4 (last year) fires the GM and or coach for a failed rebuild. The players might follow his low expectations, he needs to set the bar higher, unless he is telling the media one thing, and the coach/players something else. If you set a low nebulous goal, "meaningful games" and "8-10 years" to build a team, it gives you job security, you can't miss until year 8, year 9 in BAs case. Does Crouse get to say "I'm playing meaningful minutes"?

 

[Jakey53]

Would Crouse, this years 2 and some b prospect land us Bowen Byram?

I think if you listen to yourself you can answer your own question.
Let's make it a blockbuster and add Hayton for Cozens. Utah can add to make it work. Come on BA, let's stir the pot a bit. Make history and be the first team in a year 4 rebuild to make the playoffs.

 

[Jakey53]

We are in year 5, and I would bet money most teams make the playoffs in year 4 of a rebuild, what is he talking about? The ones that don't make it by year 4 (last year) fires the GM and or coach for a failed rebuild. The players might follow his low expectations, he needs to set the bar higher, unless he is telling the media one thing, and the coach/players something else. If you set a low nebulous goal, "meaningful games" and "8-10 years" to build a team, it gives you job security, you can't miss until year 8, year 9 in BAs case. Does Crouse get to say "I'm playing meaningful minutes"?

Did you do any research or are you just spouting off? I agree that BA has to set the bar higher and chose his words a bit different. Like I mentioned before and you just now, who knows what is said behind closed doors. Today the team is in the wild card hunt and are very entertaining to watch and if they can continue that till the end of the year I'll be happy, because next year the playoffs will be the EXPECTATION. IF the season ended today Utah would be 2pts. out of a wild card position, and would have around 94pts. It would be disappointing to miss the playoffs but I would be happier than a pig in shit of what the team accomplished.

Say the team continues their play, does BA become a buyer at the trade deadline? Will there be a bit of pressure from ownership to make the playoffs first year if they are close?

 

[Vinny Boombatz]

Did you do any research or are you just spouting off? I agree that BA has to set the bar higher and chose his words a bit different. Like I mentioned before and you just now, who knows what is said behind closed doors. Today the team is in the wild card hunt and are very entertaining to watch and if they can continue that till the end of the year I'll be happy, because next year the playoffs will be the EXPECTATION. IF the season ended today Utah would be 2pts. out of a wild card position, and would have around 94pts. It would be disappointing to miss the playoffs but I would be happier than a pig in shit of what the team accomplished.

Say the team continues their play, does BA become a buyer at the trade deadline? Will there be a bit of pressure from ownership to make the playoffs first year if they are close?

not to mention that we could get a big swing if after Feb 26th KHL finals, But & Simashev join the team

 

[lanky]

I'm bullish on our Russian pair too, but rookies never make an impact if they join the NHL in the playoff push. It's just a good opportunity for them to get practice reps, learn the system and be ready to contribute in October.

 

[Jamieh]

We are in year 5, and I would bet money most teams make the playoffs in year 4 of a rebuild, what is he talking about? The ones that don't make it by year 4 (last year) fires the GM and or coach for a failed rebuild. The players might follow his low expectations, he needs to set the bar higher, unless he is telling the media one thing, and the coach/players something else. If you set a low nebulous goal, "meaningful games" and "8-10 years" to build a team, it gives you job security, you can't miss until year 8, year 9 in BAs case. Does Crouse get to say "I'm playing meaningful minutes"?

I guess it depends on how you define rebuild?? Easy example is Toronto which finished dead last in 15/16 , drafted Matthews 1st overall and made playoffs the following season. They had missed playoffs for 3 seasons.

 

[Arizonatah Coyetis]

This is a few days old but I just came across it. Ptetty thorough analysis.

Analyzing the Utah HC's Underperforming Third Line - The Hockey Writers Utah Hockey Club Latest News, Analysis & More

After being one of the Arizona Coyotes' best forward lines in 2023-24, these three players are struggling this season in Utah.

thehockeywriters.com

 

[Schemp]

not to mention that we could get a big swing if after Feb 26th KHL finals, But & Simashev join the team

? That's the end of their regular season. The Gagarin Cup is from March to May and Locomotiv has, by far, the best record in the KHL.

 

[Prestigeworldwide]

This is a few days old but I just came across it. Ptetty thorough analysis.

Analyzing the Utah HC's Underperforming Third Line - The Hockey Writers Utah Hockey Club Latest News, Analysis & More

After being one of the Arizona Coyotes' best forward lines in 2023-24, these three players are struggling this season in Utah.

thehockeywriters.com

I never would have thought we would trade Crouse or Maccelli but that 3rd line is struggling bad. I feel like they will have a bounce back at some point this season. You would hate to sell low on either of them but damn...

 

[Coyotedroppings]

IF the season ended today Utah would be 2pts. out of a wild card position, and would have around 94pts. It would be disappointing to miss the playoffs but I would be happier than a pig in shit of what the team accomplished.

Make up your mind Jakey.

 

[Vinny Boombatz]

? That's the end of their regular season. The Gagarin Cup is from March to May and Locomotiv has, by far, the best record in the KHL.

you are correct, that's when KHL playoffs start - it ended May 4th last year

 

[Jakey53]

Make up your mind Jakey.

Disappointed for the players, happy for the fans.