Official 2024-25 Utah HC Season Discussion.

[Mangosteen]

It was after the first period last night. Been tired of only 4 shots a period lol. Stopped watching after that.

Murphy law they fought back and put it to go to a shoot out. I do believe our young players are getting hurt, all of them have been out with injuries and bad habits are forming. 2 that I have really notice is slow to return on line change and passing when they should be shooting. They seem to be turtleing from the beginning of the game way too often. I was impressed with the way they fought back last night but sadly turned it off after the horrible first period.

That's what I love about these boards is the different view points. I personally don't see much of a constant system, just players almost willing to steal some points . Still hockey the hard way

 

[cobra427]

I truly believe that it should be BA but at least Bear needs to go. This team has no system and our young players are getting hurt and forming bad habits. Other words we still have that loser stink just a different jersey.. or buy the dream we will make the play offs in 4 years

I think they both need to be evaluated, BA first though. Ownership needs to decide if they are going to keep him, it sounds like they are though. Then they need to evaluate Bear. Is the team under or over achieving. In Bear's defense, I think the team is a little misconstructed, he can only do so much with what he has to work with. On the other hand, the team has not over achieved any year under Bear, they might though, a little this year. Injuries played a roll this year but they are also a built in excuse too for BA/Bear.

Since its the first year in Utah and the team looks like it will improve to 85 points or so from the high 70s, I think BA/Bear will get one more year. BA seems to think long term and stay with his decisions, so unless he feels heat from ownership to mkae a change, Bear is likely safe.

 

[Mangosteen]

I truly 100% believe in my gut Serg trade was requested by his bosses. He's way to slow to react to anything. I see the players he's drafting for size but not overly impressed. We will see how the team evolves.

 

[Kaizen]

Went to the 4 Nations but hadn't played since. Might have been hurt there.

He was injured playing in a game for Tucson after returning from 4 Nations.

 

[Jakey53]

I truly 100% believe in my gut Serg trade was requested by his bosses. He's way to slow to react to anything. I see the players he's drafting for size but not overly impressed. We will see how the team evolves.

BA has stated many time that he had looked into getting Sergi for some time. Smith has said that he believes in hiring the best people for the job and let them do it. I don't think the Sergi trade had anything to do with Smith, or the other Armstrong.

 

[Mangosteen]

BA has stated many time that he had looked into getting Sergi for some time. Smith has said that he believes in hiring the best people for the job and let them do it. I don't think the Sergi trade had anything to do with Smith, or the other Armstrong.

Jakey have read and heard what you are says. Lots of things are said in the media. BA also said this team will be only built through the draft. His message has been changing this year. I still believe he was influenced to make this trade. I love the trade but I don't believe it's what BA wanted to do.He would want to tank for 2 or more years still. I don't want to age out Smaltzy, Keller, Serg ect

 

[Summer Rose]

I think they both need to be evaluated, BA first though. Ownership needs to decide if they are going to keep him, it sounds like they are though. Then they need to evaluate Bear. Is the team under or over achieving. In Bear's defense, I think the team is a little misconstructed, he can only do so much with what he has to work with. On the other hand, the team has not over achieved any year under Bear, they might though, a little this year. Injuries played a roll this year but they are also a built in excuse too for BA/Bear.

Since its the first year in Utah and the team looks like it will improve to 85 points or so from the high 70s, I think BA/Bear will get one more year. BA seems to think long term and stay with his decisions, so unless he feels heat from ownership to mkae a change, Bear is likely safe.

BA has a team-building philosophy and is sticking to his guns on it. It's ultimately up to Ryan Smith whether he agrees with it or not. I'm not Ryan Smith, but as of today, I would say that I "somewhat agree" with it (to use those age-old poll terms where you can strongly agree, somewhat agree, neither agree nor disagree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree). Since I "somewhat agree" with his team-building philosophy, that's at least enough for me to want to keep him for now and see how it goes.

As for Tourigny, if I think about it in these kinds of terms, he is simply adequate. I've said on more than one occasion on this board that the team is pretty much exactly where I expected them to be. He's not making a roster of this quality achieve better results than expected (e.g. what Dave Tippett accomplished from 2009-2012) nor is he making a roster of this quality perform worse than expected (e.g. any of Wayne Gretzky's years as head coach). To throw out more corporate lingo, I can conclude that Tourigny's performance as head coach is that he "meets expectations." In contrast, Tippett's first few years would be rated as "exceeded expectations" and Gretzky's years would be rated as "failed to meet expectations."

You can probably dig up some of my post history to show me contradicting myself, if you want to. I wouldn't even be surprised. I change my mind a lot.

 

[Mangosteen]

One of the best answers I have read! Also I might of accidently reported you lol. I backed out so should be good. Small phones big fingers those buttons are too close.

 

[cslebn]

The issue i have with Bear is the lack of in game adjustments I see.

The team largely plays one style and when that doesn't work they keep trying until it does or doesn't. That's likely partly due to roster construction, but even with that, changing things such as zone entry and exit strategy is on the coach. I love the puck possession of the team when it's working but there have been teams that counter that well and it's maddening to see players pass when they are high slot.

Now it's that on Bear or the assistants ( I didn't like madden when he was in Cleveland) is TBD, but the HC is still accountable.

Let's not get into player usage (Maccelli).

GMBA on the other hand, like @Mangosteen is saying, seems to be invested is going super slow. The current pace leads to concern that Keller will be gone when we are pushing for deep playoff runs. Prospects like But, Simashev, Iggy, and MavLam seem like they'll be on second contracts. There needs to be more balance to take advantage of Kellers cheap deal and the prospects on ELC. That assumes they even hit which is not remotely a guarantee.

 

[TheLegend]

 

[Jakey53]

Something happened.

 

[Mangosteen]

Could we have actual journalism in Utah!!

Not enough hard questions were asked or at least published in Arizona

 

[Baby Doaner]

Could we have actual journalism in Utah!!

Not enough hard questions were asked or at least published in Arizona

Haha. Probably not.

 

[Jormungandr]

Could we have actual journalism in Utah!!

Not enough hard questions were asked or at least published in Arizona

Inquiring about a player being healthy scratched every game and tweeting out that you were denied counts as actual journalism?

 

[TheLegend]

Inquiring about a player being healthy scratched every game and tweeting out that you were denied counts as actual journalism?

If they aren't going to let him talk to Maccelli..... then they aren't.

Journalists know how to not cross a line.

Unlike those today who think owning a smartphone and webcam makes them a "journalist" and they just make shit up as they go.

 

[Mangosteen]

Totally missed the point actually asking hard questions and not just reporting what ever the team feeds you. Chasing down stories.

 

[Arizonatah Coyetis]

While I agree there's more to the story woth Maccelli, maybe we aren't entitled to know some things. Players deserve some privacy too. Some things should stay in the locker-room.

I wouldn't want my employer telling everyone about me or my activities at work. No one else's business.

 

[Heldig]

There are parts of this season that I just love.

Cooley and Guenther are emerging stars.
Keller having his best season ever.
Having a legit #1 D (Sergachev) and 3 top 4 RHD (plus Lamoureux)
Having several very good young prospects
Competing for a wild card playoff spot