From what I've gathered thru the years players do like Letang on a personal level. He treats them well BTS & at practice. So that's good, but this season especially it feels like he's gone downhill as HC. It's come off like a coach in his own head honestly since the LDN loss/WJC embarrassment.
Overthinks obvious things (timeouts, goalie pulls, starting goalie, lineup decisions) & tinkers when he doesn't have too. He's gone overboard with favouring veterans which has been problematic when our veterans the last 2 seasons haven't been great or elite level.
In previous seasons I at least liked Sarnia's compete/effort level most nights that's gone out the window this yr, they've been very disciplined in Letang's tenure until this yr where they are near the top in PIMs. Letang was known as a defensive coach & he showed that early on. Ive mentioned before he did great work with Mast, Romeo, Dillingham, Kyrou, LeBlanc twins..
But last yr a bit & especially this yr things have totally gone off the rails. We've seen some growth from guys, but not significant steps. Other guys like Doherty, Lominac, Sim showed 0 improvements & were let go. Back to back seasons our special teams start to finish are beyond putrid with seemingly no urgency or adjustments to fix them. Same goes for OT where they play it completely wrong & never change their approach.
The good? If he's back he really cant overplay the vets/not play younger guys because outside Wainwright their entire F core will be 17-18. It feels like as of late he maybe woke up a bit & has moved Karimov up & played the rookies more. Took way to long & he still does crap like demote Karimov for a period, but its certainly been better lately.
I entirely believe a change should be made. Too many red flags on things a coach controls & I do worry if guys like Manza & Karimov say why would I come back after how much my ice time fluctuated all year? IF Letang is back though, Jeffreys BETTER be gone. There is ZERO reason why he should still be here. You'd also like to think if Letang is back the leash is very, very short next season.
