This core group of four have consistently not been able to raise their games to the levels needed to succeed. We’ve changed the coach, the GM, the surrounding cast and now it’s at its lowest point I’ve seen. Not only do we seem to give the lowest level of needed, we play down, and drop the effort when playing lesser teams.
There just doesn’t seem to be that drive, and will to win. I don’t know how you change that at all, if that internal drive isn't there.
I've been one of the patient one's here. Defended the GM, defended the coach, and generally pretty positive. I'm still not sure what the previous or current GM could do differently, if the core doesn't have that drive to win, and drive to compete regularly. I'm not sure what the coach could even do.
With the way the group is playing, it really looks like Keefe has lost them. He's always been a details guy, and here we are, sloppy play, poor defensively, and mindless too many men on the ice penalties. Keefe was asked about the Too many men penalties, and his answer just sensed frustration. No matter how good a coach is, they only have a certain shelf life, and it appears as though he's now past his Best Before Date...
I want to say that it's time to clean the back office completely. Shanahan and down.. time for some new eyes on this. What has been done, hasn't met expectations. I'm not sure it's their fault, as I really feel it's the players... but this management group is too tied to this group of players, and if we need to regroup somehow, we need someone else looking at this, to figure out why the group has a lack of drive, and who are the biggest issues within that.
I don't want to trade futures to bandaid this anymore. No young guys, no prospects, no picks... we've done that enough. Changed the supporting cast, brought in different types of players, and in the end, it's the same not good enough effort from the top... from the leadership group. I have been consistent in saying that though, that when your best players, guys paid elite level compensation, aren't the best players on the ice, you aren't going to win. As a group, if you are unwilling to show that level of play, and effort needed to win, you don't deserve to have a better supporting cast. I was patient, give them time to mature, and maybe they'll get there... and maybe they will, but I really don't see any positive moves in that direction, and their play this year has been completely unacceptable... with the exception of course of Nylander, who has been great.
Marner and Matthews are at 3.2 GA/60... compared to 2.7 and 2.5 last year. Their GF/60 are down. Paid at at elite levels, their play should reflect that, and right now, it isn't.. There is simply no real fight with these guys right now, the intensity we saw last year from Matthews, just isn't there this year. Marner... I mean, I don't know what's going on there... too much effort, trying to do too much, and just making a mess of everything?
Bottom line, we've been doing the same thing, and it isn't working... and it's time for a change. I have no idea who I'd want running this thing going forward, but I think it's clear, what we are doing now, isn't working. President, Coach... it's time to clean house.. and please no trading any futures right now.
