sfulefty
Registered User
- May 3, 2009
- 36
- 50
Well, it was season three where they hit their stride under Green in Vancouver, and then due to Covid there was some significant roster turnover combined with injury issues which are tougher to overcome in a shortened season.
Idk if Green is or isn't the type of coach with a short shelf life, his time in Vancouver doesn't imo provide any real clues on that front.
Canucks season ticket holder (coming in peace). Green was fine/good in Vancouver. Caught between ownership and management (win now vs build for the future). Took over from Willie Desjardins and provided some consistency to a team that needed it. His first year the organizations focus was basically the Sedins swan song, as opposed to developing for the future. Then you had Trevor Linden wanting to build for the future, and GM Jim Benning wanting to win now, and signing free agents that never worked out. As a result, he actually got the Canucks to the playoffs with a lineup that featured: Adam Gaudette, Josh Leivo, Brandon Sutter, Antoine Roussel, Loui Eriksson, Jay Beagle, Jordie Benn, Oscar Fantenberg, Tim Schaller. Miracle work to many on the west coast.
I remember many on these boards saying that if DJ Smith is let go, he wouldn't even get another chance as a HC in the NHL. And there he is as an Associated HC in LA less than one year later.
I think Travis Green has more coaching respect around the NHL than many on these boards are giving credit for.
And realistically if Ottawa once again gets sub .900 goaltending, it won't matter if Scotty Bowman was hired.
As for the rest of the staff, it's a little disjoint as they haven't worked together. But here's my take:
Nolan Baumgartner - hard working & loyal to Green in Van. Need some of that on your staff
Alfie - local legend. Raw as coach.
Mike Yeo - .556 as a Head Coach. Playoffs 5 of 7 years. Very good 1B option.
Ownership, management and coaching staff need to be on the same page for everything to be successful. He never had that in Vancouver. I think he'll surprise you.