Every year, people post that they are only really concerned with success in the playoffs.
Every year, people melt down when we lose a few games in the regular season, that allegedly don't matter much.
All that matters is playoff results... and I can't really judge that yet, can I? It bothers me some that they don't put a full effort in at times. But, if he can get them to play in the playoffs... that's fine by me. I wasn't looking forward to a President's trophy, give me some playoff success.
Ultimately playoff success yes.
Some key markers for reg season:
1. A division title to avoid a difficult 2/3 series which has been a massive stumbling block for us. That has slipped away and the usual suspects are lurking around the 3 spot.
2. Improve the overall team defense - Berube has done it his way.. Bigger, stronger back end and more North South play. He's accomplished this while disconnecting the forwards from the D.. Will that work in the playoffs? Maybe if.....
3. 2 could be ok if the Powerplay is functional. Some gains made with Rielly off it and Knies to the net front. I was trying to think of a Cup winner that had a 5 forward PP and I couldn't... so jury is out if we can sustain this.
4. PK - are we sure Matthews is a guy we want here? I do wonder if there won't be a trade for a bottom 6 player that can both chip in on offense and kill a penalty. I don't mind that we play a wedge and then pressure hard in the low quadrants. A better shot blocker than Timmons for PK 2 should be on the shopping list. PK's are also elevated or downgraded by ....
5. Goaltending - Been pretty terrific and he's made the right decision to ride Woll here.
6. Miscellaneous - Line matching, line juggling, faceoff plays, etc... I haven't seen much yet but maybe the coach in him will come out for playoff time.
I am not sold yet.. Playoffs will certainly tell the tale and there is no way Berube gets 5 years if we have to watch this crap in the reg season and then not win at playoff time. I would say we will all sacrifice some reg season entertainment to win something.