Elliotte Friedman 30 thoughts, 15 through 19 were about DeBoer.
15. Seven years ago, while going through the process that hired Todd McLellan, Sharks GM Doug Wilson interviewed Peter DeBoer. So, there was a familiarity when the two met this time, as DeBoer eventually became McLellan’s replacement. “I wanted to be in a spot where the expectation was a team could and should be in the playoffs,†the new coach said last week. “That hasn’t always been the case over my career in the NHL, and I thought it was very important. It’s not like I was turning down jobs, but I prefer this rebuild.â€
16. DeBoer is very familiar with the team’s core, from international tournaments to OHL coaching battles. Among them: Brent Burns. So, is Burns a forward or a defenceman? “He’s a defenceman. At the World Championships, he was the best and it wasn’t close. You can count on one hand the number of players in the world who can be an all-star at forward and on defence at the NHL level.†DeBoer watched a lot of him in the lead-up to his interviews. What did he see? “You can’t play that position part-time. He was a little bit uncomfortable. We have to commit to him playing there, so he can really become comfortable with it.â€
17. DeBoer said as he did his interviews, then started talking to the players, he could see the 2014 playoff disappointment “dragged into last season and played a big part in what happened there. They are ready to leave it behind them now…and would all agree it was something that hung over them all year.†Why? “You continually answer questions about it. It’s not easy, but they are a motivated group that played at a high level for a long time. They want to get back there.†I asked DeBoer if he thought about what he was going to say in that first training-camp meeting to set a new tone. At first, he didn’t want to answer, because he was worried it would be interpreted as a shot at the previous coaching staff, which is not his intention. Finally he said, “Yes, but there’s a natural separation. It will be their first different voice in years. They had a great run, but now it’s time for a different look.†Then, he paused. “I can tell you this, they didn’t blame anyone but themselves.â€
18. What must the Sharks correct? DeBoer pointed out the penalty kill went from 85 per cent in 2012-13 and 84.9 the next season, to 78.5 this year. “Historically, it’s not bad. We have to figure out the reasons why. Was it goaltending, structure, system…probably a little bit of everything.†The year DeBoer’s Devils went to the Cup Final, they were first at 89.6 per cent. That’s the best in the NHL since 1997-98. He also said San Jose’s five-on-five play “was not at the level of a contender.†They scored 142 such goals (22nd) and allowed 156 (24th).
19. Best exchange with DeBoer: “Have you discussed with Doug Wilson what you will do in goal?†A: “Yewe’ve talked about that.†Silence. Q: “You’re not going to tell me, are you?†A: “You’re right about that.â€
