BobbyClarkeFan16
Registered User
Yeah, it really does seem like we're watching two different players.
On my screen, he hasn't been an integral part of anything. Yes, he's given us good defensive play, but once we get control of the puck, you can expect him to make a sloppy play with it that leads to a broken rush or chance, and a turn over going back the other way.
But on top of that, when we do have possession in the offensive zone, I don't see him working hard with the puck on his stick. It's quite an odd problem; most players have the opposite issue. But for Couturier, he's not willing to drive the net with the puck or carry it into dirty areas in order to make the play. He is much too content making a soft dump into the corner instead of sacrificing in order to make a play with it.
I think it's both a confidence and a competitiveness problem.
Personally, I think the "issue" with Couturier isn't a confidence or competitiveness issue - it's an issue in which he honestly doesn't know what to do. The previous head coach used to rip on him for anything and everything. If Couturier missed a defensive assignment, he tore him a new one. If he didn't generate offense, he'd be torn a new one. I honestly think that Couturier is worried that he's going to do something that will get him stapled to the bench.
With that being said, there's signs of life in his game. He's coming around. You have to remember, he's a 20 year old playing the most difficult role on any team - the shut down center. I don't know of any 20 year old centers in the NHL who are playing that role. They're either moved to the wing to begin their careers or they're playing in a top role in which their linemates are defensively sound to cover up for them. Couturier is being asked to be the defensive conscience on the team.
What worries me is that if after 10 games, the Flyers only have 1 win, Holmgren might go into full blown panic mode and start moving guys. I'm afraid he'll end up moving Couturier in a deal for someone like Yandle or Byfuglien, which would be a huge mistake. I'm still hopeful that once they get time in under the system Berube wants to use and what Paddock is trying to instill defensively, they'll be fine.