txpd
Registered User
I think it's pretty obvious what's happening. You've got a coach that doesn't believe in motivating his players. So naturally, they go through the motions for the vast majority of the year. Then, as the season winds down, they realize there's a real possibility of missing the playoffs, so they're motivated by that pressure to actually put forth an honest effort on the ice.
It makes you wonder where the team would be with a competent coaching staff.
I totally agree on the mature coaching perspective of oates being the problem. Most people I know don't bring their best to their work on a day to day basis. to get it most of the time takes motivation. I am not sure why oates doesn't see that.
On the other hand the coaching staff below oates is oates responsibility. you have to figure they are coaching under the direction of oates. they are no more allowed to create their own schemes than they are allowed to motivate the players against their boss's philosophy.
I find it interesting that in this thread you have many throwing the entire staff under the bus as incompetent while others take away the pp credit from oates as the work of the staff.