RLF
Registered User
- May 5, 2014
- 3,303
- 890
Sadly, Carlyle is a terrible coach. He has been for several years, dating back to his final seasons in Anaheim. His systems are ancient in this NHL, and the pathetic possession numbers of his teams prove that.
Kadri was the 3rd line center, however he was the best center on the team, by a wide margin. He earned 1st line duty that season, but was never rewarded for it. Have you ever seen a 3rd line center score at a near point per game rate, and not be promoted? Carlyle refused to give him an opportunity shouldering the biggest minutes in all situations, which honestly made no sense whatsoever.
There's no doubt that he should be the first line center this year. Bozak and Holland are interchangeable at 2c and 3c. But this is finally Kadri's year to tackle the heaviest workload. I think he's ready.
Sorry, I still disagree on Carlisle being a horrible coach. Horrible coaches don't tend to be in the league for that long or win cups. The coaching is also the first thing fans blame when things go wrong or they feel a certain player deserves more time and responsibility. Only a few tend to look at the players it seems. First it was Wilson's fault, then Carlisle, then Horacek didn't give him a chance. Makes you wonder why 3 different coaches had trouble giving Naz the reigns. No?
As for the bolded, it was his best year for sure, it was also when he received the ever popular "sheltered" minutes and he capitalized for 1(1/2) season. He was given opportunity ever since that season and has done nothing with it. He was even given more ice-time as the season went on in the 12/13 season and has averaged 1 1/2 mnutes more per game over the past two seasons than he got in 2012/13. He had a golden opportunity when Bozak was hurt, but he looked lost and out of place most nights. Holland out played him during that time.
He has been given opportunity, but with more icetime, more weaknesses showed in his game. He has been reprimanded for being late to practice and it was made clear that there has been other issues which is why the team suspension was incurred. More minutes and responsibility meant lower ppg production, exposed defensive deficiencies, and he continued with off-ice issues obviously. Yet it's all coaching issues?
I think Nazen is the more talented centre, but Carlisle is not to blame with Nazem's lack of focus, dedication or whatever the issues are. He needs to learn and earn it, plus show his dedication (something he has admitted has been lacking). Shanny even said he needs to grow up. Is that also the coaches fault?
To this point, there has been a lot to show that Naz hasn't "got it" yet, and it's time people(fans) start making Naz responsible and stop blaming coaches, management etc. for his lack of growth since 12/13.