Incoming RNH for Leivo and then Todd runs McDavid, Strome, Letestu, Khaira as our centers
Ugh...Todd. I'm sure Todd would eventually move McDavid to LW, then have our centers as Letestu as the 1st line C, then Strome, then Caggiula, then Khaira. Honestly, anything Todd does doesn't surprise me anymore. I've never called him a ****ing idiot, but I'm getting very close to that POV. I've been on the fence with Todd up to this point, giving him the benefit of the doubt. I didn't see his "coaching" help us win too many games last season; in fact it was the other way around, where we regularly got out-coached, but won inspite of it most of the time.
My faith in Chia is starting to lower a bit, too. Should've made a trade for Mike Green from Detroit, as they are rebuilding. Who cares if it would've even cost 2 first picks (which it wouldn't)? We need a guy like Mike Green on D 100 times more than anything else, including a RW. To people who can't see that, let's just agree to disagree. But we lack D that are composed with the puck and can make great tape to tape break-out passes to create great opportunities off the fly. That's not in Russell's play book; he's all about chipping it out (except for the 1 in a million break-away pass he serves up, but not nearly often enough). Put Mike Green on this D from the start of training season, and we're averaging at least a half-goal per game more than we are, and I think close to 1 more goal a game than what we're scoring. That's the game now: you need D who can make fast, head-up passes for a fast counter-attack. We really only have Klefbom and Sekera (out) who can do that. I think 3 of your top 4 should be able to make those passes, and have 1 defensive stalwart (Larsson). Neither Green or Leivo is going to happen, so just have to hope some players find something to raise their game (like, oh I don't know, pride?). Green has 11 points in 10 games so far, by the way (must be too old...give me a break, to anyone who thinks that). Any of our D have production even close to that? I don't even think if you add up all our D production it would get to 11 points total. ****!!! It was so so so obvious to me. Damn you, Chia. All last season I was calling to trade for him.
So frustrating when you know what your team needs but your GM doesn't have a clue. If he thought Russell was an answer with Sekera out on the 2nd pairing, then I have no choice but to lose a bit of faith. But it can be regained by both Todd and Chia. We'll see, but not looking too good so far (but still early).
Also, I REALLY wish Klefbom would take his head out of his ass and play like he can. He must be hurt. I can't see any other reason for his lack-luster play. Makes no sense.