I don't know man. I think we should give DJ 20 more games.
If their 20 game record is the same as last year's first 20 games, it'll be too late, another wasted year. DJ wants them to play an up-tempo, puck possession game but if we don't win face-offs, that isn't possible. Good coaches make adjustments when the situation calls for it. DJ doesn't. He just leans on the a few guys to try to get them going or out of trouble.
When Gustavsson was traded to Minnesota and lit it up, his comments about Ottawa were very telling. He's a great goaltender when playing on a team with a defensive structure. Either that's not in DJ's wheelhouse or he's not a believer. I don't blame the goalies. They have to stand on their heads almost every night to compensate for bad defensive coverage which sometimes ends up in soft goals.
Remember the early days for the Sens in the 90's. They were terrible even though they had some talented players. It wasn't until they hired Jacques Martin they began having success. That's all we're missing, that type of coaching. Even when Norris and Pinto return and they have more puck possession time, they still won't be able to beat good teams with a solid defensive structure on a consistent basis.
I also don't understand why they always come out flat in the 2nd period, especially if they have a lead. Maybe their ability to sometimes come back in the 3rd period has gone to their heads.
I hope to see a better effort on Saturday.