We're gonna score 2 goals in 4 games.
Interesting, no?
So like JAM, Coop doesn't want to put Vladdy on the 4th line because roles. I get it, but why not put Filppula on the 4th line. Problem solved, no?
Killorn - Johnson - Kucherov
Palat - Vladdy - Drouin
Brown - Paquette - Callahan
Boyle - Filppula - Condra/Blunden
Brown-Filppula-Callahan was a shutdown line for a good chunk of the year, so he's been more focused playing as a defensive forward than a point producer anyway. He's not going to be able to crash and bang like Boyle and Blunden, but Boyle + Filppula makes a much more reliable 4th line. You don't have to break up the 3rd line which was good vs the Toews line in the Finals, and Vladdy and Palat already have some chemistry from earlier in the year.
Coop's presser
https://www.nhl.com/lightning/video/jon-cooper-pc-041116/t-277437434/c-43439603
He basically admits he wants to play a defensive game and his decision to scratch Vladdy is down to experience.
I wish someone just walk up and shoot me in the head.
Where was the experience argument last year with Namestnikov vs. Drouin? Furthermore, what the hell was the point of seeing Vladdy get his ass handed to him physically the entire postseason if it didn't provide him enough experience to crack the playoff lineup a year later?
Jeezus, Coop. This guy kills me.
Where was the experience argument last year with Namestnikov vs. Drouin? Furthermore, what the hell was the point of seeing Vladdy get his ass handed to him physically the entire postseason if it didn't provide him enough experience to crack the playoff lineup a year later?
Jeezus, Coop. This guy kills me.
Not really. Playoff teams carry 3 goalies just in case. He was up here for Game 1 last year too.
But the eye test bro! Coop knows things...Since I have too much time on my hands today, let's statistically-wise check which forward Cooper is likely to scratch, brace yourselves :
(5v5 - 500 minutes played)
Points / ice time : 3rd among forwards
Corsi for % : 1st
High-danger scoring chance % : 1st
Scoring chance % : 2nd
Limiting shots against : 3rd
Limiting shots attempt : 3rd (not the same players are good at limiting both, but Vlad remains at the top)
Shot for % : 1st
Corsi +/- : 1st (tied with Kuch)
Goal for % : 1st
FYI Paquette is close to be the negative photo of Namestnikov's advanced stats.
As I've said in the Jon Cooper thread, Cooper can't just close his eyes anymore when it comes to Drouin. The trade demand, him refusing to play later on and getting suspended brought lots and lots of attention to the situation. Suddenly it was all eyes on Tampa (players, GMs, coaches, fans and the media of course from all across the league and the world of hockey). Now after he has reported back and the team has lifted the suspension, Drouin has performed on all levels (Syracuse, Tampa). Simpy put, people will argue in favor of Drouin, if Cooper goes back to putting Drouin on a line with Boyle and Brown for 5-8 minutes a game. He can't afford it. The organization can't afford it. With Drouin answering his critics with goals and assists and two-way play on the ice, Cooper's and eventually Yzerman's credibility would be questioned in case of another demotion or - how the media and both Tampa Bay and outside fans will put it - further mismanagement of a high caliber talent.I was thinking about this last night when I couldn't sleep because I want tonight to be here already.
We are bashing Coop for not playing Jam or Namestnikov, yet he is playing Drouin in a top 6 role after everything that happened this year? I think it's kind of crazy Drouin is getting the opportunity he is right now because guys like Nammy and JAM deserve his spot. I think I may have just contradicted myself, I'm not sure what to think anymore.
As I've said in the Jon Cooper thread, Cooper can't just close his eyes anymore when it comes to Drouin. The trade demand, him refusing to play later on and getting suspended brought lots and lots of attention to the situation. Suddenly it was all eyes on Tampa (players, GMs, coaches, fans and the media of course from all across the league and the world of hockey). Now after he has reported back and the team has lifted the suspension, Drouin has performed on all levels (Syracuse, Tampa). Simpy put, people will argue in favor of Drouin, if Cooper goes back to putting Drouin on a line with Boyle and Brown for 5-8 minutes a game. He can't afford it. The organization can't afford it. With Drouin answering his critics with goals and assists and two-way play on the ice, Cooper's and eventually Yzerman's credibility would be questioned in case of another demotion or - how the media and both Tampa Bay and outside fans will put it - further mismanagement of a high caliber talent.
On a scale compared to Drouin nobody gives a crap about Marchessault or Namestnikov.
One mistake from Drouin and he is likely getting benched and/or demoted. Especially with it being the playoffs. Not sure if that is a good way to develop a player or not. But Drouin has been skating on thin ice for a couple of seasons now under Cooper but seems to get the brunt of it. But scratching Vladdy and JAM in favor or Blunden and Condra shows he is playing Detroit's game. Cooper will either come out looking like coach of the year or a eh hem a ****kng idiot.
One mistake from Drouin and he is likely getting benched and/or demoted. Especially with it being the playoffs. Not sure if that is a good way to develop a player or not. But Drouin has been skating on thin ice for a couple of seasons now under Cooper but seems to get the brunt of it. But scratching Vladdy and JAM in favor of Blunden and Condra shows he is playing Detroit's game. Cooper will either come out looking like coach of the year or a eh hem a ****kng idiot.
That's my biggest knock on Cooper. He's trying to ice a defensive-minded team that, with what he got in terms of player ressources, is as physical as possible. Why? Because (and of course I'm just speculating) that's how it's supposed to be in a playoff environment. Hard-nosed, low-scoring and physical. He completely ignores that even without Stamkos and with a banged up Johnson or Callahan, his team is still highly competitive in terms of offensive prowess. Because that's the way it's built by Yzerman.
He completely ignores that he has the possibility to dictate the game flow and pace with all these fast and talented players. Why not ice three lines of dynamic and energetic players? Kucherov, Palat, Johnson, Drouin, Marchessault, Namestnikov, Brown, heck even Killorn or Filppula - they all can fly. Make these slow teams looking to play the body and clog up the middle of the ice get dizzy when our team trucks by them. I mean we're talking Detroit Red Wings here, not Washington Capitals or other teams like that that are on a whole different level right now.
Too bad we didnt practice and optimize this brand of hockey at all the entire season. It's the old personnel vs. game plan debate from the other thread, really.
That's my biggest knock on Cooper. He's trying to ice a defensive-minded team that, with what he got in terms of player ressources, is as physical as possible. Why? Because (and of course I'm just speculating) that's how it's supposed to be in a playoff environment. Hard-nosed, low-scoring and physical. He completely ignores that even without Stamkos and with a banged up Johnson or Callahan, his team is still highly competitive in terms of offensive prowess. Because that's the way it's built by Yzerman.
He completely ignores that he has the possibility to dictate the game flow and pace with all these fast and talented players. Why not ice three lines of dynamic and energetic players? Kucherov, Palat, Johnson, Drouin, Marchessault, Namestnikov, Brown, heck even Killorn or Filppula - they all can fly. Make these slow teams looking to play the body and clog up the middle of the ice get dizzy when our team trucks by them. I mean we're talking Detroit Red Wings here, not Washington Capitals or other teams like that that are on a whole different level right now.
Too bad we didnt practice and optimize this brand of hockey at all the entire season. It's the old personnel vs. game plan debate from the other thread, really.