One thing not mentioned in all of this is how dependent this team has been on goal-tending. I'd say if there was one major difference in personnel. It's that Allaire stopped giving a ****, and Varly continued to trend downward with injuries. I'd also put part of the blame for Pickard's struggles on Allaire as well. In a season where there was much more pressure on him to perform a young goalie had a ghost for a coach. Since you talk to AJ you should know what I'm talking about because I got it from him.
There is lots of factors beyond Bednar. It's hilarious to me that it's impossible for some people to be objective about it and pick things apart specifically.
Post after post after post of complaining about not playing the kids in 15-16 because Roy was trying to win. Bednar from day one played guys like Greer with good players. We see tangible positive development in our younger players with it being directly linked to Bednar.
It's also hilarious that I have to look like I'm pumping Bednar's tires so hard just to point out a positive aspect that is important to this up coming season. I guess some people are not ready to accept the fact that Bednar will be here for next season. I'd personally like to move on to discuss reality instead of beating a drum for weeks on end. I guess I'm just tired of that repetitive beat a bit before everyone else.
Oh man, thank you. I 1,000% agree with you. What has happened, has happened. We have what we have. Look, I may be an absolute homer to everyone, because yes, I have hope, and yes, I love absolutely every single one of our players, but I see the risks & issues as well. I'm not blind to them.
End of the day, Jared Bednar is our coach. We've aligned our team much closer to the one he's been so successful with in the AHL (younger, faster, more impressionable). We've brought in experienced offensive coaches in Bennett, and boy, when The Blues light it up, they are a darned exciting team to watch. We've got a successful, "plugged in" bloody goalie coach that at least wants to be here.
Can't we just accept what is, and give them a fair shake, honestly? Look, I understand everyone thinks we'll be a bottom 5 team next season (I don't, I think we'll be playing in the playoffs), but whatever happens, everyone wins. Why? We either get that draft pick everyone wants, or we sneak into the playoffs.
I bet this team goes into next season with a massive chip on their shoulder. They've been beaten from pillar to post by fan and critic alike. They'll have a point to prove, don't you worry - especially one Matt Duchene, who I hope plays with 92 and Yak, and rips apart the opposition.