Referencing experts isn't inherently terrible. Fair enough. But I have two issues...
1)If coaches aren't always right, then it's perfectly acceptable to dismiss their opinion.
2)Not everyone coaching in the NHL is an "authority." Some of them really are that bad to the point where I think some of the fans would make better lineup decisions. Pro sports is a very, very, very connections-based hiring environment. Merit is not necessarily there.
As far as thinking I know more than the coaches, personally I don't know why that's so shocking, as crazy as it sounds.
Form what I've heard, Girardi may get top 4 minutes in Tampa. Not only do I know that's a horrid idea, but 90% of Florida residents know that's a horrid idea. If Cooper does it anyway, then guess what? The fans knew better than the coach.
All of my friends in Buffalo knew Bylsma was horribly misusing just about everyone on their roster. Does Bylsma know more than them because he coaches professionally?
One of my favorite comedians once said: "I'm not a professional pilot, but if I see a helicopter in a tree, I know enough to say the professional pilot ****ed up."
I can't fly a helicopter nor could I successfully coach an NHL team, but I know when coaches are ****ing up.