More than wins and losses I'm interested to see if the new coaching staff can properly evaluate its players and learn how to deploy them in a way that will allow them to succeed.
That and the development of our young players like Mitts, Olofsson, Tage, Jokiharju and others.
Full disclosure, I apologize for pasting in a post that I made in the "Projected Line-up" Thread. I'll see if it needs to be removed as I should have placed it here to begin with.
Now that's out of the way.....
Fellow long-suffering 1970 franchise fan coming in peace.
I've been following our fraternal franchise much closer since the arrival of #9 and I believe you're closer to a playoff team than the Canucks. I think that in addition to your obvious stars, you have a couple of real gems in Olofsson & the Joker. IMHO, Victor appears to have that rare ability to creep into open space that reminds me of past great -Rick Martin (I know, I'm old). How great would it be if #9 is his Gilbert.
I realize that I'm walking the tightrope of hyperbole, but I just wanted to share my appreciation of what I believe is going to be a team on the rise this year, in particular, because of the coach and what he brings. I am not an "Insider", but I have a family member who was close to the 2012-2013 Oilers supporting cast and the collective thoughts were that Ralph was the long-awaited beginning of the upswing. There was an equally collective sense of disappointment when Mr. Krueger was dismissed.
My prediction is that the Sword & Bison make the playoffs ala Trotz & the Isles last season. I truly believe that your new coach is going to bring out the best in your vets & develop your young prospects. I loved watching Phil play for you back in the 80's & Jets in the 90's, but I wish for him that he could have been your assistant coach, as I see that as his strength (Arizona will benefit IMHO).
Best of luck from the West Coast in the upcoming season, I think you're going to have a lot to cheer about (fingers crossed on Hutton).
Cheers