Until he proves he is capable of winning a Stanley Cup I think it is fair to question whether or not he is. I am not really impressed with the guy. He exudes fake confidence IMO. He is way into self help seminar cliche's like "earn this" and then he hands Kindl the first PP of the year. Kindl hasn't earned that so his rhetoric goes out the window on game 1. Players see right through that kind of nonsense.
First of all, has anybody else "earned" that spot any more than Kindl has?
Second of all, we've played 2 games. Can't it be that he's giving a guy who's been around a while one last chance to earn a more permanent slot that he was projected to own so many years ago? And if he doesn't, someone else will be tried?
He watched them getting trucked for 45 minutes against Carolina before making an adjustment. Why?
Because sometimes when you're in a slump, the best way to get out of it is to blow it all up; but other times when you're in a slump, the best way to get out of it is to grind it out and stay the course until it starts clicking again. And sometimes you have to guess which is the case, and sometimes a person guesses wrong.
He had Z killing penalties in a meaningless game 1 while we have grinders more than capable sitting the bench. Why? Does he want Z warn out and injured by game 30?
Maybe he needed the ice time, and maybe it's only game 2 so he's not yet in danger of being worn out?
How did the goalie tandem work out in Vancouver? He needs to make a decision. He needs to be a leader. I don't see it thus far.
Well someone above me already pointed out that there exist both examples and counterexamples in any case.
He said the other day that he hopes he has the respect of the players. Great coaches don't hope for such things.
Oh come on, you say that as if it's going to make the slightest difference to anything, ever.
He's about to coach his 3rd NHL game EVER. He can hope whatever the hell he wants until it starts losing us games.