Chunkylover 26 Report post Posted March 31, 2011 I think the real problem is the Wings defensive positioning since '09. It seems the defensemen are trained not to depart from the side of the crease and the forwards are playing way too tight of a box to ever get to a loose puck. When someone does get to a loose puck before the opposition, they are usually outnumbered because the rest of the players are in such a tight box that they are in no position to offer support. Contrast this with the larger box they played in '08 and their proficiency at clearing the zone. Not sure if McCrimmon brought this strategy with him, but it coincides his arrival. What I don't understand is that if Babcock and MacLean can see that the Wings have a problem on defense, and both of them were there for the magic that was the 2008 Red Wings, why haven't they done anything to correct the problem? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Echolalia 2,961 Report post Posted March 31, 2011 The coach wasn't to blame for this one. The boys just looked uninspired and uninterested and slow tonight. The players did a fine enough job to receive the blame themselves. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
under_par_00 45 Report post Posted March 31, 2011 As far as I know, there is no salary cap for the coaching staff. Holland should offer Hitchcock something ridiculous like $5mil a year to come coach the defense. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
edicius 3,269 Report post Posted March 31, 2011 Actually, it's something more simplistic and problematic. The Wings have an obvious fear of the color blue. Think about it. Blown out badly by the Blue Jackets. Blown out badly by the Blues. Won't crash the crease of opposing goaltenders. Won't clear our own crease. 1 Finnish Wing reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
achildr1 255 Report post Posted March 31, 2011 Actually, it's something more simplistic and problematic. The Wings have an obvious fear of the color blue. Think about it. Blown out badly by the Blue Jackets. Blown out badly by the Blues. Won't crash the crease of opposing goaltenders. Won't clear our own crease. The Islanders, and their sea water "blue" Jerseys, have our number. The baby "blue" Thrashers destroyed us. The Predators, and their new "blue" jerseys, would almost certainly beat us in the playoffs. Our defense probably stinks because they stand so close to the "blue" line. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HankthaTank 1,100 Report post Posted March 31, 2011 You guys don't like watching them? Go watch the Blue Jays. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
edicius 3,269 Report post Posted March 31, 2011 You guys don't like watching them? Go watch the Blue Jays. Approves. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VM1138 1,921 Report post Posted March 31, 2011 I agree about sitting some players before playoffs. Light a fire under them for the playoffs. Sit Mule for a game, sit Modano for one, sit Ericsson for the playoffs, and we'd be all set, hopefully. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hockeytown0001 7,652 Report post Posted March 31, 2011 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HankthaTank 1,100 Report post Posted March 31, 2011 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hockeytown_Ryan 122 Report post Posted March 31, 2011 (edited) Edited March 31, 2011 by Hockeytown_Ryan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redwingfan19 293 Report post Posted April 1, 2011 sure you can blame ccrimmon, and yes, he is part of the problem. from watching the games guys just don't look hungry anymore. lets face it, our star players are at, or on the wrong side of 30, we sign bums like modano, miller and salei instead of letting a kid play, we got a goalie with no confidence, and this team is soooo soft in their own end its a joke. nothing but guys standing around playing with themselves, can't win important face offs to save their lives. better tighten this up or it will be a short playoffs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hockeytown0001 7,652 Report post Posted May 5, 2011 That's it. He has got to go this offseason. 3 evilmrt, edicius and sleepwalker reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
edicius 3,269 Report post Posted May 5, 2011 No reasonable person can say it's a coincidence anymore. McCrimmon HAS to go. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Majsheppard 203 Report post Posted May 5, 2011 Fire the entire coaching staff and let Lids take over. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hockeytown0001 7,652 Report post Posted May 5, 2011 Fire the entire coaching staff and let Lids take over. Disagree. Babcock and MacLean are fine. McCrimmon absolutely must go. Promote Chelios to the new defensive coach. This team hasn't been able to hold a lead since winning the Cup in 2008. 1 Bradster1984 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SiLkK19 67 Report post Posted May 5, 2011 Who's bright idea was it to sit back in the last 10 mins of the 3rd?!!!!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevkrause 1,247 Report post Posted May 5, 2011 Who's bright idea was it to sit back in the last 10 mins of the 3rd?!!!!!!! As I posted before, the GAA has steadily gone up since McCrimmon took over, our PK has steadily gotten worse... he handles the PK AND defense... I think one of the most glaring problems is pretty obvious... as I've said ad nauseum, move MacClean back to the D, hire Gallant and have him take over the forwards... I love Chelios and think he WILL be an amazing coach and wouldn't be opposed to him taking over for the D, I'd just prefer that he get some seasoning as a coach at the AHL level for a few years first, then when MacLean gets his head gig (which will surely happen) then you make the move... but regardless, McCrimmon has got to go - when something breaks... look to what changed... Also, it's no coincidence his teams in ATL and when he was in the AHL had terrible GAA... he has a good hockey mind, but his spot is not behind the bench... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hockeytown0001 7,652 Report post Posted May 5, 2011 CHelios for Defensive coach. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
