Aussie_Wing 354 Report post Posted May 30, 2009 Are people underrating this aspect of the series? I understand Bylsma has been terrific since taking over and the series will be won by what the players produce on the ice BUT the coaching aspect has been played down. Bylsma is 38, in his first year as a head coach whereas Babcock is a veteran of this stage and knows how to handle the pressure. I feel as though we have a significant advantage in the coaching stakes and it’s one of the main reasons I believe we’ll get up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
#18 the _Hoss_ 2 Report post Posted May 30, 2009 But he knows Mike's system from ANA times - doooooooooooooooom ! No, Babs is unpredictable ! EDGE : Wings Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shorthanded 5 Report post Posted May 30, 2009 Are people underrating this aspect of the series? I understand Bylsma has been terrific since taking over and the series will be won by what the players produce on the ice BUT the coaching aspect has been played down. Bylsma is 38, in his first year as a head coach whereas Babcock is a veteran of this stage and knows how to handle the pressure. I feel as though we have a significant advantage in the coaching stakes and it’s one of the main reasons I believe we’ll get up. Agree wholeheartedly. Plus, Mike has more options with line combinations and has learned to use them to great advantage, both in setting up for games and in mid-game adjustments. Coach Babcock has also improved defensive play among our forwards over the past three seasons to go with an ever-improving defensive 6 -- look what he's done with Lebda and Ericcson. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dat's sick 1,002 Report post Posted May 30, 2009 Yeah, everyone is saying how much of an advantage it is for the Pens to have Bylsma instead of Therrien. But Bylsma is completely unexperienced at the NHL level. Not to mention he hasn't gone up against the Red Wings before (that I know of). If it turns out that the Pens gameplan isn't working against the Wings, will he be able to make the necessary changes? I'm not sure. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aussie_Wing 354 Report post Posted May 30, 2009 Yeah, everyone is saying how much of an advantage it is for the Pens to have Bylsma instead of Therrien. But Bylsma is completely unexperienced at the NHL level. Not to mention he hasn't gone up against the Red Wings before (that I know of). If it turns out that the Pens gameplan isn't working against the Wings, will he be able to make the necessary changes? I'm not sure. Exactly, if things aren't going their way and he starts feeling the heat, I'm not sure he knows what to do to respond. They'll be looking to him to come up big this series, I'll trust Babs and the boys. Look at the Chicago series, even an experienced coach had no idea and let his team completely lose the plot. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Datsyerberger 279 Report post Posted May 30, 2009 Remember, Therrien was being widely hailed as the coaching savior of the Pens who had come from the AHL to help them all the way to the Finals last year. While I think Bile-smile uses a better style for the Pens, and the players probably like him better, is he going to be any more competitive coach for the Pens in the finals? I'm not sure yet. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BowHuntingFool 0 Report post Posted May 30, 2009 Exactly, if things aren't going their way and he starts feeling the heat, I'm not sure he knows what to do to respond. They'll be looking to him to come up big this series, I'll trust Babs and the boys. Look at the Chicago series, even an experienced coach had no idea and let his team completely lose the plot. Good point, and Coach Q has been up against the Wings a few times and failed. It sure does seem that the pressure is getting more and more on the Pens, but hey, were the underdogs! HA! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
