Style Control

[plopster 136]

There have been a lot of discussions here about former wings getting more production on their new teams. We all knew guys like Leino, Kopecky, and especially Samuelson were good players. So I have to wonder if maybe the coaching staff on the Wings bench are too bent on forcing good players into playing a style of game they are just not quite comfortable with. I would think you have to let a guy go out play to his strengths to produce more. Its true playing responsible and getting on defense is important. But there are times when you should throw caution to the wind and fly down the ice and get the puck to the net. I see leino getting way more chances now. It can be argued that he is playing with different people etc. but it just seems he has a little more say in to how he plays his game. Look at Samuelson, he put up a ton of points this post season. He was clutch for us last year at times, but nothing like this year. I just think the coaches need to look at what they can do to improve their instruction on how the Xs and Os go.

Edited June 3, 2010 by plopster

[dirtydangles 1,328]

nah, i think its just the fresh start. leino had a huge mental battle in detroit. He played his best and earned his spot in detroit and now in philly when he had little expectations on him. sammy was just playing out of his mind to prove a point, not to mention his missing the olympics. kopecky has just gotten more ice time and trust.

I wouldnt say that detroit doesnt know how to get the best out of their players... we just have too many players with a lot of potential, and it is very difficult to spread the ice time to reveal that potential. its a good problem to have.

[Buppy 1,720]

Well, having more defensive responsibility will certainly have an effect on offensive performance, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. And of course, some players are better suited to certain styles than others. Our system works. It's been the most successful and widely emulated system in the league for a reason. It also has a record of increasing overall team offense, even if it comes at the expense of a few individuals. (And don't confuse our recent lack of execution as a lack of efficacy. There's no indication that the puck-possession style is becoming outdated.)

That said, I don't think what you're seeing has anything to do with the system. More a matter of opportunities.

All the players you listed, as well as Quincey, were stuck here behind players who were either better, or better suited to a certain role.

Sammy got a bit larger of a role in Vancouver and scored a few more goals. He had a very good year. He had a bad year in '08, but good years the other 3 he was here. Doesn't mean the Vancouver system or coaches are better, or that we did something 'wrong' with him in '08. Players do have good and bad years.

Kopy, it's debatable as to whether he's really doing better. He's not exactly lighting anything up.

Quincey and Leino, unfortunately, had only limited opportunities here. Equally unfortunately, neither of them did anything with them. In both cases, we had to make a move due to the cap and roster limits. While I hate the constraints that forced us to give them up, I'm happy they're doing well.

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

Some people just don't do well for a team and need a fresh start, nothing more/less. You can easily fit the slipper on the other shoe and say people benefited from joining the Wings.

Patrick Eaves and Drew Miller are decent recent examples, generally speaking.

[13dangledangle 968]

I think that its a little more then a fresh start. Sammy played with the Sedin twins, HELLO! No wonder he scored 30 goals, and Leino playing with Briere and Gange. Not going to say much about Kopecky because I think he played pretty good for us, and wasnt he benched before this series? However this is why I believe Hudler gets a shot at line 1, if Sammy can net 30 with the twins, Happy can net 30 with Z&D.

[Travis 576]

Well, having more defensive responsibility will certainly have an effect on offensive performance, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. And of course, some players are better suited to certain styles than others. Our system works. It's been the most successful and widely emulated system in the league for a reason. It also has a record of increasing overall team offense, even if it comes at the expense of a few individuals. (And don't confuse our recent lack of execution as a lack of efficacy. There's no indication that the puck-possession style is becoming outdated.)

That said, I don't think what you're seeing has anything to do with the system. More a matter of opportunities.

All the players you listed, as well as Quincey, were stuck here behind players who were either better, or better suited to a certain role.

Sammy got a bit larger of a role in Vancouver and scored a few more goals. He had a very good year. He had a bad year in '08, but good years the other 3 he was here. Doesn't mean the Vancouver system or coaches are better, or that we did something 'wrong' with him in '08. Players do have good and bad years.

Kopy, it's debatable as to whether he's really doing better. He's not exactly lighting anything up.

Quincey and Leino, unfortunately, had only limited opportunities here. Equally unfortunately, neither of them did anything with them. In both cases, we had to make a move due to the cap and roster limits. While I hate the constraints that forced us to give them up, I'm happy they're doing well.

Hit the nail on the head.

[Finnish Wing 110]

I think that its a little more then a fresh start. Sammy played with the Sedin twins, HELLO! No wonder he scored 30 goals, and Leino playing with Briere and Gange. Not going to say much about Kopecky because I think he played pretty good for us, and wasnt he benched before this series? However this is why I believe Hudler gets a shot at line 1, if Sammy can net 30 with the twins, Happy can net 30 with Z&D.

He isn't even playing with Gagne and he's been better than him this post-season.

Continue.

Edited June 3, 2010 by Finnish Wing

[Guest Lidstromboli]

I think that its a little more then a fresh start. Sammy played with the Sedin twins, HELLO! No wonder he scored 30 goals, and Leino playing with Briere and Gange. Not going to say much about Kopecky because I think he played pretty good for us, and wasnt he benched before this series? However this is why I believe Hudler gets a shot at line 1, if Sammy can net 30 with the twins, Happy can net 30 with Z&D.

samuelsson didn't play with the sedins much until near the end of the season. he spent most of his time on the kesler line i think