stevkrause 1,247 Report post Posted May 19, 2011 (edited) Every team needs a scapegoat. We could definitely use a guy with better defensive schemes, but he isn't the reason our guys sucked. He didn't do his job and needed to be replaced. simple as that. His sole responsibilities were PK and D - our PK and GA have taken drastic downturns during his tenure. Our prospects development (Ericsson, Meech, Kindl) all hit walls when they got to him and he hardly helped move them forward in their games and let them become stagnant. To blame 100% if our playoff exit on him is indeed shortsighted and naive, but to write off the vitriol towards him as strictly being treated as a scapegoat, is way over-simplifying the facts. We are a better team with him out of the equation. EDIT - I was a big proponent of bringing back the minuses, but whoever gave you a minus for an opinion is kind of ridiculous, I am going to give you a plus for an opinion I disagree with, just to even it out... Edited May 19, 2011 by stevkrause 8 Namingway, Byorski, reedlarson and 5 others reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
xtrememachine1 795 Report post Posted May 19, 2011 Every team needs a scapegoat. We could definitely use a guy with better defensive schemes, but he isn't the reason our guys sucked. He wasn't the REASON, but he was definitely part of the problem. How big a part, we'll find out now that he's gone. I'd like to see Hitchcock here and I think he'd want to be here. A couple years with the Wings, we re-establish ourselves as a great defensive team and Hitchcock's getting offers from everywhere to be their head coach. It'd be smart for him and us. 1 stevkrause reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HankthaTank 1,100 Report post Posted May 19, 2011 Deflecting posters are deflecting 1 stevkrause reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hockeytown_Ryan 122 Report post Posted May 19, 2011 (edited) YOU'RE FIRED!!!!!!!! Grammar Police edit * Edited May 19, 2011 by Hockeytown_Ryan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SwedeLundin77 460 Report post Posted May 19, 2011 This is great news! But I don't get why Hitchcock's name is being mentioned so often. The guy's a Stanley Cup winning head coach with 15 years experience. Why would he want to be second fiddle to Babcock? Has someone read something somewhere? Or is this another case of "sign Shea Weber!" I mentioned it because he has bounced around the league the past few years and being an Assistant Coach can sometimes grant better job security (Look at McCrimmon - how in the hell he lasted here 3 years is beyond me). Plus he and Babs are good friends. I just thought it would be cool, but I also like the idea of moving MacLean back to D and hiring an O Coach. Or bring Chelios in possibly. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ComradeWasabi 109 Report post Posted May 19, 2011 Every team needs a scapegoat. We could definitely use a guy with better defensive schemes, but he isn't the reason our guys sucked. While I'm glad McCrimmon's gone, I have to agree somewhat. In 2007-08 (when they were hungry for a cup) they were tops in goals allowed per game and third in goals scored per game. The next year, they were first in GS/G but dropped hugely to 21st in GA/G. Last year Detroit was 7th in GA/G, pretty respectable if you ask me. That year, though, they couldn't score nearly as well (due in part to the outrageous rash of injuries). This year, once again their scoring was up but defense was down. Last year, when their defensive game was better, they were 83.9% on the PK - only 0.1% lower than in our cup-winning 2007-08 season. While McCrimmon certainly hasn't helped at all - and for that reason I support him not being brought back - there's obviously something wrong with our players' commitment. They haven't been able to bring it both offensively and defensively, there's been a tradeoff in the past few years but they have shown that they can be successful both on offense and on defense under our current coaching... just not at the same time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hockeytown_Ryan 122 Report post Posted May 19, 2011 I Wonder who will be his replacement...hmmmm AHEMMMMM!!!!!!! 1 ChelisChick reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevkrause 1,247 Report post Posted May 19, 2011 (edited) YOU'RE FIRED!!!!!!!! GRAMMAR POLICE, GRAMMAR POLICE, GRAMMAR POLICE :siren: Sorry, but of all the grammar snafu's, the "Your/you're, there/ their/they're" one is at the top of my list Edited May 19, 2011 by stevkrause 2 reedlarson and 55fan reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MGreenberg 105 Report post Posted May 19, 2011 (edited) :clap: Do I really have to say anything? Edited May 19, 2011 by MGreenberg Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hockeytown_Ryan 122 Report post Posted May 19, 2011 GRAMMAR POLICE, GRAMMAR POLICE, GRAMMAR POLICE :siren: Sorry, but of all the grammar snafu's, the "Your/you're, there/ their/they're" one is at the top of my list I Fixed it... and did not really catch it I was just happy and typed faster than my brain was thinking it!! Thank You ! 1 reedlarson reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevkrause 1,247 Report post Posted May 19, 2011 I Fixed it... and did not really catch it I was just happy and typed faster than my brain was thinking it!! Thank You ! understandable, it is such a joyous day, that one's excitement can get the best of them! 2 reedlarson and Hockeytown_Ryan reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
haroldsnepsts 4,826 Report post Posted May 19, 2011 I have to wonder if the team even let him go, or if he really is pursuing other opportunities. A little while ago I seem to remember there was buzz how he could be a head coach one day soon. Either way, it's a good thing to get new blood in there. While the players obviously have to shoulder a lot of the responsibility for the poor defensive play, something had to change. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
edicius 3,269 Report post Posted May 19, 2011 I have to wonder if the team even let him go, or if he really is pursuing other opportunities. A little while ago I seem to remember there was buzz how he could be a head coach one day soon. Either way, it's a good thing to get new blood in there. While the players obviously have to shoulder a lot of the responsibility for the poor defensive play, something had to change. Given the wording in the TSN article - "mutually agreed" and "moving on to pursue other opportunities" - it sounds like McCrimmon was basically fired (and rightfully so). Yes, technically, they just didn't re-up his contract, but with that wording? It screams "you're fired, go somewhere else". Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Konnan511 1,736 Report post Posted May 19, 2011 He didn't do his job and needed to be replaced. simple as that. His sole responsibilities were PK and D - our PK and GA have taken drastic downturns during his tenure. Our prospects development (Ericsson, Meech, Kindl) all hit walls when they got to him and he hardly helped move them forward in their games and let them become stagnant. To blame 100% if our playoff exit on him is indeed shortsighted and naive, but to write off the vitriol towards him as strictly being treated as a scapegoat, is way over-simplifying the facts. We are a better team with him out of the equation. EDIT - I was a big proponent of bringing back the minuses, but whoever gave you a minus for an opinion is kind of ridiculous, I am going to give you a plus for an opinion I disagree with, just to even it out... Thanks. Like I said, an upgrade is needed, but he isn't the reason our PK and GA are so bad. Our PK and GA would have been much better if Jimmy played like Jimmy played in the postseason. When Jimmy played lights out last season, we were top 10 in PK and number 7 in GA. This year with a struggling and over worked Jimmy we were 23rd and 17th in GA and PK respectively. It isn't all his fault and people need to remember that all schemes and final decisions run through Babcock. But we do need a DMen coach that relays to our DMen to not pinch 24/7 and to clear the crease. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hooon 1,089 Report post Posted May 19, 2011 Just out of curiosity because I really have no idea about these things, why does everyone think that Chelios would be a great replacement? He doesn't have any coaching experience, does he? Is there a reason I'm missing as to why he would automatically be an upgrade from McCrimmon? Coaching just seems like one of those things that requires a lot of experience, and I don't mean playing experience, I mean actual coaching experience. Great players don't always make great coaches, right out of the gate. Anyway, just wondering if there's something to it. 1 MidMichSteve reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sleepwalker 512 Report post Posted May 19, 2011 Given the wording in the TSN article - "mutually agreed" and "moving on to pursue other opportunities" - it sounds like McCrimmon was basically fired (and rightfully so). Yes, technically, they just didn't re-up his contract, but with that wording? It screams "you're fired, go somewhere else". Agreed. Those phrases mean one thing in the business & political worlds...you got fired. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dteowner 20 Report post Posted May 19, 2011 Whether you blame the players or blame the coach, the team has to shuffle the deck to improve the defensive performance. Since our blue line isn't going to see much change due to the contracts we've got, the only other option is to dump the coach. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Konnan511 1,736 Report post Posted May 19, 2011 Just out of curiosity because I really have no idea about these things, why does everyone think that Chelios would be a great replacement? He doesn't have any coaching experience, does he? Is there a reason I'm missing as to why he would automatically be an upgrade from McCrimmon? Coaching just seems like one of those things that requires a lot of experience, and I don't mean playing experience, I mean actual coaching experience. Great players don't always make great coaches, right out of the gate. Anyway, just wondering if there's something to it. Chelios was one of the best defensive defensmen of this and the past three eras. He can help coach how you should be positioned on ES and on the PK. I think he'd be good, but I also think he should work with the prospects on skating and conditioning. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hockeytown_Ryan 122 Report post Posted May 19, 2011 Just out of curiosity because I really have no idea about these things, why does everyone think that Chelios would be a great replacement? He doesn't have any coaching experience, does he? Is there a reason I'm missing as to why he would automatically be an upgrade from McCrimmon? Coaching just seems like one of those things that requires a lot of experience, and I don't mean playing experience, I mean actual coaching experience. Great players don't always make great coaches, right out of the gate. Anyway, just wondering if there's something to it. He works with defensive prospects now, he has a good feel for the way the game is played currently being only a couple years removed. He has a great reputation with the players and they all respect him. To me being a coach relies on good knowledge of the game...(which he has) I think he has a great hockey mind and would fill the role really ,really well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevkrause 1,247 Report post Posted May 19, 2011 He works with defensive prospects now, he has a good feel for the way the game is played currently being only a couple years removed. He has a great reputation with the players and they all respect him. To me being a coach relies on good knowledge of the game...(which he has) I think he has a great hockey mind and would fill the role really ,really well. As I've said all along, I would prefer he get a little seasoning in the AHL donning the coaching cap first, but I wouldn't be opposed at all to him stepping into an NHL gig right away, he's a rare breed and I think one of those guys that is just a natural coach... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Wings Addict 787 Report post Posted May 19, 2011 1 55fan reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HankthaTank 1,100 Report post Posted May 19, 2011 In memory... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HankthaTank 1,100 Report post Posted May 19, 2011 I don't recall this level of excitement here at LGW since the Hossa signing. I am totally with you on this. The curmudgeons still won't bring us down!!!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
evilzyme 769 Report post Posted May 19, 2011 (edited) Speculation is we're signing the Jesus. You said it, man. Nobody f***s with the Jesus. Edited May 19, 2011 by evilzyme 1 Greatness=PavelDatsyuk reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gordie Howe hat trick 110 Report post Posted May 19, 2011 What are the chances we could scoop up Smith again do you think? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
