Blues Fire Andy Murray, Davis Payne Named Interim Head Coach
by gallagher on Jan 2, 2010 9:26 AM CST
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PrintAs all of Bluesdom is eagerly Twittering this morning, the Blues announced this morning that Andy Murray has been relieved of his coaching duties. Peoria Rivermen coach Davis Payne has been named the team's interim head coach.
Murray took over for Mike Kitchen in December of 2006 and led the team to a 118-102-40 record before being let go this morning. The team's struggles this year despite the promise of last year's run to the playoffs led to his firing.
Payne has been coach of the Rivermen since July of 2008. He has nine years of minor pro experience as a head coach and he becomes the Blues' 23rd head coach.
The obvious early advantage to having Payne become the coach of the Blues is his track record with young talent. The Blues have been named Hockey's Future's best NHL organization in terms of young talent and prospects for two years running, so if Payne is more accustomed to dealing with the mentality of those types of players, he'll have an edge on retaining the position beyond his current interim status.
UPDATED AT 3:30.
More analysis from Brad Lee:
Going 6-13-3 at home, having a young roster play listlessly several times and sensing the general gloom and doom around the team, team president John Davidson obviously felt he needed to change the direction of the team. What's intereisting is that general manager Larry Pleau had come out and said the team wasn't going to change coaches and that the organization was behind Murray. Apparently they were behind him enough to kick him ou the door.
What a fall this is. Murray was a finalist for the Jack Adams award for coach of the year after the Blues finished the the year in a suprising sixth place. His option year on his contract was picked up right before the season started. That hinted that he had something left to prove with this team when the organization decided to not negotiate an extenstion instead of the option.
I've written a couple times that paying two coaches at once isn't something the Blues can really afford to do which might be why they simply promoted the Peoria coach. It will be interesting to see if Payne sticks in the job at the tender age of 38 or if someone with more NHL experience gets the call.
At the end of the day, this was a joyless hockey team. Murray may be a great strategist, he might hold the players in check and get them to raise their games on a technical level. But if the players aren't having fun, if they're not motivated, it won't work. And I think it's very clear this wasn't working.
- Thanks to oic for the link to Jeremy Rutherford's interview with Andy Murray.
- And to drfrankenweed for the link to the Blues players' interviews about Murray's firing as well as the link with more information on interim head coach Davis Payne.
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Probably overdue
…it was obvious Murray was losing the team. This team was always going to live or die with its young players, and Murray doesn’t really have a way with them. I’ve gotta think the recent benching of Johnson finally got management to sit up and say “WTF is Andy doing?”
Why would they?
Management and Murray discussed the benching a few days before it happened, they both agreed on it.
Because... when you are doing that with THAT guy
…you beginning to look more like the Hartford Whalers then you ever want to be.
Besides, the double standards were starting to wear thin. I saw the game in Minnesota up close and personal, and EJ was our best d-man that game (which isn’t saying a lot I know.) Carlo and Jackman were awful that night, but being vets they got a slide, like vets under Murray often do.
But when you’re a kid with talent and have a bad game? Well, he comes down on you like a ton of bricks. It gets into kids’ heads. It gets old, and obviously he had lost this team. I’ll lay odds that Backes next season gets off to a fast start without Murray around. Just a guess.
You mean the kid who hasn't played 100 NHL games yet?
They let him sit a game to break him out of a funk, whether hes a huge prospect or not he was starting to get complacent. They didn’t do it to prove a point they did it to see if they could stop the slide he was getting into.
I think what Murray considered a servicable #1 pairing...
… after the benching was more of an issue than benching EJ itself – Brewer/Sydor? Really? The Geriatric Wonder Twins? The Sludge Bros? That’s an ok 2nd pairing, no doubt, but for that to be considered your top defensive pairing is absurd, and it showed.
Reporter: There`s a "stamp out the Beatles movement" underway in Detroit. What are you going to do about it?
Paul McCartney: We`re going to start a campaign to stamp out Detroit.
I think AM switches it out...
His line ADD makes it impossible to tell. At least he kept the pairings mostly constant this season; he just switched the order.
Reporter: There`s a "stamp out the Beatles movement" underway in Detroit. What are you going to do about it?
Paul McCartney: We`re going to start a campaign to stamp out Detroit.
do NOT concider #1 D line by who takes the ice first
if you want to know who his #1 is. . . you have to look at ice time. . . and in that game Jackman had a 4 min Pen plus 21 min of ice time . . . and Brewer had the most, icetime . . . but I can see why AM would be nervos about pairing guys like Cola and Roman together on a 5 on 3 PK (cause Weaver and Jacks were in the box, w/ Tj one of out top defensive forwards) we did AMAZING to keep them off the score board as long as we had. . .and the fact we only let in one during that period shows how good our D is, and I doubt having EJ (especially w/ his sub par performance) would have helped. . . now as he “finds his game” again after getting the USA team nod “boost of confidence” I would let him play, but quit knocking AM’s decision in benching EJ. . . it took a lot of guts for him to do what was necessary/best for this kid. . . because he was going to take a whole lot of blame regardless of if we won or lost that night,
No, I know that.
I was going by the roster lines posted on FoxSportsMW before every game, plus the depth chart on the Blues’ website, which of course constantly changes (tonight it’s Carlo and Polak).
Reporter: There`s a "stamp out the Beatles movement" underway in Detroit. What are you going to do about it?
Paul McCartney: We`re going to start a campaign to stamp out Detroit.
So in otherwords it ok to....
Bench a kid for a bad stretch of games but if a vet is sucking just let him suck???
Like I posted below thats the kind of logic that would make Spock say Waht the Fuck???
Im sick of Bergie Frenchie and EJ getting shit for a few bad games but what about the vets??? Kariya Boyes Jacks and Roboto all have had a bad SEASON yet their asses have seen no pine whatsoever!!!! I CALL BULLSHIT!!!!
I still maintain Vladimir Konstantinov got what he deserved...If you can't handle that then kiss my ass......
"If upon Decepticon turf you happen to tumble, look out robot cause here comes Rumble!!"
I think more would be accomplished if...
… someone took Boyes to a shooting range for target practice rather than benching him. It’s not like he’s not trying – he just has aim for shit.
Reporter: There`s a "stamp out the Beatles movement" underway in Detroit. What are you going to do about it?
Paul McCartney: We`re going to start a campaign to stamp out Detroit.
well . . .
2 of the three are returning from MAJOR injuries, and need to have steady play time to be on form. . .
2 of the three are Defensmen who are held to a MUCH higher standard of “good play”. . . because EVERY move is under a microscope, and often times Brew or Jacks take the blame and put themselves in hard situations in order to let EJ and Roman play a bit more offensively, and to help these kids grow in their game. . .
Bergs bench was ridiculous to be sure
Perron has never been benched this season . . . so know your facts, he was moved from first to third line, but he never should have been playying w/ Boyes and Happy Meal in the first place, and it was not 57’s production that went down, but 22 and 10 have been crappy on their passes as of late. . . Perron was isolated, cause murray will ALWAYS isolate Perry, and because he will never call out 10 or 22. . .
and Ej has had one benching. . . and he had been playing worse and worse for a MONTH, and Murray has done what he has done w/ all of the “injured” players. . . he has given them a longer period of time to find the game which is EXPECTED of them. . . and unfortunately EJ has some loft expectations following him around . . . and he needed to sit and re-focus
I dont hate Murray...
…I just think he’s a one trick pony and after awhile, one trick just ain’t enough.
The kids have to play for the Blues to progress, and AM was never going to be comfortable with that.
Anyway, the NHL is a league where moves like this often work…. Lord knows why sometimes, but they do.
Murray is probably gone because of his handling of the youth
But not his benching of EJ . . . that kid played like crap for a month, an NO ONE said anything cause he is given a free ride. . .
I would assume he has lost a majority of the player that the team in building around in the locker room, then lines were drawn between the vets, some on Mur’s side, some w/ the youth. . . and that is why the “team” fell apart. . . because they are not a team. . . and that is why Murray finally had the balls to bring up Army. This team needs someone like him. . . no he is not going to contribute much on the ice like a power forward, but what he brings to the table is an ability to unite the team . . .
Honestly I do not know if this is (long term) the best or worse decision for this team . . . because, wee may be building around the youth. . . but they need to remember that they do NOT run this team, and they do need to learn to respect and listen to their coach (i just personally believe that the relationship w/ Murray was beyond repair)
I see the fanposts are gone
All I can really say is that I don’t believe this was the right move but hopefully it turns out for the best.
No blaming
Just saying I wanted to make my feelings known on the matter and hate having to repeat myself, seems like im just asking for attention.
To be honest...
I’m very very glad that I didn’t have to make the decision. Yes, the buck stops with the coach – as Murray has said many times – but I would say that some of the blame DOES lie with the players. But if you can’t make trades, then the coach is the one position that’s always going to be “flexible”. Let’s hope this shocks the players into action.
Have a look at this:
http://www.jtbourne.com/tag/davis-payne/
If the players think they’ll now get it easy…they may have a shock coming!
BLUE SKIES - new St Louis Blues hockey blog.
"If you prick me, do I not...leak?"
"I could be chasing an untamed ornithoid without cause."
"I am programmed in multiple techniques, a broad...variety of pleasuring..."
RIP Lt Commander Data
by drfrankentweed on Jan 2, 2010 9:44 AM CST reply actions 4 recs
Thanks for the link
If I were to only look at his bio at rivermen.net, I’d think
’he’s so young, he can’t be up to it — can he?’
Having read a bit, I feel bad for AM, but am excited about Mr. (Major?) Payne.
You think Davis will tell them the story about the “Little Engine That Could”?
No beer and no TV make Homer...something something.
by Poor College Student on Jan 2, 2010 12:46 PM CST up reply actions
Thanks again for the link
Rec’d … so we can turn that green and steer more folks that way.
That gives me a better picture of Payne …. He seems to be my kind of guy.
.... formerly "Tim" of StLouisGameTime.com
by CrossCheckRaise on Jan 2, 2010 12:45 PM CST up reply actions
I was always real big on dropping Murray, especially after he started blaming Perron for the Oilers debacle. But my lord, it’s a real shame to see someone lose his job like this.
You had it coming, Murray.
Now let’s see what Payne can do for us!
"Get out there on the ice and let 'em know you're there. Get that fuckin' stick in their side. Let 'em know you're there! Get that lumber in his teeth. Let 'em know you're there!"
" Bleed all over 'em. Let 'em know you're there."
those are my feelings as well
I was not really into dropping Murray. . . but then he had the oilers “post game press conference” released, and his comments and view of the night were uncalled for, and went against all of the foundations of what he “believes” as a coach. . . (he says he does not believe in momentum. . . but then you blame a kid’s mistake at the end of the second, for the team’s collapse in the third. . . ?) it did not make sense, and I have been weary of him as coach since . . .
I have to say that this was expected.
While I don’t hold Murray solely responsible for our home woes, a change was needed somewhere. Unfortunately for Murray, the coach is the one that is responsible for the teams play and JD pulled the trigger, so to speak. I met and dealt with Murray many time while working on the Blues radio broadcast and he was nothing but very nice and professional guy and I hope that he gets a chance somewhere else very soon.
Mr. Payne, you’ve got your work cut out for you this evening. Godspeed sir, Godspeed.
Not a surprise
Coach Murray seems like a good coach, but there was an obvious disconnect with his players. Bottom line: the team’s home record is unacceptable and something had to be done.
Let’s not forget Murray’s contributions. This team was a mess when he took over and he helped make this a competitive club in short order. Last year’s miracle push to the postseason made for one of the most memorable seasons in franchise history.
it is time for the players to step up
That being said, I don’t want to hear excuses from the players. It is up to them to respond to Mr. Payne.
Nice timing.
Right before a big game at home against a hated rival – if that wasn’t intended to up the message (if that’s possible), I don’t know what is.
I really think that this is the right move, as much as I hate to see anyone lose their job – of course, we’re still paying him and there’s always the TSN team to be an analyst for. The team wasn’t responding to him, and while I hold them accountable for a good bit of the awful play, sometimes it’s hard to get your ass in gear for a boss you don’t care for. Heck, from personal experience, I know you shut them out and just do what you need to do to get home. I wouldn’t be shocked if that happened.
We have too many young guys on our team, and when that’s the case, you really need a coach who can work with that kind of squad – Bylsma in Pittsburgh, Anderson in Atlanta are both excellent examples of success in going from the AHL to the NHL within the same organization, though both with mildly different results thanks to talent available on the team. Someone who is familiar with the players and who can coach them in a system that they’ve been coached in before, where they’re comfortable, should be helpful.
Reporter: There`s a "stamp out the Beatles movement" underway in Detroit. What are you going to do about it?
Paul McCartney: We`re going to start a campaign to stamp out Detroit.
Well....
I’m not expecting miracles in Payne’s first game even if this does turn out to be the right move. Maybe they’ve got new lifeblood tonight, but maybe they fall apart in a disorganized mess as they try to figure out how to please a new boss.
You also have to factor in...
… the fact that it takes a team a little while to catch on to a new coach’s system. Bylsma is the exception to that rule, because I think WBS plays a style almost identical to the Penguins’, with the difference being that their coach wasn’t a raging toolbag.
B., do you know off the top of your head if the Rivermen play along the same lines as the Blues (are supposed to) play?
Reporter: There`s a "stamp out the Beatles movement" underway in Detroit. What are you going to do about it?
Paul McCartney: We`re going to start a campaign to stamp out Detroit.
I thought part of Bylsma coming in
Was that he opened up their system considerably vs. Therrien?
Not afraid to nitpick
I think over time...
… that Therrien restricted the system that had been in place at the beginning of the season in both WBS and Pitts. The biggest issue, though, was just the fact that the players hated him. A couple of times Crosby and the As made a point of having closed door, players only meetings after a loss, and after that losing streak that knocked them all the way down out of playoff contention last season.
Reporter: There`s a "stamp out the Beatles movement" underway in Detroit. What are you going to do about it?
Paul McCartney: We`re going to start a campaign to stamp out Detroit.
i think the bylsma comparisons are a stretch considering that guy has malkin, crosby and fluery to work with. feels like a monkey should be able to coach that team to at least the conference finals every year.
Oh yeah
Whoever comes in is not going to be able to pull a Bylsma→Stanley because this team doesn’t have the top end players that win Stanley Cups (yet? I hope), just that there’s precedent for an AHL coach to have success with a young-ish team.
Not afraid to nitpick
im just glad its an unknown
instead of a nhl retread. this team needs a new direction, not something like pat burns.
B., do you know off the top of your head if the Rivermen play along the same lines as the Blues (are supposed to) play?
The Bourne blog that Doc linked to will give you a very good indication of how Davis Payne caches.
I’ll say this: based on what I’ve seen, he knows how to use the resources he has. He lets the painters paint and the plumbers plumb. The Ellers and Junlands of the world are not asked, or expected, to play the same style as a Chris Porter, a Ryan Reaves, or a Justin Fletcher.
He also seems to be pretty good at putting players together on lines that have similar — or complimentary — playing styles. And he keeps his lines together, for the most part. If Eller, Palushaj and Porter (just as examples) are a line to start the game, they’ll be on the same line in the third period unless they’ve completely stunk it up, which doesn’t happen often with those particular players.
B.
"If we do not prepare for ourselves the role of the hammer, there will be nothing left but that of the anvil."
-- Otto von Bismarck, 1851
http://futurenotes.blogspot.com
by Tomorrows Blues on Jan 2, 2010 4:00 PM CST up reply actions
I'm excited about Payne (wait, that sounds dirty)
One of the reasons I figured they’d wait on Murray is I thought they’d make a trade first and I didn’t see an obvious successor out there. Forgot about the one right under our nose (or at least, didn’t think they’d move him up so quickly).
The game has changed so much, I believe there is something to these AHL coaches knowing how reach younger players better.
Lighthouse Hockey: Eyes on Tavares, mug full of Moulson.
It had to be done.....
Like Rich stated earlier, the double standard between the vets and the kids was a joke. How many times have we seen jacks or Roboto fuck up and nothing….But Bergie or Frenchie fuck up and its the doghouse. Its bullshit. You cant blame every little fuckup on the kids because sooner or later you fuck THEM up. What needs to happen is a few of the vets need a good ass chewing by JD and Checks now……Boyes Kariya and Tkachuk along with Jacks and Roboto to name a few………I mean Brewer has been a + in like what?? 2 games this year but he just gets more and more ice time? Yet EJ has a couple of bad games and he gets a buttload of pine!!! Wheres the fucking logic in that? Spock would even sat WTF??!!
next move that needs to be made is to strip Roboto of the “C” and let it rotate for the year……See who really goes out and earns it…..Dont just remain Status Quo and leave things be, because without more tree shaking, things will just fester out.
To be honest I never really cared for Murray. I look at numbers and the guy was never an elite coach. He got lucky with an upset or 2 in LA but never got any farther than a Blues team in my lifetime.
As for the team, maybe this wakes them up maybe it doesnt. I do hope the new guy doesnt chastize the kids for the sake of the vets….Its time to hang a vets balls on the tree next to Murrays and the first one to fuck up needs a buttload of pine.
In the words of Bernie Mac from the POST…..How will history remember the Green Goblin Era???
I still maintain Vladimir Konstantinov got what he deserved...If you can't handle that then kiss my ass......
"If upon Decepticon turf you happen to tumble, look out robot cause here comes Rumble!!"
My emphasized THEM being the kids
I still maintain Vladimir Konstantinov got what he deserved...If you can't handle that then kiss my ass......
"If upon Decepticon turf you happen to tumble, look out robot cause here comes Rumble!!"
I always liked Murray. Good guy and did a great job last year with the team. He really did help them get bak into a competitive team. That being said though, something had to be done and with any real options for a trade, I guess it was the only logical step. I really do wish Murray the best, but as someone pointed out a week or two ago, you can’t fire all twenty, so fire the one.
Barret Jackman is my hero.
Fueled. These new shores burn. Shadow, my sweet shadow, to you I look no more.
Crosby and Malkin. Two girls, one cup.
Other than a trade what other options were there?
Losing at home threatens consecutive sell-outs. The Blues have too much young talent to give up on. Other than axing AM mangagement could either give up on the youth movement for an overpaid veteran or wait for AM to turn the ship around. Though we flirted with big turn arounds (San Jose Win, 3-game Canadian sweep) they never stuck. The Blues should feel ashamed they cost a good man his job!
there are NO trade options either
unless JD and Co go against their paln to build around the youth. . . only our “kids” are valuable assets right now. . .
Boyes. . . McDonald . . . Kariya . . . Brewer . . . and Jacks all make to much to even be in consideration . . .
Steen is your top option. . . but he has also been your best forward on the season (he was hot before the broken wrist, and then a couple of weeks ago made it back to his form, and has not stopped scoring)
Just woke up
Feel like a kid on Christmas morning. Look, it’s sad that someone has lost his job, but it’s not like the Murray clan is going to go without food. The Goblin is a good — if not great — coach. He will work somewhere else and he will maximize talent out of shitty players. The problem happens when the message runs out.
Murray lost this team. It’s a sad indictment of the boys that they quit on the coach and gave up, but they did. Murray’s message and constant badgering just stopped working. The Blues needed a change, and trading the players wasn’t going to cut it. The under-achievers weren’t going to garner any kind of return.
The change had to be now. Now, maybe the team will show some god damn effort.
If you’d have told me before the season that the trend of NHL teams’ coaches getting fired after starting in Europe would continue with the Blues, I’d have called bullshit.
I sure hope Payne has a solution. In the mean time, will the Blues name a permanent replacement during the season?
No beer and no TV make Homer...something something.
by Poor College Student on Jan 2, 2010 10:49 AM CST reply actions
A trade wouldn't have worked
in the long-term anyway. A trade is a defibrilator — jumps the locker room into waking the fuck up. Eventually Murray’s strategy with the young players would have worn them down to lackadaisical effort again.
The bottom line is the most skilled guys on this team — and the ones management has been preaching and building around for years — weren’t getting the consistency (ice time, linemates, being in the lineup) they needed to shine. I hope that now they do.
I also hope Jonas Junland, my NHL doppleganger who has shined under Payne, comes up and scores just like he did in Peoria (hey, I can hope, right?).
Paul Kariya's hips don't lie and he's starting to feel it's right.
he is NOT big enough yet to play on the physicality end of the NHL
that is why Junland has been left in Peoria, unless we run out of eligible D men here. . . and I would think Tyson will get the next call up from Peoria. . . not Junland. . .
Agreed.
Check the photo I posted with the article on Junland and Eller being named to the AHL All-Star team.
Junland is as skinny as a friggin’ rail. Until he bulks up a little more, he’s going to get rag-dolled more often than not in the NHL.
B.
"If we do not prepare for ourselves the role of the hammer, there will be nothing left but that of the anvil."
-- Otto von Bismarck, 1851
http://futurenotes.blogspot.com
by Tomorrows Blues on Jan 2, 2010 4:03 PM CST up reply actions
good riddens
I like Murray.Not as a coach but as a person. I wish him all the best and Im sure he will find another team.Good luck to Payne
"Nothing is True, Everyting is Permitted"
Hopefully this will work out
While I don’t blame AM for the slump by this point in the season he should have been able to get them out of it. I wonder how many if any changes will be made for todays game. Does he come out of the gates shaking things up or does he wait till he sees a game from behind the bench?
The term "in my humble opinion", which they think adds weight to their statements rather than indicating , in reality, "these are the mean little views of someone with the social grace of duckweed"
I'm excited, to be honest.
New year – fresh start. Hopefully this’ll light a fire under the guys and we can turn this shit around.
Gotta laugh at that poll out on the main page..
Can't say I'm surprised .....
The same players are going to have the same immaturity, so I don’t believe this is going to fix anything with the team.
I really hope I’m wrong.
The assistants were brought in as Murray’s guys, if I recall correctly. I wonder what’s going to happen to them?
Godspeed, AM …. may you finally catch your Spiderman ….
.... formerly "Tim" of StLouisGameTime.com
by CrossCheckRaise on Jan 2, 2010 11:24 AM CST reply actions
EXCLUSIVE SLGT PHOTOGRAPH:
Andy Murray in JD’s office getting the boot:
Let's go Blues!!!
by Milo. on Jan 2, 2010 11:37 AM CST reply actions 3 recs
Hey Sean!!!!!
There’s a dead link in SBN Hockey’s coverage of this story. They mean to link to GameTime, but the link is 404-Not Found …. You might want to have them fix that.
.... formerly "Tim" of StLouisGameTime.com
by CrossCheckRaise on Jan 2, 2010 11:59 AM CST reply actions
Good guy, bad coach (for this team)
Hopefully Payne will at least give us a chance to see what kind of young talent we really have (for better or for worse).
As for Green Goblin, I actually feel kind of bad for the guy, poor little buggah. But hey, at least he’s still getting paid, so he’s got that going for him, which is nice.
Cruising around the other Central Division blogs ....
It’s game day for most folks, so they are concentrating on that, rather than this bit of news. The best thing to read is Second City Hockey’s notes, including a commenter that said:
I could wish for better timing. The first game after a coach is fired is scary, especially since we are in their house tonight. I have seen the peoria team play, and the coach is no idiot.
That’s cool.
Also, sorry to be the bearer of bad news to Prospects, but it seems our friend Christy at WIM is passing the torch to someone else; she’s leaving the blogging world behind now that she has graduated.
that is all.
.... formerly "Tim" of StLouisGameTime.com
by CrossCheckRaise on Jan 2, 2010 12:17 PM CST reply actions
Aw.
You can blog when you’re part of the real world. We do it… right? Huh?
I think I’m just trying to make myself feel better.
Reporter: There`s a "stamp out the Beatles movement" underway in Detroit. What are you going to do about it?
Paul McCartney: We`re going to start a campaign to stamp out Detroit.
She probably still has that fresh “I’m in the real world now, I’m supposed to take shit seriously” idea. She’ll learn right quick.
Lighthouse Hockey: Eyes on Tavares, mug full of Moulson.
We take shit seriously.
It just happens to be hockey. No shame!
Reporter: There`s a "stamp out the Beatles movement" underway in Detroit. What are you going to do about it?
Paul McCartney: We`re going to start a campaign to stamp out Detroit.
Shit.
I wish her good luck. She’s a cutie, and seems to know a little bit about this ame. I can;t say I approve of her choice of teams to root for, but…
"If we do not prepare for ourselves the role of the hammer, there will be nothing left but that of the anvil."
-- Otto von Bismarck, 1851
http://futurenotes.blogspot.com
by Tomorrows Blues on Jan 2, 2010 4:05 PM CST up reply actions
damn the hot chick..
i mean shes still well below my standards (shes a red wing fan) but she was damn attractive
After 5 No-Dozes I feel great.. only except that i can hear my ears.. and I believe that toenails are the funniest thing I have ever seen.
Come Root on the blues at
www.stlouisgametime.com
I was ambivalent to this change for awhile...now, not so much.
I don’t think this is the end either. I expect a couple of trades or flat-out drops so the Blues can get some more young’uns NHL experience (Junland, Armstrong, etc.) Makes sense too that Payne, in whatever time he has here, would want to bring ina couple of his AHL players, since he’s been working with them.
I once shot a man just to see him die...then I got distracted and missed it.
I agree.
This is not a playoff team. Cut some ballast, bring up EVERYBODY – Junland, Petro, Eller, Armstrong, etc., and start trying to become the next Chicago.
with their oncoming
Capocalypse ??? No thanks.
.... formerly "Tim" of StLouisGameTime.com
by CrossCheckRaise on Jan 2, 2010 12:32 PM CST up reply actions
Capocalypse was delayed
Now the Blues get to enjoy dealing with Hossa, Kane, Toews, Campbell, and Keith for at least the next 5 years.
Chicagoan in the Lou.
Beat me to it.
They made it work.
And I wasn’t talking about the selling out to get Hossa part. That was a mistake, IMO.
I was talking about the talent development.
I still think the Blues have the young talent to build around
It’s just a matter of getting them to play to their ability. We see flashes of it all the time.
Also, GO HOGS!
Chicagoan in the Lou.
Also, GO HOGS!
As a former employee of the Rockford IceHogs, I concur.
I’m a die-hard Peoria fan, but the Hogs will always have a special place in my heart.
B.
"If we do not prepare for ourselves the role of the hammer, there will be nothing left but that of the anvil."
-- Otto von Bismarck, 1851
http://futurenotes.blogspot.com
by Tomorrows Blues on Jan 2, 2010 4:07 PM CST up reply actions
You can't fire the whole roster...
…so you fire the head coach. After that you make a trade or 2. This ride is far from over.
i dont know wich to rec lol
After 5 No-Dozes I feel great.. only except that i can hear my ears.. and I believe that toenails are the funniest thing I have ever seen.
Come Root on the blues at
www.stlouisgametime.com
What is wrong with the Blues right now
is a lack of talent. The De Facto GM JD and the GM on paper Pleau over estimated their talent pool. YES I know that the team has a load of young potential talent but TODAY they are not top of the league talent. The promise of being a top 4 team in the Conference was way premature. Now I will put on my Geezer hat. A coach should sit on the young talent more than the veterans. The veterans are what they are and will not change a lot. Brewer, Weaver and Jackman must be used until they are no longer needed. The fact that many of the young players are millionares early in their careers does not help in their motavation.
I agree with the lack of talent thing. Not so much the other part.
I would think even a veteran player would be able to respond when they’re told their effort is not cutting it.
Also, if Jaarmo drafts a D-man in the first round this year, I’m going down to DrinkScotch and kicking him in the taint myself.
hoozis what are you thinking???
allowing veterans to do as they please does nothing but let the kids know once they get time under their belt ….they can act the same way…….nothing shows more than benching a vet to get the message thru to the kids that NO ONE is in excusable…..
I still maintain Vladimir Konstantinov got what he deserved...If you can't handle that then kiss my ass......
"If upon Decepticon turf you happen to tumble, look out robot cause here comes Rumble!!"
The fact that many of the young players are millionares early in their careers does not help in their motavation.
most of the young guns are still in their entry contracts, so they are not millionaires – yet. The youngest player earning more than a million this year is David Backes, who just signed a new contract (remember the RFA nonsense with VAN’s GM?).
I agree that the younger players need more discipline, whereas … well, old dogs, new tricks, yadda yadda yadda
.... formerly "Tim" of StLouisGameTime.com
by CrossCheckRaise on Jan 2, 2010 12:35 PM CST reply actions
Im so old that I rember the top 1967 salary being Glenn Halls $35,000.
A future Hall of Fame type player could expect a comfortable income and nothing more. Love of the game was still alive. When I was in the US Navy the Senior Chief Petty Officer had a different standing than a Seaman Recruit and were treated quite differently..
Sorry
I’ll get off your lawn, now, sir
.... formerly "Tim" of StLouisGameTime.com
by CrossCheckRaise on Jan 2, 2010 12:57 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
You are right
I am a recipient of the Expert Rifle ribbon USMC style. Otherwise known as the Lee H. Oswald award. However I dont bite. You can find me in the 305 area concorse next game. Look for the Berenson 9 Jersey Geezer and I enjoy talking to all who wish to do the same.
These damn kids and their music…
No beer and no TV make Homer...something something.
by Poor College Student on Jan 2, 2010 12:57 PM CST up reply actions
“What the Hell is a Lady Goo-Goo?”
In my days we listened to good stuff, like The Ramones.
Let's go Blues!!!
Gabba gabba Hey !
.... formerly "Tim" of StLouisGameTime.com
by CrossCheckRaise on Jan 2, 2010 1:01 PM CST up reply actions
Is she dressing up like a baby now?
Talk about batshit insane.
But yeah, back in the day a lot of the professional athletes had off-season jobs around town to make ends meet – my great aunt worked with some of the old football Cardinals when she was a secretary at Granite City Steel. I really do feel badly though when you compare how much money they made to how much these guys do now. Thank goodness the NHLPA has a retirement fund established to take care of them, but I really think that a lot fall through the cracks.
Reporter: There`s a "stamp out the Beatles movement" underway in Detroit. What are you going to do about it?
Paul McCartney: We`re going to start a campaign to stamp out Detroit.
Ehh, lazy Saturday...
And I think we’re all a twitter about AM. We’re an easily excitable bunch.
But yes, I do believe that this is now an unofficial early GTD… or else we’re just really into discussing Lady Gaga and NHL retirement plans.
Wow – maybe I do need to go back to work Monday.
Reporter: There`s a "stamp out the Beatles movement" underway in Detroit. What are you going to do about it?
Paul McCartney: We`re going to start a campaign to stamp out Detroit.
but it feels like a Lazy Sunday
wake up in the late afternoon!
thank you, new years on friday.
Paul Kariya's hips don't lie and he's starting to feel it's right.
by NateTheGreat. on Jan 2, 2010 1:32 PM CST up reply actions
"Now, you kids today with your loud music and your Dan Fogelberg, your Zima, hula hoops, and Pac-Man video games . . ."
"Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday." -- Don Marquis
Nice one, pigfucker
No beer and no TV make Homer...something something.
by Poor College Student on Jan 2, 2010 2:20 PM CST up reply actions
Baseketball. One of the greatest sports comedy movies of all time.
"Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday." -- Don Marquis
Players reactions...
to the firing – Eric Brewer, TJ Oshie and Chris Mason video up on the Blues site:
http://blues.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=782&id=56029
BLUE SKIES - new St Louis Blues hockey blog.
"If you prick me, do I not...leak?"
"I could be chasing an untamed ornithoid without cause."
"I am programmed in multiple techniques, a broad...variety of pleasuring..."
RIP Lt Commander Data
Brewer's just a boatload of depth and insight, isn't he?
Reporter: There`s a "stamp out the Beatles movement" underway in Detroit. What are you going to do about it?
Paul McCartney: We`re going to start a campaign to stamp out Detroit.
Is it just me, or were those three barely hiding smiles during the interviews? Definitely got the “weight lifted off us” vibe.
Lighthouse Hockey: Eyes on Tavares, mug full of Moulson.
Man, I don’t know. One thing players have is strength in numbers: They can get the coach fired, while the coach can only get rid of a few before the problem is him. Not saying that’s what they did or that it’s ever a concerted effort, but you know this is how it goes. Always a lot of blame to go around.
I guess I want them to be refreshed and get back to playing 60 minutes, not blowing leads at home, etc. Certainly now the burden is back on them to perform, because they have a pretty highly regarded new coach.
Lighthouse Hockey: Eyes on Tavares, mug full of Moulson.
i think this quote from the great cam janssen says it all
"I don’t think he was on the same page with everybody," Janssen said. "I think guys didn’t know where they stood with him, and I think that’s not a good thing to have in the locker room. I had no idea where I was with him and I couldn’t understand what he was trying to tell me. It was a bizarre situation."
changed was needed. if the players are happier, then that is a good thing. happy people do better work — unless you’re morrissey or gallagher.
changed was needed. if the players are happier, then that is a good thing.
Oh, I totally agree. This situation screamed out for a change.
Janssen’s quote is pretty amazing; I hope he’s voicing what the kids are thinking but won’t say, because there really isn’t much complexity to what an enforcer should understand about his role.
Lighthouse Hockey: Eyes on Tavares, mug full of Moulson.
i think cam was confused
that he was told to be an energy guy and not a goon. and he did his job — dumping a guy into the bench to liven up the crowd — and then would get sit for periods at a time. to me, it seemed like he did what he was told and never got the minutes that would come his way.
I really felt for Cam
This isnt just a paycheck for him this is the team he loves, he has easily been the best player during some GAMES. Yet he hasnt been on the ice.
I really like Cam and how he approaches his role, but I guess I feel a guy like him has a pretty defined ceiling, so any minute restrictions are just part of the job — like no loss is ever a case of “we didn’t give the enforcer enough minutes.” I’ll be curious to see how Mr. Payne uses him.
That said, it’s no small matter if a coach botches his relationship with one of the few players who is guaranteed to bring 110% every night.
Lighthouse Hockey: Eyes on Tavares, mug full of Moulson.
I got that vibe from TJ...
… but I think that’s just his personality.
Brewer, well, I’ve gotten more of a vibe off of a 2×4.
Reporter: There`s a "stamp out the Beatles movement" underway in Detroit. What are you going to do about it?
Paul McCartney: We`re going to start a campaign to stamp out Detroit.
The most pressing question is ...
how bad did this fuck with tonight’s print edition of Game Time and does this one become a collector edition because it went to press full of “Fire Murray” stuff that cannot be changed?
Or, has it not yet gone to press and the lads are scrambling to remove all “Fire Murray” references and do quickie re-writes before the looking deadline (that may or may not turn out coherent because of the scramble) …
Should be an interesting edition, nonetheless. Well worth the $5 I’ll pay tonight! ($4 for the paper, $1 for John, who will be at the corner of 14th & Clark freezing his ass off.)
Let's go Blues!!!
I was just thinking about that!
I was thinking “where’s Sean and Brad and Gift?” … then a lightbulb went off and it was " Damn, glad I’m not in their shoes right now …."
Good On ya for tipping John. He’s good people. I got him at the VAN game.
.... formerly "Tim" of StLouisGameTime.com
by CrossCheckRaise on Jan 2, 2010 12:48 PM CST up reply actions
Listening to JD's presser on STL Globe-Democrat website.
First, and as an aside, I’m excited that the Globe is trying to restart…let’s just hope they take journalism seriously and challenge the Post to do the same.
Secondly, you can tell from JD that this Vancouver game was not the proverbial back-breaking straw. They had a plan in place and it did not include Murray. Wams goes to the Rivermen and Belfour is here to assist our goalies. Seems like they were covering their bases.
Good press conference by JD…answers a bunch of questions and instills a lot of confidence in Payne, the Blues organization, and the quality of the team.
I once shot a man just to see him die...then I got distracted and missed it.
Belfour is here to assist our goalies
Let’s hope he helps them with everything but that special brand of crazy.
Let's go Blues!!!
I say 'assist' because...
well, Mason and Ty don’t necessarily need a coach. Bishop or Allen would, but not vets. JD said as much. And hey, Crazy Belfour might be fun!
I once shot a man just to see him die...then I got distracted and missed it.
Had to be done
No beer and no TV make Homer...something something.
by Poor College Student on Jan 2, 2010 1:03 PM CST up reply actions
This reply gets . . .
the Official Donut King Seal of Approval® . . . NICELY done, sir.
"Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday." -- Don Marquis
Gotta love the fact that he's called up to help...
… at a game against the ‘Hawks. I guess a “Beeellllfffooooouuuuur” chant tonight would probably be inappropriate depending on its tone, wouldn’t it?
Reporter: There`s a "stamp out the Beatles movement" underway in Detroit. What are you going to do about it?
Paul McCartney: We`re going to start a campaign to stamp out Detroit.
JD and "fast tracking"
JD’s presser was great. Thought it was interesting how he talked about the “fast tracking” of the youth that Murray had to deal with, turning this team around from rock bottom and cupboard empty (thank you, Bill Laurie) in short order. We can talk about Murray being hard on the kids, and that’s true, but he was also dealt an almost no-win hand in that he had to turn these kids into NHL pros without them having the benefit of developing in the minors.
Murray was probably always destined to be this stopgap coach here, but his good work to get to this point created the raised expectations that got him fired. I’m grateful for the work he did, and also agree his time had come.
Lighthouse Hockey: Eyes on Tavares, mug full of Moulson.
murray was a victim of his own success
let’s face it, last december as the blues were headed for another bottom-feeder season, the murray bashing began —he blamed the kids, loved the vets. he hated perron. he benched random guys. you could see the writing on the wall last season, murray was fighting it with these guys.
had the blues not taken off last season, he would have been canned in 2009. making the playoffs gave him the security to keep doing what he had been doing — made him think his way was working. i think he, and all involved, thought he could just do what he did in january of last year and turn it around. unfortunately, it doesn’t work like that.
now, it’s time for the players to step up. no more soft goaltending. no more taking shifts off. no more 70 shots a game, 20 on net. the players HAVE to play better
no more soft goaltending.
That’s the one that worries me. That talk of a Mason extension, I’m not sold yet, at least not at the dollars that were being rumored. Big money and long term should be reserved only for that select group goaltenders you’re certain are money.
I always expected the kids to struggle in one way or another (whether given too short a leash or too long, they simply aren’t Crosby/Ovechkin-level talents who can enter the league and be instant successes). I think had they just missed the playoffs last year (and had a more consistent season rather than the second-half miracle) that Murray would still have been coach this year, but we’d be at the same point in the cycle now: expecting them to take the next step and probably seeing the club decide to do it without Murray.
Lighthouse Hockey: Eyes on Tavares, mug full of Moulson.
Big money and long term should be reserved only for that select group goaltenders you’re certain are money.
The guy whose team has Rick D under contract for the next umpteen years should know. I’ll wholeheartedly agree.
Paul Kariya's hips don't lie and he's starting to feel it's right.
by NateTheGreat. on Jan 2, 2010 3:12 PM CST up reply actions
Haha, and I wasn’t even thinking of him, oddly. I just think there are a lot of goaltenders now who can play as well as Mason has played, and only a select few I’d pay a premium for because I don’t expect them to allow the periodic but backbreaking softie.
Lighthouse Hockey: Eyes on Tavares, mug full of Moulson.
Actually,
after listening to the full presser, it sounds like the Goalie/Asst. Coach position vacated by Wams will remain vacant and Belfour will periodically consult with Mase & Conk. JD said that both of them are veterans who know their stuff and don’t need constant hand-holding. Sounds like the Eagle will not take flight to STL on a regular or permanent basis.
"/>
“What do you mean I’m not going back to the NHL?!?”
Let's go Blues!!!
that's what i meant by 'assist' up there.
Davidson told the media that he’d be available for the goaltenders, but wouldn’t, for now anyway, be in a true goaltending coach position. They’ll definitely talk about it though.
Still…get a good “Bellll-foouuurr” starterd tonight anyway…a beautiful sound, it is.
I once shot a man just to see him die...then I got distracted and missed it.
Say what you want about Belfour being a batshit, drunken nutcase...
…but I don’t think I’ve ever seen him give up a soft goal.
Fucker’s a loon, but he’s a competitor, and he can friggin’ play.
I have to confess, I’ve always kinda liked Belfour. He reminded me of Ron Hextall, whom I liked a lot when I was a (much) younger man.
B.
"If we do not prepare for ourselves the role of the hammer, there will be nothing left but that of the anvil."
-- Otto von Bismarck, 1851
http://futurenotes.blogspot.com
by Tomorrows Blues on Jan 2, 2010 4:17 PM CST up reply actions
I love Hextall...
… but despite his skill, I’ve never liked Belfour, nor respected him. I’ve seen him bitch and (literally) cry so many times during games that I just can’t do it. I think he’s an outstanding goaltender, but I just don’t dig.
Reporter: There`s a "stamp out the Beatles movement" underway in Detroit. What are you going to do about it?
Paul McCartney: We`re going to start a campaign to stamp out Detroit.
I Can't Complain
I was late to the bandwagon but it had to be done. AM had lost the room, that was clear after the Buffalo game. Then to compound it by another 3rd period meltdown on Thursday, the players may as well have hired a sky-writer to write “Surrender Green Goblin” over ScottTrade. They have certainly played like a team that wanted to get their coach fired. Now they have their wish. I’m watching to see what they do with it.
Agree with most of the sentiments here. AM did a great job resurrecting the Blues from the disaster of the Laurie/Mike Kitchen era. Thanks for that AM, but its a tough business, and you haven’t done much for us lately. Sorry, them’s the breaks.
Didn’t much the same thing happen with AM in LA? I seem to remember some warnings about losing the room eventually when he was hired. Could someone with more motivation than me go thru the archives and see if I’m tripping or not?
The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong. But that's the way to bet. - Damon Runyon
pep. coaching the Rivs.
I once shot a man just to see him die...then I got distracted and missed it.
Yepper.
Got a promotion (?) to being the Rivermen’s head coach.
Reporter: There`s a "stamp out the Beatles movement" underway in Detroit. What are you going to do about it?
Paul McCartney: We`re going to start a campaign to stamp out Detroit.
ooh alright
I was just watching the interview with Mason and they didn’t really specify what happened with him..they were just like..is practice weird without him? I was like..wait what?
by oic on Jan 2, 2010 1:07 PM CST up reply actions
I didn't see this as the right move.
But really, there was nothing stopping it. And why should there have been? With a home winning percentage (including OTL’s and SOL’s) of .273 . . . that’s just not going to get it done. And you can’t fire the whole team.
So I’ll stand behind Davis Payne and hope he has something in mind to help this team win some Goddamned games . . . and maybe get us into the blessed Stanley Cup tournament.
"Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday." -- Don Marquis
Right now I’ll just settle for not seeing a disaster tonight against the Hawks. Since I’ll be there with a Hawks fan buddy.
JR’s interview with AM: http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/morning-skate/uncategorized/2010/01/andy-murray-interview/
wow
less cuddly/self introspective than i would have anticipated. add another step to the 12 below cos man in the mirror, usually a default with head coaching firing, maybe stll needs a bit of work
A strong anvil fears no hammer
by Childhood Trauma on Jan 2, 2010 4:04 PM CST up reply actions
Wow indeed
Janssen: "I think guys were over-thinking. Everybody was worried about where they are going, and where they should be, and this and that. In hockey, you just have to react."
Perron: "In juniors, we had a coach that had played in the NHL, and (under him) we weren’t worried too much about the other team, we just worried about our game.
If they want a coach who just lets them play without a gameplan, they should try life under Keenan.
Seriously, I’m assuming Murray is over the top with his preparation — that was his obituary in L.A., too, and it plays better with a desperate underdog team like the one he inherited. But they are just a bit naive if they think they’re already good enough to dictate play to every opponent rather than gameplan to the opponent’s tendencies. Payne sure isn’t going to go, “You know what? Don’t worry about the other team — just go out and do your thing. You guys are great.”
Lighthouse Hockey: Eyes on Tavares, mug full of Moulson.
On the other side, I do feel this team has been too focused on match-ups against the opposition...
For some reason it’s been forgotten, but this team has some offensively-gifted players on it. They’ve got big shots (Berglund), nifty puck-handling (Perron), net/opponent crashers (Teeeeeeej), and some brains to boot (Jay McClement).
Often times, I’ve felt that so much focus is being given to the opposition’s offense that are own talent is staled. Some times, the best defense IS a good offense, and by releaseing these guys from the lock-’em up first, take-the-offensive second approach, you may see other teams (gasp!) having to match up against US rather than the other way around.
I once shot a man just to see him die...then I got distracted and missed it.
sometimes
the best defense is a good offense.
sometimes you just have to say “my best against your best”, and not “your best against my stopper. and then your second best against my second-best stoppers and hey … why are you going back to your best, i havent played my best yet.”
by averagejoe on Jan 2, 2010 4:35 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
rec'd
Paul Kariya's hips don't lie and he's starting to feel it's right.
by NateTheGreat. on Jan 2, 2010 5:39 PM CST up reply actions
Agreed.
I’m jumping on their quotes, perhaps a little out of context. I figure they’ll take a fresh approach under Payne and reach a new level. I definitely don’t mean Murray should have stayed — those quotes strongly confirm that this situation was beyond fixing.
I’m just worried these kids have bought a little too much into their own hype/marketing. None of them are superstars who can individually carry a team, so they’re going to have to stick to a gameplan when it’s time to move up.
Lighthouse Hockey: Eyes on Tavares, mug full of Moulson.
At the same time though
When we’re playing strict dump-and-line-change-and-then-chase with a 1-goal lead starting at 10 minutes left in the third period, I think we’re a little too worried about what the other team can do and not on our own strengths.
Not afraid to nitpick
^^ my point exactly...succinctly. ^^
I once shot a man just to see him die...then I got distracted and missed it.
step 1
probably a 12 step program though
found it interesting they avoided the entire andy murray regime and went downstirs to get a head coach. this is one where almost always a bench coach is intermed. but then agin, last time the blues did that we got us a kitchen
second. assuming the players responsiblity was a significant portion (and of corse they overperform and no coach ever losses a job) how many on this team quit on both kitchen and murray. i think the count is three. the problem is those three are c & a’s. eh.
A strong anvil fears no hammer
by Childhood Trauma on Jan 2, 2010 4:00 PM CST reply actions
Too lazy to write all new stuff...
..so I’ll just say I commented on some things above, and answered the question that Hildy asked me directly. If you’re interested, scroll back up.
Welcome to the House of Payne.
B.
"If we do not prepare for ourselves the role of the hammer, there will be nothing left but that of the anvil."
-- Otto von Bismarck, 1851
http://futurenotes.blogspot.com
So...can Murray replace Kelly/Pang/Bernie/Patty-Poo Parris on the broadcasts?
I’d much rather listen to him and his knowledge/passion/understanding of the game. Often times Bernie will go on long tangential monologues that ultimately neither make sense or go in any worthwhile direction. Murray, and all supervillains for that matter, are well versed in monologuing…
I once shot a man just to see him die...then I got distracted and missed it.
by TheDuke32 on Jan 2, 2010 4:21 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd
Murray, and all supervillains for that matter, are well versed in monologuing…
That’s actually not a bad idea… but I doubt that Coach will go for it.
B.
"If we do not prepare for ourselves the role of the hammer, there will be nothing left but that of the anvil."
-- Otto von Bismarck, 1851
http://futurenotes.blogspot.com
by Tomorrows Blues on Jan 2, 2010 4:23 PM CST up reply actions
Solid Move
I was one who kept saying Murray was safe. I can really understand what Perron said about “worrying about the other team’s match up at home” – paraphrased. Just go out and play.
Like how Payne states that intensity, playing for each other and being physical. Also, knowing how to relate to young dudes too.
This will be interesting and I hope tonight is an absolute slugfest on those Gay-assed ’Hawks.
All in all, I feel for Murray. You never want to wish harm or ill will on someone but I am glad the Blues made a move vs. waiting it out. Shows good leadership.
I still think some vets need to go.
More importantly, Let’s Go Blues!
North Co! North Co! North Co!
.. and now, the important stuff ...
nicknames. Now that the Green Goblin is gone, all the AM stuff is out the window. We now have Davis Payne. Simple initials can get confused with David Perron. So, do we merely say “coach” … or …
Major / Maj ??
.... formerly "Tim" of StLouisGameTime.com
Heard about this around 10:30 this morning
while driving.
My first thought was damn I should have my laptop to see what everyone here is typing.
I’ve spent the past hour or so catching the pressers and reading all the links posted.
I think I’ve finally caught up.
I guess we shall see.
I hated to so Murray go, he seemed like a very good man.
I’m of the opinion as others are that he just lost the ‘kids’. It will be interesting in the coming weeks to see how Payne does. I think bringing him up from the minors was a good idea. I guess we’ll see if he brings some other players up with him in the coming games.
Will he still be here next year? I guess it’s to be seen who else becomes available at the end of the year.
19-13 record at Peoria isn’t super but good for 3rd in their division. It’s a little different when your best players can get taken away from you though.
So
Can someone else finally wear the C now? Irrespective of his play (which is middling, in the rare occasion he’s actually dressed), everything I’ve seen or read about Brewerbot’s leadership skills indicate that he is absolutely not the person we want as a captain.
Jacks seems to want it, and I wouldn’t be that opposed to having him as captain. I could also see EJ (or Osh, but EJ seems more likely) getting made captain as a move to emphasize the focus on the youngsters (similar to how Crosby was made cap’n of the Pens) and serve as the link between coach and those players.
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