A Quick Question.

[El Gato Pollo Loco!!!]

Why are the Blazers so mediocre this year?

[Millie]

I blame it on Dashney.

[El Gato Pollo Loco!!!]

Thanks for the response. I don't even know who Dashney is really, but it's nice to know someone pays attention here.

[Millie]

Sorry for the super-delayed response. I don't check the boards too often, but I'm always up for some hockey talk...
Dashney is our new asst coach. Arvenitis (our old asst coach) couldn't coach this year b/c his daughter has cancer, Dashney's team had folded so Dash came onboard. I haven't followed his career beyond when he's been here, but he doesn't seem super-aggressive.
I also think that it is a shame that we can't hit a penalty shot to save our lives. That one I blame on both the coaches.

[El Gato Pollo Loco!!!]

It's ok. I'm just surprised that someone responded here. Thanks for the knowlege.

[Dave Cook]

You blame our lack of penalty shot success on our coaching staff? Please tell me you're kidding.

You do realize these guys play juniors for around 15 years before going to college or spending a few years in bus leagues. How many coaches do you have during that time? How much ice time is that per season? How many hours working on puck handling skills, penalty shots, shooting drills?

Then, once they reach Oklahoma City, the teams end many practices by having shootout competitions. Coaches can tell which players are better at PS's over others and who are hot.

Coaches go with the hot stick. If those can't bag a geno, it's the player's fault.

Pretty obvious by your posts you've played the game.

[Millie]

I will admit that I have never played competitive hockey. I never said I did.

My point is that the coaching staff controls recruiting, trades, and other player transactions. Penalty shots (and the rest of the game, based on how we've been playing lately) are a crucial part of the game and the ability to make shots are therefore a crucial part of the hockey players' jobs.

If I couldn't perform my job consistently, my boss would show me the door. Yeah, everybody plays hot/cold once in awhile, but several of our players have played pretty poorly most of the season. If you look at the league transaction reports, other teams that aren't performing well are actively trading and trying to get better players/different personalities/etc. Our coaches barely even change up our lines.