First up:
1st assistant coach: Dean Evason
Why we keep him:
Tenure - He's been with the Capitals for five seasons now. And he was drafted by the team in 1982, playing a whopping 17 games over two seasons (hey, it's something).
Success - Since he's been with the team, he's been to the playoffs three times. As a head coach in the WHL, he has a winning record over five seasons (168-144-17 with 31 ties), and two playoff appearances, winning one series. He's also one of the most respected assistant coaches in the game today.
What he brings - Defensive experience, something the Capitals so desperately need.
Why we can him:
Tenure - So what? He's an assistant coach.
Success - He also was an assistant for the first two Godawful seasons post-lockout. His only real experience as a head coach was in the WHL. He has no prior professional coaching experience.
What he brings - He's a defensive minded coach. But the Capitals are horrible at defense. Something doesn't compute. Either he's not doing his job, or the players aren't listening, or something's up. Oh, I know. He's not the Capitals defensive assistant!
The verdict:
Fire him. Purge the coaching staff, bring in a new head coach and let him decide who he wants to work with. It'll be tough to let a guy like Evason go, but he's not part of the solution.
--
2nd assistant coach: Bob Woods
Why we keep him:
Tenure - He's been with the Capitals organization since 05-06. He also served as a player coach under Boudreau during Bruce's last year with the ECHL Sea Wolves.
Success - He won an AHL championship with the Hershey Bears monster squad in 08-09. He also coached the Sea Wolves to the playoffs for four straight years, going deep twice.
What he brings - Four solid years as a player-coach in the ECHL. Plenty of accolade as a player in the minor leagues, including retiring as the ECHL's record holder for games played.
Why we can him:
Tenure - He's been here for a year.
Success - He inherited that Bears team.
What he brings - Experience aside, he's the Capitals defensive assistant, and the team sucks at defense. Something's wrong.
The verdict:
Along with Evason, fire him. Purge the staff.
--
3rd assistant coach/video: Blaine Forsythe
Why we keep him:
Tenure - Three year veteran coach with the Capitals
Success - He's a tag along with the Capitals success.
What he brings - Not really sure.
Why we can him:
Tenure - He has none.
Success - None that I can find.
What he brings - Did he even play hockey at any level?
The verdict:
Fire him along with the rest.
--
Goaltending coach: Arturs Irbe
Why we keep him:
Tenure - He has none with the team, but a plethora of experience as a goaltender.
Success - As an undersized goalie, he took a Sharks team that was a disgrace to professional hockey in 92-93 and went deep in the playoffs in 93-94. He also was key in taking the Hurricanes to the Cup Finals in 01-02.
What he brings - A ton of experience, he's played in Russia.
Why we can him:
Tenure - He has none. It's his first year coaching anywhere.
Success - He's never won a Cup.
What he brings - He played really well against us when he was with the 'Canes.
The verdict:
A tough call, but a purge is a purge. I think he's a great fit with the organization, especially if Varlamov is the starter moving forward, but clear the whole staff and make way for fresh faces. Show the players that no one is untouchable, even someone who doesn't seem to be the problem. If the team doesn't succeed, then no one is safe.
--
Tomorrow, the forwards.
I was agreeing with you across the board, from McPhee up until Irbe. You have to keep Irbe. He speaks decent English and Russian, and he's about the only coach worth keeping. Varly and Neurvirth have shown plenty of promise, and he seems to be making it happen. I'd like to see a D change (system and some players) before he bites the dust. Oh yeah, can Three or More.
ReplyDeleteMaybe playing Green, Poti, Carlson, Alzner in the top 4 slots is the way to go in the future. Carlson looks to be a blue chip in the making, just needs experience. Might as well see if Alzner can do the same. I absolutely hate Green, but short of moving him to wing, maybe a defensive system (and copious levels of coaching) can help him.
Back fully on topic, I'd keep Irbe. He seems to be a good coach, and good Russian/English translator. Both of which, are needed in Washington.
I really like Irbe, and I'd be fine with him staying, but I think a good ole shop cleaning is in order.
ReplyDeleteDefense is Friday.