With comparisons to last season's Pittsburgh Penguins team abound, one can’t help but wonder: Would an up-tempo style benefit this Wings team?
Some would contend that firing head coach Mike Babcock is necessary, but that isn’t going to happen. The next best thing would be to alter styles and adapt to the players that are still healthy.
The defensive corps is depleting game by game, but the forwards are starting to gel and put up some nice numbers. So rather than replacing the coach ala Pittsburgh last season, why not adapt to a style that will put more pucks in the net?
While Babcock’s brand of hockey worked wonders with last year’s squad, it’s certainly struggling this year. They are only a plus-three in goal differential on the season (89 GF, 86 GA).
This same time last season, they were plus-14 (107 GF, 93 GA).
Translation: they couldn’t keep the other team from scoring, but the Wings could score at will.
Neither Osgood nor Howard (who should be starting over Osgood), will steal a game. They’ll make some key saves, and if the Wings are lucky, not give up a backbreaking soft goal.
Their only hope ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Jim Balint
Red Wings Need To Change Styles, Not Coaches
December 16th, 2009 by Jim Balint Leave a reply »
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